Kit Kittredge an American Girl
by Christene
Clever, Resourceful Kit * 1934
Kit is one of the Historical Characters from American Girl. The doll of 1934. I was very excited when my daughter chose this doll because my grandmother grew up during the 1930s and I would be able to get a sense of what it was like for her as a child while reading Kit's stories. It makes it even more interesting for me.
Margaret Mildred Kittredge is a little girl living in Cincinnati, Ohio in the early 1930s. She goes by the name Kit, which while also short for Kittredge really came from a song that her father used to sing to her.
Her story, told through a series of six books, begins in the Summer of 1932 when she was 9 years old. This was three years into the Great Depression when unemployment was at it's peak. Kit's father looses his job and she does all she can to help the family. The series continues through 1933 when Kit celebrates her 10th birthday and ends in the Winter of 1934.
Kit debuted in 2000 as the seventh historical doll in the American Girl collection. She, like all of the Historical dolls, is 18" tall and was the first doll in the series to have short hair and freckles. The shorter hair makes this a perfect doll to start a young child with since it's easier to take care of. She comes dressed in a lilac sweater set and floral linen skirt, with white sandals and a green barette.
The release of the Kit Kittredge movie brought a new doll...Kit's best friend Ruthie! Not only that, but also many new accessories including a few updated versions of existing ones. More info below.
Quick Facts of the 1930's
- 48 US States
- Presidents: Herbert Hoover and Franklin Delano Roosevelt
- Salaries often dropped below $10.00 per week
- Cost of a first-class stamp: $0.03
- Cost of a gallon of gas: $0.10
- Cost of milk: $0.14 a quart
- Cost of bread: $0.09 a loaf
- Movies were $0.10 per person
Meet Kit
An American Girl 1934
This is the book that comes with your doll.
The story takes place in 1932 when Kit is 9 years old.
The story takes place in 1932 when Kit is 9 years old.
Kit Learns a Lesson
1934 A School Story
This story takes place in 1932 when Kit is 9 years old.
Kit's Surprise
A Christmas Story, 1934
This story takes place in 1932 when Kit is 9 years old.
Happy Birthday Kit
A Springtime Story, 1934
This story takes place in 1933 when Kit turns 10 years old.
Kit Saves the Day
A Summer Story, 1934
This story takes place in 1933 when Kit is 10 years old.
Changes for Kit
A Winter Story, 1934
This story takes place in 1934 when Kit is 10 years old.
Kit Kittredge: An American Girl Movie
This is the first major motion picture based on American Girl Stories.It was originally scheduled to run in theaters around Thanksgiving 2007, however there were some production difficulties and it wasn't in the cards. Rumors were floating about whether or not this movie would make it to theaters, go straght to DVD, or if the movie would be made at all.
The film is set in 1934 at the height of the Great Depression and includes topics such as lost income, foreclosure, and rationing. The theme of "hard times" is quite relevant today given the current state of our economy. Watching this movie together as a family is a great way to start a conversation with your children about what is going on right now.
Cast:
Abigail Breslin as Kit Kittredge
Chris O'Donnell as Mr. Kittredge
Julia Ormond as Mrs. Kittredge
Madison Davenport as Ruthie Smithens
Zach Mills as Stirling Howard
See a couple clips and meet a few of the girls staring in the movie on the American Girl website.
Kit's Movie Trailer
Beautiful Movie Posters
Click on an image below for ordering information.
Want to learn more about Kit's world?
Or, more importantly the world of your parents, grandparents or great-grandparents
- Meet Kit
- Games: Kit's Money Matters & Kit's Railway Adventure.
Family & Friends: Meet Kit, 5 of her family members and 5 friends.
Wallpaper: Choose from 2 images and 3 screen resolutions for your desktop wallpaper.
- Kit's Movie Blog
- Kit's Blog gives you the chance to help Kit Kittredge with problems she encounters in her stories. Fans can comment on the latest entry.
- Timeline of the 1930s
- 20th Century: Fourth Decade
Key events in media history 1930-1939
- Children and the Great Depression
- Read letters from, and stories of, children who lived through the Depression.
- Amelia Earhart
- Amelia Earhart was one of Kit's heros.
In 1932 she was the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic and the first woman to fly solo nonstop coast to coast.
- Cincinnati Reds Timeline
- Kit's favorite baseball team were the Cincinnati Reds. By 1931 the team was bankrupt, thanks to the Great Depression, and Crosley Field was in a state of disrepair. Powel Crosley Jr., and his brother Lewis M. Crosley bought the Reds out of bankruptcy in 1933, and hired Larry MacPhail to be the General Manager.
Fun things to do
![Kit's Paper Dolls [With Scene, Accessories, Outfits] (American Girls Collection Sidelines)](https://web.archive.org/web/20131026212518im_/http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/21XFC3YNCSL.jpg)
Kit's Outfits
Kit's Accessories
More great Kit items
Kit Kittredge Dolls
New For Kit & Ruthie!
There are so many great new items for Kit and her best friend Ruthie. Of all of them my favorite has to be the Tree House. It's 36" x 37" x 23", big enough for two dolls, with a (faux) stained-glass window that opens and a balcony. There are a lot of details inside and out.
Other new items include: Kit's Cookstove, Washday Set, Produce & Preserves, Floral-Print Dress, Striped Nightie for Dolls and Girls, Kit's Outfit for Girls, Kit Fashion Studio, Ruthie's Play Outfit, Ruthie's Accessories, and a new book- Really Truly Ruthie.
Some of Kit's old accessories have been redesigned. Kit's Dog, Grace and her Quilt & Pillow.
Other new items include: Kit's Cookstove, Washday Set, Produce & Preserves, Floral-Print Dress, Striped Nightie for Dolls and Girls, Kit's Outfit for Girls, Kit Fashion Studio, Ruthie's Play Outfit, Ruthie's Accessories, and a new book- Really Truly Ruthie.
Some of Kit's old accessories have been redesigned. Kit's Dog, Grace and her Quilt & Pillow.
Additional Books about Kit
Retired Ornaments
Kit's Cooking Studio
More than 20 easy-to-follow, 1930s-inspired, recipes. Also includes a cookie cutter, 20 table talkers, and 10 reusable place cards.
Pick your favorite!
Which is your favorite AG Historical Character?
Kit Kittredge Events
Around the US
Kit's Birthday Celebration
Celebrate Kit's birthday Cincinnati-style! Join the celebration and learn about Kit's life, enjoy a special meal, and take home a keepsake booklet with activities and journaling pages to help you commemorate this special day.Kit's Catchall Box Craft
In 1934, Kit would have loved to have a little box to "catch" all of her treasures! In this class, you'll learn how to design and decorate your own using sturdy paper.Kit's Embroidered Card Craft
Your girl can learn how to stitch a paper lantern design on an embroidery card-it looks like the lanterns that decorated Kit's "penny-pincher" birthday party in 1934.Kit's Friendship Fun
Learn more about Kit and the kinds of things she and her friends did for fun. Includes games, craft activities, a special meal just like Kit's mom would have made, and a take home memory book. As a special tie to Kit's stories, participants are encouraged to bring a nonperishable food item to be donated to a local food pantry.Kit's Imagination Celebration
American Girl celebrates Kit! Join us for this special event to learn about how clever Kit used her imagination to make things better during the Great Depression. Have fun with your favorite girl as you play a game using just your imagination and enjoy a delicious meal. Includes a keepsake booklet with activities and journaling pages to help commemorate this memorable day inspired by Kit.Kit's Paper Lantern Craft
Learn how to make a festive paper lantern like the ones that decorated Kit's "penny-pincher" birthday party.Kit's Radio Sound Effects Demo
Radio shows were popular in Kit's day. American Girl staff will show girls how radio sound effects were made using household items in the 1930s, and listen to part of an authentic show like the one Kit's family would have enjoyedKit's Tree House Craft
In 1934, Kit loved to spend time with friends in her tree house. Your girl can assemble and decorate her own tree house book-it opens up so she can imagine playing inside with Kit!American Girl Boutique and Bistro Atlanta
North Point Mall
1202 North Point Circle
Alpharetta, GA 30022
American Girl Boston
Natick Collection
1245 Worcester St.
Natick, MA 01760
American Girl Place Chicago
111 E. Chicago Avenue
Chicago, IL 60611
American Girl Boutique and Bistro Dallas
Galleria Dallas
13464 Dallas Parkway
Dallas, TX 75240
American Girl Denver
Park Meadows
8423 Park Meadows Center Drive
Lone Tree, CO 80124
American Girl Houston
Memorial City Mall
303 Memorial City Suite 580
Houston, Texas 77024
American Girl Kansas City
Oak Park Mall
11327 W 95th Street
Overland Park, KS 66214
American Girl Place Los Angeles
189 The Grove Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90036
American Girl Miami
The Falls
8888 SW 136 Street Suite #395A
Miami, Florida 33176
American Girl Minneapolis
Mall of America
American Girl
5160 Center Court
Bloomington, MN 55425
American Girl Place New York
609 Fifth Avenue at 49th Street
New York, NY 10017
American Girl Place Seattle
Alderwood, 3000 184th Street
Lynnwood, WA 98037
American Girl St. Louis
2020 Chesterfield Mall
Chesterfield, MO 63017
American Girl Place Washington D.C.
8090L Tysons Corner Center
McLean, VA 22102
To find out which events will be happening at your local store visit americangirl.com/stores.
Ruthie Smithens
Ruthie Smithens
Ruthie Doll & Accessories
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Kit fans of all ages come and say hello!
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stargazer00 Feb 25, 2010 @ 9:59 amI have all boys so I don't know too much about the American Girl dolls and their stories. They look like great fun and wonderful learning tools. -
GypsyPirate Aug 08, 2008 @ 11:52 pmI actually like reading stories in this era - I think I'll check a few of these out. All due to a wonderfully made lens. And, that tree-house accessory - seriously, I want one. I'm glad I saw this lens at the Squid's Choice contest. Good luck to you! -
bconnor11 Aug 08, 2008 @ 7:11 pmI used to love Kit! Very nicely put together lens. 5* -
SemperFidelis Aug 08, 2008 @ 12:48 pmExcellent layout Christene. Perfect timing for children doing online research this coming school year. Blessed today! :o) -
TheInfamous7 Aug 08, 2008 @ 12:08 pmI may be a 23 yr old Ex Soldier/Ex Chef who's completely out of his depth with regards to Dolls!!..But i know a good lens when i see one!! ;-)
Keep up the Great Work! -
The_Homeopath Jul 22, 2008 @ 1:30 pmMy daughter and I are hooked on the American Girl Mystery series now. I'm such a fan of the entire catalog of books, it reminds me a bit of when I was young and read Nancy Drew and Little House on the Prairie Books. Beautiful lens! -
Winter52 Jul 16, 2008 @ 7:00 pmI should tell my mom about this series of books. She was born in the thirties and would probably really enjoy the stories. 5 stars because I didn't know anything about these dolls but I certainly do now. :) -
ChristinasFavs Jul 15, 2008 @ 6:26 amGreat lens! My daughter and I just went to see the movie. She loved it! I did too!!! -
adez7 Jan 14, 2008 @ 3:10 pmHi Christine, I love this lens. History is one of my favorite subjects, so you know why I love this lens. 5*'s from me for a job well done. -
f9f7 Aug 22, 2007 @ 1:38 pmHi Christine! My friend's mom is playing Mrs. Howard in the Kit Movie! I love the kit books! Great Page! -
webkinz and americangirl luver Jul 25, 2007 @ 8:20 amI have Emily and she is like not evean an american girl because he has like no books and no accessories!!! -
myyeastinfectioncure Jun 08, 2007 @ 10:37 amawesome lens! i luv it gave it 5 stars for sure -
zoe May 29, 2007 @ 12:42 pmThe Kit books are my favorite stories because I can relate to her alot. I love the American Girl books because they give u a chance 2 c how kids lived and felt way back when. :)
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webseitler Mar 24, 2007 @ 10:18 pmI love Kit! Great lens. It should be in the Classic Toys group. ;)
