Arcola – Patented in the early 1900’s Raggedy Ann and Andy, the iconic American toys, now have a statue in downtown Arcola.
Born in Arcola, Johnny Gruelle patented Raggedy Ann in 1915. Her toy brother Andy came along 5 years later. He also wrote books about the loveable characters.
His granddaughter, Joni Wannamaker, helped with the unveiling of the statue which is located at the edge of downtown at the corner of Main and Oak.
“The family is still involved with creating things and doing all we can to help Raggedy Ann and Andy,” Wannamaker told WAND’s Doug Wolfe. “I do wish I’d known my grandfather because I know he was very, very special.”
A committee raised about $65,000 for the statue. It is made of bronze with a patina that allows for the statue to have been painted in the familiar Raggedy Ann colors.
