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Johnny Gruelle's Raggedy Ann & Andy
stories have warmed our heart for decades. 95 years ago Gruelle began
writing stories about Raggedy Ann as a way to entertain his ailing
daughter. Those stories were later published in memoriam and went on
to be come an American classic. The adventures of Raggedy Ann &
Andy have been shared for generations and continue to delight
people of all ages. Raggedy Ann's
95th Birthday. 95 years ago, cartoonist, illustrator and
storyteller Johnny Gruelle gave his daughter Marcella a gift, a long
forgotten rag doll that had been stored away for years in an attic.
Johnny drew a new face on the doll and named her Raggedy Ann.
Perpetually smiling and always ready to be
hugged, Raggedy Ann quickly became Marcella's constant playmate. They
shared countless adventures and quiet moments together. Johnny was
amazed at the effect Raggedy Ann had on Marcella and was sure that she
would appeal equally to other children.
Johnny sent a hand-drawn illustration of
Raggedy Ann to the U.S. Patent Office and was awarded with what can
only be called a birth certificate dated September 7, 1915. A
phenomenon was born. Now we commemorate 95 years of friendship with
the doll who has brought love and happiness to countless people around
the world. |
