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Raggedy Ann remains forever young at 95

Applause by Russ unveils exclusive, vintage-inspired anniversary dolls

Retail Editor 4 -- Gifts and Dec, 9/2/2010 3:14:08 PM

Hasbro and its logo Raggedy Ann and Raggedy Andy are trademarks of Hasbro and are used with permission. All rights reserved. Raggedy Ann and Raggedy Andy were created by Johnny Gruelle.She rose from humble beginnings to become an American icon. She has inspired the sales of more than 50 million books and products since her introduction in 1915, and she has appeared in everything from "The Office" to "Family Guy." She is a mascot for sororities nationwide. And she's been inducted into the National Toy Hall of Fame and was named one of the top 100 toys on VH1's "I Love Toys" special.

She's Raggedy Ann, and she's a universal beacon of generosity, compassion and love. On Sept. 7, 2010, Raggedy Ann turned 95, and in honor of that important milestone, the enduring symbol of friendship now boasts a fresh-yet retro-look that makes her even more lovable than ever before.

To mark her 95th anniversary, Applause by Russ has created exclusive, vintage-inspired Raggedy Ann and Andy Anniversary dolls that harken back to the illustrations from the earliest Raggedy Ann books by Johnny Gruelle, who created Raggedy Ann for his daughter, Marcella, in 1915.

The Anniversary Raggedy Ann closely resembles the character from the 1930 Raggedy Ann in the Deep, Deep Woods: rich, burnt-red hair (as opposed to the contemporary fire-engine red) tied in a bow; white-gloved hands; an outline around the eyes; and a more muted color palette. Of course, Raggedy Ann still features the beloved characteristics she's famous for: button eyes, yarn hair, triangle nose, rosy cheeks-and most importantly, the signature embroidered "I Love You" heart.
"Whether you're an adult who fondly remembers your first Ann doll or an avid collector, this 95th Anniversary version is guaranteed to enchant," said Joni Gruelle Wannamaker, granddaughter of Johnny Gruelle. "I know I'm partial, but I can't think of a better baby, birthday or holiday gift!"

The Anniversary doll packages also feature illustrations from Raggedy Ann in the Deep, Deep Woods and a commemorative certificate in each box. The doll packages are available now at The Vermont Country Store, Amazon, and a host of boutique toy and gift shops around the country for a suggested retail price of $30.

History suggests this is an investment well worth making: Some of the earliest Raggedy Ann dolls, which originally sold for less than $2, are valued at up to $3,000!

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