Judy Garland Letter From Home - Judy Around Town!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Since our last newsletter, the lovely and unusual Indian summer that we have so been enjoying suddenly turned into full-blown winter. Yes! We received nearly 21 inches of snow in a few days!

Our last newsletter focused on the annual Wizard of Oz Festival here in Grand Rapids, Minnesota Meanwhile, as soon as the letter went out, we realized we were remiss in telling you about one event – one of the most popular events this year: The Judy Around Town Tour!  So, here goes.

Judy Around Town

Conceived and directed by Paul Herrick and Joe Malinovsky, Judy Around Town was one of the most popular presentations during the 2016 Festival. A bus from our local bus company, Arrowhead, was hired for the event and quickly sold out. In fact, standing room was filled!

Paul Herrick, who has been flying to Minnesota from his home state, Washington since 2001, and Joseph Malinovsky, a native of St. Paul who has been attending the Festival just about as long, joined together to create this tour. The pair also conduct our annual Judy Jeopardy and Wizard of Oz Jeopardy games. These two have been collecting information for this tour for many years.

Joe Malinovsky speaking to director of "The Slippers,"
Morgan White

Fans were able to visit the outside of Frank Gumm’s New Grand Theater, where Judy made her debut at the age of 2 ½ in 1924, and visit the inside of the Pokegama Hotel. The Pokegama, now an apartment building, has been here since 1891. It once had a grand dining room (now a flower shop) where Judy was celebrated at a luncheon on her return visit in 1938.

Other stops made were the former Itasca Hospital (now an apartment building) where Judy was born in 1922, the Episcopal Church where visitors were able to see the hand-signed document for her christening in 1922, and the original site the home where Judy lived. The bus toured around Silver Lake where the Gumm family used to swim and picnic, stopping along the way to visit the Gilbert House. The Gilberts were friends with the Gumms. Kathryn Gilbert helped Mrs. Gumm at events, decorating the house or fixing food. Her brothers Bob and Wayne appeared on stage with Frank Gumm, singing and strumming their ukuleles.

Presently, more research is being done on the Gumm family in Grand Rapids and the people they knew. We are hoping to figure out which homes their friends lived in and re-create a real sense of what the old neighborhood was like. Perhaps the next time Paul and Joe decide to do a tour, there will be even more interesting things to show you!

The Judy Garland Museum and Amazon Smile!

Long-time supporter of the Judy Garland Museum, Angela Fischetti, nominated our Museum for the non-profit charity Amazon Smile program and we are now listed!

Now when you do your Christmas shopping on Amazon, please think of us! For every dollar you spend, Amazon will donate a portion back to the Judy Garland Museum. Isn't that fabulous?

Here is a link.  Thank you Angela and all participants!

https://smile.amazon.com/ch/41-1790485

Ethel Gumm Lost Her Lavalier - Reward Offered

Recently a member of the Itasca Historical Society mentioned to us that he found an article in the 1916 Grand Rapids Herald Review that Ethel had lost a beautiful gold and silver lavalier on a certain corner or neighborhood of Grand Rapids and was offering a reward for its return. We wonder if she ever got it back. Apparently the ad remained in the paper for more than a month. Very possibly, this lavalier was a wedding present – possibly even from Frank. If we find out more, we will let you know.

The New Grand – Photograph Wanted

Although John Kelsch, director of the Judy Garland Museum has looked for many years, as of this date no photograph of the New Grand Theatre in Grand Rapids, Minnesota has been found.

Recent investigation has discovered that after the Gumm family left Grand Rapids for California, the theatre pretty much continued as it had for a number of years with films and amateur nights. In 1929, the theatre was renovated due to the changes from silent pictures to sound.

In 1931, the new theatre next door to the New Grand – the Rialto – was built. Although it is difficult to see now, at the time this theatre was quite stunning with a huge lighted sign and fancy front. Because the street outside was not as wide then, the front of the theatre extended out further than we see today.

The week before the new Rialto opened –Armistice Day 1931, the New Grand announced that it would be showing its final pictures. And so, eighty-five years ago this month, the New Grand saw its last picture show. Since then, it has been used for various businesses.

It is further interesting to note that  had the Gumm Family stayed in Grand Rapids, it is clear that they would have had to find another means of employment – whether with another theatre, another line of business, or  by moving to another town.

The Ruby Slippers to Be Restored

Last month, the Smithsonian Museum announced the intention to restore their pair of Ruby Slippers from the beloved film, The Wizard of Oz.  In an article they stated that the sequins on the shows are presently more of an amber color, than red and other details need care to prevent these beloved icons from receiving further problems.

Opening their quest of $300,000 on Kickstarter, the goal was met in less than a week. In fact, by the end of the month, the Smithsonian raised more than $350,000 to restore and maintain the slippers. In addition, they are now collecting funds to preserve the Scarecrow’s costume as well.

Children’s Discovery Museum Hosts Christmas Party

Each year the Children’s Discovery Museum – which is a part of the Judy Garland Museum – hosts a Christmas party. The organization subsidize this event every year, allowing it to be free for everyone.

This year our annual holiday party known as the “Ho Ho Hoedown” will take place on December 8, from 2-4.  There will be carriage rides, live music, crafts and games and, of course, Santa Claus.  If you are in town, don’t miss it!

We want to wish all of you a wonderful holiday season.

Remember to keep in touch. We are working on our annual Wizard of Oz Festival with some very special ideas for the Judy Garland portion of this event in 2017!

Judy Garland: Letter From Home - Oz Festival Report & More

It was a beautiful summer here in Grand Rapids and now fall has arrived. We apologize for being so tardy in reporting on all our news, but here it is. Happy Fall. Enjoy!

Festival News

The 2016 Wizard of Oz Festival was exciting this year for many reasons. First, it is always exciting when fans of Judy Garland and Oz to get together. Secondly, this year we had a few new programs. Thirdly, we might add, the talent and quality of all events was exceptional!

Andy Jurss, Alison Hill, Nancy Johnson and  Joan Herrick

We’d like to let you know that the 2017 Wizard of Oz Festival dates will be: JUNE 8 – 10. Already, plans are underway for this event. In the next few months, we hope to release some information, so you can make your travel plans!

Judy Garland House Tea Party & Style Show

This year, the ladies who teach the school programs for the Children’s Discovery Museum had an idea: Let’s

have a tea party! To this, they added a style show for which Lila Crowe at the Itasca Historical Society graciously lent some of the Judy Garland replica costumes made back in 1989.

By the way, we’d like to mention that New Grand Theatre here in Grand Rapids, run by none other than Judy Garland’s father, Frank Gumm, hosted to first style show here in 1915. Folks then said that no one would be interested in fashion, but they were!

For this event, the house was beautifully decorated with linen table cloths, fine china and fresh garden flowers.  The beautiful decorating job was done, and items lent by Nancy O’Toole, Biz Peterson, Corrine Jacobson, Sue Plagmann, Vicki Wilcox and Michelle Russell. All this love and effort brought the home back to 1919-1926, during the period when Judy’s mother, Ethel Gumm, often had luncheons, dinners, and bridge parties. Ethel was an excellent cook and loved to decorate. It was really fun to see the house not simply as a museum, but a real home with flowers, food, and guests!

For the style show, five replica costumes were loaned by the Itasca County Historical Society and modeled by some wonderful models:

 Bella Eastman – Love Finds Andy Hardy – no song here, so Judy sang n “I’m Nobody’s Baby”

Patti Rhode - Meet Me in St. Louis – The Trolley Song,

Malina Meyer - Mack the Black costume from The Pirate,

Allaya Lane - The Tramp costume from Easter Parade.

Sue Plagman - the Academy Award scene costume from A Star Is Born. For this Judy sang It’s a New World.

And, as a final surprise, Lorraine Lassig-Banks modeled a black cape with sequin applique, once owned by Judy Garland herself to Judy’s Over the Rainbow.

Each model came down the stairs to Judy. In addition, a tour of the house was given by a 6th grade student, Brooke Christenson. Brooke conducted the tour dressed as Dorothy, and did an excellent job. It was a really nice event.

The Joint Was Really Jumpin’

On Thursday night, we celebrated the 80th anniversary of Judy Garland’s feature film debut (Pigskin Parade 1936).

To open this event, Josh Gallagher gave a grand performance of songs from Judy’s films. Last year, the crowd was wowed by Josh, but this year, he outdid himself with his grand renditions of Judy’s film hits. At the end, the crowd was on its feet cheering for quite a while. The concert was truly a wonderful event to highlight.

The film chosen for this evening was “Everybody Sing,” a movie in which Judy excelled with great musical numbers. She also had great co-stars in this picture: Billie Burke, Alan Jones and the legendary comedienne, Fanny Brice.

Before the film was shown, John Fricke gave us some background on it, and Michelle Russell read a rare 1937 interview with Judy and her mother, Ethel Gumm, conducted on the “Everybody Sing” film set by a Superior (Ethel’s hometown) native.

John Fricke in the Emerald City

This year, for the 2016 Festival, John Fricke presented four programs. Two of the programs were Oz related: “Judy Remembers Dorothy” and a short program for kids and adults, “Fun Facts about Oz.” These were each great programs, but the two programs which truly moved audiences the most were those on Judy herself.

The first, “They Remember Judy” consisted of clip outtakes from interviews Fricke conducted over the last 20 years. Between the clips, Fricke made short comments on who the person was and the circumstances surrounding the event they spoke of. These clips conveyed a Judy Garland that few of us felt we had ever met. Friends and peers spoke of her thoughtfulness and kindness, revealing that that was the kind of person she really was. Audience members responded to this event, leaving full of emotion and thoughtfulness about what they had seen.

On Saturday afternoon, John Fricke presented “The Best of Judy 1965-1968.” This presentation involved television appearances and performances that Judy did during this time. Many or most of these were unusual clips and conveyed what a great performer Miss Garland was, touching us to the very heart. In the end, there was a performance, her last on television, where she sang, “All for You.” Watching this clip, there was no doubt, as John Fricke pointed out, that she was saying goodbye, telling us that all she had given as a performer was for us. Many were moved to tears, if not goosebumps during this program. With these thrilling and revealing Garland programs, many felt that John Fricke had truly outdone himself.

It should also be mentioned that during this time, Fricke told us about a show he had been working as a consultant on for the last four years. It’s called, “Chasing Rainbows,” and at present is playing at the Goodspeed in Connecticut thru November. If all goes well, it is hoped the show will go to Broadway.

The Wizard of Oz in Blu-Ray

Although this year The Wizard of Oz was promised in 3-D, it did not work out. In the final weeks, we learned that a 3-D film had never been shown outdoors before. There are several reasons for this. One, in addition to a special projector, in order for the special effects of 3-D to work, complete darkness is required. In addition, a silver screen – which costs a fortune – is necessary.

In the end, we were able to obtain a Blu-ray copy of the film and the special projector required. The Blu-Ray showing of The Wizard of Oz was brilliant! The picture was crystal clear. In fact, it was so clear, it seemed as if the characters could walk right off the screen. Audiences were able to notice things they had not before. In the future, we believe this version is the one we will continue to show every year!

From Our Much Loved Scarecrow

and his Friend, The Cowardly Lion

For many years now, visitors during Festival time have enjoyed meeting our “Scarecrow,” played by Minneapolis actor, Tom Hendricks. Frequently, Tom has volunteered his services for the benefit of the Judy Garland Museum, and this year he brought along two friends: Jeff and Theresa Kortman. Jeff portrayed the Cowardly Lion for us this year with amazing make-up accuracy. Theresa, played the delightful Auntie Em. Both Kortmans, who hail from Minneapolis, kindly donated their talents for the Emerald City Fest at the Central School House, to help raise money for the Children’s Discovery Museum programs.

Here are some special comments by Tom Hendricks:

This year at the Emerald City Fest, Auntie Em aka Theresa Kortman, got all decked out to sell cookies, while Jeff Kortman played the Cowardly ham by getting pictures taken with other characters, including some of our patrons who were all dressed up as the Winkies and Witches of both the East and West.

Theresa’s sister, Rita Pugh, courageously donned the “tornado,” and had the kids dancing with her. The children were actually “twisting” in the wind on the top of a small hill by the old Central School, while Theresa did a clockwise rotation.

The Oz Brothers, ETC.

Jeff Kortman has been a professional guitarist/musician/makeup man, for over 45 years. He has always had fun entertaining, and has played many theatrical roles. For the past two years in Grand Rapids, Jeff has played the Cowardly Lion. He also assisted in judging two musical contests at the Judy Garland Museum’s 2015 Wizard of Oz Festival and at Baudette Minnesota's: Lake of the Woods County Fair in 2016. Jeff has had his own band. This year he did the make-up for resident wit and wonder, our Official Scarecrow, Tom Hendricks, when he appeared in “The Cat in the Hat” at a special Kid's Night performance.

Theresa Kortman aka Mother Theresa, performed as Auntie Em this year for the Emerald City Fest activities planned by Melanie Kleven Jacobson. Theresa enjoys being in the background and helping out at the Wizard of Oz Festival. 2016 was Theresa's third Wizard of Oz Festival!  Mrs. Kortman is Project Leader for Operation Christmas Child in Crystal, Minnesota. All year round, she shops and helps pack, process, and ship shoeboxes with gifts for needy children around the world.

Tom Hendricks came to us as a fledgling Oz Scarecrow in 2005, the very same year the Ruby Slippers were stolen. That year, he roamed the halls of the Museum dressed in rubber boots, a green pullover, and two hats stuck together as one to form the humble ha man hat. Did we mention he forgot the yellow face? 

Tom worked with Judy Garland Museum director, John Kelsch, to create a Judy Garland Day for the State of Minnesota in 2006.  That year at the Festival, John and Tom were able to present the original document for the creation of that day, to Judy Garland’s son, Joe Luft.

In 2014, Tom appeared on the Twin Cities Live, a Minneapolis based television program in order to pitch that year’s Wizard of Oz Festival activities and to show off Judy Garland's solid gold album, and international number one song, Over the Rainbow.

Tom has appeared on Last Comic Standing, the Children's Miracle Network, and A&E Network - Minnesota's Infrastructure. He has 21 years in Children's Ministries experience and currently owns an online company, Minneapple Shop.

The year 2016 has been a busy one for Tom Hendricks in relation to “The Wizard of Oz.” During the summer, Tom,  Jeff, and Theresa,  who have known one another for over 20 years, agreed to hand out Judy Garland Museum flyers at the Oz related events they were attending. The events this year included:

-          Village Fest in Crystal, Minnesota.

-          Lake of the Woods County Fair – an event the 2^nd week in August in Baudette, MN, - at the tip of the Canadian border. This event was booked by Brian Carlson's Talent Agency.

-          A "Meet and Greet" the Lion and Scarecrow at the Historic Heights Theater in Minneapolis, during their showing of The Wizard of Oz. Altogether, 398 patrons showed up for the sold out presentation. After the doors were officially closed, the patrons clamored for more pictures with the “Lion” and “Scarecrow,” including a fan dressed as Dorothy, who begged for a Facebook selfie!

-          The end of September brought another “meet and greet” held at Antiquities Antiques in Northeast Minneapolis, Minnesota. 

Altogether, our wonderful Scarecrow and Lion were able to hand out more than one thousand Dorothy and Carriage flyers during these events.

At present, this pair are spearheading potential places to volunteer, creating Oz moments and spreading news for the 2017 Wizard of Oz Festival in Grand Rapids, Minnesota.

The Emerald City Fest

The Emerald City Fest was very fortunate this year because we had no rain! Families and individuals enjoyed the annual Fest, under the direction of Melanie Jacobson, at the Central School House. There were loads of fun things to do, including face painting, carriage rides, Oz characters and Glinda’s bubbles.

Melanie Jacobson using her talents with face painting.

Working with Melanie, new Education Coordinator at the Children’s Discovery Museum, Nancy O’Toole, instituted some new family and child friendly events, including: an instrument petting zoo, Oz Costume Photo Op, Bubble Bath Blowers, a Poppy Painting Project and a Ruby Slipper Scavenger Hunt for families.

Later that afternoon, Dorothy’s Animal Farm with all kinds of animals, took place on the lawn outdoors next to the museum. This event was under the direction of Debbie and Marlon Sias.

The Slippers – A Minnesota Premiere

Our big event this year was the Minnesota Premiere of The Slippers. We are happy to say this event sold out. After a sit-down dinner, and audiences were delightfully surprised to the scope and quality of this documentary.

Joe Malinosky and Morgan White discuss "The Slippers"

Created and directed by filmmaker Morgan White, “The Slippers” is the history of the Ruby Slippers, beginning with MGM through the present day. Morgan filmed in Hollywood on the MGM lot, used historic footage, and interviewed many, many persons for this film – people who played a part in this history. We can’t say enough nice things about this picture.

Audiences were spellbound by the story and laughed at John Kelsch’s comment, “France has the Mona Lisa, and we have “The Wizard of Oz.” Since late last spring, Morgan White’s film has been making the rounds at festivals and special events around the country. We hope it receives the attention it deserves.

For further information, please check Morgan White's Facebook page.:

Special Visitors

Kelsey, one of the greatest Wizard of Oz fans we've ever met
has won every Wizard of Oz Jeopardy game she's played!
Here are Kelsey and her dad,  at the Farewell Breakfast.

Among our yearly visitors are fans of all ages, persons from all over the world. This year one of our first time Festival attendees was Aaron Pacentine, a young filmmaker who loves collecting stories about “The Wizard of Oz” and what it means to people. Last year Aaron’s company, Family Films Productions, released a DVD documentary called, “The Wonderful World of Oz – Celebrating the Oz Community.”

This Pacentine is working on a new documentary called:  

The Wonderful World of Oz II: Celebrating Oz Events & Festivals

The DVD will be available sometime later next year. The film will showcase video interviews and clips with stories of various people in the Oz/Judy Garland community about their memories at different events. Look for more information on Facebook.

SPECIAL SALES

The Judy Garland Museum Gift Shop carries many items relating to Judy and “The Wizard of Oz” for collectors and fans. Recently, we’ve also received a number of donations not necessarily related to these subjects, but items none-the-less donated to be sold for the benefit of the museum.

In the past months, we opened an Ebay Account: judyg-us2015 in order to sell items that would be of interest to the public in general, not necessarily our visits.  Please check it out.

In addition to the items on our website, we also have used and unusual items for auction or sale there.

If, by chance, you are looking for a rare book or record of Judy Garland, please call us. We have many, many for sale!  (218) 327-9276   or jgarland@uslink.net

CHILDREN'S DISCOVER MUSEUM
FREE ITEMS NEED A HOME NOW!
Quick, last minute note. The major display for the Children's Discovery Museum is being moved out in the next few days. If you are interested or know of someone who would be interested --some items already promised -- rather than have this go to the dump, we are donating it, but must go now! Contact the museum!!!

***

There is a lot more news to tell, but we will save it for our next newsletter. We apologize for the names or stories we may have missed. We will include them soon!Meanwhile, enjoy your fall!  We’ll be in touch soon!

June Letter From Home: Jazz, Judy and The Wizard of Oz Festival

Last week, visitors to our “Judy Garland Letter from Home” about The Slippers reached an all-time high. This week, in our final blog before the 2016 Wizard of Oz Festival, we will reveal some more information.

Meanwhile, tickets are going fast, so don’t delay in purchasing yours!

-         The Wizard of Oz in 3D

-         Josh Gallagher – Jazz Tribute

-         John Fricke Talks about Judy

-         Meet the Staff

-         The Slippers Showing

-         More about Festival Events

-         Where Is…?

-         Surprise Exhibit Items

The Wizard of Oz in 3D

Word reached the Judy Garland Museum this past week that the annual outdoor showing of “The Wizard of Oz” on Friday, June 10^th will be extra special because this year there are plans to show it in 3D! In addition, 3D glasses will be provided for the film. During the announcement, John Kelsch, director of the Judy Garland Museum, noted, “This will be a one-time only event.”

Addendum: In following up on this news, it seems showing a 3D film is a lot trickier than one would think. Not only does it require the special film and glasses, a special projector and silver screen are needed for movie quality screening. A 3D film also requires complete darkness, and it has been suggested that persons sit center in order for the effects to be fully realized.

That said, the Museum is still working on the details in order to make this event happen. In any case, the film will be shown either as Blu Ray or 3D. Meanwhile, it will not be shown until 10:00 p.m. to accommodate the 3D. 

The scheduled location is Evergreen Terrace lawn, just next to the Judy Garland Museum. Food will be available for purchase. It is hoped as well that the replica Oz hot air balloon will be raised once again on the Ever Green Terrace lawn earlier that evening. The balloon can only be raised in non-windy weather

This film showing also depends on weather. In case of rain, “The Wizard of Oz” will be screened at the IRA Civic Center. The presentation is free and open to the public. Please check back with the Museum for details. Information will be posted on Facebook.

Friday, June 10^th, 10:00pm on the Evergreen Terrace Lawn.

Jazz Artist Josh Gallagher and Judy

Josh Gallagher is a jazz pianist from Eau Claire, Wisconsin, and a very talented musician at that. Last year, the audience was wowed by his amazing renditions of some favorite Garland songs. This June, Josh returns with a special tribute to Judy Garland in film. In fact, 2016 marks the 80^th anniversary of Judy’s film debut.

A year ago, Gallagher told us that he had the honor of studying at the Brubeck Institute.  Dave Brubeck (1920-2012) is, of course, the renowned American jazz pianist, widely considered one of the foremost exponents of cool jazz. In addition, Brubeck wrote a number of compositions, which are now jazz standards. Because of this, we thought we’d ask Josh about his memories of Dave Brubeck.

About that time, Josh says:

“I was in the Brubeck Institute Fellowship Program during the 2004-2005 school year.  Dave Brubeck started the program, but was not actively involved in our daily activities.  We were able to interact with him for about a week during the "Brubeck Festival" that spring.

For the last song on one of the concerts that week, Dave had the six of us students play Billy Strayhorn's "Take the 'A' Train" along with him, and Dave and I took turns at the piano. 

A year or so later, I was in Boston studying at Berklee College of Music, and Dave played a concert there with his quartet. I met him at the stage door when he arrived, and he remembered me and let me sit backstage with his wife, Iola, during the concert. At the end of the show, he had me come out on stage, and again we took turns playing "Take the 'A' Train."

Well, if Dave Brubeck took turns playing “Take the A Train” with Josh, you can imagine just how talented this young man is.

For quite a few years, Josh Gallagher came to the Judy Garland/Wizard of Oz Festival as a visitor. In his spare time, he go into the Garland house and play piano, which got people talking. As a result, he was asked last year to perform at the Festival. This year, he salutes Judy Garland’s amazing accomplishments in film. Among the songs Josh will include in his program are:

Zing! Went the Strings of My Heart, Over the Rainbow, Our Love Affair, How About You?, After You've Gone, I Got Rhythm, On the Atchison, Topeka, and the Santa Fe, I Wish I Were in Love Again, Get Happy, Little Drops of Rain, and By Myself, and many more!

 

Gallagher’s program will be followed by one of Judy Garland’s early films,“Everybody Sing,”  about a girl who loves to sing jazz!

In addition to fifteen year-old Judy Garland, who shows what an amazing talent she was already, are: Billie Burke (Good Witch of the North) and the famed Fanny Brice. The film “Funny Girl” is based on her life. It was after making this film in 1938, (just before The Wizard of Oz), that Judy and her mother took a train trip to New York to fulfill part of Garland’s contractual agreement for film appearances with the release of her new film. On the way back, the pair stopped in Grand Rapids because, as Judy requested, she wanted to see the house where she lived in as a child and see her best friend.

The Jazz Tribute to Judy Garland in Film by Josh Gallagher and Everybody Sings will take place on Thursday evening, June 9^th 2016, at 7:00 pm at the Judy Garland Museum. The cost of the event is $15.00.

It’s going to be a great evening, so don’t miss it!

John Fricke on Judy Garland

During this year’s Festival Emmy award winning producer and author John Fricke will present several talks on Judy Garland which should be of great interest to her fans.

,

Friday, June 10,

10:30 a.m.

“They Remember Judy” – This program is accompanied by film clips.

4:00 p.m.

“Judy Remembers Dorothy” – This program is straight lecture.

Saturday, June 11^th

3:00 pm

“The Best of Judy, 1965 – 1968” – The program includes film clips.

In addition, Mr. Fricke will present a short commentary before the “Everybody Sing” film on Friday at 7pm, and on

 Saturday, June 11,

1:30 pm – Free with Museum Admission

“Fun Facts and Lessons from Oz” – a short talk for kids of all ages.

Two weeks ago, we presented a portion of an interview with author/historian John Fricke. Here is the conclusion of that piece.

Judy Garland Museum:  What should people/fans expect to gain from these programs?

John Fricke:  Well, they'll hear insights from people who knew her...from 1924 or thereabouts until the end of her life. They'll hear her own words and opinions about her most iconic screen role, in the best-loved and best-known motion picture of all time. And they'll see and hear her kickin' it across with the very best and most she had to offer in those last years of her life, when the challenges and pressures were ever-greater. Yet, as will be seen, she never stopped offering the "most" of Judy Garland she had to offer at any given moment.

JGM: Is there anything else you'd like us to know?

JF: I'd like everyone to know that I'm grateful -- to the maximum -- to be coming back, to have the chance to see old friends at our "family" reunion, to meet new people...and, most of all, to try to share the unparalleled and unequaled "joy of Judy" in her birthplace: her music, her laughter, her life, and her love.

***

John Fricke will also give a short commentary before the showing of the film,

Everybody Sing on Thursday at 8:00 pm

Meet our Staff

Sue Plagmann has worked at the Judy Garland Museum for the last two and a half years. She not only handles the front desk, but is also responsible for purchasing all the items in our shop.

 Before coming to the Museum, Sue worked at gift shops in Duluth and Grand Rapids. At one point, she owned her own store. 

Sue graduated from BIWABIK in St. Paul. She’s been married to Greg Plagmann for 30 years now. They have two daughters and one granddaughter, who loves to play at the Museum.

Sheena Richards joined the staff of the Judy Garland Museum in March of this year.

Sheena is currently attending college to obtain her Master’s in Nursing and Minor in Psychology. She has been married to Tom Richards for fourteen years. They have two children, 12 and 8. The Richards children love visiting the Judy Garland Museum. Sheena’s favorite hobby is travel!

Michelle Russell – From time to time, you will see Michelle Russell working at the front desk. In addition, Michelle is responsible for cataloging Museum items, helping with the Festival and doing special research.

Michelle is the author of six books, including the two volume work, “From Tennessee to Oz – The Amazing Saga of Judy Garland’s Family History.” Michelle is married to John Kelsch.

Special Mentions

Marie & Marn Flicker

Marie Flicker worked (and “played” she says) at the Judy Garland Museum for seven years, working both as director John Kelsch’s administrative assistant and covering the  front desk. Marie is now retired, but from time to time comes in to help John on special projects. Marie is known for her friendly personality and willingness to be helpful.

Marn Flicker, as a former electronic tech, has been called on to help as a handyman at the Museum, especially when Treesa, the talking tree, would malfunction. He also fixed one of the carpets in the children’s museum so no one would trip and put up a coat hanging bar for the children’s costumes. Recently, and perhaps most special, Marn created the beautiful fence which now encloses our wild animals in the art room.

 Prior to retiring to Grand Rapids in 2006, Marn & Marie owned and operated Flicker’s TV & Appliance in Monticello, Minnesota where they worked side by side managing 12 employees for 33 years. While Marn ran the business, Marie did the bookkeeping and managed the office.

Today, the Flickers have a cabin on Jessie Lake near Marcel where Marn loves to hunt/fish and Marie loves to read and knit.  They enjoy meeting people as well as four-wheeling and snowmobiling with friends. We thank Marie and Marn for their contributions to the Judy Garland and Children’s Museum.

Do You Recognize These Items?

A few items from our rare collection will be brought out for guests to see during the Festival. Do you recognize any of these items or know their significance?

When you visit the Judy Garland Museum during Festival time, look for them. These rare artifacts were recently uncovered during the reorganization of our archives, including a unique piece of Judy Garland clothing.

To the left, we have a portion of a building, a coffee pot, runway light, silver writing case. 

Where Is….?

Visitors often ask us, “Where is the Itasca Historical Society?”  For many years, the Historical Society was located upstairs in the old Central School. A few years ago, it moved to a building on the same street – 201 N. Pokegama Avenue, just across from the former New Grand theater and across from the block on which the Pokegama Hotel sits.

While in Grand Rapids, be sure to visit them. The ICHS has Judy Garland’s baby cradle and many other items of interest both related to Judy Garland and the history of Grand Rapids. Recently, they opened a 25 year old time capsule and found some more artifacts on Judy Garland and her relation to Grand Rapids.

Meanwhile, the “Judy Around Town” bus tour on Friday, June 10 at 1:00 pm is sure to inform you about some other sites you may want to visit.

The 2016 Wizard of Oz Festival

Everyone is excited about something special during this year’s Festival. Of course, we have our children’s events, both will be on Saturday, June 11^th:  The Emerald City Fest will be outside the Central School. From 11:00 – 1:00 pm. 

Dorothy’s Farm Animals will be in the Judy Garland Memorial Garden directly after that from 2:00 – 4:00 pm. Both events are free.

Many visitors are excited about our High Tea in the Judy Garland House, others about the Judy Around Town Tour, the talks by John Fricke and the Minnesota Premiere showing of the “The Slippers” on the famed Ruby Slippers. 

PLEASE NOTE: The High Tea is almost sold out. There will be a cut-off day so we may fill our order for goodies in advance.

THE SLIPPERS Premiere dinner event tickets need to be bought by early next week. We must put an order in for number of dinners at the beginning of the week. Please don't wait to buy your tickets on Thursday and Friday for the dinner. That will be too late!

Whatever, you interest, please check our previous blogs for further information, or better yet, visit our website:

http://www.judygarlandmuseum.com

We look forward to seeing you there!

Visit us on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/judygarlandmuseum/