Raggedy Ann Celebrates Her 100th Birthday - Media Page

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 4, 2015

RAGGEDY ANN CELEBRATES HER 100th BIRTHDAY

Macon, Georgia – September 7, 2015 – More than 100 years ago, cartoonist, illustrator, and storyteller Johnny Gruelle gave his daughter, Marcella, a gift – a long-forgotten rag doll that had been stored away in the attic for years. Johnny drew a new face on the rag doll and named her Raggedy Ann.

Perpetually smiling and always ready to be hugged, Raggedy Ann quickly became Marcella’s constant playmate. They shared countless adventures as well as quiet moments together. Johnny was amazed at the effect Raggedy Ann had on Marcella and was sure that she would appeal equally to other children.

Johnny sent a hand-drawn illustration of Raggedy Ann to the US Patent Office and was awarded, well, what can only be called a birth certificate, dated September 7, 1915. A phenomenon was officially born. Today Raggedy Ann, and her younger brother, Raggedy Andy, are timeless classic characters that continue to spread Johnny’s values of generosity, compassion, and love to generations of girls and boys around the world.

Johnny Gruelle had already written and illustrated a book of original fairy tales before creating the Raggedy Ann and Andy stories. Johnny Gruelle eventually created over forty Raggedy Ann and Andy books, all capturing his unique version of childhood.

In celebration of Raggedy Ann’s 100th Birthday various products have been produced:

• Raggedy Land has released an exclusive set of cocoa and lemonade mixes in tins featuring Johnny Gruelle artwork. Raggedy Land also released a 100th birthday wooden nickel featuring Raggedy Ann’s original patent design. Customers receive a free commemorative wooden nickel with each order.

• Aurora World, Inc. has released four special edition pairs of Raggedy Ann & Andy dolls. Each doll features 100th year embroidery and commemorative hangtags. Two of the pairs are exclusive to Cracker Barrel Old Country Stores.

• Simon & Schuster, Inc. is publishing The Raggedy Ann 100th Anniversary Treasury book, a collection of five classic tales by Johnny Gruelle, and releasing a beautiful carry-along boxed set of six amazing adventure books.

• Precious Moments Dolls is releasing special edition Raggedy Ann dolls that will feature commemorative hangtags. These cute dolls will be available this fall.

• Kurt S. Adler, Inc. has produced several Raggedy Ann & Andy Christmas ornaments for 2015.

• Target, Inc. has released an exclusive pair of special edition Raggedy Ann & Andy dolls in commemorative boxes.

About Raggedy Land

Established in 1998, Raggedy Land is the world’s largest online retailer of Raggedy Ann & Andy products. Raggedy Land carries over 1,000 Raggedy Ann & Andy products, including dolls, books, Christmas ornaments, fabric, costumes, figurines, jewelry, party supplies, and some vintage items. Learn more at www.raggedyland.com and follow us on Twitter (@RaggedyLand)
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Media Contact:

Charles Platt
478-757-0001
charles@raggedyland.com


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