The Hudson Valley Inspired This Wizard of Oz Detail
Calling all Wizard of Oz fans, this one's for you because "There's no place like home."
Is there a Wizard of Oz in the Hudson Valley?
Who would have thought that the Hudson Valley would have such an influence on the idea of this detail, book, and later in life, movie?
A military academy in Peekskill, NY may have inspired the Wizard of Oz
Dating back to the 1800s, a young boy who attended a military school created a vision. Frank Baum was only 12 years old when he was sent away to this special school in Peekskill, New York.
Who is Frank Baum and how did he influence The Wizard of Oz?
Baum noticed that there was one particular road that was made of stone blocks. This road also had a yellow tint to it. When Baum got to the military school, he asked where he was supposed to go. As the story goes with surprise, Baum was told to "Follow the Yellow Brick Road."
Baum expressed how he didn't like the military school. It has been said that he dreamed of the infamous road leading him out of the property.
Did Frank Baum do any work with The Wizard of Oz book or film?
Baum went on to write 14 books and created a series called The Oz Books. The two pictures above are examples of his fascinating work.
Baum's children's books were about a girl from Kansas with the name of Dorothy. In the book, Dorothy woke up in an unfamiliar area and traveled on a gold path to what we know as Emerald City. Dorothy was alone in this book until she met a tin man, a lion and a scarecrow.
It is said that Baum sold millions of copies of that book.
Does the yellow brick road still exist today?
It has been said that the road has weeds growing on it but local residents hope to create a memorial on it.
It would be astonishing if they put statues of the characters from the Wizard of Oz. They should also include Baum himself, right in the middle.
Other residents argue the fact that Baum never fantasized about the yellow brick road but still hope that the roads influenced the idea of a book. Some of us may never know how or why Baum came up with this idea but I'm glad that he shared it with the world.
How can you find the Hudson Valley's yellow brick road?
The address is S. Water St in Peekskill, NY. Certain directions insist that it's on the west side of S. Water St. However, it is also said to be north of Hudson St. and behind the landmark of the Standard House.
The Standard House is a building made of bricks with a possible sign of the residence on the door. It is said that it's 50 Hudson St. to be exact.
However, Peekskill is not Emerald City, but the brick roads could have had something to do with the famous children's books and popular movie.
Do you believe that this New York road inspired The Wizard of Oz? If you ask me, I sure do believe that it played a huge role in it. Share with us below.
A Hudson Valley boutique motel has a Wizard of Oz room to stay in.
Check out the pictures below. I had the opportunity to spend the night and this jaw-dropping room.
Take look here.
