Doll:Raggedy Ann

Newspaper illustrator and cartoonist Johnny Gruelle (1880-1938) patented Raggedy Ann's design and name, combining names from two popular characters of the era: The Raggedy Man and Little Orphan Annie. Inspired by his sister's homemade doll and the untimely death of his young daughter, Gruelle made Raggedy Ann from printed cloth and gave her a flat face, button eyes, hair of brown yarn, and a cheery smile. He also authored a series of stories in 1918 titled Raggedy Ann Stories. The P. F. Volland publishing company purchased the rights to the stories and doll, arranging for the doll's introduction to accompany the book's release. Both proved instantly popular. This Raggedy Ann is a Volland doll, probably produced during the early 1920s; her costume and cardboard heart mimic the book's images of Raggedy Ann exactly. Raggedy Ann's "mitten" hands, old-fashioned clothing and striped leggings have won the hearts of children for generations. After the Great Depression forced Volland to close in 1934, Gruelle arranged for Georgene Novelties to manufacture the dolls for the next 25 years.