Vivian May Allison

Vivian May Allison (1894 – October 20, 1899) was an American child. Her grave is famous for the life size dollhouse that stands aside it.

Life

Little is known of Vivian's life other than it was cut short by cerebrospinal fever, now commonly known as meningitis. Her parents were Horace and Carrie Allison. During her lifetime Vivian was their only child. After her death, her parents had a second daughter, Lovell Lavonne Allison. After Vivian's death her parents placed a life size dollhouse at her grave.

Dollhouse grave marker

Vivian's grave has become famous for the dollhouse grave marker that stand alongside it. The grave site has become a local legend and popular tourist stop as well as a source of community engagement in Connersville. After Vivian's parents died, her sister Lovell took over caring for the dollhouse grave. Lovell died in 1996 in Florida. Without a dependable caretaker, the dollhouse fell into disrepair. Citizens of Connersville, Indiana now maintain of popular grave site.

Local lore about the origins of the dollhouse persist with sources providing differing accounts. Some suggest construction of the dollhouse started during Vivian's life, while others state the creation of the dollhouse was to fulfill a promise Vivian's parents made to her. One articles claims Vivian requested of her grandfather that her tombstone be a dollhouse filled with toys.

The dollhouse has been repaired and restored throughout its existence. A sign has been placed next to the grave asking visitors not to place objects on or around the dollhouse in order to prevent damage to the structure. The dollhouse has been vandalized multiple times since it's original construction.