Raggedy Ann and Andy

A soft and cuddly rag doll with tousled red-yarn hair—once relegated to an attic-was the inspiration for the Raggedy Ann we know today. According to one treasured family legend, Johnny Gruelle and his daughter were visiting his parents’ home when they found the doll, created for his sister 20 years earlier.  Gruelle gave the doll two bright buttons for eyes and drew a smile on her face. In 1915, Gruelle, a well known artist and writer, submitted several toys including Raggedy Ann to the U.S. Patent Office.  His book Raggedy Ann Stories was published in 1918.

First, artist and writer Johnny Gruelle changed a soft and cuddly, old-fashioned rag doll into the lovable Raggedy Ann.  Then he told his daughter Marcella wonderful stories about the doll’s adventures.  Finally, as the stories grew in number, Gruelle created a second adorable character, Raggedy Andy, and added him to the plots.  Today, after more than 85 years, the huggable dolls with the happy faces remain among the favorites of children—and of adults who met them in childhood.  Maybe it’s those black, button-style eyes… the triangle for a nose… or the shock of red hair, but Raggedy Ann and Andy always invite a smile!