Oconomowoc has fully embraced its ‘Land of Oz’ persona in the past few years. The city famously held the first screening of the now legendary film, “The Wizard of Oz”. Oz became a smashing success, whose characters have become timeless classics and whose songs are now beloved parts of American culture. “The Wizard of Oz” didn’t debut in Hollywood or New York, but in Oconomowoc’s Strand Theater in August of 1939. This unique piece of town history has become a source of pride and inspiration.
In 2019, Oz Plaza was opened at 174 E. Wisconsin Avenue, right beside City Hall. Although the original Strand Theater no longer exists, this choice would give locals easy access to the Plaza while also being near to the former theater’s original location. The Plaza opened with several brightly painted molds of some of Oz’s most beloved characters, as well as a painted yellow brick road. The Oz Plaza opened just in time for the movie’s 80th anniversary celebration.
For the 85th anniversary last year, Oconomowoc decided they would expand the Plaza into the community. “O-TOTO-Mowoc” is an extension of the city’s attempt to pay homage to the film. It is a public art project that has sought to involve the community’s most creative and noble thinkers. “O-TOTO-Mowoc” announced that local artists would be provided with a fibre glass mold of Dorothy’s doting dog, Toto. A total of ten different dogs were created for the project. This past week, the city began installing them in special locations throughout the city.
Not all of the Toto’s have yet to be installed, but as of spring 2025, the process is well under way. Confirmed spots to keep an eye out for the statues include the Lake Fowler Boardwalk, near the city library, at the museum & historical society, and at the Bank Five Nine located on W. Wisconsin Avenue. Each dog is the product of a different creative vision. Some are more stylized while others are abstract. Some are brightly colored, while others are a bit more true to life. The statues are a fun way to not only pay tribute to Oconomowoc’s past, but to also incorporate the incredible community of today into the town’s legacy. Keep your eyes peeled for more wonderful Toto statues to appear in the coming weeks and months.
