“And every day her loveliness, shines pure, without a flaw; new charms entrance our every glance, and fill our souls with awe!” —L. Frank Baum wrote these words in his poem about The Hotel Del in 1905 after becoming captivated by the hotel on his first visit in 1904.
Baum’s whimsical imagination created iconic characters like Dorothy, Toto, the Munchkins, and Glinda the Good Witch, all immortalized in The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. But what many may not realize is that one of his greatest sources of inspiration came from the enchanting Hotel del Coronado on San Diego’s Coronado Island.
Between 1904 and 1917, Baum visited this grand, Victorian-style hotel multiple times, retreating there to write some of his most iconic works. The tranquil seaside location and the castle-like architecture of The Del provided Baum with the perfect setting for creative reflection and storytelling.
A Writing Routine in Paradise
“Baum would typically arrive from Chicago in January and stay for a few months,” said Gina Petrone, Heritage Manager at the Hotel del Coronado. “He visited The Del in 1904, 1905, 1907, 1908, 1909, 1916, and 1917, after moving permanently to Los Angeles in 1910.”
Baum’s routine at the hotel fostered his writing process. He wrote from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. each day, and would later enjoy boating with his wife in Glorietta Bay. His favorite room, 3132, where he stayed in 1905 and 1909, offered sweeping ocean views—an ideal backdrop for the fantasy worlds he was creating in his stories. This room, along with others like 3217 and 3474, remains tied to Baum’s legacy at the hotel.
A Creative Legacy at The Del
Baum’s connection to the hotel is often linked to his creation of the Emerald City in The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. The Del’s turreted towers and grand spaces inspired the fantastical world-building in his novels. Today, guests visiting the hotel are thrilled to learn of this connection, Petrone explained.
“Visitors are especially delighted to hear about Baum’s design of the original Crown Room chandeliers,” Petrone said. “These chandeliers were modeled after the Cowardly Lion’s crown in W.W. Denslow’s first-edition illustrations of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.”
Still going strong, built in 1888 and designated a National Historic Landmark in 1977, The Del remains a living piece of history. Baum’s influence is still seen throughout the hotel, from the sparkling chandeliers to the rich stories woven into the hotel’s past.
Beyond Oz: Baum’s Deeper Ties to Coronado
Besides reading to children on the grounds, and designing the chandeliers, he also contributed to hotel social life, presenting a silver cup to a newborn at a 1908 event and even writing a special poem to mark the occasion. His familiarity with the hotel staff and other guests made him somewhat of a local celebrity during his stays, Petrone said.
Even in his lesser-known works, Baum paid homage to his time at The Del. For example, the hotel manager, Morgan Ross, was immortalized in Baum’s Aunt Jane’s Nieces and Uncle John, written under his pseudonym, Edith Van Dyne.
The Oz Series and The Del’s Influence
Baum originally intended for The Wonderful Wizard of Oz to be a standalone book, but the immense popularity of the story pushed him to write sequels. Coronado became his creative retreat as he expanded the Oz universe, completing Dorothy and the Wizard in Oz (1908) and The Road to Oz (1909) during his stays.
The serene beauty of the seaside and the peaceful atmosphere of Coronado allowed Baum to craft new adventures for Dorothy, the Scarecrow, and the Cowardly Lion. The surrounding environment, from the calming ocean views to the lush gardens, helped keep Baum’s imagination alive during his most productive years.
A Farewell to Coronado
In 1910, Baum permanently relocated to Los Angeles, making fewer visits to The Del as his health began to decline. His final visit to the hotel was in 1917, just two years before his death in 1919 at his Hollywood home Ozcot. Despite moving away, Baum’s connection to the Hotel del Coronado remained strong until the end.
As Baum lay dying at Ozcot, his final words to his wife Maud reportedly referenced his work and the legacy he left behind: “Now we can cross the Shifting Sands.”
Baum’s Legacy at The Hotel Del
Though L. Frank Baum is no longer around to enjoy The Del’s beauty, the hotel honors his memory through exhibits, tours, and tributes to the world he helped create.
“We’re honored that L. Frank Baum found inspiration for The Wizard of Oz here at The Del, and this connection remains a cherished part of our hotel’s history,” said Petrone. “It’s remarkable that, even 120 years after Baum’s first visit, his work continues to inspire and entertain, and it’s something our guests love and appreciate.”
Fun Facts About L. Frank Baum and His Work
- Not Just Oz: Baum authored over 50 novels and numerous short stories, many under different pseudonyms.
- A Passion for Theater: Baum adapted The Wizard of Oz into a stage play in 1902, long before the famous 1939 film.
- Early Filmmaker: Baum also ventured into early cinema, with a silent film version of The Wizard of Oz released in 1910.
- Baum’s Hometown: Each year, Baum’s hometown of Chittenango, NY, hosts an Oz-themed festival called “Oz-Stravaganza!” in his honor.
Sources:
- L. Frank Baum’s Biography on L. Frank Baum’s Official Website
- The Hotel Del Coronado and the Wizard of Oz on Hotel Del Coronado’s History
- Interview with Gina Petrone, Heritage Manager at the Hotel del Coronado
- The Life of L. Frank Baum: A Biography on Biography.com
Debbie L. Sklar is a contributing editor to the Times of San Diego. For more historical stories about Hollywood’s Golden Age visit here.
