DLTK's Educational Crafts for Kids Raggedy Ann and Andy (Rag Doll) Activities
The history of the Raggedy Ann doll
is very touching. She began as an old, family rag doll.
A little girl named Marcella found her in the attic one rainy
day.
Marcella's father, Johnny Gruelle (December 24, 1880 -
January 9, 1938), saw how pleased his
little girl was with her find, so he repaired the doll and named
her Raggedy Ann. The hand-me down toy soon became
Marcella's favorite plaything.
Sadly, Marcella grew ill and
died at the age of 13. Her father was devastated, but in memory of
his daughter and her special doll, Johnny began writing stories about
Raggedy Ann.
The stories were published in the early 1900's and over time, Johnny gave
Raggedy Ann a brother named Andy. These two rag dolls and their
many other storybook friends had magical adventures and became
favorite playthings for many, many other little girls and boys.
