Move over Barbie, the "American Girl" has taken over!

Along with my three granddaughters in a party of 13 relatives, we traveled to the "American Girl Place." It was Rachel's 10th birthday and she was the guest of honor. The corner of 49th Street and Fifth Avenue across from Sak's Fifth Avenue is the New York headquarters of the American Girl. It houses the hopes and dreams and preteen desires of ultimate happiness in the waiting world.

Three stories of dolls and their accessories are the foundation of this very lucrative business. The place was a madhouse. Little girls everywhere. Mothers and grandmothers tag along as the child carries out the fantasy of fantasies. The air is electric, as they scurry about buying clothing and adventure. Husbands, fathers and grandfathers are sheepishly included in the wild swirl around the premises.

First a doll is to be selected. The cost ranges between $87 and $100. That is only the beginning. Some of the names of the dolls are Marisol, Samantha, Molly, Nellie, Kit, Addy, Kirsten, Josefina and Kaya. Each little creature has a dated personal profile with a tender sort of psychological makeup. For example: Kirsten (1854) - a pioneer who settles the American Frontier; Kaya (1764) - a Native American with moccasins; Samantha (1904) a caring, outgoing orphan girl raised by her wealthy grandmother (Rachel chose Samantha); and Kit (1934) - a clever, resourceful girl facing the Great Depression.

After the dressing of each little doll, a whole lifetime is projected. How about a birthday party with friends? Beauty products for the little one are a must! One whole room with five real life beauticians comb and style the hair of the chosen one! A school outfit is ordered! After-school activities are lined up. Miniature soccer outfits and tennis accessories are a necessity. This may be matched with a similar outfit for the excited young lady herself.

Night school is a possibility. Clothing must be selected! The beach is always a source of fun. So is the big dance. There is even a doll hospital! And last, but not least, we must prepare our little doll selection for motherhood. Outfit after outfit is tried on the little doll and some are eventually purchased. The cost is not negligible.

If desired, a birthday party may be arranged. The dining-room is a huge banquet hall bathed in pink (naturally). Lunch was $22 per person, plus tax. It was delicious and the service was very good. We enjoyed the birthday party for my granddaughter, Rachel, and she beamed with happiness on this wonderful occasion at this wonderful place. She even fed her doll to the exclusion of herself.

So long Barbie and Ken! Move over for the new generation of the "American Girl."

(P.S. In last week's column How I Got My Job, it was "Pele" the star of the N.A.S.L. The restaurant was "Wickers Restaurant in Hicksville." )