The Community of Chittenango is saddened by the death of Munchkin Coroner Meinhardt Raabe.  His first visit to Chittenango with his wonderful wife Marie was over twenty years ago. He happened upon an article in National Geographic Traveler about the Oz festival in Chittenango, and he made contact with festival organizers to tell of his role in the 1939 classic MGM film, "The Wizard of Oz". An invitation was extended for he and Marie to attend.  

That first visit made him a lifelong family member to every member of the community, andhisattendance dramatically changed the festival held to honor Chittenango's native son, L. Frank Baum, author of "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz". Fans waited in line to meet him, get his autograph and have their pictures taken with him. He made trips to the schools and Library to talk about the making of the movie. He thrilled thousands as he said his famous lines pronouncing the Wicked Witch "really most sincerely dead". 

He suggested others in the Oz world to help the festival grow, first being our weekend host, Oz author and historian John Fricke. Munchkins, Margaret Pellegrini and Fern Formica came the year after. Chittenango Oz festivals continued to grow as more Munchkins and Baum family members joined in. Meinhardt never wanted to stay in a hotel when he came to Chittenango, he enjoyed staying with local families. For the majority of the years he stayed with the Jerome family, who visited Meinhardt many times at his home in Penney Farms Florida.  

Meinhardt led a full and interesting life. He was a pilot in the Civil Air Patrol, a Master Horticulturist, and a teacher. For thirty years he was "Little Oscar" traveling around in the Oscar Mayer wiener mobile.  His accomplishments are many, and fortunately he was able to tell his story in his book,"Memories of a Munchkin".      

 

Check out all the information on this website to learn more.  The Oz-Stravaganza! Committee looks forward to seeing you and your family for this year's Oz-Stravaganza!!