Raggedy Ann wins a place in history

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SALEM, Ore. — Raggedy Ann, a symbol of wholesomeness and simpler times, joined flashy Barbie as a National Toy Hall of Fame inductee yesterday — thanks, in part, to a letter-writing campaign by legions of fans.

The cloth doll with red yarn hair had been rejected four times by the selection panel. But both Ann and the jigsaw puzzle made the cut this year, elbowing out more than 90 contenders including GI Joe.

Previous inductees include Barbie, Mr. Potato Head, the Hula-Hoop, the Slinky and Silly Putty.

Because of tough competition and limited space, Raggedy Ann had been rejected four times by a panel that selects who goes into the hall.

Many of Ann's supporters consider the humble rag doll superior to Barbie and were miffed that Ann had been passed over so many times.

"Barbie represents an idealized image of beauty. Raggedy Ann represents a huggable, lovable friend," said Patricia Hall, a San Diego author who has written books about the Raggedy Ann phenomenon.

Ann's fans stepped up their campaign in support of the 87-year-old doll this year.

Kim Baldwin, spokeswoman for the hall of fame, said she has read hundreds of letters from Raggedy Ann fans living as far away as Japan.

One was from an 85-year-old woman who recalled her childhood memories with the doll. Another was from an elderly man who said he took Raggedy Ann with him on air missions during World War II.

Johnny Gruelle created Raggedy Ann in 1915 to entertain his sick daughter. Raggedy Andy, the doll's brother, was born in 1920.

Ann and Andy have starred in numerous books, comics, cartoons, movies and even a musical. Raggedy Ann was especially popular during the Depression and World War II because she reminded people of times gone by.

Gruelle's granddaughter, Joni Gruelle Wannamaker, was at the induction ceremony yesterday.

She said that after the September terror attacks, Raggedy Ann is a fitting choice for the National Toy Hall of Fame.

"After Sept. 11, people are looking for comfort and love and compassion. You can always cuddle a Raggedy Ann doll," she said.

Raggedy Ann delivered an Academy Award-style acceptance speech — well, someone dressed up as her did.

The woman wearing the Raggedy Ann costume, 28-year-old Karen Cox, thanked her supporters while pretending to wipe back tears.

She also made a vow to Raggedy Andy: "We won't sleep at night until my dear brother Andy gets into the National Toy Hall of Fame."