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Raggedy Ann & Raggedy Andy

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A Father's Gift Of Love

Writer and political cartoonist Johnny Gruelle (1880-1938) created the character Raggedy Ann first as a doll in 1915, and published the first volume of her stories in 1918 (her brother, Raggedy Andy, was introduced with his own volume of stories in 1920). 

Gruelle was inspired by an old rag doll found by his daughter, Marcella, who herself became a main character in many of Raggedy Ann's tales. Raggedy Ann got her name from a popular poem by James Whitcomb Riley entitled "The Raggedy Man" and the comic strip "Little Orphan Annie".

When Marcella died suddenly at age 13 from a contaminated smallpox vaccine, Gruelle continued to write about the Raggedys' adventures. Even after his death, his son, Worth, took over as illustrator, and books were attributed to Gruelle as recently as 1977, even though most were not written by him.

Today, Raggedy Ann & Andy are still as popular as ever. Dolls, books, movies and other merchandise remain as a father's homage of love to his daughter.

Raggedy Ann's Song "Candy Hearts And Paper Flowers"

Lyric from www.1songlyrics.com

Candy hearts and paper flowers
Sunshine days and skies of blue
Rhymes and songs we sing forever
Words to say I love you true

Times get bad and then I worry
How we'll ever see it through
But candy hearts and paper flowers
Will always keep me close to you

Raggedy Adventures On Amazon Plexo

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[DVD] Classic Cartoons, Vol 4 from Cartoon Classics (7 Episodes)

[DVD] Classic Cartoons, Vol 4 from Cartoon Classics (7 Episodes)

This collection includes some of the greatest American more...0 points

Why I Love Raggedy Ann

As a child growing up, I was not allowed to look at picture books very much. My mother deemed most children's literature as patronizing (Dr. Seuss was strictly verboten!). But some years before I was born, a distant cousin had left a couple of copies of first addition Raggedy Ann books: "Marcella" and "Raggedy Ann's Magical Wishes". I was so taken with the art work, done in a combination of Art Nouveau and Arts & Crafts styles, that I jealously guarded them from anyone and everyone.

In "Marcella", Johnny Gruelle addressed many issues: the untimely death of a child as seen through the eyes of a devoted pet (no doubt as an outlet for his own grief at the loss of his daughter), the fear of being lost, self acceptance, forgiveness, and transformation of the heart that only love can bring. It spoke volumes to me that few people had demonstrated in my life up to that point. It gave me hope.

Today, I still collect first edition Raggedy stories, and I have several dolls that hold court on a velvet arm chair in my livingroom. I read the stories to my kids (or is it really for myself?) whenever I can.

Raggedy Ann & Andy LIVE on eBay

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Raggedy Ann- The Enchanted Square

Vintage Raggedy Ann Cartoon Circa 1940 ~BadMsM
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Raggedy Ann & Andy on CafePress

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My Own Raggedys

These are a pair of Raggedys that I made in 2001. They were donated to a silent auction I organized for the local branch of Heifer International, a working farm where my kids and I volunteered feeding the animals that would later be sent on to other countries around the world.

The Raggedys were 24 inches high, had hand embroidered faces, and certificates of authenticity sewn on their backs. I don't remember exactly how much they went for, but it was the second highest bid made in the whole auction. The lady who bought them was very pleased to take them home!

Raggedy Ann & Andy Links

Raggedy Ann & Andy Museum
Museum located in Arcola, Illinois, birthplace of Johnny Gruelle.
Raggedy Ann Stories- Project Gutneberg
Download this story for free.
Official Raggedy Ann & Andy Web Site
Official Raggedy site of Simon & Schuester.
RAGS Magazine
A publication for Raggedy collectors and enthusiasts
Raggedy Ann and Andy Dolls and Friends
A place for Raggedy Ann and Andy Collectors to meet and have fun sharing their Raggedy Ann collections, Raggedy photos,Raggedy Ann and Andy crafts, swaps, making Raggedy friends and more.

Are You A Fan Of The Raggedys?

  • KarenTBTEN May 22, 2011 @ 9:20 pm | delete
    I had a Raggedy Ann doll that belonged to my aunt and was already quite old -- wish I still had it. But there is a lot in this lens I didn't know about the history of the stories. I tend to be on the lookout for public domain stories that I can record. Now I want to look up Raggedy Ann.
  • sukichan Feb 21, 2010 @ 3:47 pm | delete
    I inherited my big brothers' Raggedy Ann and Andy when he left for boot camp. Andy was made for him by a neighbor, before my brother was even born. Ann was made for him shortly after he was born. The raggedys are around 36 yrs old now. I still have them, and cherish them greatly. They are 2ft each, and Anns' face is starting to wear away. I played with Andy very much as a child, and would take the doll to bed with me. I would read to them.. Mommie never could understand why I insisted on playing with Andy so much more than Ann, when I myself was a girl lol. I just remember REALLY loving Andy's outfit so much more than Anns. Her outfit was GIRLY lmao. But I didnt like Andy's hat. Yes. I am 22yrs old and I STILL play with them :) Now I adore Ann, and cuddle her more than I used to Andy. I love them both.
  • Jewelsofawe Oct 21, 2009 @ 7:15 pm | delete
    I grew up having a big raggedy ann doll. I don't have it anymore, but I wish I did. so I have a special fondness in my heart for Raggedy Ann and Andy
  • KaraLynnRussell May 31, 2009 @ 3:43 pm | delete
    I had a Raggedy Ann and a Raggedy Andy as a child. As an adult I discovered Johnny Gruelle's original stories and enjoyed them. I also read Gruelle's The Magical Land of Noom. It's not very well known but worth hunting down at your library if you like Johnny Gruelle.
  • Pamela2Heaven Sep 1, 2008 @ 7:00 pm | delete
    My son's nursery was Raggedy Ann & Ann (he is 28 now) I wish I still had all the things from then, but all I have is his quilt that was made when I was pregnant with him.
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Bette Miles-Holleman is a retail merchandiser, customer service analyst, model and stylist with over 25 years experience in the fashion... more »

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