Raggedy Ann collector in Bartlesville

Many people first starting out in their career and starting a family and don't have time for a hobby. Later when the kids are gone, collections can become more important. That is the case for a

Wednesday, October 12th 2005, 10:06 am

By: News On 6

Many people first starting out in their career and starting a family and don't have time for a hobby. Later when the kids are gone, collections can become more important. That is the case for a Bartlesville woman whose Raggedy Ann collection has all but taken over an upstairs bedroom.

News on 6 reporter Rick Wells says when you first take a peek inside June Demuthâ€™s upstairs bedroom, well, it's a little overwhelming.

Itâ€™s Raggedy Ann and of course Andy. I thought it would be good for her to get out there in the middle of them for our interview, easier said than done. Rick Wells: "How often do you?" June Demuth: "Don't ask that question." She thought I was asking about cleaning, actually I wondered how often she climbed in here, not often. Only when she needs to place a new one. "I'll just buy everyone I see."

June Demuth only started this collection 7 or 8 years ago and really can't remember which of her collection was the first one. â€œI just started finding them at flea markets and antique stores and garage sales and it kind of snow balled from there."

Everything in the bedroom has a Raggedy Ann connection somehow. There are wall decorations, figurines, cookie jars, tea pots, lunch boxes with the thermos and Raggedy Annâ€™s large and small. Everyone who visits she says has the same reaction. "They are just fascinated because there are so many."

She is all about Raggedy Ann. "Books, puzzles, records videos and dishes." Not to mention Christmas ornaments. A recent addition is a Raggedy Ann board game, and it still has all the pieces.

When she and her husband take a trip they are always on the lookout for Raggedy Ann. â€œEvery one I find it just makes me happy." Lots of happy smiles on display.

She guesses she has at least 200 Raggedy Annâ€™s in her collection.