Betsy is a popular paper doll that first appeared in the pages of McCalls magazine in the spring of 1951. Betsy is featured along with her family members, father, mother, cousins, pets and even friends. In each edition, Betsy's story is told through brief illustrated tales. Over 44 years, different writers penned these stories, resulting in the occasional contradiction in story line. James and Belle McCall launched McCalls in the 1870s. At the time, the couple operated a tailor shop. They decided to print the earliest incarnation of McCalls, known as The Queen: Illustrated Magazine of Fashion, to promote their original fashion patterns. Even to this day, McCalls is a popular source of fashion patterns. Betsy McCall's many adventures were the perfect excuse to feature a variety of fashions. The dolls appeared dressed in undergarments alongside a selection of clothing items. Readers cut the doll and clothing out of the magazine pages. This allows for the clothing to be affixed to the paper doll in multiple combinations. The only member of Betsy's paper doll family who did not appear in underwear is her father. Betsy was a fun and unique way to introduce new fashions. If you browse through the monthly editions featuring Betsy, it is easy to see the changing fashion trends over the past century. Readers looked forward to following Betsy's many adventures and getting to know her extended circle of friends and family. Betsy McCall came to life as a three dimensional doll shortly after her introduction on paper. | 
