Belpre area residents we spoke to Friday have mixed feelings about the purchase of the Middleton Doll Company by a New York-based doll manufacturer.

While they're happy Middleton is still in business, they're concerned about what the purchase might mean for the Lee Middleton outlet in Belpre.

It's been a store and doll museum...since the doll factory's operations were moved to China several years ago.

"If it's sold, they may take the company elsewhere," said Debbie Duvall. "That would be just another business that leaves the Mid-Ohio Valley.

"The doll factory was a great loss," Fred Hart said. "But the future goes on...whoever is in there, we'll welcome them."

The company's buyer, the Madame Alexander Doll Company, did not purchase the Washington Boulevard building, and is uncertain about its future.