L. Frank Baum!

Welcome to a SPECIAL EDITION of the Piece Of Advice Newsletter!

Good morning! This month marks the 125th Anniversary of the publication of “The Wonderful Wizard Of Oz”! Today we are looking into the life of the late and great creator of “OZ”, L. Frank Baum! I was able to ask a few questions to Amy Marrotte of the Oz Museum in Wamego, Kansas!

Long before Dorothy ever clicked her heels, L. Frank Baum was dreaming up new worlds. Born in 1856 in Chittenango, New York, Baum was a natural storyteller with a flair for imagination. He dabbled in a variety of careers; actor, store owner, newspaper editor; but none quite stuck. Still, through each venture, he never stopped spinning tales. Inspired by his love for storytelling and his own children’s delight in fantastical adventures, Baum began to write what would become his most iconic work.

In 1900, “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” was published, and it was an instant hit. Readers young and old were swept away to a world of munchkins, yellow brick roads, and ruby (originally silver!) slippers. With the help of illustrator W.W. Denslow, Baum brought his whimsical vision to life in a way that captivated imaginations across the country. Oz was more than just a children’s story; it was a new kind of American fairy tale, full of heart, courage, and brainy charm.

Following the success of Oz, Baum didn’t stop there. He went on to write 13 more books set in the Land of Oz, building an entire universe of characters that fans couldn’t get enough of. He even attempted to bring his stories to life through stage plays and early film experiments. Though not all his business ventures were successful, his devotion to storytelling never wavered. He was a pioneer in many ways, unafraid to mix fantasy with bold new ideas about entertainment and publishing.

Baum passed away in 1919, but his legacy lives on. From the classic 1939 film to countless adaptations, “The Wizard of Oz” remains one of the most beloved stories ever told. What started as a bedtime tale has become a cornerstone of pop culture. And at the heart of it all was a dreamer who believed in magic, adventure, and the enduring power of imagination.

Amy From the OZ Museum:

Giancarlo: Is it true that Mr. Baum started a film studio but it failed in less than 2 years?

Amy: Yes, Baum and three of his Friends each invested in a new Film studio called “OZ Films”. It produced three major films in the first year. “Patchwork Girl of Oz”, “Magic Cloak of Oz”, “His Majesty the Scarecrow of Oz”. The studio closed at the end of the 1st year due to tremendous expense of making films.

Giancarlo: Is it true it wasn't until he was in his mid forties that he finished and published "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz”?

Amy: L. Frank Baum was 43 years old when he published “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” in 1900. It took him just over two years to write, so it was written between 1897 and 1898.

Giancarlo: Do you think Mr. Baum would appreciate the storyline of "Wicked" and embrace it based on what we know about him?

Amy: Yes, as far as the Broadway play is concerned. No, as far as the 4 book series is concerned. Baum was not into promoting the underworld and bad in society as the books do.

Take a look at the OZ Museum!:

https://ozmuseum.com/

Thank you for reading! Have an amazing weekend and we will catch you again on Monday!

-Giancarlo