Maud and Frank Baum by Nancy J. Farrier

 

Frank and Maud in Egypt
Wikimedia Commons

Last month I wrote my blog post about Matilda Joselyn Gage, women’s rights activist. You can read that post here. I mentioned in that article that Matilda had a famous son-in-law and today’s article is about Matilda’s daughter, Maud, and her husband, Frank.

 

Maud in Wedding Dress 
Wikimedia Commons

Maud Gage was the youngest of Matilda’s children. Matilda had high hopes for her daughter, sending her to school and encouraging her to attend college. Maud went to Cornell University and roomed with Josie Baum, Frank’s cousin. Josie arranged for Maud to meet Frank, saying that he was perfect for Maud.

 

Maud was outspoken and enjoyed being herself, not having the restraints taught to most of the girls of her time. The boys at Cornell started rumors about her and harassed her until Maud locked herself in her room. But the traits that her fellow students found funny were the very things Frank was attracted to.

 

Frank Baum grew up in New York and was sent to a military academy when he was twelve. Frank was a dreamer, not a student. He ended up leaving the military academy and attending high school in Syracuse. He didn’t graduate and had a low opinion of education.

 

Frank Baum 1911
By George Steckel
Wikimedia Commons

When Maud and Frank were introduced at the home of Josie, Maud’s roommate, Josie’s mother told Frank he would love Maud. Frank looked at Maud and said, “Consider yourself loved, Miss Gage.” Maud replied that his statement was a promise and he needed to live up to it.

 

At the time they met, Frank was running a theater company and travelling a lot. He was certain within a week that Maud was the one for him, but it took Maud longer. Frank often borrowed a horse and buggy to drive the eight miles from the theater to her Maud’s home to court her. 

 

Matilda was not in favor of Maud marrying an actor. She wanted something more for her daughter. But Maud stood up to her mother, threatening to move out of their home if she didn’t give her approval. Matilda saw the humor in her edict and agreed to the marriage.

 

Maud with their four sons - Wikipedia Commons

Frank and Maud’s marriage was a happy one, but not always easy. Frank’s theater company folded. He was a hard worker and would take on any work but he didn’t have the best business sense. He was too soft-hearted. They moved to Aberdeen, South Dakota, where Frank opened Baum’s Bazaar. The store was a hit, but the times were harsh and people didn’t have a lot of money. Frank extended credit to the point where the store folded due to his debts.

 

Prior to moving to South Dakota, they had two sons. When Maud gave birth to their second son, Robert, she suffered from peritonitis. She was bed ridden for two years recovering, but eventually regained her strength, giving birth to two more sons.

Baum poster - Wikipedia Commons

Frank moved his family to Chicago and he got a job as a newspaper reporter. Maud  was in charge of their finances and knew how dire their situation was. She began giving lessons on embroidery and lace-making. 

 

In 1897 Frank published his first children’s book, Mother Goose in Prose. In 1899, he published Father Goose, His Book, a volume of poetry nonsense. Both books were a success, but Father Goose became the best-selling book of the year.

 

In 1900, L. Frank Baum published The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. This popular book stayed a best-seller for two years. Frank wrote thirteen more novels based on the Land of Oz. Due to the success of his books, he and Maud were financially set. In fact, they took a trip abroad that included Egypt, which Maud loved. During the trip, Maud wrote letters home describing their adventures and Frank gathered them together and published them in a book.

 

1903 Musical poster
Public Domain

There is much more I could tell about Frank and Maud but don’t have the space here. If you are interested in more of their story, I highly recommend reading Finding Dorothy by Elizabeth Letts. This engaging read tells the story of Frank and Maud meeting and the story of the making of the Wizard of Oz movie. 

 

Thank you for reading my blog post. I pray you have a blessed Christmas and a happy holidays. I’ll see you again in 2025.

 

Nancy J Farrier is an award-winning, best-selling author who lives in Southern Arizona in the Sonoran Desert. She loves the Southwest with its interesting historical past. When Nancy isn’t writing, she loves to read, do needlecraft, play with her cats and dog, and spend time with her family. You can read more about Nancy and her books on her website: nancyjfarrier.com.