Living in Oz's Many Settings Events found in "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" were likely inspire by L. Frank Baum's Boyhood in Central New York. June 5, 2003 by Sue Ferrara Can a reader of L. Frank Baum's most famous American fairy tale, "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz," find glimpses of Central New York in his book? L. Frank Baum (1856 - 1919) Indeed. Most writers and storytellers would readily admit that life experiences have a way of creeping into a story, and Baum's Oz story is a case in point. From the yellow brick road, to the Wizard himself, a careful reader who knows local history will find several shadows of Baum's 19th century life in Upstate New York. The annual OzFest celebrates the fact that Baum was born in Chittenango on May 15, 1856. Benjamin Baum, the author's father, ran the Baum Barrel Factory with his brothers, Adam Clark and Lyman Spaulding. The factory, and the Baum home, sat on what is now Route 13 in Chittenango. As a child, I spent many summer days lazing at my grandmother's home in Chittenango. While researching my book on Baum's family, I learned that I had often played at his Chittenango home, which was then owned by my grandmother's best friend. What I remember most about Chittenango is the lush green hills that surround the village. I especially loved the view while coming over the crest of Route 173 from Manlius to Chittenango. | |
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