The International Wizard of Oz Club

Ozian Research Requests

A number of Oz Club members are seeking information on particular Oz-related topics of historical research. Often researchers need individuals to check the local historical society or library for information which can only be found in a particular geographical location. If you have any information on any of these topics, or if you would like to assist the effort, please contact the researcher directly.

If you would like to list your Ozian Research Request on this page, send your information to feedback@ozclub.org. Please put RESEARCH in the subject line. Each listing should include topic, full name of the researcher, and E-mail address plus any other contact information. Please make the topic description as specific as possible and include additional descriptions or special request criteria if applicable. Research requests will be removed after three months unless resubmitted.

Topic: The Appeal of Oz for Gay Males
Researcher: Dee Michel
E-Mail: damichel@krypto.net

Special Requests: I am writing a book about the appeal of Oz for gay males. Right now I'm especially interested in hearing from gay male Oz fans under 25 or over 60, anyone from a country other than the United States, or any non-Caucasian. I have a questionnaire which can be filled out anonymously, which I can send via email or the Post Office. While there is evidence that the MGM Wizard of Oz is a favorite of gay men in the 1970s on, I am trying to track the Oz/gay connection back in time. Any documentation that the MGM movie was a favorite of gay men in the 1940s or 50s or 60s would be of interest. A related question is the origin of the expression "friend of Dorothy" to refer to gay men. While most people assume it refers to Judy Garland's role as Dorothy Gale in the MGM movie, documenting this is difficult. Some folks have claimed the expression was in use in the 50s and 60s, but I have only found it in print from 1975 onward. Any occurance of 'friend of Dorothy' before 1975 would be of great interest. Finally, I would love to receive any information about what gay men or boys feel about the Oz BOOKS.

Exp. 9/1/2003

Topic: The Wizard of Oz Serialized
Researcher: Marc Berezin
E-Mail: marbpl@aol.com

Special Requests:  I would like a listing of instances THE WIZARD OF OZ has been serialized in different periodicals. Please include name of publication, date (including year, month and day) illustrator, adapter (if any) pages, and other relevant information.

Exp. 2/28/2001

Topic: Witches of Oz
Researcher: Tova Gordon
E-Mail: tova_gordon@hotmail.com

Special Requests:  Special Requests: I am doing a critical analysis of the portrayal of witches in texts throughout history and the values that these portrayals demonstrate. The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (both film and book) have been a wonderful resource, however I was wondering if anyone knew of any other works done on the Witches of Oz (apart from satire such as Wicked).

Exp. 2/28/2001

Topic:Baum Bibliographical Research
Researcher: Patrick Maund
E-Mail: ZMaund@aol.com

Exp. 2/28/2001

Topic: Baum's Early Publishing Career
Researcher: Mary Fairbanks
E-Mail: mfairbanks@netzero.net

Special Requests: I am requesting anyone with information regarding Baum's early publishing career in Bradford, PA to contact me. I am interested in the location of Gilmor, which is mentioned in "To Please A Child", I believe. I am also interested in his father's ties to the oil industry in that area. If anyone has speculation on how this area might have influenced him or his penname VanDyne, I am more than indebted. 

Exp. 2/28/2001

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