ARCHBOLD - Mary Copeland Howard was “a role model for pioneer women,” according to doll collector Leola Merillat.

This weekend, the northwest Ohio heroine - or at least her likeness - will be the showpiece among many showpieces at the 18th Doll Show and Sale at Sauder Village.

The woman who created the Mary Copeland Howard doll is Californian Wendy Lawton, who will be the show's featured artist.

“I've seen that doll, and I am excited to see Wendy again,” said Mrs. Merillat of Archbold, who says she has “a few hundred dolls.”

Thousands of dolls will be displayed and officials expect collectors from long distances to visit the historic village for the show that opens at 10 a.m. Saturday and closes at 5 p.m. Sunday.

“We expect 3,000 people to attend. That's been average attendance in 17 years of doll shows, “ said Claire Morton of Sauder Village.

Mrs. Merillat, 70, said she is especially eager to see Mrs. Lawton again.

“One of my highlights always has been to meet the doll artists,” Mrs. Merillat said. “Wendy reads about history, customs, and dress. She's very thorough and very detailed and she can talk about the history of her dolls. She's different from other doll artists.”

Toledo collector Janice Stockman said she has “about 100 Lawton dolls.”

All have porcelain heads and some have wooden bodies, Mrs. Stockman said. “And the clothing is out of this world. Her dolls are simply beautiful.”

Wendy Lawton dolls usually sell for $500 to $1,800, Mrs. Stockman said. “They're considered a hot commodity in the doll world,” Ms. Morton said.

Each year, Sauder Village unveils a limited-edition doll and brings in a featured doll artist. Ms. Lawton began making porcelain dolls in 1979 and has won many awards. She will present a lecture Saturday evening.

Mrs. Merillat thinks Ms. Lawton's Mary Copeland Howard doll is one of the artist's finest.

Mary Copeland Howard, born in 1824, was the wife of Col. Dresden W.H. Howard, a pivotal figure in the peaceful settlement of northwest Ohio.

“She represents the pioneer spirit of women who settled in the great Black Swamp,” said Cecily Rohrs of Sauder Village. “People who collect like dolls with a story and she certainly had one.”

Mrs. Howard was a teacher, devoted mother, and civic leader in Fulton County, where her husband became a state senator.

Colonel Howard, who spoke Native American languages, was appointed in 1832 by President Andrew Jackson to be a translator during the Blackhawk War. Mr. Howard called a council and was credited with forging peace among the Indians.

He befriended the Potawatamie chief, Winameg, and the two met near the “Council Oak,” in what now is the village of Winameg. The tree, which died, was cut down in 1992. Its trunk was carved with figures of Colonel Howard and Chief Winameg and displayed at Sauder Village.

Other collectors will show dolls, and dealers will have doll clothing, and other doll things in Founder's Hall.

First Published August 2, 2001, 10:30 a.m.