Kit The American Girl Doll

In 1934 when Kit, who represents an American girl doll,  was a little girl living in Cincinnati, there was a financial crisis all across the United States.  Businesses and banks closed due to lack of money. People lost their jobs and many lost all the money they had. People had a tough time buying necessities like food, medicine and a place to live.  This time became known as The Great Depression.  Every day the news that was reported was bad news.

Kit and her friend Ruthie liked to write stories about good news. She liked to write about funny little things that happened. Each day when her Dad came home from the car dealership which he owned, she would show him her stories.

Mrs. Kittredge offered to take in some friends when they had no income.  Soon afterward Mr. Kittredge had to close his car dealership. Now they too, had no income. Mrs. Kittredge thought of taking in boarders as a way of earning money so they would not lose their house.

Kit’s story tells the experiences people in tough financial times.  Her Dad’s story is one of consideration of others, her Mother’s story is of a kind spirit and full of determination to stay strong and be creative. Her brother is unselfish and supportive of everyone.  Together it is the story of a family whose dreams were squelched and instead of pursuing dreams, struggled as most of the country did in the years of The Great Depression.