Through the exhibit Justin was introduced to a Michigan teacher, Fred Meyer, who provided him with names of other Oz fans. The Oz book publishers and author Jack Snow had contributed to that list in direct response to Fred’s own letters. By the time Justin wrote them all he’d found 16 others willing to form an Oz Club. They were all collectors of Oz books, buying up first editions, original artwork and other material back when it was relatively affordable and easy to find. Justin started a 4-page newsletter, The Baum Bugle, that evolved into a professional journal.
Adult members of the Club gradually stepped in to see that the group was incorporated as a not-for-profit organization. When Justin started college, they took on publishing the journal and were soon organizing annual meetings. These were held at a resort owned by one of Frank Baum’s sons, Harry Neal, in Bass Lake, Indiana. Members were interested in identifying the earliest printings of the Oz books and shared information through their meetings and journal about anything related to Oz, author L. Frank Baum, illustrator W.W. Denslow and their creative successors.
Above:Bill Eubank
Fred Meyer