My attending small Gillikin gatherings in Escanaba, Michigan, were the start of displaying portions of my growing Oz collection. That led to my being asked to provide a major 2-month display at the Detroit Public Library (which had banned the Oz books in the 1960’s) in 1984 where I filled 30 display cases by borrowing half of the display items from fellow Club members.  Several regional Club conventions followed including the 2000 Centennial Convention in Bloomington, Indiana, where I didn’t need to borrow anything.  It was the perfect opportunity to share my collection and love for Oz with like-minded Oz types by filling two 35-foot display areas with a panorama highlighting 100 years of Oz books and collectibles. 

Bill Beem

Bill’s willingness to share his collection in exhibitions has been a wonderful asset to the Club and his community. At an Ozmpolitan convention he and his wife recently co-chaired, the entire meeting room was surrounded with fascinating, informative, fun displays.