My true interest in the Ruby Slippers did not kick in until I first saw a pair at the Smithsonian, I was 16 years old. My mother and I were on a road trip to Florida and I was promised a very quick stop at the Smithsonian. I had expected a pair of Slippers completely covered in sparkling rubies and TONS of people gathered around a case admiring them, well much to my disappointment, there were no rubies, and there was no crowd, there sat in a dark room, in a corner, in an unlighted case, a pair of OLD worn out, brown sequined shoes, I was in shock, not one sparkle. But then it hit me, that these were the pair of Ruby Slippers that I sat in front of the Television, and waited to see there magical red sparkle, it all sank in at once, and I was amazed. I pressed my face against the glass and took in every detail I could, I wanted to know everything about these slippers, and all the rest to follow. 

After about one year, I found what I needed, "The Ruby Slippers of Oz" book, what I jokingly call "My slipper bible". Finally, my questions were answered! This book brought me to many wonderful Slipper friends, including Roberta Bauman and Tony Landini, I feel very lucky to be in contact with them, and well cherish our Friendship always. Now came time to create my own pair, but where do you find a pair of Pumps from the 1930s? Vintage stores, okay....well, after a year of searching and 300 Stores later I settled for a pretty decent pair, heel was good, toe was good, size was bad, a size 7, but they turned out really pretty, and I adored them, I showed them at local schools and libraries, and got a lot of enjoyment seeing the kids admire them. I made a Quick, but good decision one day and I donated my slippers to the Children's library, I knew they would be kept safe in a locked case, the children would love them, and I could still see them anytime. (shown in picture) 

Anyway, I still wanted a smaller pair, so, I began my search again. In the meantime, I had met John Henson (who also has a page here) and I was thrilled to have met someone with such passion about the slippers as I had, we became very close over a long period, and talked for hours at a time about those magical slippers, it was a wonderful connection. I decided to take a trip to SC to visit John over my 19th Birthday week, and it was nice to finally meet him, now, you have not seen a pair of Replica slippers until you have seen his in person, they are utterly beautiful, the craftsmanship is breathtaking, and in the mean time, while I am sitting there in shock, he presented me with my birthday gift "A Token Of Friendship", a pair of the most beautiful Ruby Slippers, a size 5 to make it better, NOW I was in more shock, they mean more to me than anything and I absolutely adore them, I very proudly display them in my home, in a custom made case.

So, for now, my slipper searches, mysteries, travels, and questions have come to a settling point, but I still get all worked up inside, every time I see that magical Red sparkle on the screen.

Christopher -