|
|
Posted: Friday, 27 March 2009 6:49AM
So Long Raggedy Ann
|
ARCOLA, Ill. (AP)
The Douglas County town of Arcola may be about to lose its most famous children, Raggedy Ann and Andy.
Johnny Gruelle, who created the famous dolls, was born in Arcola in 1880, and his granddaughter, Joni Wannamaker, has operated a museum of Raggedy Ann and Andy memorabilia there for 10 years. The city is also known for its annual festival dedicated to the two dolls and the stories written about them.
But Arcola's heritage is about to suffer a potentially crippling blow, as the museum will be shuttered by the end of the year. And the Original Raggedy Ann & Andy Festival has been canceled for this summer.
While a portion of the museum building may continue to house a small exhibit, most of the items are being transferred to the Strong National Museum of Play in New York City.
|
Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.
|
|
|
|
E-Mail Story
Print Story
