As I near the time when I must find a new FOREVER
home for my wonderful “Redheads”…
It is time to tell some of the stories and facts about them and me.
.
In 1978, I had to have surgery
(which I did not want to do) so I opted to play lame—“I won’t go unless I have a Raggedy Ann doll”
Weeeelll, the future Hubby (trying to make points) presented me with my FIRST—While the nurses prepared me for surgery,
she asked ”What do we have here?” “My Raggedy Ann Doll—she don’t go, I don’t go”
Weeeell, the nurse zipped her into an airtight bag and off we went. When I woke up, an Andy had joined her. From then on,
Raggedy Ann became a household endeavor. Thrift store, yard sales, swap meets, gifts, crafts, and even to ebay, Danbury Mint,
craigslist, and all the RedHeads I found, had a home. Some were abused, so they have an infirmary..the naked ones have a nudist
colony, complete with pool. I have left the price tags on them, kept all of them in the same condition I found them (part
of their charm) and found space, built special areas and watched over them all. I sleep on RA&RA sheets, pillows—hubby
even had the RA&RA sheets in in his long haul trucking years. Birthday parties were planned with them, and for them.
.
I have even showed SOME (about 600) of them off at our local fair. When asked about the ability to fill the
main showcase, the choreographer was shocked to see so many show up for the debut.
.
We even made the trip to Arcola IL (birth place of
Johnny Gruelle), met some of the Gruelle family, was in the parade and it was a good time to be had by all. It was a very
sad day to hear that their museum was no more. I had visions of my Babies to go there for their retirement. But as life does
(and does not) go on forever, it is time to find this now enormous collection a “Forever” new home. The collection
is now over 6,000+ pieces of LOVE.
.
It is my dream that they go to a museum to be enjoyed by all who see
them. I've had many offers to BUY them, but that would not be an option for the babes. The price tag for the collection, would
be far too much for most people. That is WHY I am donating them. I want, for them, to stay together. What I am asking is that
WHEREVER they go, the appraisal to be paid by them(Of course --even the IRS has to enter into the happiness the collection
and my happy years with them) …help with packing and shipping, and visitation rights.
.
I want my special Raggedy ring to go with
the collection, as the last piece, when I make the final breath , but the two Raggedy Ann & Andy urn’s will
go to my son’s. When asked about family taking over them, this is not possible due to the health, disabilities and injury’s
to my son’s. My Granddaughter does not even like my RED Christmas tree!! When asked about turning my home
into a museum, NOT—LOCATION LOCATION and the cost to reconfigure the house for a museum ($$$$) , it is large, but not
adequate for a museum. I am 71 now and the care for them needs to be for someone who has the endurance and ability to give
them the love and care they need.
.
This is a very hard decision for me to make, as for all these years, this has been my passion,
but it is time for me to be realistic as what my family will be able to do for me, them and their own future. I will not be
here to do this for them, so now is the time. A lot of tears have been shed, but with pride, I want them to find a new home..It
is worse than watching your kids grow up. I will always LUV the RedHeads and their memories.
Kathy Jackson
