Lombard is home to Little Orphan Annie

The end of the Little Orphan Annie comic is poignant to the village of Lombard as Little Orphan Annie was "born" here.

Harold Gray created the spunky redheaded girl in 1924 while residing at 215 S. Stewart in Lombard. Gray commuted to his job on the train, passing the Ovaltine Factory in Villa Park each day.

Lombard even boasts a lovely home affectionately nicknamed the "Annie House" at 119 N. Main Street. Gray purchased this Victorian house for his parents in 1925, and moved in with them after the death of his second wife. Gray used this house as a model for the mansion in the comic strip. Additionally, both of Gray's wives were Lombard residents before marrying Gray.

To learn more about Harold Gray's many connections with Lombard, visit the Lombard Historical Society's Victorian Cottage Museum at 23. W. Maple. While visiting, you can purchase collections of Little Orphan Annie daily comic strips.

Leslie Sulla

Public awareness chairwoman

Lombard Historical Society