Kankakee, IL – Former Kankakee farm boy turned illustrious cartoonist, Harold Gray, is being commemorated at the “Leapin’ Lizards! A Hundred Years of Little Orphan Annie” exhibit in Lombard, Illinois. This showcase, opening Saturday, delves into the journey of Gray, the creator of the famed “Little Orphan Annie” comic strip, and his ascent from rural Illinois roots to national acclaim.
According to exhibit organizers, the event will trace Gray’s early life on a Kankakee farm to his artistic pinnacle that won the hearts of readers across the globe. Historical photographs and memorabilia from Purdue University’s Special Collections Library will display the transformation of this local farm boy into a celebrated figure in the world of cartooning.
The exhibit, which runs from April 27 to December 23, 2024, promises to offer a unique glimpse into the life and legacy of a Midwest icon whose work has left an indelible mark on American culture.
