Are these vintage Raggedy Ann and Andy's not beautiful?
These were on display at the antique mall. However, they were a bit pricey for my budget.
Ragged Ann was a fictional character created by the American writer, Johnny Gruelle, for a series of children books. (1880 -1938)
Gruelle created the Raggedy Ann doll for his daughter Marcella when she brought him an old rag doll and he drew a face for it.
He introduced Raggedy Andy dressed in a sailor suit and hat in 1920.
Marcella died at age 13 after being vaccinated for smallpox without her parent consent.
Authorities blamed a heart defect but her parents blamed the vaccination.
Gruelle became an opponent of vaccination and the Raggedy Ann doll was used as a
symbol by the anti-vaccination movement.
So glad you dropped by and y'all come back.
I'm linking to Rednesday Visit for more pretty reds.
I was Raggedy Ann for Halloween once when I was younger and my brother was Andy. It's interesting to hear about her history!
ReplyDeleteWow what an interesting rendition. And very sad. I believe the small pox vacination made many children sick before it became what is is today....a life saver. Thanks for the enlightenment.
ReplyDeleteWow, I never knew about his daughter's death and the anti-vaccination movement. Another tidbit of history I learned!
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed your Raggedy Ann feature today. I find most things in the antique malls are a little pricey.
ReplyDeleteI love Raggedy Ann and Andy dolls, they are adorable. Great lesson on the history of the vaccination. Thanks for sharing it. Great photos.
ReplyDelete~Emily
The French Hutch
I loved learning this piece of history! I never had a Raggedy Ann or Andy when I was little, but I made sure and got a pair for our daughter. I don't think she ever played with them, so maybe I actually bought them for myself!
ReplyDeleteHappy REDnesday,
Carol
MY daughter had both Raggedy Anne and Andy dolls, and I've saved them for hopefully her children to play with one day! I never knew the history behind the dolls and their maker-- it was very interesting!
ReplyDeleteI never knew the story behind R. Ann and Andy. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteMy mom bought me a Raggedy Andy and my sister a Raggedy Ann. I still have him.
My mom also made some from my nieces. Just two weeks ago, she gave me her old pattern. I plan to make one ofr my DGD!!
Thank you for visiting my blog and leaving such a nice message.
I've always loved Raggedy Ann and Andy. My girls,however, are scared of them!! LOL!! I never knew the background of Raggedy Ann, thank you so much for sharing!
ReplyDeleteHope your week is going well!
-April
I love Raggedy Ann,but I did not know the sad story behind her .
ReplyDelete