Recovered From: The bell tower of St. Cecilia’s Church, Philadelphia, 1867
Margaret Adeline Wetherill was the only daughter of a wealthy Philadelphia family, raised among privilege but rarely affection. Her constant companion was a doll she named Ciel, dressed in muted silk and carried wherever she wandered.
Margaret became obsessed with the bell tower of St. Cecilia’s, where the city stretched before her in endless, shifting light. She spent long hours climbing its spiral steps, pressing Ciel to the windows as if showing her the world.
One August afternoon in 1867, Margaret entered the tower and never returned. When the bells rang that evening, only Ciel remained - standing atop a crate on the stone floor of the highest landing, her eyes turned toward the horizon.
Each doll has been carefully restored from vintage gift shop inventory, then reimagined with a haunting new story. Fractured Playthings arrive dressed in hand-dyed/distressed clothing, with standing dolls accompanied by their own display stand. A custom story tag is tied to the wrist, marking its place in history. Every Fractured Playthings price includes insured shipping within the United States -
Echoes
Dolls embody stories of mystery and resilience. Treat them with love.
Come back soon - we're always adding new Playthings!
