By EMILY REED / Special to the Reporter

NORTH SHELBY – Doll lovers and collectors from across Alabama will have the chance to gather at the Birmingham Doll Club’s annual luncheon Oct. 14.

The luncheon will begin at 11 a.m. and will be held at the Shoal Creek Country Club, located at 100 New Williamsburg Drive.

The Birmingham Doll Club was founded in 1969 and is a member of the United Federation of Doll Clubs.

The mission of the club is to come together monthly and learn about all types of dolls, according to information from the organization.

Members are initially invited to a meeting and must collect a few dolls, with annual dues for members.

Jill Sturgeon, a member of the club, said the Oct. 14 luncheon will include a lunch and a special souvenir doll that is signed and dressed by Montevallo artist, Anita Williams, who will also speak at the luncheon.

“The dolls made by Anita are cloth dolls that are supposed to look like the Alabama Baby doll by Ella Smith,” Sturgeon said.

The cost to attend the luncheon is $90, and is limited to 50 participants.

Sturgeon said there will also be booths at the luncheon complete with dolls for sale and helpers to bid on them.

All ages are welcome to attend the luncheon, and Sturgeon said many of the doll enthusiasts that attend are collectors.

“Our club currently has 15 members,” Sturgeon said. “There are four or five doll clubs in the Birmingham and surrounding areas.”

Those wishing to attend can submit an application to Debra Fishburne at 1479 Milner Crescent South in Birmingham, AL 35205 with checks made payable to “The Birmingham Doll Club.”