Stella Strawberry & Friends: A Mid-Century Linen Treasure

McCALL Kaumagrah 992 c.1942. Acquired by HHS 2026.

While sorting donations for our upcoming yard sale this June, we came across these charming little napkins and quickly decided they belonged in the Society’s collection rather than on the sale table. The napkins were presented by member Jerry Stanhope at our 2026 annual members’ meeting and potluck. We are pleased to welcome the Fruit Orchard Kids to Hampden.

The cloth napkins were likely hand-embroidered using a 1940s iron-on embroidery transfer known as McCall Kaumagraph Transfer 992. The Fruit Orchard Kids were a series of whimsical characters with alliterative names and silly fruit-shaped bodies or costumes. McCall’s sold the designs as embroidery transfers and doll patterns for home crafters.

According to one Facebook post by a collector who purchased the vintage patterns and decals, the back of the transfer sheet included a short poem for each character:

Stella Strawberry, Lives in a patch She wears a red dress with ribbon to match!

The characters’ names and similar likenesses also appeared in a series of PeeDee chalkware figurines produced in 1942. Reproduction versions of the original transfer patterns are still sold today through vintage craft reproduction sites such as Pattern Bee, a testament to the enduring charm of these cheerful little fruit children.

We are delighted to give these whimsical characters a permanent home in Hampden. Thank you again to our generous community for your continued support, curiosity, and contributions to preserving Hampden’s local history.

SOURCES:

PEEDEE Chalk Figurines

Transfer 992