Raggedy Ann and Andy Dolls

The theme of our son's nursery, many years ago, was Raggedy Ann and Andy.  

 I thought the colorful duo would make the nursery look bright and cheerful and they did.

There are many legends associated with the sweet dolls that were originally made by Johnny Gruelle.

He was a cartoonist, illustrator and author from Illinois who was born in 1880.

One of the legends says that Gruelle made the dolls for his daughter, Marcella Delight. 

The legend states the child died tragically at age 13, breaking her parents' hearts.  If that legend is true, the smiling dolls have a sad history.

One of the telltale signs of an authentic Raggedy Ann  and Andy is a heart where the heart really is located.   Did you know that?

The photos in today's post were all taken in the Red Lion Inn's Gift Shop in Stockbridge, Massachusetts.

HAVE YOU EVER HAD A RAGGEDY ANN OR ANDY DOLL?