Gruelle dubbed this mystical, mythical locale the Deep Deep Woods. When he began writing about his whimsical Raggedys during the teens and twenties, he was determined to give them an enchanted playground a special, far-off wooded place all their own. Johnny particularly loved the forest, and drew much of his creative inspiration from long walks in the woods. He also possessed a keen understanding of folklore, a near-mystical affinity with magic, and a spiritual love for nature and the great outdoors. In this, the most magical of mercantiles, Kim has made it his business-and his pleasure for the past 12 years, to watch over and perpetuate the gentle legacy created more than 75 years ago by his grandfather, Johnny Gruelle.Ī prolific writer, gifted illustrator, and skilled playthings designer, Johnny Gruelle is best known as the creator of Raggedy Ann and Andy.
![raggedy andy raggedy andy](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1137/5692/products/SKU-107093-Raggedy-Andy-12_-Doll-Brunette-6_1024x1024.jpg)
It is the true, spiritual home of Raggedy Ann and Andy. For Kim, The Last Great Company is more than just a gift shop or stop-off for travelers headed deep into the mountains.
![raggedy andy raggedy andy](https://i.etsystatic.com/18688386/r/il/5a8742/2019343610/il_794xN.2019343610_kser.jpg)
outpost sits The Last Great Company's amiable owner-proprietor, Kim Gruelle. Dozens of nostalgic gadgets and New-Age keepsakes compete for the few remaining nooks and crannies.īut the real storybook presence here is the scores of bright-eyed, yarn-haired dolls that spill out over the edges of wooden shelves and tables floppy ragamuffins who have endeared themselves to generations of children worldwide-America's favorite folk dolls, Raggedy Ann and Andy.Īt the center of this Cashiers. Walls are hung chockablock with hand-watercolored proverbs and patents. Fragrant woodsmoke and tinkly ragtime music beckon visitors inside, where shelves and cases bulge with old-timey merchandise-everything from draftstoppers to toy bags to tee shirts, piled in neat, bright stacks.
![raggedy andy raggedy andy](https://dearlittledolliesltd.com/images/detailed/16/12652_1-Raggedy-Andy-Classic-8in-Aurora-15414.jpg)
offers all manner of Raggedy Ann dolls.Ĭrossing the log threshold of The Last Great Company is like stepping into the pages of a storybook.