Granny's Dolls

Raggedy Ann's and Andy's
Made By:  Atha Hyatt Short

My grandfather was retired and drawing disability by the time I was born in 1966.  He suffered from rheumatoid arthritis, among other ailments, and his health gradually declined over the years.  My grandmother was forced to quit her job in the bookkeeping department at Sears & Roebuck several years before he passed away because by that time he needed round-the-clock care.  Her days and nights had grown to revolve around Paw, so when he died she didn't know what to do with herself.

Holly Hobbie
Made By:  Atha Hyatt Short

Gran was an excellent seamstress, so she began filling the empty hours making little girl baby dolls.  She mastered Raggedy Ann and Andy dolls, then Holly Hobbie, and eventually Hansel and Gretel. She let me and my cousins choose the dolls we wanted before she took the others and began selling them for extra money.

Hansel and Gretel
Made By:  Atha Hyatt Short

I still have my dolls.  They're 35 years old and much loved.  I gave them to my little girl and now they're just waiting for my future grandchildren.  


They are probably the most priceless thing I own.