In 1915, cartoonist and storyteller John Gruelle created Raggedy Ann for his daughter Marcella. Raggedy Andy followed 5 years later. Marcella Gruelle tragically died at age 13, just as Raggedy Ann debuted.
The pictured dolls are hand made and were purchased by my mother-in-law for my nieces and nephews to play with when they come to visit.
When I was younger my sister and I dressed up as Raggedy Ann and Andy for a dance recitial. Brings back nice memories. I never knew the sad history though.
