Monday, March 2, 2020

Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss!!

Dr. Seuss and the Cat in the Hat
at the Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden
Springfield Museums

Today
On March 2
We wish you,
Dr. Seuss,
a Happy Birthday!!!


So many of us enjoy the books that Dr. Seuss wrote!!  Here in the Springfield, MA area his birthday is celebrated this week, as it is in so many other places.  He was born in Springfield, MA on March 2, 1904 and grew up in this city.  For that reason he has a very special place in the hearts of area residents.  Theodor Seuss Geisel wrote fascinating stories for children and used the name Dr. Seuss.  Seuss was his mother's maiden name.  On the grounds of the Springfield Museums in Springfield there are many large bronze statues of the characters in his books.  They were designed by his step- daughter the sculptor Lark Grey Dimond- Cates. 

His inspirations for his stories came from his surroundings when he was growing up.  Theodor Geisel grew up in the Forest Park section of Springfield.  His dad was the superintendent of the Forest Park Zoo.  Theodor often heard the phrase, "If I ran the zoo...".  Many of us have enjoyed his book, If I Ran the Zoo.  

Indian Motocycles are drawn in some of his books.  These motorcycles were manufactured in Springfield!  Theodor Geisel never lived on Mulberry Street.  His maternal grandparents owned a bakery in Springfield.  

Whenever I stop in, now, to visit one of the five museums at the Springfield Museums, it's always a treat to take a walk around the beautiful statues.  

Horton and Other Friends
at the Springfield Museums

One day many years ago after giving a tour to a school group I was leaving the complex.  Suddenly, I saw a little girl with her parents coming on the grounds to visit.  She ran over to The Lorax and gave him a big hug.

The Lorax
at the Springfield Museums
              
It is a very special place!  Now, there is also a museum, The Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum, to visit.  It is a great place for children, young and old, to use their imaginations and have fun.  History of the area is also covered as it relates to this great author, Dr. Seuss!  If you have never visited this museum, stop in!  It is one of the five museums at this gem in the Pioneer Valley of Massachusetts!

Enjoy!
 

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