Historic Douglas County
The artistic, literary, and philosophical legacy of Johnny
Gruelle, creator of Raggedy Ann and Andy, is inextricably tied to his
Midwestern roots. Born Christmas Eve, 1880 in Douglas County, Illinois
to Arcola residents R. B. and Alice Benton Gruelle, Johnny acquired from his
parents at an early age the traditional family values and small-town
qualities that were featured - often humorously - in his numerous
storybooks, cartoons and magazine illustrations. During his formative
years in Indianapolis, he was befriended and heavily influenced by
children's poet and story-teller James Whitcomb Riley, who also had
Arcola/Douglas County ties.
Johnny eventually became well-known as an author,
illustrator, and the man who had created the two most beloved childhood
companions of his day. Unaffected by fame, fortune, and the
cosmopolitan existence of those later years, he never ceased to delight in
the simpler pleasures of an earlier time. These memories continued to mark
his stories and illustrations until his death in 1938.
We are proud to present this collection of museums and
historic destinations we think you'll enjoy while visiting Douglas County,
Illinois, the birthplace of Johnny Gruelle.
Website Expansion and Updates
are made possible by a grant from the
Illinois Association of Museums. |
