Champions of Creativity

L. Frank Baum

Lyman Frank Baum was born on May 15, 1856; next Monday marks his 167th birthday. He is best known for his children's book series, The Wonderful World of Oz, fourteen books in all. Mr. Baum was a prolific writer, penning forty-one novels, eighty-four short stories, two hundred poems, and at least forty-two scripts. He was a truly creative soul, making several attempts to bring his works to the stage and screen. In 1939, the adaptation of The Wizard of Oz was finally brought to the silver screen, becoming a landmark of twentieth-century cinema.

Frank Baum suffered from heart problems and found the warm sunshine of Coronado, California, wonderful weather to restore his health - and to write! The photograph on the left is of the Frank Baum House where the author and his small family occasionally resided between 1904-1910. Mr. Baum would write in the mornings, and in the afternoons would golf, or spend time reading to children in the courtyard of The Hotel Del Coronado.

In addition to L. Frank Baum (who famously designed the crown chandeliers still hanging in the Crown Room of the hotel), many other famous guests frequented The Del, including actors, politicians, and even royalty.

Since my father was stationed at the North Island Naval Air Station in Coronado, I was born on that sunny paradise island. Consequently, over the years I've become interested in the history of Coronado. Since Mr. Baum was a children's book author, I've enjoyed learning about him. 

Remember to follow your yellow brick road!