The Best Online Reborn Help Forum!

Glad you asked that Sage!
I JUST got off the phone with Pat & Joanna's daughter, Mae. I was so stunned by Dee's posting that I had to call them.
She said our little family forum IS NOT going anywhere. It is independent from the Secrist website, so there should be no problem there. WHEW!

Their "retirement" is not only a shock to me, but also makes me sad. I have been a dealer since 1990, and I just didn't think of them ever retiring! :O But, they are gettng up there in years, and their daughter & family is moving out of Michigan, so... I guess they are going to go wherever Mae goes. I do wish them good wishes for the future.

It would be a very very sad turn of events if our forum closed, not that we don't have another one to go to (AWRAF), and some already belong to several forums, but I would miss our little forum family.

Mae said probably around mid to end April for the closing... BUT, they are looking to sell the different sections of their doll business (ie: real eyes, Apple Valley Doll Works, etc). They are hoping there won't be much down time and they get some good, new owners, who will care for the business like the Secrist's have for so many years. I would suspect (just my personal opinion) that the doll kits (as Secrist Dolls/AVDW) will become collectors items, maybe. I mean they won't be manufacturing them any longer. I hope the new owners don't change the vinyl formula or send it to China to have their vinyl made. I like it because it's non-toxic and made in the USA!

I will let you know if/when I hear anything more. Or you can let me know since I had no idea!

Hello Curious, welcome to our little forum. Yes Curious, they are REALLY retiring. After 30 years of running a family owned business, and your kids are not interested in taking over, I'd retire too! My kids are not interested in taking over either one of my businesses. I know quite a few family owned businesses that are exactly like that. The kid's interests lie elsewhere.

This is what they posted on their website:

"Dear Friend,

After 30 years in business we have decided to retire and spend more time with our grandkids. As a result we will be shutting down Secrist Doll Company and Apple Valley Doll Works over the next 30-60 days. We will offer our products while supplies last. We wanted to notify our valued dealers before this information is released to the public. This may be your last chance to restock your inventory and we have special pricing on a few products that will offer you great discounts. Please note all sales are final, no refunds, returns, or exchanges.

We have deeply appreciated your business over the years and wanted to let you know that after March 1, 2013 we will be offering business opportunities to purchase parts of the Secrist manufacturing business: Real Eyes division, Authentic Reborn paints division, Apple Valley and Secrist vinyl doll molds and manufacturing machines. The business opportunities include all the equipment, copyrights or patents, and material suppliers. More information will be available after March 1, 2013.

Again, thank you for your business! We will notify you when the different divisions of the company have sold so you can continue to purchase merchandise through the new and various owners of Secrist products.

Sincerely Yours,
Pat and Joanna Secrist"

I cannot, nor will not, pretend to speak for the Secrist family. Its all there, in black and white. Take from it what you will. I was told by a member of the family, that they want to be where their grandchildren are. So, if the grands move out of state, they will be right behind them. I think they are extremely lucky to even HAVE grandkids, and my only grandchild lives 1000 miles from me. Its not a good thing as far as I'm concerned to have mine live so far away.


I personally wish them all the happiness in the future. I am a breast cancer survivor, lucky to be alive, so I say... life is short, do it before it's too late!!

HUGS hun, and again, welcome :D

Yes Dee, it is heartbreaking for me to be away from my one-and-only grandchild. I know how the Secrist's feel, and wanting to follow their grandkids so they can be near them is a good thing for them. You are lucky indeed, having your daughter and grandson move back where it's not so difficult to go see them! I am sooooo happy for you Dee!

The Secrists have spent quite a few years directly interacting with their grandchildren, and I know I for one, would not relish the thought of mine moving away and out of state in a situation like that. Its sad for us reborners that they have chosen to give up their family business to do so, but it is not the kind of company that can be run from a distance.

Congrats on the new granddaughter coming in June hun. It will be so nice for you to be near her, and of course your grandson. My Mara Tess will be 2 in April. We are planning a trip out to Colorado to see her and my daughter Dani. And "Buppa" finally gets to meet his only grandchild, since all he has seen is pics, vids, and the ocassional video chat with them. I have not physically seen her since she was 3 wks old, and I cried most of the trip home. But she know's Grammie's voice, she "talks" to Grammie at least several times a month on the phone lol.
Since I am now cancer free (7 months) and just have some minor surgeries coming after we return, I can go out this year. Last year I was being diagnosed, having surgeries to save my life, and getting chemo, so I couldn't go out there. But, I'm kickin' butt and takin' names now hahaha

You are very welcome hun. I am extremely glad my health is better, it was scary for us all! I can't wait to see and hold my little Mara Tess.

I am sending the Secrist family a card, letting them know that I too wish them the best on their new adventure. I am hoping someone does buy the different divisions of their business and we can continue to have the doll kits. We'll have to just wait and see. HUGS

thanks for answering my question about there retirement Mrs Buffington.  i have pretty much grown up seeing most businesses fail and my town full of vacant lots so it was nice to hear  this really was retirement. kinda gave me a smile.