Returning, in 1976, from my first Oz meeting in Yosemite National Park, I vowed both to fashion a costume for the next Winkie Convention and to assemble a complete run of the forty books in the Oz canon.

Over the years the costume contest became a real passion, resulting in eighteen appearances in the guise of colorful Oz characters. The construction of what were often more “floats” than costumes usually began in February or March for the July meetings. I aimed for the spectacular, appearing as the Ork, the dragon Quox, the Gump and Gwig, as well as several of the better known characters. Surprising convention attendees with my latest creation became a great deal of fun, and the spirited competition with friends was most enjoyable.

The collecting zeal that began in 1976 grew far beyond the basic Oz library. The book collection now numbers more than 1700 volumes. My area of special interest became foreign language Oz books. My wife and I lived in Europe for three years, providing an opportunity to acquire a great number of books in the European languages. Many of our

orthodontic residents at the Pacific University where I work/teach are from other countries; they have been generous in helping me locate volumes. Today this portion of my collection features more than 300 books in 47 languages -- and every wish of ‘Bon Voyage” to traveling friends is followed by a plea to “look for an Oz book.”

Dick Rutter