I’ve got a feeling we’re not in Kansas anymore
Arguably one of the greatest films ever made is The Wizard of Oz. At the end of the Twentieth Century, the American Film Institute had this to say about The Wizard of Oz:
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#6 movie
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#4 villain (The Wicked Witch of the West)
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#1 song (Over The Rainbow)
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#82 song (Ding Dong! The Witch is Dead!)
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#4 movie quote (“Toto, I’ve got a feeling we’re not in Kansas anymore.”)
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#23 movie quote (“There’s no place like home.”)
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#3 musical
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#1 fantasy film
The film was a box office bust at the time of its release. It cost $2.8 million to make but only earned a little over $3 million. However, with its many re-releases, video releases, and television releases, it’s gross now exceeds $287 million.
The film was based upon a children’s novel, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, written by L. Frank Baum and published in 1900. And that brings me to……….drum roll please…………
San Diego… specifically Coronado.
At 1100 Orange Avenue in Coronado is the Museum of History and Art, operated by the Coronado Historical Association:
Museum of History and Art, Coronado, California
Inside the Museum of History and Art is a huge display about L. Frank Baum. The question is, Why? I’m here to give you the answer.
Baum was born in Chittenango, New York, in 1856, and died in Hollywood, California, in 1919. Baum discovered San Diego, Coronado, and the Hotel del Coronado sometime in the mid-1890s. He often wintered in San Diego and actually took up residence at the Hotel del Coronado from 1904 to 1910.
Hotel del Coronado, Coronado, California
Much of The Wizard of Oz was written while Baum was in Coronado, as were several of his Oz follow-up books:
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The Sea Fairies
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Sky Island
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The Scarecrow of Oz
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Dorothy and the Wizard of Oz
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The Road to Oz
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The Emerald City
Many of the locales described in his books are right here in San Diego — the sea caves and sandstone cliffs in La Jolla, the Santa Fe train station….
Baum also rented a home in Coronado on Star Park Circle, ultimately buying it:
Wizard of Oz house, Coronado, California
Although it’s difficult to see in the picture, that black oblong at the right of the lower middle window is a witch, and over the front door entrance is this:
If you go over to the Coronado Public Library at 640 Orange Avenue, there are several Wizard of Oz suspended glass panels at the entrance to the Children’s Library:
Wizard of Oz suspended glass panels, Coronado Public Library, Coronado, California
Now you know where Dorothy and Toto were since they weren’t in Kansas anymore….
Looking for real estate services in San Diego County?
I can highly recommend
James Frimmer, Realtor
Century 21 Award, DRE #01458572
If you’re looking for a home inspector,
I recommend Russel Ray — that’s me!
Posted on August 9, 2012, in Manmade, Out & About, Photos and tagged coronado public library, hotel del coronado, l. frank baum, wizard of oz. Bookmark the permalink. 23 Comments.
Lovely post and share thank you…
Great pictures and interesting write up on Frank L. Baum. I did not know that he wrote in San Deigo or Coronado. The Wizard of Oz windows are awesome, too!
This is great! I love the story and am happy to see that there is Wizard of Oz Avenue!
Very impressed with the shots of the stained glass – those lucky children.
Gotta love such a classic story!
Absolutely love the glassworks!
I love to keep learning ~ thanks for sharing!
So very interesting. “Number 1 fantasy film”! Wow, consider the competition!
I think the San Diego tourism board should be paying you, btw. I don’t know if it’s just me, but I’m getting a real craving to visit S.D.
Well, when you get here, let me know. I sometimes have free or discounted tickets to the Zoo, Safari Park, and SeaWorld. If I don’t I can point you to some places that do.
Will definitely do!
Thanks for sharing this info that I didn’t know and I think I should of all people.
Toto, don’t let Dorothy be too hard on herself.
Russel,
We just got the word that our son has reached San Diego, where he’s renting a place. Maybe he’ll turn out to have the Frank Baum experience of renting and then buying.
We will be visiting him and his girlfriend on Oct. 16th. If you have any tkts for that week, perhaps you can let us know.
Thanks.
When he buys his home, Jim will be happy to represent him as his Realtor, and I, of course, will be happy to do the home inspection. Meanwhile……….
My Zoological Society annual pass expires September 30. I usually renew well before it expires because they give discounts for early renewal. It normally comes with all sorts of goodies, such as free tickets and discounted tickets to the Zoo and the Safari Park, as well as discounted tickets to Park rides, dining, and shopping. Confirm with me around 9/30 that you will be coming and I’ll reserve them for you. Also, if you need a guide, I do play Docent for a Day for those who need one.
OK; we’ll be in touch then.
Great post, Russel. I have always loved The Wizard of Oz! Nice pics and information about L. Frank Baum. Thank you!
Thanks for the memory, Russel. The first movie I ever saw was The Wizard of Oz; I still love it aaaand … the witty sign on the door. Wonder what it’s like inside.
Blessings – Maxi
If it ever goes up for sale and has an open house, I’m there!
Best movie ever!
Neat info… never knew that
I love The Wizard of Oz! Great shot of the house he lived in. Thank you for sharing! Love getting new info on movies
I suppose that should say, movies and books!*
Next time I come back to SD, I will stay on Coronado Island…
HAHA These are fun