National Toy Hall of Fame Part 3

This post has been written by Cole's Grandmother, who has a special appreciation for Raggedy Ann and Andy (thanks Mom!):

Raggedy Ann is a cloth doll that belonged to Johnny Gruelle's daughter. In 1918 he started writing stories about Raggedy Ann to entertain his daughter. The stories centered around adventures Raggedy had with the other toys in the toy room as they came alive at any time there was no one around. Several dozen stories have been written about Raggedy Ann (and her brother Andy who came came around a couple of years later), the dolls were sold as a tie-in with the books.

She teaches kindness, love, and any child holding the doll can feel comfort and friendship.

I found love for these dolls as a grandmother. My mother made them and gave them as gifts. I have found them to be special with a smile that can make you feel happy anytime you are around them. I hope they will come to your life and bring you joy.

The official Raggedy Ann and Andy Museum

a (small) sample of Raggedy Ann merchandise:
Raggedy Ann & Andy: A Read-Aloud Treasury (Raggedy Ann) at amazon.com
Russ Berrie 12-Inch Button Eye Raggedy Ann at amazon.com

Raggedy Ann at ebay.com

This is part of a series of posts on the National Toy Hall of Fame, see part 1 (marbles) and part 2 (kites) also.