Creepy Catherine~ A Frozen Charlotte Doll in Minute Man's Collection

In the collection of Minute Man National Historical Park is a small ceramic figurine that stands a little more than an inch tall. Her clothing is very old fashioned and her face is utterly devoid of expression. Her disposition is rather melancholy and she prefers to keep vigil in lonely, dark places in the park where most people, even experienced rangers, would hesitate to go.

"Creepy Catherine" as the park staff have termed her, is a type of ceramic doll commonly referred to as a frozen charlotte. These dolls became popular children’s toys in the late Victorian era, from the 1840's until the mid-1900's. The doll's popularity rose following the publication of a poem titled "A Corpse Going to a Ball" on December 28, 1843 by Seba Smith.

The poem told the story of a young girl named Charlotte headed to a ball on a cold winter's night. When her mother begged Charlotte to wrap up in blankets, she declined saying she would "never be seen." By the time the sleigh arrived Charlotte had frozen to death. The poem ultimately inspired countless folk ballads about "Young Charlotte." It also inspired the wildly popular dolls only a few inches in height and made of solid formed ceramic. The haunting dolls served as a warning to children about listening to their parents.

At Minute Man, Charlotte (Aka Creepy Catherine) was found during an archaeologically survey. Although very little is known about Creepy Catherine or what her history is, we think maybe that's for the best. Creepy Catherine's haunting disposition has given park staff a mascot of sorts to explore areas of the park typically inaccessible by the general public. Check out some of Creepy Catherine's social media explorations below!

With Creepy Catherine’s grudging permission we illuminated the vault briefly so you could see it all the better. We’ll leave her alone now… NPS Photo

Creepy Catherine Visits the Basement at Hartwell Tavern

In the basement of the 1733 portion of Hartwell Tavern there is an arched vault at the base of the chimney. Structures like these were used as storage for dairy products and other perishable things. A staircase in the tavern room (long-since removed) used to lead straight down to this vault suggesting it might have also been used to store wine, cider, rum and beer. Alas! It is now empty and dark. Only Creepy Catherine dares venture down here to check in on the spiders.

Creepy Catherine and her creepy friends NPS Photo

Creepy Catherine and her creepy friends

Sometimes Creepy Catherine likes to spend time admiring some of the other objects in the collection of Minute Man National Historical Park. She was delighted last year when curator, Nikki, discovered several curious pieces that were found during restoration of some of the historic homes in the park. These were found near windows, doorways and chimneys, which were considered “vulnerable” areas of the house where evil spirits could enter. It was a common belief among early New Englanders that shoes, or pieces of shoes, placed in these areas could entrap a spirit. Likewise, iron was also thought to have protective qualities. And yet, here is Creepy Catherine, perfectly safe among these ritually concealed objects. Maybe she’s not evil after all…

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