DESIGNATED HISTORIC HOMESITE - BIRTHPLACE OF
RAGGEDY ANN AND ANDY - “1914”
Creator, cartoonist, illustrator, and author JOHNNY GRUELLE brought to life the characters of Raggedy Anne and Andy at this location. Johnny lived next door, now I-65, and would frequent this popular meeting place - The Jacob Klein Bakery / Grocery Store and residence. It was common for Johnny to spend countless hours here in this home with area neighbors and visitors, including poet James Whitcomb Riley. The Presidential Home of Benjamin Harrison is also nearby. The home of James Whitcomb Riley and the Harrison Home are open to the public. Raggedy Ann and Andy were created here as well as many cartoons and illustrations. The books displayed were found in the attic as well as several drawings and other historical items.
Johnny’s father, Richard (RB) Gruelle was an artist in his own right as a member of “The Hoosier Group” (1851 – 1914). Johnny Gruelle, creator of Raggedy Ann and Andy lived from 1880 – 1938. This home was honored with the title of “The Raggedy Ann Historic Homesite” during the 1998 Lockerbie Square Home Tour.
Who would have dreamed that when artist and writer Johnny Gruelle filed a patent on September 7, 1915, the “design for a doll”, which he dubbed “Raggedy Ann”, would remain a household name decades later? “Her essence and what the illustrator tried to inspire was all about love, kindness, and good morals.”
It is the Gruelle ideal that books for children should contain nothing to cause fright, suggest fear, glorify mischief, excuse malice or condone cruelty. That is why they are called “BOOKS GOOD FOR CHILDREN”.
WELCOME TO THE BIRTHPLACE OF RAGGEDY ANN AND ANDY!