I’ve never read The Wonderful Wizard of Oz either, but I’m going to now. I love when authors write about the food characters eat. Like how Joanne Harris describes chocolate making in Chocolat and the repetition of coffee and sandwiches in Stieg Larsson's The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo. It sets the scene without too much scene setting. This was a fun read, Jolene!
As a child I lived reading mouth-watering descriptions of cooking and meals. Little House on the Prairie had many of those.
I still enjoy reading those as an adult. John Irving's Last Night on Twisted River begins with a wonderful description of preparing breakfast for loggers in New England.
And there are several writers here on substack that publish delightful descriptions of cooking and meals too. ❤️
*loved reading, not "lived reading"...I did "live to read" at some point of my childhood, though, devouring every book I could get my hands on, including some that were a bit out of my league (can "Madame Bovary" be relatable to an 11-year old?)
Aug 23, 2023·edited Nov 4, 2023Liked by Jolene Handy
A super article. But there’s apparently a lot more to Baum and Oz than a fun kids’ story, i.e. satire aimed at a particular Minnesota railway baron!
Anyone with an interest in Baum and the W of O will probably be as dumbfounded as I was by this fascinating article, which I found completely convincing, and which seems to have remained obscure. I live in the Twin Cities, and have been to the “Hill House” (home of RR baron and creepy captain of early industry James J. Hill) many times, and can vouch for the illustrations of the heavy stone wall background for the Witch of the West being just the sort on that enormous mansion.
If you’re not an academic with access that way, the chances are great that your library will have a JSTOR membership, although figuring out where it lurks can be tricky. I believe mine (Hennepin County Libraries) is under “online resources,” only slightly more helpful than the former “databases”!
Report back when/if you get to it! I read it with my jaw pretty much hanging open for the entire article. I’m pretty sure the whole allegory aspect of JJ Hill as the Wicked Witch went away once the Oz thing turned into a lovable fantasy series, but all the stuff about railway symbols etc is really wild.
What a great story! I never knew the connection to The Wizard of Oz & Chicago & The Columbian Exposition. All of it interleaved with good food talk. I especially like the Anthony Bourdain inspired reminder that the simplest of food can be great.
Mark, I was so surprised following the thread of the Fair that ended up in Oz and Chicago! Like so many of us I loved Anthony Bourdain and still do. Simplest things prepared right. 🍳
Jacques Pepin, the famous chef often recounts his early career in which he learned, through repetition, the essential techniques to roast a chicken. Similar to the movie "Jiro Dreams of Sushi" I think. Next time we do a daily brunch the figure eight in the pan sounds like something to try. I have family who will be in Chicago for a year or so. I plan to get there as they will be playing basketball. I also have some recent relocated family from Ireland now in Chicago. Two good reasons to visit. Will likely explore the history of the Columbian Exposition. Thanks.
Wizard of Oz remains to be one of my favorite stories as well as movie. I have the 1956 version given to me that year and still have it and read it over and over. Dorothy filled her basket with white bread and covered with a cloth for her trip to find the Emerald City. Thank you for this wonderful visit back in time.
How wonderful to have a 1956 edition, Sally! Wow! Thank you for your kind words, I loved that whole description of her filling the basket and also how she always made sure there was enough for Toto!
I’ve never read The Wonderful Wizard of Oz either, but I’m going to now. I love when authors write about the food characters eat. Like how Joanne Harris describes chocolate making in Chocolat and the repetition of coffee and sandwiches in Stieg Larsson's The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo. It sets the scene without too much scene setting. This was a fun read, Jolene!
I’m going to read it now too!
I think you’ll love it!
Thank you so much, Katie, I agree with you, food and drink can say so much in a story, almost like a supporting character. Appreciate your comment.
As a child I lived reading mouth-watering descriptions of cooking and meals. Little House on the Prairie had many of those.
I still enjoy reading those as an adult. John Irving's Last Night on Twisted River begins with a wonderful description of preparing breakfast for loggers in New England.
And there are several writers here on substack that publish delightful descriptions of cooking and meals too. ❤️
There is so much great food writing here on Substack. Thanks for your comment, Lorraine, I need to read about the loggers breakfast now!
There is indeed! I'm enjoying it very much & trying to prioritize which ones I'll subscribe to at the "paid" level...
*loved reading, not "lived reading"...I did "live to read" at some point of my childhood, though, devouring every book I could get my hands on, including some that were a bit out of my league (can "Madame Bovary" be relatable to an 11-year old?)
Madame Bovary at 11! 😂
IKR?!? I was raiding my parents' leather-bound gilded-edge library of classics, back in the day when there was no internet...
😂
A super article. But there’s apparently a lot more to Baum and Oz than a fun kids’ story, i.e. satire aimed at a particular Minnesota railway baron!
Anyone with an interest in Baum and the W of O will probably be as dumbfounded as I was by this fascinating article, which I found completely convincing, and which seems to have remained obscure. I live in the Twin Cities, and have been to the “Hill House” (home of RR baron and creepy captain of early industry James J. Hill) many times, and can vouch for the illustrations of the heavy stone wall background for the Witch of the West being just the sort on that enormous mansion.
If you’re not an academic with access that way, the chances are great that your library will have a JSTOR membership, although figuring out where it lurks can be tricky. I believe mine (Hennepin County Libraries) is under “online resources,” only slightly more helpful than the former “databases”!
https://www.jstor.org/stable/26535382
https://www.jstor.org/stable/26535382
Thank you for this, Maria, I’ve accessed jstor before (need to remember how!) and look forward to learning more.
Report back when/if you get to it! I read it with my jaw pretty much hanging open for the entire article. I’m pretty sure the whole allegory aspect of JJ Hill as the Wicked Witch went away once the Oz thing turned into a lovable fantasy series, but all the stuff about railway symbols etc is really wild.
Will definitely let you know!
This letter was extraordinary, taking me on one journey after another: from educational to tasty to joyful to poignant. Brilliantly done.
Maddie, so appreciate this, glad you enjoyed and thank you so much!
What a great story! I never knew the connection to The Wizard of Oz & Chicago & The Columbian Exposition. All of it interleaved with good food talk. I especially like the Anthony Bourdain inspired reminder that the simplest of food can be great.
Mark, I was so surprised following the thread of the Fair that ended up in Oz and Chicago! Like so many of us I loved Anthony Bourdain and still do. Simplest things prepared right. 🍳
Jacques Pepin, the famous chef often recounts his early career in which he learned, through repetition, the essential techniques to roast a chicken. Similar to the movie "Jiro Dreams of Sushi" I think. Next time we do a daily brunch the figure eight in the pan sounds like something to try. I have family who will be in Chicago for a year or so. I plan to get there as they will be playing basketball. I also have some recent relocated family from Ireland now in Chicago. Two good reasons to visit. Will likely explore the history of the Columbian Exposition. Thanks.
Definitely let me know if you and your family visit, Mark!
I learned so much reading this! Very fun post!
Thank you, Randee, hope you’re well!
I knew it had to be more than poppies!
LOL! This is a classic Kate comment! Love it!
😁
Loved reading this about the great frank Baum. I’m reading hs other stories on the Substack here too. He was really a wonderful writer.
Thank you, Lisa, what are you reading here, I’d like to follow along, too.
It’s called Beyond the Wizard here on Substack
Charming! Love your emerald blouse, Jolene.
Thank you so much, Vicki! 💚
One million ❤️s
Thank you so much, Emily! 💚
Dorothy was a good gal!
Yes!
Wizard of Oz remains to be one of my favorite stories as well as movie. I have the 1956 version given to me that year and still have it and read it over and over. Dorothy filled her basket with white bread and covered with a cloth for her trip to find the Emerald City. Thank you for this wonderful visit back in time.
How wonderful to have a 1956 edition, Sally! Wow! Thank you for your kind words, I loved that whole description of her filling the basket and also how she always made sure there was enough for Toto!
All the research you’re doing is like world-building in reverse, stripping away time a brick at a time until you reach the foundation.
I love this description and your insight, Amie! Thank you! ✨
Wonderful story, Jolene. I know you're a native New Yorker but I feel like you and Chicago were made for each other!
It’s so true, Domenica, I really love it here. 😊
Such a wonderful article Jolene and is there anything more satisfying in its simplicity than scrambled eggs?
Thank you so much, Julia, and I agree with you about scrambled eggs! 😋
Hi Joanne it’s called Beyond the Wizard I’m not sure how to copy and paste on here but it’s it’s own Substack.
Thank you, Lisa.