We're Off To See The Wizard!

The road beckons us forward as we step out onto the road of Life and make our way to Oz-Stravaganza 2011 in Chittenango, NY; birthplace of the legendary L. Frank Baum.

As one of the returning members of Author's Alley, I am gratified to be a part of this glorious world created by the Royal Historian back in 1900.
Now, the effects are ready, the illusions prepared and ready for action, the spells ready at the hand for casting!!!

We celebrate Oz in all its glory and wonder what the road will bring!

Per Ardua Ad Alta!!!

James C. Wallace II

Royal Liaison to Princess Ozma

Gauisus Natalis, Mr. Baum!!!

Today is the 155th birthday of Lyman Frank Baum, the Royal Historian of Oz and author of 14 books about the wondrous fairyland known as Oz. In celebration of this day, I have made homage to my favorite cemetery, which so happens to be the location for a lovely entrance into Oz known as the Archway In The Woods.

That entryway is just behind and out of view, though the dry, yellow sand creek bed runs directly through the trees over my shoulder. If you turn left, you run into Oz, but if you turn right, Wonderland awaits you... Or so I discovered one day. It was there that I once met my second cousin, twice removed... The Mad Hatter!


James C. Wallace II
Royal Liaison to Princess Ozma

All's Well That Ends Well With The Scarecrow And The Tin-Man!

After a full week of Oz, we now find ourselves at the conclusion of W.W. Denslow's 1904 Scarecrow and the Tin-Man, which he published in response to the success of the 1902 stage adaptation of The Wizard of Oz, for which L. Frank Baum wrote the script and W.W. Denslow designed the sets and costumes. There was a bit of a falling out for the two during this time frame and Denslow illustrated only the first of Baum's books.

Whoops... Sorry about that stumble! Blame it on the 'Net!!!

Now, where was I? Oh yea! So, we see our two reformed convicts meeting up with the Cowardly Lion back on stage... or so we are told!

Everyone seems happy enough and W.W. Denslow's story has a happy ending! As it should be!!!

I'm pleased to report that the W.W stands for William Wallace, which makes the Royal Liaison to Princess Ozma very happy indeed!!!
On an even finer note, the following image is the final page before the back cover and I consider it to be Denslow's finest work in the book. Perhaps even outside of it against his other Oz drawings.

I have it from a reliable source that the crow's name is Corvus. He currently serves as the Head of the Messenger Crows that serve the Scarecrow in his fairly large ear-of-corn house by the Winkie River in the Winkie Country. Downstream lives his good friend, the Tin Woodman in his very shiny palace.

Denslow sure did have a jones for orange.

The most unique thing that stands out on nearly every page was W.W. Denslow's signature, which was very ornate and quite gregarious. It certainly defined him as an artist of Oz.

Those who followed in his footsteps, or line art, as the case may be, owe W.W. Denslow a debt of gratitude for setting the bar so high. His vision brought out the best in following artists, including John R. Neill and others.

Oz-Stravaganza 2011 is less than 2 weeks hence and anticipation looms large in the distance...

James C. Wallace II
Royal Liaison to Princess Ozma

The Scarecrow And The Tin-Man Meet The Long Arm Of The Law!

For the last week or so, we've been following the misadventures of the Scarecrow and the Tin-Man as they try to have a little fun... at the expense of a streetcar driver, a fruit stand owner and an automobile owner. Now, the the long arm of the law has caught up with our nefarious pair and it would seem that justice is served with a smile!!!

 

It would seem that our pair at least know how to observe proper etiquette in court by removing their hats.  Also, I see where the Tin-Man has had his umbrella confiscated. Even then, the possibility of fashioning a weapon from such an innocuous object was being considered. At least everyone seems happy with the outcome, including our two Ozian criminals!!!

 Tomorrow, the conclusion to our story and a few thoughts about W.W. Denslow. 

I tried out my Majiloon Balloon Pump tonight and was very pleased with the results. I should, hopefully, be a big hit with the kids at Oz-Stravaganza 2011. The days are dwindling down and the missus and I are greatly looking forward to the big Oz festival in Chittenango, New York. For us, its like a vacation... and we don't get many of those!!!

James C. Wallace II

Royal Liaison to Princess Ozma

Karma Exacts A Measure Of Revenge for the Scarecrow And The Tin-Man.

So far, our story has seen quite a few twists and turns as our two wayward actors of the stage have engaged in a fairly nefarious journey of crime and mayhem!

As we now see, Karma rears its ugly head and exacts some revenge for the Scarecrow's larcenous behavior. Fortunately, the Tin-Man knows enough to save the day!!!

On a lighter note, I found the perfect coin for a part of my routine next month in Chittenango, NY.  It's a 1982 Kennedy Half-Dollar and it works just fine for what I have in mind.

Tomorrow, the long arm of the law shows up just in time!

James C. Wallace II
Royal Liaison to Princess Ozma

Violence In The World of Oz and Autos!

As promised, behold the violence of an act of Grand Theft Auto as perpetrated by the Scarecrow and the Tin-Man.

It certainly proves that the Scarecrow cannot drive! That and the fact that cars back then were a far sight more delicate than today's vehicles. And yet that fan and the umbrella remain!!!

This piece of art really reinforces my opinion that W.W. Denslow had an ability to capture a sense of whimsy within his art. He certainly did seem to have a jones for the color orange. Who knows why???

Tomorrow, Karma pays a visit to the Scarecrow and the Tin-Man.

James C. Wallace II
Royal Liaison to Princess Ozma

The Wizard of Oz or Caddyshack?

An odd choice, ain't it? And yet, I found myself pondering that choice earlier this evening.

I decided to play a round of golf today. Given my poverty, this was in fact my first round of the year and sadly, I won't get to play many more as money is tight and expenses even tighter! Even so, I felt the need and played a walking round of nine holes at Mark's Par Three here in Terre Haute. I prefer walking as it keeps me fit. As such, I was walking up to the par 3 9th hole, having put my tee shot within about 10 feet of the cup when the tornado sirens went off over at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. Looking off to the northeast, I could instantly tell why.
Being the cool, calm and collected person that I am, I strolled up, lined up and sank the putt for a birdie! As I was standing above the ball before the strike, I found myself pondering the situation I was in.

"I hope this ends up like the Wizard of Oz and not like Caddyshack!" I thought to myself. Then, my only birdie of the day! The clouds rolling in were very impressive and the drive home was quick as lightning started flashing everywhere. Anyone who knows me knows that I HATE lightning!!!

Now that I'm home and the hail, lightning and tornado warnings have subsided, I thought we should continue on with our 1904 The Scarecrow and the Tin-Man story by W.W. Denslow. If you'll recall from yesterday, I mentioned something about Grand Theft Auto.

 

As you can see, These two have absolutely no regard for the rule of law. To date, these two have attempted to ride a streetcar without paying a fare, destroyed the livelihood of an Italian immigrant and stolen an automobile. On a lighter note, the Scarecrow seems to be able to hang onto that fan of his. 

Tomorrow, we pay witness to the wanton destruction of said vehicle and charges of arson!

James C. Wallace II

Royal Liaison to Princess Ozma

The Banana Man meets the Scarecrow and the Tin-Man.

Our story moves on after my day of celebration yesterday, which took considerably more time than I had expected.
So now, the Scarecrow and the Tin-Man get booted from the streetcar and find a Banana Man,,,

The ensuing madness of Oz sends fruit and friends flying everywhere. This is an example, in my honest opinion, of W.W. Denslow at his finest.

Overall, a fine story to this point. We're not quite half-way and mayhem has ruled the page!

Tomorrow, Grand Theft Auto!

James C. Wallace II
Royal Liaison to Princess Ozma

Back On Track... The Story Commences

This story is based on a 1902 stage play adapted from the Wizard of Oz by Baum and designed by Denslow. It would seem that our two Ozian heroes are now actors on a stage somewhere on or off Broadway... but the rigors of acting give them pause to contemplate an adventure.

It's good to see that the Tin-Man comes prepared for any possibility of rain.

Luckily, the Scarecrow and the Tin-Man have no need of nor desire for money! Oh if only it could be...

I've also completed my give-aways for Chittenango and was able to purchase a vintage piece of magic from the auction last night.

Sadly, there are no instructions with this... I would also remind everyone reading this that "tricks are for charlatans and those up to no good!" It was a favorite quote of an old mentor of mine, the venerable Duke Stern. He would tell us that we would perform "effects, illusions and feats of legerdemain." I wrote of this in Magician of Oz and Family of Oz as it is as true today as it was in my youth.

Fortunately, I've done this effect before, so instructions were not necessary.

Lots of fun!!!

You can do them!

Now here's where I will disagree... It does take some skill and quite a bit of practice!
The nicest part of all was that it only cost me 0.50 cents.

Tomorrow, we see what other trouble our wayward pair can get into.

James C. Wallace II
Royal Liaison to Princess Ozma

A Day Late... Little Freddie Stone

I seem to have timed it so I'm always approaching midnight when things come due and such it is tonight. Nonetheless, I soldier on and bring you page 1 (the inner side of the cover) of The Scarecrow and The Tin-Man, a 1904 publication by W,W, Denslow, who was the original illustrator for L.Frank Baum and his Wonderful Wizard of Oz (1899).

The Wikipedia article which I quote from is an impressive collection of information about the illustrator for The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (1899). It states the following:

"After Denslow quarreled with Baum over royalty shares from the 1902 stage adaptation of The Wizard of Oz, for which Baum wrote the script and Denslow designed the sets and costumes, Baum determined not to work with him again. (As co-copyright-holder, Denslow demanded an equal share in royalties with Baum and composer Paul Tietjens.) Denslow illustrated an edition of traditional nursery rhymes titled Denslow's Mother Goose (1901), along with Denslow's Night Before Christmas (1902) and the 18-volume Denslow's Picture Books series"

This book represents what I consider to be his finest work which involves the Denslow's Picture Book series.

I have no clue who Little Freddie Stone is???

The one thing about this book which really impressed me was the very feel of the pages, being linen and glued together. Its almost like a thin oil painting. At least that's the impression I get... and I do have museum training in artifact handling.

Tomorrow, the story begins.

James C. Wallace II
Royal Liaison to Princess Ozma

New Moon Oz, Scarecrow and the Tin-Man

Today is beginning of the New Moon which follows Beltane and so me thinks it be a magical time for Oz and beyond. As preparations begin for Oz-Stravaganza 2011, I want to present for your enjoyment a gift that I recieved the other day.
As many may know, or not (as the case may be), I've gotta thing for auctions. I work at a few as Ringman, I write about auctions and I'm always on the lookout for neat stuff at the auctions (be it Oz or knot).
Anyways, one of the great things about auctions are the people you meet and the friendships you build. It was one of those auction friends who presented me the other day with a book he thought I might like. He said it had a scarecrow and tin man on the front but it wasn't written by Baum. He also mentioned that it was a 1904 book, as best he could tell.

 

Needless to say, I was thrilled. The Serendipity of Oz seems to be well acquainted with Karma and I am humbled by its power to amaze.
It turns out that this is a very rare and unique book from 1904 and was part of a larger series of children's picture books inspired by both the 1899 Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum and the 1902 stage play based on the aforementioned book.
Over the next few days, I will present the story and images that appear from within. It is a very quaint and pleasant story and the artwork is stunning.

James C. Wallace II
Royal Liaison to Princess Ozma

Countdown to Oz!

As the title implies, this is the first of what I hope will be an extensive daily countdown to Oz-Stravaganza 2011 in Chittenango, New York from June 3rd - 5th.

All the paraphernalia and effects of legerdemain are gathered about and set upon to begin the process of magic. It is a unique time when all is llusion and nothing is real.


Here be my first item of completion.

That was the front... and here be the rear.

I strive to complete my goal and make Oz real for all who see. Time will tell...

James C. Wallace II
Royal Liaison to Princes Ozma