The Edenberry Story

The Old School House Every day Pat Secrist walked a mile to the old Crane schoolhouse where he went to elementary school with his friends. As any little boy of 9 or 10 would be, his only concern was to learn his lessons and play with his schoolmates. He was totally unaware of how important a role the schoolhouse would play in the dream of his life. More than 28 years later, Pat would buy the old Crane Schoolhouse and transform the place of his fond childhood memories into a place where he would bring the magic of fond memories to the hearts of people everywhere.

The doll company that would one day find its home in the old schoolhouse began with Pat and Joanna's dream to make their own future. In 1983, they took the first step toward their dream of owning a doll and toyshop. Pat had learned to sculpt from his mother, who was a talented artist, so he would sculpt all of their doll expressions. Joanna loved to design and sew clothing, so she was in charge of creating their doll's outfits. Armed with only a $500 loan from their Credit Union and a few doll making books, Pat and Joanna set out on their new adventure and purchased their first doll making kiln. With no one to coach them in building their business, and nothing but a tiny apartment dining room as their factory, they began making their first porcelain dolls.

Through Pat and Joanna's hard work and devotion to their dreams, their little doll business blossomed. They soon outgrew their apartment kitchen and several other rented homes in the following years. Their business continued to grow as people were touched by the special connection the dolls made with them. Then in 1988, Pat stumbled across an amazing find. The Old Crane schoolhouse where he had attended school was abandoned! Knowing how special it would be to build his unique dolls in his own schoolhouse, Pat bought it and transformed it into the factory for his growing business.

And so the charming little schoolhouse on the corner is still the spot where fond memories are created and relived every day. For Pat they are memories of his childhood years in school, and for you they are the precious memories you capture when you make an Edenberry doll. Over 20 years ago Pat and Joanna began their company with nothing but a dream of financial independence and a clear vision for the future. Because of their devotion to creating dolls that would make a special connection with people and their loved ones, the company that began in a humble apartment living room now changes the lives of people all over the world.