Description
Here’s a wonderful early Wizard of Oz and World’s Fair cross-collectible item. This is a pre-release press kit for the Enchanted Island children’s exhibit at the 1933/1934 Chicago World’s Fair, including an 8×10″ original photograph, a typed description of the photo, and a 5-page typed synopsis of the planned exhibit. The exhibit included huge statues of the Wizard of Oz Scarecrow (Strawman) and Tin Woodman, which are included in the photo. The photo is apparently of a model of the planned exhibit–an “Artist’s Conception” by H K Dieg (Delineator) and G H Buckley (Architect). This artist’s conception was also used on postcards sold at the fair, and the earliest ones carry the artist’s misspelling “Resturant”! The synopsis says that Enhanted Island “intends to open May first, one moth prior to the official opening of the Fair”, and also mentions the “straw man” and a twenty feet high Tin Woodman. Also discussed are the Jean Gros Marionettes and theatre, where Oz-related entertainment was held.
On the back of the stapled synopsis are pencilled notes from someone about people involved with the exhibit. There is age toning, the photo is curled with a bit of damage at lower corner, and the typed description is attached with an old paperclip that I will leave for your disposal should you so choose.
