Barbie Van Gleck

Barbie Van Gleck

In 1969, Disney released a movie called Hans Brinker and the Silver Skates.  It takes place in the Netherlands, a place I had heard about from my father.  He had been on a two-month naval operation that gave him shore leave in Holland. He sent me a letter on a blue airmail form and talked about the system of dikes and dams and when he came home, he brought a huge wheel of cheese.

Hilda Van Gleck was a well-to-do girl who helped Hans.  I was taking skating lessons but I wore stretchy pants and a  sweater.  Hilda skated in a green dress, much like this one and she carried a muff to keep her hands warm.  This dress (from McCall's pattern 9115) is made of a rich brown velvet with a layered skirt insert in white eyelet.

The muff and hat are made from the best fake fur.  Barbie Van Gleck is ready to skate on the frozen Zuider Zee.