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History of the Winkie Convention

The Winkie Convention is an annual gathering of Oz fans located in the Western half of the United States. The conference started in 1964 at a private home, and grew to a multi-day event at the Cambria Pines Lodge in 1971. In 1975 the event moved to Hotel Wawona. Since 1984, the group has been meeting at the Asilomar Conference Grounds in Pacific Grove, California.

If you spot an error or have something to add to this history website, please email wiki@winkies.org with the information.

Portland

OzCon International 2017 was held June 29-July 2 at the Sheraton Portland Airport Hotel in Portland, Oregon.

• OzCon 2017 Facebook Page

OzCon International 2016 was held Jul 15-17 at the Sheraton Portland Airport Hotel in Portland, Oregon.

• OzCon 2016 Facebook Page

San Diego

The 2015 Winkie Convention, now renamed OzCon International, was held July 31-August 2 at Town & Country Resort in San Diego, California.

• OzCon 2015 Facebook Page

The 2014 Winkie Convention was held August 8-10 at Town & Country Resort in San Diego, California.

• The Winkie Convention 2014 Facebook Page

The Asilomar Years

The 2010s Winkie Conventions

The 2013 Winkie Convention was held June 21-23 at Asilomar Conference Grounds in Pacific Grove, California. The chair was David Maxine. The convention featured the excellent program guide, a display of Eliose Jarvis McGraw works, a display of Woozys, the costume contest, quiz,research table, and treasure hunt along with many other activities and presentations. The Winkie Award was presented to Anna Wyatt.

• 2013 Winkie Images

The 2012 Winkie Convention was held July 27-29 at Asilomar Conference Grounds in Pacific Grove, California. The chairs were David Maxine and Judy Bieber. The convention featured the wonderful program guide, a display of Ruth Plumly Thompson works, the costume contest, quiz, research table, and treasure hunt along with many other activities and presentations. The Winkie Award was presented to Laura Gjovaag.

• 2012 Winkie Images

The 2011 Winkie Convention was held July 8-10 at Asilomar Conference Grounds in Pacific Grove, California. The chair was David Maxine. The convention featured the excellent program guide, the costume contest, quiz, and treasure hunt along with many other activities and presentations. The Winkie Award was presented to Edith Hollister.

• 2011 Winkies Images

The 2010 Winkie Convention was held July 23-25 at Asilomar Conference Grounds in Pacific Grove, California. The chair was Bob Baum, great grandson of L. Frank Baum, assisted by David Maxine. The convention featured an excellent program guide, costume contest, quiz, and treasure hunt along with several great presentations and other activities. The Winkie Award was presented to Bob Baum.

• 2010 Winkies Images - Formatted in a gallery of thumbnails.

The 2000s Winkie Conventions

The 2009 Winkie Convention was held July 10-12th at Asilomar Conference Grounds in Pacific Grove, California. The convention was chaired by David Maxine. The Baum Bugle report was written by J L Bell with assist from Laura Gjovaag and appeared in Volume 53, Number 3, Winter 2009. The Winkie Award was presented to Bill Thompson.

• 2009 Winkies Images - Formatted in a gallery of thumbnails.

The 2008 Winkie Convention was held July 11-13th at the Asilomar Conference Grounds in Pacific Grove, California. The convention was chaired by Peter Hanff. The Baum Bugle report was written by Angelica Carpenter and appeared in Volume 52, Number 1, Spring 2008. The Winkie Award was presented to David Maxine.

The 2007 Winkie Convention was held July 6-8th at the Asilomar Conference Grounds in Pacific Grove, California. The convention was chaired by Lynn Beltz. The Baum Bugle report was written by Peter Hanff and appeared in Volume 51, Number 2, Autumn 2007. The Winkie Award was presented to Paul Bienvenue.

The 2006 Winkie Convention was held July 14-16th at the Asilomar Conference Grounds in Pacific Grove, California. The convention was chaired by Lynn Beltz. Events included the Oz Antique Road Show, the costume contest, the quiz, the auction, a talent show, presentations, and the treasure hunt. The Baum Bugle report was written by Sherwood Smith and appeared in Volume 50, Number 2, Autumn 2006. The Winkie Award was presented to Stan Sieler.

The 2005 Winkie Convention was held July 8-10th at the Asilomar Conference Grounds in Pacific Grove, California. The convention was chaired by Bob Schmidt. Events included the Show & Tell, the costume contest, the quiz, the auction, a talent show, presentations, and the treasure hunt. The Baum Bugle report was written by Eric Gjovaag and appeared in Volume 49, Number 2, Autumn 2005. The Winkie Award was presented to Margaret Koontz.

The 2004 Winkie Convention was held July 23-25th at the Asilomar Conference Grounds in Pacific Grove, California. The convention was chaired by Stan Sieler. The Winkie Award was presented to Karyl Carlson.

The 2003 Winkie Convention was held July 25-27th at the Asilomar Conference Grounds in Pacific Grove, California. The convention was chaired by Karyl Carlson. Events included the costume contest, the quiz, the auction, a talent show, presentations, and the treasure hunt. The Baum Bugle report was written by Dick Rutter and appeared in Volume 47, Number 2, Autumn 2003. The Winkie Award was presented to Fred M. Meyer.

The 2002 Winkie Convention was held August 2-4th at the Asilomar Conference Grounds in Pacific Grove, California. The convention was chaired by Betsy and Lynn Beltz. The Winkie Award was presented to Lee Speth.

The 2001 Winkie Convention was held July 13-15th at the Asilomar Conference Grounds in Pacific Grove, California. The convention was chaired by A.E. Spencer. The Winkie Award was presented to Lynn Beltz.

In the year 2000, the regional conventions joined forces at the Indiana Memorial Union to celebrate the first century of Oz. The Winkies were well-represented. The Winkie Award was presented to Katy Fleming.

The 1990s Winkie Conventions

The 1999 Winkie Convention was held July 9-11th at the Asilomar Conference Grounds in Pacific Grove, California. The chair of the convention was Robin Hess. The Winkie Award was presented to Eric Shanower.

The 1998 Winkie Convention was held July 13-15th at the Asilomar Conference Grounds in Pacific Grove, California. The chair of the convention was Katy Fleming. The Winkie Award was presented to Robin Olderman.

The 1997 Winkie Convention was held July 11-13th at the Asilomar Conference Grounds in Pacific Grove, California. The convention was chaired by Langley Brookes Brandt and Robin Olderman. The Winkie Award was presented to Eric Gjovaag.

The 1996 Winkie Convention was held July 12-14th at the Asilomar Conference Grounds in Pacific Grove, California. The chair of the convention was Lynn Beltz. The Winkie Award was presented to Patrick Maund.

The 1995 Winkie Convention was held July 7-9th at the Asilomar Conference Grounds in Pacific Grove, California. The chair of the convention was Patrick Maund. The Winkie Award was presented to Virginia Fowler.

The 1994 Winkie Convention was held July 8-10th at the Asilomar Conference Grounds in Pacific Grove, California. The chair of the convention was Dick Rutter. The Winkie Award was presented to Langley Brooks Brandt.

The 1993 Winkie Convention was held July 16-18th at the Asilomar Conference Grounds in Pacific Grove, California. The chair of the convention was Eric Gjovaag. The Winkie Award was presented to C. Warren Hollister.

The 1992 Winkie Convention was held July 10-12th at the Asilomar Conference Grounds in Pacific Grove, California. The convention was chaired by Fred Meyer and John Ebinger. The standard events of the costume contest, the quiz, the auction, and the treasure hunt were filled out with poetry, presentations, plays and displays. The Baum Bugle report was written by Jennifer Chong and appeared in Volume 36, Number 3, Winter 1992. The first ever Winkie Award was presented to Peter E. Hanff.

The 1991 Winkie Convention was held July 12-14th at the Asilomar Conference Grounds in Pacific Grove, California. The convention was chaired by David Maxine and Eric Shanower. The costume contest, the quiz, the auction, and the treasure hunt anchored a convention brimming with surprises and other activities. The Baum Bugle report was written by Christopher Dulabone and appeared in Volume 35, Number 3, Winter 1991.

The 1990 Winkie Convention was held July 20-22nd at the Asilomar Conference Grounds in Pacific Grove, California. The chair of the convention was Rob Roy MacVeigh (assisted by Virginia Fowler). There were around 170 attendees. The standard events included the costume contest, the quiz, the auction, and the treasure hunt along with poetry, presentations, and displays. The Baum Bugle report appeared in Volume 34, Number 3, Winter 1990 with no writer credit.

The 1980s Winkie Conventions

The 1989 Winkie Convention was held July 14-16th at the Asilomar Conference Grounds in Pacific Grove, California. The chair of the convention was Lee Alan Speth who presided over a convention of over 165 people. This year we had the costume contest, the quiz, the auction, and the treasure hunt along with poetry by Fred Otto, many presentations, and fantastic displays. The Baum Bugle report was written by Gregory McKean and appeared in Volume 33, Number 3, Winter 1989.

The 1988 Winkie Convention was held July 8-10th at the Asilomar Conference Grounds in Pacific Grove, California. The chair of the convention was Karyl Carlson. The standard events of the costume contest, the quiz, the auction, and the treasure hunt were amply supported by presentations, plays, and poetry. The Baum Bugle report was written by Eric Gjovaag and appeared in Volume 32, Number 3, Winter 1988.

The 1987 Winkie Convention was held July 10-12th at the Asilomar Conference Grounds in Pacific Grove, California. The chair of the convention was Russ Chappell. Events included presentations, the costume contest, the quiz, the auction, and the treasure hunt. The Baum Bugle report was written by Glenn Ingersoll and appeared in Volume 31, Number 3, Winter 1987.

The 1986 Winkie Convention was held July 11-13th at the Asilomar Conference Grounds in Pacific Grove, California. The convention was chaired by Everett and Sue Avila. The standard events of the costume contest, the quiz, the auction, and the treasure hunt were filled out with presentations and films. The Baum Bugle report was written by Robin Olderman and appeared in Volume 30, Number 3, Winter 1986.

The 1985 Winkie Convention was held July 19-21st at the Asilomar Conference Grounds in Pacific Grove, California. The chair of the convention was Jim Nitch. Events included presentations, the costume contest, the quiz, the auction, and the treasure hunt. The Baum Bugle report was written by Judy Bieber and appeared in Volume 29, Number 3, Winter 1985.

The 1984 Winkie Convention was held July 6-8th at the Asilomar Conference Grounds in Pacific Grove, California. The chair of the convention was Peter Hanff. The events included presentations, news on the new Oz movie, the costume contest, the quiz, the auction, and the treasure hunt. The Baum Bugle report was written by Katie Fleming and appeared in Volume 28, Number 3, Winter 1984.

The Wawona Winkie Conventions

The 1983 Winkie Convention was held July 15-17th at the Hotel Wawona, in Yosemite, California. The host was Fred Meyer. The events were the wonderful presentations, the costume contest, the quiz, the auction, and the treasure hunt. The Baum Bugle report was written by Sonya Martinez and appeared in Volume 27, Number 3, Winter 1983.

The 1982 Winkie Convention was held July 16-18th at the Hotel Wawona, in Yosemite, California. The host was John Ebinger. Events had settled into their routine of Friday night presentations, Saturday morning quiz and costume contest, Saturday afternoon business meeting and auctions, Saturday evening banquet and presentations and the Sunday morning treasure hunt. The Baum Bugle report was written by Daniel and Suzanne Cox and appeared in Volume 26, Number 3, Winter 1982.

The 1981 Winkie Convention was held July 17-19th at the Hotel Wawona, in Yosemite, California. The host was Richard R. Rutter. Events included the quiz, the auction, the costume contest, the treasure hunt, presentations, and visits from members of the Baum family. The Baum Bugle report was written by Diane DeCoite and appeared in Volume 25, Number 4, Winter 1981.

The 1980 Winkie Convention was held July 18-20th at the Hotel Wawona, in Yosemite, California. The hosts were Rebecca Cummings and Rob Roy MacVeigh. Events included the quiz, the auction, the costume contest, the treasure hunt, and a ton of presentations. The Baum Bugle report was written by Pamela Guzman and appeared in Volume 24, Number 3, Winter 1980-81.

The 1979 Winkie Convention was held July 27-29th at the Hotel Wawona, in Yosemite, California. The host was Fred Meyer. The events started with a Friday evening panel, and on Saturday morning opened with the Winkie Costume Contest and the quiz. The usual displays and artwork were presented, along with the auction, the treasure hunt, and other events. The Baum Bugle report was written by Sue Avila and appeared in Volume 23, Number 3, Winter 1979.

The 1978 Winkie Convention was held July 21-23rd at the Hotel Wawona, in Yosemite, California. The host was Carol Schultz and the convention was visited by a TV reporter along with the many Oz fans. The convention featured the quiz, the auction, the costume contest, the treasure hunt, and many presentations. The Baum Bugle report was written by Lee Speth and appeared in Volume 22, Number 3, Winter 1978.

The 1977 Winkie Convention was held July 22-24th at the Hotel Wawona, in Yosemite, California. The host was Bronson Pinchot who presided over 120 Oz fans enjoying the quiz, the auction, talks, the treasure hunt, and games. The Baum Bugle report was written by Karyl Carlson and appeared in Volume 21, Number 3, Winter 1977.

The 1976 Winkie Convention was held July 23-25th at the Hotel Wawona, in Yosemite, California. The host was Frederick E. Otto, and the usual Oz displays were in evidence. The Winkie Quiz and auction happened as usual, along with the treasure hunt, Saturday night banquet, and various games and presentations. The Baum Bugle report was written by Carol Schultz and appeared in Volume 20, Number 3, Winter 1976.

The 1975 Winkie Convention was held August 15-17th at the Hotel Wawona, in Yosemite, California. The host was Kevin Harris and was attended by about 70 Oz fanatics. Events included a surprise Oz skit by hotel employees, displays of artwork and collections, presentations, trading and sales tables, a play, the auction, the quiz, and other games. The Baum Bugle report was written by Virginia Fowler and appeared in Volume 19, Number 3, Winter 1975.

The Cambria Pines Lodge Winkie Conventions

The 1974 Winkie Convention was held August 16-18th at the Cambria Pines Lodge in Cambria, California. The host was Elsa Wentler. Events included discussions, trading and sales, the quiz, the auction, music, film and a treasure hunt. The Baum Bugle report was written by Bronson Pinchot and appeared in Volume 18, Number 3, Christmas 1974.

The 1973 Winkie Convention was held August 10-12th at the Cambria Pines Lodge in Cambria, California. The host was Lois Newman and was attended by about 50 Winkies. Events included games, panels, the auction, the quiz, the treasure hunt, and the costume contest. The Baum Bugle report was written by Noah Seaman and appeared in Volume 17, Number 3, Christmas 1973.

The 1972 Winkie Convention was held August 11-13th at the Cambria Pines Lodge in Cambria, California. The host was Langley Brookes Brandt, and events included artwork displays, bingo, puzzles, the quiz and other games, discussions, the auction, and presentations. The Baum Bugle report was written by Abbie Bernstein and appeared in Volume 16, Number 3, Christmas 1972.

The 1971 Winkie Convention was held August 12-14th at the Cambria Pines Lodge in Cambria, California. This event was hosted by Fred Otto, and featured artwork and displays, the quiz and other contests, the auction, the start of the Saturday Banquet, with talks and films to round out the weekend.

Pre-Cambrian Winkie Conventions

The 1970 Winkie Convention was held August 15th at the Keep home in Ojai, California. This convention featured Oz artwork, talks, a juvenile quiz, a treasure hunt, a jigsaw puzzle, auction, films, and the business meeting. The Baum Bugle report was written by Kevin Harris and appeared in Volume 14, Number 3, Christmas 1970.

The 1969 Winkie Convention was held August 16th at the home of the Milnes in Santa Barbara, California. The event featured displays of Oz art and artifacts, games, the quiz, trading, and auction. The Baum Bugle report was written by Pandora Farr and appeared in Volume 13, Number 3, Christmas 1969.

The 1968 Winkie Convention was held August 17th at the home of Warren Hollister in Santa Barbara, California. This convention featured the first Winkie Costume Contest and parade, games and trading, the quiz, and talks about Oz. The Baum Bugle report was written by Frederick E. Otto and appeared in Volume 12, Number 3, Christmas 1968.

The 1967 Winkie Convention was held August 19th at the Van Nuys-Sherman Oaks Park Auditorium. Approximately 55 Winkies attended and enjoyed an Oz display, games, the quiz, and talks on Oz. The Baum Bugle report was written by Blake Maxam and appeared in Volume 11, Number 3, Christmas 1967.

The 1966 Winkie Convention was held August 20th at the home of Mrs. Florence Hurst in La Canada, California. This villainous event was attended by 100 Oz enthusiasts and featured an auction, the Winkie Quiz and talks on Oz baddies. The Baum Bugle report was written by Warren Hollister and appeared in Volume 10, Number 2, Autumn 1966.

The 1965 Winkie Convention was held June 26th at the Baum home in Claremont, California. The event was attended by more than 60 Winkies and at least two Gillikins and featured the first Winkie Quiz, films and talks. The Baum Bugle report was written by Peter E. Hanff and appeared in Volume 9, Number 2, Autumn 1965.

The 1964 Winkie Convention was held August 22nd at the home of Peter Hanff in Arleta, California and was attended by approximately 60 Oz fans and guests. The Baum Bugle report was written by Judy Pike and appeared in Volume 8, Number 3, Christmas 1964.