Author of “From Tennessee to Oz: The Amazing Saga of Judy Garland’s Family” To Speak at Oaklands Mansion
Franklin, TN. — On Sunday, October 8, 2017, at 2:00p.m. Oaklands will host celebrated author Michelle Russell as she discusses her two-part series: From Tennessee To Oz: The Amazing Saga of Judy Garland’s Family. This event will be held in the Front Parlor of Oaklands Mansion, home to the Darrow Family from 1884-1912.
From Tennessee to Oz is the fascinating story of Judy Garland’s paternal ancestry. Her father, Frank Gumm, was a fifth generation Tennessean, a descendant of pioneers who braved the wilderness to help create the state of Tennessee. Book 1 (1793 -1870) tells of rugged pioneers, Native Americans, ministers of God, the Civil War and a Gum ancestor with a voice so big is said he could be heard two miles away!
On October 8th, Russell will focus on East Main Street life and the surprising romance of Garland’s grandparents, the beautiful, disabled Clemmie Baugh and the handsome Will Gum – a marriage which quickly evolves to a darkly suspenseful tale. Due to the historical information author Michelle Russell was able to uncover, “From Tennessee to Oz” often reads more like a novel than a history book. Attendees will learn of the hard times Judy Garland’s father, Frank Gum, experienced as a child, and the surprising and generous gift he received from George Darrow, a gift which changed his life and the future of the Gum family. This is an unforgettable book about the ancestors and young life of one of our greatest entertainers, Judy Garland. It’s an event you won’t want to miss.
“Few people know the connection between Judy Garland and Oaklands. Here is your opportunity to learn what brought these Rutherford County families together. And what a better place to find out, than in the very house they once occupied.”- James Manning, Executive Director of Oaklands Mansion
In addition to hearing about Russell’s research and writing, guests will enjoy Oaklands staff members sharing with them what the Darrow years were like at Oaklands Mansion, known then as Oak Manor.
Reservations are required as this event has limited seating. To make reservations please visit our website www.oaklandsmansion.org, call Oaklands at (615) 893-0022 or Email info@oaklandsmansion.org Admission is $20. per person and includes light refreshments.
