Object IDs:

• Classic Ruthie doll | 2008 | American Girl, LLC., U.S. | Object ID: 1934RD03

  Classic Ruthie’s Meet Accessories | 2008 | American Girl, LLC., U.S. | Object ID: 1934RA05

Meet Ruthie

Meet Ruthie Smithens, a compassionate, loyal and courageous girl who believes in fairy tales and happy endings. Growing up in Cincinnati, Ohio during the Great Depression in 1932, Ruthie and her family are not financially affected by the depression as her father works at the local bank. They can continue with their paid hobbies like tennis and go on vacations, unlike most people. 

Ruthie would do anything to help her best friend, Kit, whose family is struggling. However, she soon realizes that offering help, even to her best friend, can be tricky. When Ruthie overhears that Kit and her family might lose their house at the bank, she is determined to help. The girls decide to take a train to Kit’s Aunt Millie who lives in Kentucky. But things turn sour and get caught by Kit’s brother. Can Ruthie help and give the Kittredges a happy ending? 

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Introduced to children in 2008 as Kit's best friend, Ruthie Smithens and her story represent America during the Great Depression. The daughter of a banker, Ruthie and her family are not financially affected by the Great Depression. Her stories take place in Cincinnati, Ohio in 1932.

Renowned author Valerie Tripp wrote Ruthie’s story. A movie about Kit was released in 2008 starring Madison Davenport as Ruthie. Ruthie and her entire collection were archived in 2014.