Finding Oz page 5

 Finding Oz page 5 by ric gustafson

L Frank Baum became interested in the theater. Baum adored his aunt Katherine Gray. She had started a school of Oratory in downtown Syracuse. Baum enjoyed seeing children's faces light up when his simple stories were told. 

Then Baum had an idea how he could tell his simple stories to the masses. With the help of his father and uncle Dr Adam Baum, three theaters were purchased. The first was the Baum Opera House in Richburg New York. Then a second opera house was opened in Gilmore Pennsylvania. The third was the Blake Opera House in Olean New York. They were small theaters but it was a chance for Baum to write his own plays.

In the fall of 1881, Baum had written five scripts. Three of them were registered with the Library of Congress. Under the pen name of Louis F Baum, Baum wrote ' Matches' which was a light romantic comedy. ' Mackrummins' was also a comedy. ' The Maid of Arran' was an Irish melodrama. 

At this time, Baum was very busy managing theaters and writing plays as a profession. Acting and writing was not yet a respectable thing  to do in society. Being an actor or actress did not have a good reputation at this time. Baum knew he was not deemed desireable for marriage.

research help: ' Finding Oz' by Evan I Schwartz

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric