The “Barbie” movie has shattered the summer box office numbers. The film also set a first-weekend record for a film directed by a woman.
Collectors across the country dusted off their old plastic Barbie dolls and put them out on display for everyone to enjoy. Stoneridge Creek resident Dorothy “Dottie” Soule is joining this club. She recently loaned 38 of her 145 fashion dolls to be showcased in the independent living community’s monthly display case.
In the past, these cases have been home to the Pleasanton, CA, residents’ collections of coins, election pins and teapots. For Dottie, it’s all about the Barbie dolls.
Dottie started collecting the dolls for her four daughters. But as they got older, she donated them along with their clothes and accessories to Goodwill. That was until 1980, when she started buying them again for herself.
“I was out shopping, and I saw some Barbies, and they were so pretty. At that moment, I just decided to start buying them again,” Soule told The Independent newspaper during an interview.
The collection includes the Barbie Elvis gift set, the Hollywood Legend gift set of “The Wizard of Oz,” Marilyn Monroe Barbie dolls, Bob Mackie designer fashion Barbie dolls, and even some Harley-Davidson Barbie dolls.
One of her favorites is the Golden State Warriors Barbie, which was purchased about 25 years ago. “I cherish that one,” she said. Dottie is one of many fans of the university at the Bay Area senior living community.
“Everyone is coming up to me and thanking me for putting these dolls on display,” she said. “I’m just overwhelmed with people showing an interest like that. I guess the dolls are happier showing off than sitting in boxes in a dark garage.”
“People are just so in awe of the beauty of this amazing collection,” said Stoneridge Creek Marketing Director Barbara Gilbert. “It has been such a joy for so many. Dorothy’s giving nature and generosity are enriching lives.”
Dottie’s collection was so interesting that The Independent, Pleasanton Weekly, and McKnight’s Senior Living interviewed her about the collection.
About Stoneridge Creek
Stoneridge Creek is located at 3300 Stoneridge Creek Way in Pleasanton, California. As a Life Plan Community (also known as a Continuing Care Retirement Community), it provides independent seniors with maintenance-free single-story homes, townhomes and apartment homes. Residents enjoy amenities and life-enrichment programming that includes a putting green, swimming pool, two dog parks, library, computer lab and business center, movie theater, and multiple dining venues with meal service.
Interested in learning more about Stoneridge Creek and why the community is so popular with so many older adults? We invite you to get in touch with us today. Come in and enjoy a meal with our residents. Meet our team members who are glad to answer any questions you may have about living in Pleasanton and our community in general.