BARBOURSVILLE, W.Va. — The neighbors might have been surprised to see a yellow brick road leading up to the house on their street.
But if they know their neighbor, Jane Craddock, they would have known what was up.
Craddock has amassed a collection of Wizard of Oz memorabilia so large she now owns the house next door for display.
At the end of the yellow brick road, visitors enter to find a clock from Macy’s Department Store that was created for the 50th anniversary of the movie. There is a tin man complete with a heart that has a working stopwatch.
There are cases of collectibles, a table with placemats representing the movie and a small television that plays the movie “The Wizard of Oz.”
The kitchen contains cookie jars in the shape of various characters. There’s a poppy bathroom and a Baum bathroom.
That’s the tip of the iceburg. Every room is full of things like clothing from munchkins, autographed posters and pictures – nearly any decorative item that can be thought of is there bearing a Wizard of Oz theme.
For years, Craddock had some of her collection displayed in her house next door and much of it in storage. She always wanted an Oz house and finally got one when her husband, a housing developer, agreed to give her the house.
Her collection has been more than acquiring objects. She said she’s made many wonderful friends by collecting as well as by attending Oz conventions and related events.
She spent the week of Thanksgiving 2007 in Hollywood as a guest of former Munchkin Clarence Swensen when the Munchkins were honored with a star on the Walk of Fame at Grauman’s Chinese Theater.
“It’s kind of magical,” she said of the experience. “I hated to be gone the week of Thanksgiving but I’m glad I went. It was like a dream.”
The Munckins — there are nine still living — were inducted into the Walk of Fame during a ceremony emceed by the self-proclaimed mayor of Hollywood, Johnny Grant. A luncheon followed at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel in the room where the first Academy Awards Ceremony was scheduled in 1927.
She is loathe to think about how much money she’s invested in her collection, but Craddock wants to share it with the public.
“What’s the good if you can’t share it?” she said.
Jane Craddock’s Oz house is not a museum. However, it can be seen in small groups by appointment by e-mailing her at Jcraddock621@aol.com.
LEE WARD can be reached at lward@dailyindependent.com or (606) 326-2661.
Lifestyles
Related Photos
-
LEE WARD / THE INDEPENDENT
-
LEE WARD / THE INDEPENDENT
Discussion
'Wizard of Oz movie memorabilia collection expands to its own house
- Lifestyles
-
-
Hands-on project
Nineteen-month-old Nathan Spears plunged right in when his mother, Jessica Spears of Ashland, encouraged him to get dirty at a recent Toddler Time at Catlettsburg, patting his hands in red paint to create a Valentine in the Hands That Touch a Heart program the Boyd County Public Library sponsors.
-
Helgason’s art, poetry to be shown at The Upstairs Gallery
The figure paintings of Ironton artist Linda Helgason will be displayed at The Upstairs Gallery starting with today’s First Friday art walk.
-
Spring film fest begins
The Spring International Film Festival begins today at the Keith-Albee Theater.
-
Art as therapy
Natural gems, each with its unique look, inspires the work on Amy Litteral, owner of Moxie Jewelry Designs which is headquartered at the Pendleton Art Center.
-
Blazer students' work displayed at 1414 Gallery
When the question was posed, “Why do you do what you do?,” art students at Paul G. Blazer High School had the answer and have shared it in an exhibit that opens on First Friday at The 1414 Gallery at TSHD Architects.
-
'Snapshot'
Ironton native Carmen Mitzi Sinnott will perform her one-woman show titled “Snapshot: A True Story of Love Interrupted by Invation” at 7 p.m. Feb. 9 at the Joan C. Edwards Theater.
-
‘Idol’ Bo Bice to headline ‘All You Need Is Love’
Bo Bice, runner-up of “American Idol,” will will headline the second annual All You Need Is Love benefit concert, set for 7 p.m. Saturday at the Paramount Arts Center.
-
Goins concert to benefit U.S. troops, veterans
For the fifth year, bluegrass star Melvin Goins will present his homecoming concert in honor of troops and veterans of the U.S. military.
-
What's happening: 1/30/12
Ballroom dance lessons in waltz will be offered this month at the Junior League offices at 617 Ninth Ave.
-
Kentucky Music Trail announced
The Paramount Arts Center announced Trace Adkins, the Charlie Daniels Band and Clint Black will perform this year at the theater as part of the Kentucky Music Trail.
- More Lifestyles Headlines
-
Former Komen Exec Defends Funding Cut
Skip the Coffee Cup and Inhale Your Caffeine Fix
Calif. Gay Marriage Ban Ruled Unconstitutional
Jury Selection for Ex-UVa Athlete Enters 2nd Day
Raw Video: Giants Celebrate Another Super Bowl
Cab Driver Helps Wis. Family Escape House Fire
Greek Leaders Seek Deal As Bankruptcy Looms
Bernanke: Recovery Depends on Consumer Spending
Staff Removed at LA School During Abuse Probe
Eastwood in Super Bowl Ad 'Compassionate'
Stranded Fishermen Rescued From Bay of Green Bay
Analyst: Outside Troops Won't Intervene in Syria
Police: Father Planned Deadly Fire for Some Time
US, UK Pressure on Syria; More Homs Violence
Raw Video: Mass Killer Wants Medal, Freedom
Court Strips Contador of Tour De France Title
Runaway Goat Leads Police on Wild Chase
And the Winner for Best Super Bowl Ad Is...
Romney Latest Poll to Join Let-me-explain Club
