Wednesday, March 4, 2015

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There are many legends associated with the sweet dolls that were originally made by Johnny Gruelle.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

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15 comments:

  1. AnonymousMarch 3, 2015 at 12:00 PM

    My niece used to make the Raggedy Ann doll.
    I did not know the history. I will have to relate that to her.

    Thanks for the info.

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  2. Chatty CroneMarch 3, 2015 at 12:12 PM

    I did not know that about the heart.

    These do bring back memories - my mom was a great craftswoman and she made those dolls for my children - and they loved them so much. Thanks for the memories.....

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  3. MerlesworldMarch 3, 2015 at 1:41 PM

    I have a toy box with them painted on it.
    Looking a bit sad so I was going to redo it but my daughter said you can't do that it reminds me of my childhood.
    Merle..............

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  4. diane.stetsonMarch 3, 2015 at 2:59 PM

    Aw..so cute. I never had one of those dolls but they sure are colorful.

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  5. Linda O'ConnellMarch 3, 2015 at 3:53 PM

    My daughter's room was also Raggedy Ann/Andy. Sweet memories.

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  6. Karen LangeMarch 3, 2015 at 4:55 PM

    You know, I do not recall having one, but my children did. They really have endured through the ages, haven't they?

    Have a wonderful rest of the week. Stay warm! :)

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  7. Barbara NeubeckMarch 3, 2015 at 5:00 PM

    Hi Susan.... I didn't have one of these dolls ... but my children and some of my grandchildren did..
    They are lovely characters..... always loved...
    Hugs ... Barb xxx

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  8. DeniseMarch 4, 2015 at 6:17 AM

    Wow! Those are some really nice ones aren't they.I enjoyed looking at them and thank You for telling Us the story, I had never heard it before.I miss visiting You, I'm going to scroll down and see what You've been up to-Hugs Denise

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  9. carrie@northwoods scrapbookMarch 4, 2015 at 8:09 AM

    I LOVED my Raggedy Ann! And my daughter had one too. Her name is Anne and we call her Annie. She dressed up as Raggedy Ann for Halloween one year when she was about 4 or 5 - so adorable!! We kept calling her Raggedy Annie. Thanks for the great trip down memory lane.
    xo

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  10. SImple and Serene LivingMarch 4, 2015 at 8:59 AM

    My oldest daughter had one and loved her. xo Laura

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  11. Tammy@T's Daily TreasuresMarch 4, 2015 at 11:40 AM

    I did have some as a child. Not sure if I knew about the heart part but it is definitely a very unique, sweet finish. Best wishes, Tammy

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  12. UnknownMarch 4, 2015 at 12:07 PM

    Hello from Spain: I liked knowing the history of these dolls. I see the smiling dolls have a sad story. I had not seen before these dolls. I think these dolls are not known in country . Keep in touch

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  13. NellieMarch 4, 2015 at 6:09 PM

    I did not ever have a Raggedy Ann or Andy doll, but a neighbor made Ann for each of our three daughters. One Christmas was all about Raggedy Ann and Andy for our granddaughter. I even made her pajamas from the same fabric I had used for our own girls. I hold onto fabric.:-)

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  14. Red Rose AlleyMarch 6, 2015 at 9:55 AM

    Susan, me and you have so much in common. Nel had Raggedy Ann for her theme in her bedroom as a baby. My mom made her a Raggedy Ann doll that she took everywhere. They are so special, aren't they? I really should get one for myself to keep. Thanks for reminding me they are so special.

    love, ~Sheri

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  15. Red Rose AlleyMarch 6, 2015 at 9:58 AM

    Oh my gosh, I didn't know they put a heart on all the original dolls? I wonder if the replica dolls have them too? So sweet. You really have me wanting one now. :~)

    ~Sheri

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