Monday, March 5, 2012

Toto Talks with the Cafe about Her Oz Memoriabilia Collection

Toto, one of our regular contributors at the Cafe, is a long-time collector of Wizard of Oz memorabilia. Today, she sits down with Rick to discuss her passion for all things Ozian.

The one that started it all.
Rick:  Toto, what inspired you to start collecting Oz memorabilia.

Toto:  I have always loved the 1939 classic film The Wizard of Oz. A dear friend found a copy of the book The Scarecrow of Oz for me and I was delighted to learn about this entire Oz world captured in literature and on film. From this point on, collecting and learning about Oz became a wonderful passion .

Rick:  Do you focus mostly on the 1939 movie or do your interests also include the books, other films, plays, etc.?
Even Frank Jr. wrote an Oz book.
Toto:  That is an excellent question because there are indeed some folks who collect only 1939 film memorabilia and others  collect only L. Frank Baum works and some only Oz literature, etc. My collection includes all of these things and more. Most people are surprised to learn that Baum wrote 14 Oz books and several other authors, most notably Ruth Plumly Thompson, added over 100 more titles to the library. Baum also wrote a host of other non-Oz works, many under pseudonyms. I love children's literature and have many books in my home.
Rick:  What are some of your favorite items in your collection?

Toto:  The set of eight Knowles plates made to commemorate the 1939 film were quite fun to find. I did most of my collecting pre-internet so finding treasures at antique stores and flea markets and bookstores was very fun.
I found an adorable cloth doll that has Dorothy holding Toto, while under her dress is hiding a cowering Cowardly Lion. Then, when you flip Dorothy over, it reveals two sets of legs and you see the Scarecrow on one side and the Tin Man on the other.
One of my favorite collector's pieces was a gift from my husband that looks like someone opened a red volume of The Wizard of Oz and, spilling forth from its pages, are a snow globe which encases Dorothy seated on a bench with her basket and looking at Toto, while outside are the Tin Man, Scarecrow, and Cowardly Lion looking in at them, and in the back are Glinda and the Wizard standing next to the Emerald City while the Wicked Witch of the West flies above them on her broomstick. This lovely book also plays "Over the Rainbow."
Rick:  What are some of the most unusual items in your collection?

Toto: I have another friend who looks for interesting additions for me and gave me an awesome set of the eight main Oz characters as Pez dispensers. The Wizard one is the giant green head. Toto is the same size as all the other characters, too.
One of my least expensive treasures is a small green metal pail that says "I'm melting, melting . . ." with  pictures of a black hat and a broomstick that cost me $2.

I have some fun pewter figures that include a Tin Man with a pretty red heart on his chest standing on a heart shaped base, a winged monkey, Miss Gulch riding her bicycle with a basket containing Toto and a hot air balloon with colorful Swarovski crystals.
Rick:  I've heard about conventions for Oz fans and collectors. Have you attended any of them?

Toto: I have been to three conventions and had a hoot at all of them! I met some of the Munchkins and listened to them share their stories and heard some contemporary Oz authors speak. I also learned a lot about collecting at the conventions.
Rick:  It's been delightful to learn about your Oz collection, Toto. Thanks so much for talking with me. I have one last question. What advice would you give to someone just starting an Oz collection?

Toto:  One of the things I had to learn was how and when to limit collecting. Some items feature multiple pieces and one can only display so many things (not to mention the expense!) so I learned to decide which pieces I liked best in certain collections and limit acquisitions that way. There is an organization called The International Wizard of Oz Club that is accessible at www.ozclub.org that can provide some very helpful information, too.  And never underestimate the value of the internet.

12 comments:

  1. Very fun article. I only have a small Oz collection consisting of the Madame Alexander dolls and most of the Hallmark ornaments, but it's a great hobby. I've never seen the green Cowardly Lion plate before. I want one!

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    1. I love the Madame Alexander dolls, especially the Wizard (who is much more handsome than the picture above shows) and the Flying Monkey. There are some really beautiful ornaments, made by Hallmark and many others. I have a really interesting one of the Tornado. The plate was one of 2500 in a series by Warner Bros. Studio Store Gallery. It is heavy and needs to have a plate stand. I think it is one of my husband's favorite pieces in the collection.

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  2. Awesome interview, guys! Toto, your collection is just fascinating. I love the bucket that says "I'm melting!" LOL! The pop-up book your husband got for you is just beautiful. And my daughter-in-law would be pea-green with envy at your Oz pez collection! She collects pez dispensers and would love those! What a fun hobby! Rick, great interview.

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    1. Becky, the fun part of collecting is seeing what is available and making the decision to add it. I just loved the creativity of the bucket and have it displayed next to an Effenbee doll of the Wicked Witch of the West. Thanks for your sweet comment!

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  3. I was fortunate enough to attend an Oz Festival with Toto. Having seen some of her collection, I can attest to her passion and how amazing it is! Fun interview. I have that same Pez set in my office! Miss you, girl! And Rick, nice interview!!!!

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    1. We had a good time at that Festival! There was a wonderful parade that was supposed to be led by Buddy Ebsen (who was originally cast to play the Tin Man but had to quit the part after having a life-threatening reaction to the aluminum dust in the makeup) but he became ill that weekend and had to back out. I know you know all that, Terry, but I added the information for anyone reading who might not know. Terry, you are the master of collecting, so I am so glad you visited and shared a memory with me! Miss you right back!

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  4. Very enjoyable and informative interview! There's a lot to learn about THE WIZARD OF OZ and all the memorabilia, but I often forget how expansive the world of Oz truly is. And thank you, Toto, for sharing some of your collection -- I especially like your snow globe in a book! A splendid post from Toto and Rick!

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    1. Sark, I have a fascinating map of Oz that can't even fully delineate everything. Oz is as large as one's imagination. And the snow globe in the book is such a clever idea that it really touched my heart, too. Thanks for your kind words!

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  5. Very interesting hobby and looked fun to collect. It is so nice to read what other people enjoy. One of my sisters collects Oz things and I gave her an Oz book marker for her birthday. She was delighted even though it didn't cost much. A nice article.

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    1. I also am intrigued to learn the things that other people enjoy. And it is extra special to find something you know someone will like. That was a sweet and thoughtful present for your sister. Thank you for visiting the Cafe!

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  6. Toto, Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful Wizard of Oz memorabilia, with us. I would love to spotlight your article on N and CF this week end.

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    1. Dawn, what a sweetheart you are! I love Oz and to be spotlighted on your lovely blog site would take me over the rainbow!

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