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For generations viewers have followed “ the yellow brick road” to the imaginary land of Oz. As a child viewing the movie “The Wizard Of Oz” on our television, I was transported along with Dorothy and her little dog Toto. The costumes worn by the “good” witch were beautiful and her smile was comforting. Both the appearance and actions of the “wicked witch of the west” frightened me! Each time I watched the movie I noticed new details. The producers filmed more imagery than a little girls' mind could grasp!

The writer of this classic, Frank Baum was from Chittenango, N.Y., a village near my home. Today the historical connections with the renowned writer are a drawing card to tourists. Gift shops and restaurants feature Oz memorabilia and each year an Oz festival is held. Special guests include people who were in some way a part of the movie production. The Munchkin actors and actress's have made regular appearances. Tourists walk into the land of fantasy as each step is taken on a “yellow brick road” sidewalk!

I end this salute to Oz and Chittenango with a piece of trivia: The author, Frank Baum, chose the name of Oz for this faraway land, by a quick glance at his filing cabinet. The alphabetical lettering for the last drawer was O-Z! A city was born!

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