Do you remember the Cabbage Patch Kid Dolls?
Recently, while browsing through my Facebook and Instagram feed, I came across an ad about the Cabbage Patch Kids at a place called Babyland General Hospital in Cleveland, Georgia. The hospital is just an hour away from my home in the Appalachian Mountains here in Georgia. At the hospital, you get to witness these dolls being born and can adopt them.
Interesting, I thought Cabbage Patch Kids were just a fad that was in the '80s and no longer selling anymore, but boy was I wrong! Not only are they still selling, but they also have a huge cult following as well.
I had a Cabbage Patch doll when I was a baby; she was an African American girl with curly bangs and two long ponytails. My doll was considered the vinyl headed replicas of the Little People that came about back in 1983.
Back then, the Cabbage Patch Kids was all the rage! In 1983, these doll toys went on record as the most successful new doll introduction in the history of the toy industry.
Cleveland, GA is right next door to Helen that we needed to travel to for Lauren, so we made a day trip to both Babyland General Hospital and Helen.
According to Wikipedia:
Babyland General Hospital is the "birthplace" of the Cabbage Patch Kids located in Cleveland, Georgia. Xavier Roberts converted an old clinic into a facility from which to sell his dolls, originally called "Little People." It is presented as a birthing, nursery, and adoption center for premium Cabbage Patch Kids.
When we drove on-site of Babyland General Hospital, instantly we were captivated by the massive grounds and mansion-like facility, similar to southern plantations.
Admission is free, and the tour is self-guided, so once you enter you sign in with a nurse, then begin the trip inside.
First thing I found out that shocked me was a guy was the one who started the Cabbage Patch Kids! The creator, Xavier Roberts from Cleveland Georgia, was a 21 y/o art student who began selling dolls at craft fairs from a woman named Martha Nelson Thomas in 1976.
Later, Xavier would go on to make his own version of dolls in 1978, and in 1982 he licensed the toys to Coleco for mass-production under the name Cabbage Patch Kids. And as you know, it became a huge phenomenon!
It's incredible all the things that happened here in my own backyard, Georgia is filled with rich history!
Another thing during our tour, I found out that all the hand-stitch and exclusive dolls are unique, having their own names, and birth dates. These dolls even have their own birth certificates.
When you purchase one, a nurse takes you to a room inside the hospital to receive adoption papers. The adopters say an oath that they will take good care of their new doll.
Guess what else! The price of the hand-stitched Cabbage Patch Kids can go from $200 to $300+! Back in the days, I believe the going rate was $50, which was pricey during that time as well.
Overall, Babyland General Hospital was a fun experience. It made me relive my childhood. It was joyful to watch a baby be born and preparing it for adoption. The best part was going into the baby powder smelling nursery rooms with the hand-stitched dolls ready for adoption.
The girls thought the Cabbage Patch Kid dolls during the late '70s when they were called Little People looked creepy in the face. I'm not going to lie, I thought the same thing as well.
While I had a Cabbage Patch Kid growing up, my daughters have American Girl Dolls. Although I no longer have my doll, I'm making sure my girls keep theirs because they are priceless.
If you're a Cabbage Patch fan, make sure to visit Babyland General Hospital, and check their website for events. Also, you can schedule tea and birthday parties. Plus, there is a beautiful ballroom that can be rented out for family reunions, weddings, meetings, and other special events.
After your visit, make sure to take a quick drive to Helen, a Bavarian-style mountain town. Recently, the first mountain coaster in Georgia opened!
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