Richard L. Dotta Auction Company, LLC of Nazareth, Pa., has been providingantique and general-line auctions for over 50 years. Behind the hammer at Dottas are key experts in advertising; toys; firearms; coins; and, most notably, collectible dolls. Earl Bethel is Dottas antique doll consultant. Doll auctions have been highlighting Dottas auction calendar twice a year. Their next is set for Saturday, April 18, at 10 a.m. and titled Three Centuries of Childhood Dreams. It is a combination in-person and online sale. The catalog features automatons, many antique bisque head dolls (French and German) from 1890 to 1930, dolls from 1940 to 1950s with wardrobes, 1960 to 1970s mint dolls with packaging, and Littlechap Family dolls along with over 20 boxed outfits. Earls wisdom, experience, care of products, and excellent customer service help make us an industry leader, said James Dotta. Working with Earl to help bring vintage and mint-condition dolls to the auction block has been very exciting. I laugh because sometimes Earl and I get called Doll Bros. Bethels interest in dolls began as a child. He remembers puppets, animations, cartoons, and Betsy McCall dolls from Womens McCall magazine and reminisces about attending shows with his family in New York City and walking through F.A.O. Schwartz. Also having a major impact on Bethel was the marionette puppet scene in Sound of Music performed by pioneering puppeteers Bill and Cora Baird. Bethel graduated in 1970 from Kansas Wesleyan University with an education major and history minor. Following college, Bethel was a teacher for 40 years, including at the Schilling Manor Army Air Force base in Salina, Kan., and Hanover Elementary in Bethlehem, Pa. He used animation and cartoons to inspire creative arts. He is a member of the Letitia Penn Doll Club, known as the oldest such club in the United States and an organizer of the Dublin Doll Show and Sale. The clubs next show is scheduled for Sunday, May 17, at the Dublin Fire Hall at 194 N. Main St. in Dublin, Pa. The fall show will take place on Sunday, Oct. 11. The Letitia Penn Doll Club brings quality antique to modern dolls and accessories from our many dealers to the public, said Bethel. There is definitely something for everyone at this show. Bethel believes his involvement with Dotta has increased buyer interest. Each year more consignment calls come into the Dotta Auction, he said. This leads to great merchandise of all types, styles, and elite quality. Its amazing to see dolls from various countries and many different decades come in. For further information on the upcoming sale, visit www.dottaauction.com.