Last Christmas Noelle received a Raggedy Ann doll from her
Grandma. Noelle fell in love with the little rag doll and so began my research
on the creator, Johnny Gruelle.
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| Noelle is holding Raggedys produced by Aurora. |
Johnny Gruelle (1880-1938) was born in Arcola, Illinois but
his family moved to Indianapolis when he was just a toddler. His father, R. B.
Gruelle, was a well-known Indiana artist. From an early age Gruelle gravitated
towards cartoon illustration instead of painting like his father. During his
prolific career as a professional illustrator, he created an unprecedented
amount of cartoons, illustrated numerous stories and books, and created dolls
from characters he invented. Gruelle’s career actually occurred during what art
historians term “The Golden Age of Illustration” and he is known as one of the
century’s best illustrators.
If you would like to look at some examples of Gruelle’s illustrations you can check out my Pinterest board, Raggedy Ann & Andy.
Gruelle created Raggedy Ann in 1918. It’s astounding that
after nearly 100 years, such a simple toy would still interest a child. Why are
his Raggedys so timeless? Is it the way they look – bright red yarn hair, a red
triangle nose, shoe-button eyes, red and white stockings? Is it because of
their nostalgia? Their symbol of the spirit of childhood? Whatever it is
Gruelle certainly created a doll that has been loved and treasured by little
ones for generations. In 1966 Life Magazine declared Raggedy Ann the classic
American folk doll. In 2002 Raggedy Ann was inducted into the National Toy Hall
of Fame followed by her brother Raggedy Andy in 2007.
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| Noelle with her Raggedy Andy |
In July 1940, the McCall Pattern Company gained the
exclusive rights to Raggedy Ann and Andy sewing patterns. Since then they have
created varying designs and different sized patterns of the pair. My
grandma sewed a Raggedy Ann and Andy for my sister and brother when they
were little using the McCall’s 36” pattern. She has promised to make Noelle a
giant Raggedy Ann as well. We can’t wait!
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| Raggedy Ann & Andy sewn by my Grandma |
- Raggedy Ann Stories, 1918
- Raggedy Andy Stories. Introducing the Little Rag Brother of Raggedy Ann, 1920
- Raggedy Ann and Andy and the Camel with the Wrinkled Knees, 1924
- Raggedy Andy’s Number Book, 1924
- Raggedy Ann’s Alphabet Book, 1925
- Raggedy Ann’s Wishing Pebble, 1925
- Beloved Belindy, 1926
- The Paper Dragon: A Raggedy Ann Adventure, 1926
- Wooden Willie, 1927
- Raggedy Ann’s Magical Wishes, 1928
- Marcella: A Raggedy Ann Story, 1929
- Raggedy Ann in the Deep Deep Woods, 1930
- Raggedy Ann’s Sunny Songs words and illustrations by Johnny Gruelle and music by Will Woodin, 1930
- Raggedy Ann in Cookie Land, 1931
- Raggedy Ann’s Lucky Pennies, 1932
- Raggedy Ann and the Left-Handed Safety Pin, 1935
- Raggedy Ann in the Golden Meadow, 1935
- Raggedy Ann and Maizie Moocow, 1937
- Raggedy Ann’s Joyful Songs written by Johnny Gruelle and Chas. Miller and illustrated by Johnny Gruelle, 1937
Sources:
Hall, Patricia. Johnny
Gruelle: Creator of Raggedy Ann and Andy. Pelican Publishing Company, 1998.
Hall, Patricia. Raggedy
Ann and More: Johnny Gruelle’s Dolls and Merchandise. Pelican Publishing
Company, 2000.
Hall, Patricia. Raggedy
Ann and Johnny Gruelle: A Bibliography of Published Works. Pelican Publishing Company, 2001.
