More Than 100 Years Ago: All Dolled Up

Inspired by his ailing daughter Marcella’s favorite rag doll, cartoonist Johnny Gruelle patents the design for Raggedy Ann on September 7, 1915. Ann’s popularity takes off in 1918 when Gruelle begins publishing a series of moralizing children’s books staring

“The doll with the candy heart”.
Brother Raggedy Andy joins the adventures in 1920. Gruelle dies in 1938, but “people don’t want to let go of Raggedy Ann” says granddaughter Joni Gruelle; today collectors pay thousands for an original.