Alice Elizabeth Doherty: The Minnesota Woolly Girl
A photo of Alice Elizabeth Doherty, the Minnesota Woolly Girl with her mother. Photos: vintag.es
Alice Elizabeth Doherty was a woman from the Midwest United States who was famous for her unusually long and thick facial hair that covered her entire face.
Who was Alice Elizabeth Doherty, the Minnesota Woolly Girl?
Alice Elizabeth Doherty, also known as the Minnesota Woolly Girl was born in Minneapolis on March 14, 1887. Alice was born with a rare genetic condition called hypertrichosis, which caused her entire body to be covered in silky blonde hair that was two inches long.
This condition is sometimes known as ‘werewolf syndrome’ as patients have an appearance similar to that of a werewolf.
Alice's parents were normal and had two other children who were also normal. Alice was different from her siblings, and her unique appearance drew the attention of many people. At just two years old, Alice began her career working in freak shows and started touring the Midwest with her mother.
Despite her condition, Alice was a bright child and showed intelligence far beyond her years. She was described as being as frolicsome as a kitten and had pretty blue eyes. She had no teeth at the time and showed no signs of growing any.
By the age of five, Alice was already playing storefront engagements with Professor Weller's One-Man Band. Her family eventually relocated to Dallas, Texas, where she eventually retired from her exhibition career in 1915.
Alice's life was short, and she passed away on June 13, 1933, at the age of just 46. The cause of her death remains unknown to this day.
Alice's story is both fascinating and heartbreaking. While her condition made her stand out, she was still a person with hopes, dreams, and feelings. Her life serves as a reminder to us all to treat people with differences and disabilities with kindness and respect.
Photos of Alice Elizabeth Doherty
Here is a selection of images from the life of Alice Elizabeth Doherty, the Minnesota Woolly Girl.
Alice as a toddler
Alice, in her teenage years, pictured with her family.
Alice Elizabeth Doherty’s sideshow stand
