We all know what Raggedy Ann and Andy dolls look like, but did you know they started as a special gift from one Illinois man to his daughter? Here's the story...

How the Raggedy Ann and Andy Dolls Were Born

I'm pretty sure I had a Raggedy Ann doll as a child, (because I had bright red hair when I was very young), but I'd be lying if I said she was one of my favorites. Was it the scarecrow look on her face that turned me off? Did I not appreciate her red hair? I can't remember why I didn't love her, but today I learned something fascinating that made me appreciate her way more...she was "born" right here in Illinois back in 1915!

Photo by Nong V on Unsplash, Canva
Photo by Nong V on Unsplash, Canva
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According to the National Museum of Play, Raggedy Ann was created by a cartoonist and illustrator named Johnny Gruelle from Arcola, Illinois when he decided to draw a face on one of his young daughter's old, grubby rag dolls and call her "Raggedy Ann" in 1915.

Three years later, Gruelle wrote a children's book about Raggedy Ann and her many adventures that took place each night when humans went to sleep. The book's publisher decided to sell a doll along with the book, and it turned into a worldwide children's sensation. A new book series featuring Raggedy Ann's brother Andy debuted in 1920, and the rest, as they say, is history.

Amazon.com
Amazon.com
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Johnny Gruelle wrote at least one new Raggedy Ann/Andy story per year for the next 20 years, and many of those stories are still available for purchase now on Amazon.

 Do you remember reading Raggedy Ann/Andy books when you were a kid? Do you read them to your own children now? Let us know by sending us a message on our app!

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