The Larry and Lyn Oz Collection

Scare Crow

Our home is going to feel a little empty soon, for just like always, kids will want to go away on their own to see the world.  But we are pleased that they are headed off to the same university that we attended.  Some of you may remember, they first visited to FHSU several years ago, and they stayed for quite a visit before returning home to grow up to be old enough to enroll.  The time has arrived!

For those of you who do not know what I am talking about, Larry and I began our Wizard of Oz Collection many years ago.  It took leaving Kansas to realize that when you get away from Kansas, and you introduce yourself someone is likely to say, "Do you know Dorothy? or Have you been in a tornado?"  Dorothy and the Wizard of Oz seem to be what people know best about Kansas. 

Realizing that we had been neglectful of the very thing people from around the world seem to know best about, we began our journey with The Wizard of Oz.  We decided that we must have been missing out on something important, and that is when we began collecting The Wizard of Oz.

Dorothy, Toto & Lion

It has been a lot of fun, and when we were invited to share our collection several years ago with the library at FHSU, our collection took it's first trip to Hays.  It was there that we began talking about just when Scare Crow, Tin Man, Lion, and Dorothy would be old enough to go away from home alone.  

We did not think that it would take that long, but finally they are old enough to go off on their own to the university, and their home will be in the newly named Tebo Library at FHSU.  

Their surroundings will make them feel quite at home, for all of the Oz collection is going with them.  Their new home will be in the Larry and Lyn Fenwick Reading Room.  The grand opening is still not entirely settled--which I am sure pleases them, since it always takes a little time to get everything in place for guests.  

Tin Man

The Reading Room hours are generally Monday through Friday, 9 am to noon, and 1 pm to 4 pm on days when the University is open.  Walk-ins are welcome, but you know how people are, especially ladies like Dorothy, who would appreciate that you make an appointment.  

Our children aren't selfish, and they will be hosting other people there doing research.  

The new Library is impressive, and the precise date of the complete opening is still not definite, but as you can imagine, Dorothy and the Boys are excited.   

Larry and I are busy now getting all of the other things in our collection ready to load and on their way to Hays.  Of course, everyone is excited about the trip, and we are grateful to a friend to help get the complete collection on its way.  

All of the dolls were designed and made by Lyn Fenwick.