Raggedy Ann

The Wonderful Legacy of Raggedy Ann

Raggedy Ann is a perennial favorite and well-loved by adults and children alike. Her popularity stems from her pure simplicity. Soft and floppy and always smiling, Raggedy Ann is a sweet charmer. From the time she was introduced, she has served as best friend and playmate to countless children. Just how did she come to win so many hearts? Here’s a brief history of the doll everyone loves.

Around 1915, Johnny Gruelle gave his young daughter Joni a rag doll that he found in the attic. He drew a face on the doll and named her Raggedy Ann. Joni loved the doll, and it was her constant playmate. Seeing how much his daughter loved the doll, Johnny believed that other little girls would love it too, so he drew an illustration of the doll and sent it to the U.S. Patent office. He was awarded a patent in September, 1915.

Raggedy Ann was an instant hit. Three years later, a series of adventurous stories featuring the good-hearted rag doll were published. Along with her other doll friends, she came to life whenever no one was around.

The stories featuring Raggedy Ann taught the values that her creator Johnny believed were essential for children to learn, including kindness, generosity, cooperation, friendship and love. Each doll had a heart on her chest with the words “I love you,” and it was rumored that the very first dolls contained a heart made of candy.

In the 1920's, Raggedy Ann’s brother, Raggedy Andy was introduced. Andy was mischievous and reckless and added a new facet to Ann’s many adventures. Together they showed both good and bad characteristics that children could relate to.

Along with Raggedy Ann, there were a large group of dolls that were her friends. One of the most beloved was the Camel with Wrinkled Knees, introduced in 1924. Even his name brings a smile and a giggle to young faces.

The series of books, written by Johnny, his son Worth, his brother Justin and other wonderful authors, saw Raggedy Ann and her friends through a series of delightful and hilarious adventures. With each book, her popularity increased until she became a timeless hit.

Raggedy Ann touched our hearts with her simplicity and pure goodness. Anyone who has grown up with her, and there are several generations already, can’t help but smile and recall fond memories when they see her. Johnny Gruelle started with a simple gift for his daughter, and ended with a lasting gift to the world.

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About The Author:

Tammy Gray-Searles is a successful author and publisher of http://www.a1-in-toys.com. A great source of toys for children of all ages, from that early child to teens and hobbyists.