Soon after the war, M.F. Woods’ son, G.B. Woods, became affiliated with his mother’s business. As the popularity and demand for the dolls grew, so did their office space and production. It wasn’t long before several firms were eager to discuss possible distribution rights for the dolls. In 1920 Mary Frances Woods signed a contract with the Konstucto Company making them sole distributors of the dolls in Portland Oregon and New York City. “The new home of the Woods’ toy presents a great contrast to the crowded space of the old studio, where Mrs. Woods and a few assistants used to make dolls for the season trade. In the shipping room are rows of great paper boxes containing dozens of dolls, which are destined to go to American firms, or to toy dealers of England, Australia, Spain, Mexico, Chile, and Argentina.” Toys And Novelties, 1921

It was shortly after her affiliation with the Konstructo Company and the commercial success of her dolls, that Mary Francis Woods passed away. G.B. Woods assumed total control of the company. He enthusiastically and aggressively carried on the work of his mother well into the 1930s. Mary Francis Woods dolls have long been popular collectibles even gracing the homes of Presidents Taft and Wilson. They continue to be appreciated by collectors today as wonderful portrayals of our noble native people.

References:
Toy and Novelties 1920 and 1921
Doll Reader September 1995, Ursula Mertz
Collector’s Encyclopedia of Dolls, Vol 2, Coleman

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