Home » Hobbies, Games & Toys » Dolls » Character Dolls

Raggedy Ann

Ranked #12,945 in Hobbies, Games & Toys, #186,089 overall | Donates to Room to Read

Meet Raggedy Ann and her brother Andy

Raggedy Ann and her brother Andy, creations of cartoonist Johnny Gruelle have become American icons. Today, Almost 95 years after their introduction to the public, Raggedy Ann and Andy are still charming people and making new fans,

Raggedy Ann and Andy

Check out this Darling Duo

I had small Raggedy Ann and Andy dolls as a child, but always wanted a pair of the big dolls. I remember looking at them longingly every time we went to the store. Now I just wish I'd saved the dolls I had!

"Johnny Gruelle's daughter, Marcella died at age 13 after being vaccinated at school for smallpox without her parents' consent. Authorities blamed a heart defect, but her parents blamed the vaccination. Gruelle became an opponent of vaccination, and the Raggedy Ann doll was used as a symbol by the anti-vaccination movement." - from Wikipedia

Johnny Gruelle on Amazon

The creator of Raggedy Ann was also an artist, political cartoonist and a writer of children's books. The accomplishment he is most remembered for, after the Raggedys, is a comic entitled Mr. Twee Deedle.
Loading

The Secret of Raggedy Ann

Quoted from RAGGEDY ANN STORIES

After a little run in with a can of paint, Raggedy Ann must be washed and restuffed. Later, back in the nursery, she tells the other dolls her tale, including a secret
****

"Then when the lady took me in the house again she stuffed me with lovely nice new cotton, all the way from my knees up and sewed me up and put new yarn on my head for hair and-and-and it's a secret!" said Raggedy Ann.

"Oh tell us the secret!" cried all the dolls, as they pressed closer to Raggedy. "Well, I know you will not tell anyone who would not be glad to know about it, so I will tell you the secret and why I am wearing my smile a trifle broader!" said Raggedy Ann.

The dolls all said that Raggedy Ann's smile was indeed a quarter of an inch wider on each side.

"When the dear lady put the new white cotton in my body," said Raggedy Ann "she went to the cupboard and came back with a paper bag. And she took from the bag ten or fifteen little candy hearts with mottos on them and she hunted through the candy hearts until she found a beautiful [Pg 46][Pg 47]red one which she sewed up in me with the cotton! So that is the secret, and that is why I am so happy! Feel here," said Raggedy Ann. All the dolls could feel Raggedy Ann's beautiful new candy heart and they were very happy for her.

After all had hugged each other good night and had cuddled up for the night, the tin soldier asked, "Did you have a chance to see what the motto on your new candy heart was, Raggedy Ann?"

"Oh yes," replied Raggedy Ann, "I was so happy I forgot to tell you. It had printed upon it in nice blue letters, 'I LOVE YOU.'"

The Originial Raggedy Ann and Andy Stories

By creator Johnny Gruelle

Loading

Words of Wisdom from Raggedy Ann

Loading poll. Please Wait...

Raggedy Ann and Andy Today

Books by other authors

Loading

Raggedy Ann and Andy Links

Are you a fan of Raggedy Ann and her brother? If you'd like to find out more about the history of Raggedy Ann and Andy, Johnny Gruelle, or becoming a collector, you may find these links helpful.
The Raggedy Ann and Andy Museum
Located in Arcola, IL the museum has been open since 1999 and states its mission is: "to preserve the life and times of the man who created the storybook characters, and to promote the inspiration, values, and spirit of imagination that has made them an American institution for so many years."
Raggedy Land
An online store for collectors.
Rags Magazine
A magazine for fans and collectors.
Website of Patricia Hall
Patricia Hall is a folklorist, writer and biographer of Johnny Gruelle.
Raggedy Ann and Andy at the National Toy Hall of Fame
Raddedy Ann was inducted into the National Toy Hall of Fame in 2002 and her brother Andy followed in 2007.
Johnny Gruelle on Project Gutenberg
Links to some of the Johnny Gruelle works in the public domain, available for free on the web.

Raggedy Ann and Andy for Collectors

Loading

Thanks For Stopping By

I hope you enjoyed your visit here with Raggedy Ann and Andy and me. We love to hear from our guests, so please feel free to leave a comment.

  • Ramkitten Apr 11, 2010 @ 7:52 pm | delete
    You know, I've only ever known Raggedy Ann and Andy as dolls. I don't think I ever realized they were cartoon characters. Wow, and it took me only 41 years and your lens to learn that!
  • Treasures-By-Brenda Aug 27, 2009 @ 12:31 pm | delete
    Hi, Kara Lynn. It's nice to meet you here through Rocket Moms. Your lens is nicely done & blessed this afternoon by a SquidAngel. I'll look forward to getting to know you better!

    I never had a Raggedy Ann or Andy but I did make my own rag dolls. Doing so was pretty popular when I was a girl.

    Brenda
  • sandyspider Aug 26, 2009 @ 9:47 pm | delete
    Great lens!
  • capriliz Aug 23, 2009 @ 12:00 am | delete
    Fun lens. I really enjoyed it!
  • 24websurf Aug 22, 2009 @ 9:27 pm | delete
    My mother bought the pattern and made me both of these big dolls when I was a child. I loved them. I seem to remember Andy having a heart with I love you written on it..they were beautiful. This was a wonderful lens.. fived and faved!
  • Load More
Show All

P.S. This is a Rocketmoms lens

You may enjoy these other Rocketmom lenses

Loading

About the author

Loading

by

KaraLynnRussell

Like most people I wear many hats in life. Here are a few from my wardrobe:
Writer
Librarian
Mother
Wife

Feeling creative? Create a Lens!

Explore related pages

Related Tags