L. Frank Baum Celebration
NY Route 15 at NY Route 13, Chittenango, New York | Officially Marked Monument
Official and unofficial markers, from the dignified to the kitschy, vie for the visitor’s attention in the heart of Chittenango. This is the birthplace of Wizard of Oz author L. Frank Baum, and from village elders to the most casual merchant, everyone wants you to know it.
In 1978 the village launched its Oz Festival, now known as the annual Oz Stravaganza, held each summer.
Chittenango banner
Commemorative banners such as this one adorn lamp posts in the village center.
Auntie Em's Place
Not even invoking the name of Auntie Em (most likely, an authorial nod to Baum's mother-in-law Matilda Joslyn Gage) could ensure this shuttered business's success. No matter, another entrepreneur will come along soon enough to keep the name in play.
All Things Oz Museum
Of course there's an All Things Oz Museum.
Yellow Brick Sidewalk
And of course, the sidewalks of Chittenango's central business district form twin Yellow Brick Roads, hugging either side of Genesee Street (NY State Route 5). The original sidewalks (built from actual yellow bricks) were installed in 1982. In 2006, those were replaced with stamped, dyed concrete, expected to wear better than actual bricks. Note the expansion line between two plates of concrete stamped with the brick pattern.
