Betsy Walker was the only doll that was manufactured from 1950-1952 by the Walkalon Manufacture Co. of Chicago, Ill. She was 3 pounds and 20 inches tall. Another coil spring walking doll from the 1950's, during the doll wars. She was only made for two years before the company was part of history. Walkalon Manufacture Co.was never part of Advance Doll and Toy Co, according to family members. Early Betsy's had rubber rollers (green or red) that looked more like pieces of a garden hose, and the later versions had metal rollers. Oil cloth symbolizing leather white shoes, was pulled tightly over each foot plate and had two snaps on the back of the shoe. Betsy's did not have wigs. Her hair was painted brown and short like a babies. She also had rubber pants made by Warren's three oaks of Michigan, that covered a small cloth diaper, and pinned on with small brass safety pins. The child typically would wind Betsy's key, then pull out on the motor stop on Betsy's back to see her walk.
She was classified as an early mechanical coil spring wind up walker. They fitted her with a cotton designed lacy dress for both years, but the colors available were white, green, yellow or pink with matching bonnets. She also had a wide white with blue letter sash pinned to her dress. Weight was an issue for a doll that weighed in at 3 1/4 lb. and stands 20 inches tall. She was set in her plain brown box with red lettering and had a round hole cut out in the insert, where her face could be seen once the box was open. She has stood the test of time but it could not compete with the lighter, all plastic dolls of the day. Not much else on the dolls except the company came and left before proving their dolls notoriety. I still find the Betsy Walker a piece of history.