Plain Old Raggedy Ann on Par With Glitzy Barbie
From Times Wire Reports
Raggedy Ann, a symbol of wholesomeness and simpler times, joined flashy Barbie as a National Toy Hall of Fame inductee in Salem, Ore.--thanks in part to a letter-writing campaign by legions of fans.
The cloth doll with reddish 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 G.I. Joe.
Other inductees include Mr. Potato Head, the Hula Hoop, the Slinky and Silly Putty.
Johnny Gruelle created Raggedy Ann in 1915 to entertain his sick daughter. Raggedy Andy, the doll’s brother, was born in 1920.
