February 11, 2001                         
 

Dear friends at Daiju Shogakko,

          About seventy-five years ago my grandfather, Sidney L. Gulick, inaugurated a doll mission in which American children sent over 12,000 friendship dolls to children of Japan. In return, Japan sent a special collection of gorgeous ambassador dolls to the United States. Both sets of dolls were sent in order to help the children of the two countries better understand and appreciate each other.

          We are happy to send to you a new friendship doll. We present her in the same spirit that the dolls were sent across the Pacific Ocean seventy years ago, through the World Friendship Among Children in the United States and in Japan.

          The name of the new doll is Helen, which is a common American girl's name. In addition to Helen herself and two outfits, my wife Mrs. Gulick has prepared a nightgown and traveling bag made especially for Helen. She is also accompanied by a passport with information about her. We hope that you will feel kind thoughts when you see her.

          During the summer of 1991 our family spent a few unforgettable days in Yamagata. At that time we visited Daiichi Shogakko and had a wonderful time there. Now in 2001 we hope that you will have a good year, and please enjoy Helen.

                                                                 Sayonara,
                                                                
                                                                 Sidney L. Gulick, 3d