According to WCIA online, Arcola, IL now has a monument to remember a doll that’s been popular for over 100 years. The Raggedy Ann and Andy dolls were born right here in central Illinois. Johnny Gruelle created Raggedy Ann 101 years ago.
The creator’s granddaughter was there for the unveiling.
She was very emotional, because the two characters she’s come to love the most are now sitting right in the heart of the place that’s become her home. He told stories about the doll to his sick daughter Marcella. She died at a very young age, but the doll’s legacy would continue long after. Johnny later on realized that children all over the world might love to hear or read stories like Raggedy Ann and Andy. The creator’s granddaughter,Joni Gruelle-Wannamaker, was there for the unveiling of the moment and she was very emotional, because the two characters she loves the most are now sitting right in the place that’s become home. It is amazing to think Ann and Andy are still so popular after over 100 years, and even everyone from Arcola still celebrate it. Wannamaker did create the Raggedy Ann museum in Arcola with her late husband, but it is closed now, but happy to have the statues to remember it by now and children can still learn about the history and know this is where it all started.Everyone still loves Raggedy Ann, because people have come all over the world to see the place where Raggedy Ann was created. They hope with the new statue at the corner of Main and Oak, more people will stop by.
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