Today is Raggedy Ann's 100th Birthday!
I wanted to do a longer post about this popular doll, but haven't had time to find my information and take photo's of the many dolls and other items I have collected over the years, so a short one will have to do for now. This is one of my dolls.
As I learned many years ago that the maker of Raggedy Ann, Johnny Gruelle, made the doll for his daughter, Marcella, after she fell sick from smallpox shots given at school. The first doll was an old rag doll that didn't have eyes. He sewed buttons on it for eyes and drew a heart on her chest.
She played with the doll and her father told her stories to keep her company. Marcella died from multiple shots given to her at school, without permission from her parents.
Here is a link to a website if you would like to read about it.
http://urbanlegendsonline.com/the-origins-of-raggedy-ann/
I hope to do a better post on Raggedy Ann later.
I have collected and cherish many of these precious dolls.
Have a Blessed Labor Day!
Sylvia
I hope to do a better post on Raggedy Ann later.
I have collected and cherish many of these precious dolls.
Have a Blessed Labor Day!
Sylvia
7 comments:
Wow, I never knew that about Raggedy Anne. That's quite a story! And we still have controversy of immunizations today. So thankful we, and our children, survived theirs! Love the Raggedy Anne Dolls. Would love to see more of your collection!
Thank you for sharing this with us.
Blessings sweet friend.
I knew part of the story-but didn't realize that she had been given shots at school. T'hat is so sad. I have always loved Raggedy Ann and used to make and sell them at craft fairs. I think my daughter still has one left xo Diana
One of the first thing I bought with my first paycheck from teaching high school was a giant Raggedy Ann doll from a toy kiosk in the mall. I had been admiring it for months. I just loved the doll, but my daughters eventually played with her enough to make me toss her out...which now I wish I hadn't done!
Thanks for the history on these dolls. I had no idea about the sad outcome.
Thank you for sharing this with us, dear Sylvia. My mother owned a toy store for years and of course sold Raggedy Ann dolls. I remember hearing the story behind it, but had forgotten. It's s precious story though sad.
One year I made a Raggedy Ann costume for my oldest daughter when she would have been under 6 years old, and did she ever make the cutest Raggedy Ann!
It's nice to visit with you~~ Debbie
I never knew the story of Raggedy Ann, sad really. My mom had both Raggedy Ann and Andy dolls and she kept them on her bed when we were young. I loved getting up there and playing dress up with them. Oh what fun I had with her dolls! What memories... thank you for sharing!
I hope you have a wonderful week!
Hugs, Amy
I never knew the story of Raggedy Ann, sad really. My mom had both Raggedy Ann and Andy dolls and she kept them on her bed when we were young. I loved getting up there and playing dress up with them. Oh what fun I had with her dolls! What memories... thank you for sharing!
I hope you have a wonderful week!
Hugs, Amy
Raggedy Ann was one of my favorite dolls. I still have her even though she is missing her clothes. One Halloween my brother and I dressed up as Ann and Andy. I always loved the red heart on her chest.
The story is so sad as the doll has brought so much joy to children and adults.
Thanks for sharing!
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