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On June 12, we celebrate the iconic duo of Raggedy Ann and Andy on their very own special day! These beloved rag dolls were created by Johnny Gruelle in 1915 and have been a staple in children's literature and toys ever since. Their charming smiles, button eyes, and red yarn hair have captured the hearts of many generations. The first Raggedy Ann doll was handmade by Gruelle for his daughter, Marcella, as a gift. Little did he know that this simple act of love would lead to a worldwide phenomenon. So let's take a moment to appreciate these timeless characters and all the joy they bring into our lives!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1915</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Creation of Raggedy Ann</div><div class='timeline-text'>Johnny Gruelle patents his hand-made doll, Raggedy Ann, originally designed as a gift for his daughter, Marcella.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1918</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Raggedy Ann Stories</div><div class='timeline-text'>Gruelle publishes the first of many Raggedy Ann stories, greatly popularizing the character beyond just a doll.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1920</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Introduction of Raggedy Andy</div><div class='timeline-text'>Raggedy Andy, Raggedy Ann's brother, is introduced by Gruelle, expanding the line of toys and books.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2002</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Hallmark Adoption</div><div class='timeline-text'>Hallmark adopts Raggedy Ann and Andy as their official mascots.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2006</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Animation Revival</div><div class='timeline-text'>Simon & Schuster revives the characters with a new series of animated adventures.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2011</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Raggedy Ann in Museum</div><div class='timeline-text'>Raggedy Ann becomes a part of The Strong National Museum of Play's "National Toy Hall of Fame".</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Dress up as Raggedy Ann or Andy</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Get into the spirit of Raggedy Ann and Andy Day by dressing up as the iconic characters. You can even make your own costumes using simple materials like red yarn, white fabric, and blue stripes.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a tea party</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Raggedy Ann and Andy were known for their love of tea parties, so why not host your own? Gather some friends and serve tea, scones, and other treats while reminiscing about childhood memories.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Create a Raggedy Ann and Andy craft</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Put your crafting skills to use by making your own Raggedy Ann or Andy doll. You can use fabric, yarn, and buttons to bring these beloved characters to life.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Watch a Raggedy Ann and Andy movie</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Celebrate Raggedy Ann and Andy Day by watching one of the animated movies featuring the beloved characters. You can also read the books or listen to an audio recording of the stories.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Visit a Raggedy Ann and Andy museum</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>If you're lucky enough to live near a museum dedicated to Raggedy Ann and Andy, make a trip there on their special day. You'll learn more about the history of these beloved characters and see rare memorabilia.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>They bring back childhood memories</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>For many people, Raggedy Ann and Andy were beloved childhood toys. Their iconic red yarn hair and button eyes evoke feelings of nostalgia and remind us of simpler times. Celebrating this day allows us to revisit those happy memories and appreciate the joy these characters brought to our lives.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>They represent friendship and love</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Raggedy Ann and Andy are best friends who go on adventures together. They teach us the value of loyalty, kindness, and the importance of having a good friend by your side. Celebrating this day is a way to honor their enduring friendship and the positive lessons they teach us.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>They promote creativity and imagination</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Raggedy Ann and Andy are known for their unique appearances and imaginative play. They encourage children (and adults!) to use their creativity and let their imaginations run wild. Celebrating this day is a reminder to embrace our inner child and have fun with our imagination.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Johnny Gruelle was a professional cartoonist</h3><p class='facts-content'>Before creating Raggedy Ann, Johnny Gruelle was already an accomplished newspaper cartoonist. His storytelling skills would later bring Raggedy Ann and her brother Andy to life in numerous books.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Raggedy Ann was patented and mass-produced</h3><p class='facts-content'>After creating the original doll for his daughter, Gruelle filed for a patent in 1915. The dolls were then mass-produced and sold soon afterward, making Raggedy Ann accessible to children everywhere.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Raggedy Ann became a symbol of the anti-vaccination movement</h3><p class='facts-content'>Legend has it that Gruelle's daughter, Marcella died after receiving a vaccination. While not proven, this story led to Raggedy Ann being adopted as a symbol by the anti-vaccination movement in the early 21st century.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Raggedy Ann has been immortalized in films and musicals</h3><p class='facts-content'>The lovable doll has not only been a feature in numerous books, but has also made appearances in films, animated TV shows and even in a Broadway musical, further cementing her cultural significance.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The original Raggedy Ann doll was quite large</h3><p class='facts-content'>Contrary to the smaller, more manageable dolls children play with today, the original Raggedy Ann Gruelle created for his daughter measured an impressive 36 inches in length. </p></div></div>
Raggedy Ann and Andy Day is celebrated on June 12 every year. In 2024 Raggedy Ann and Andy Day will occur on a Wednesday.
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Jun 12
Monday
2024
Jun 12
Wednesday
2025
Jun 12
Thursday
2026
Jun 12
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2027
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Saturday
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