PIQUA — Piqua-born author Jack Snow achieved success as the author of two books in the popular “Wizard of Oz” series, an acclaimed writer of short stories of speculative fiction, a pioneering reviewer of early radio programs, and the man who came up with the name for Dayton’s radio station WING. But Snow, who died in 1956, is little known in his hometown.
An effort to draw long-overdue attention to Snow’s accomplishments will take place during a memorial dedication and headstone unveiling, Tuesday, Aug. 15, at 10:30 a.m., in the Forest Hill Cemetery, 8660 N. state Route 66, Piqua. Snow was born Aug, 15, 1907, 110 years ago.
Speaking at the ceremony will be a representative of the Snow family; James C. Oda, director of the Piqua Public Library; and Michael Gessel, a researcher on Snow’s life and officer of the International Wizard of Oz Club. Attendance is free and the public is invited to attend.
Snow is best known as the author of two books in the “Wizard of Oz” series telling the further adventures of Dorothy, the Wizard, the Scarecrow and other fanciful characters from the wonderful Land of Oz created by L. Frank Baum. Snow was one of the foremost experts on Baum, and he assembled an outstanding collection of Baum first editions and Oz rarities. His work to promote Baum and Oz led to the founding of The International Wizard of Oz Club the year after he died.
He also achieved acclaim in science fiction circles. Snow published short stories of speculative fiction, some of which continue to be reprinted in anthologies of great works of the genre.
In addition to Oz, radio was a lifelong interest for Snow. While attending Piqua High School, he wrote what is believed to be the nation’s first regular newspaper column of radio reviews for the Cincinnati Enquirer. As publicity director for the Dayton radio station WSMK, he came up with the idea for the new station call letters, WING, which are still used today.
After graduating from high school in 1925, Snow wrote features and a weekly radio review column for the Piqua Daily Call.
Snow died in New York City, July 11, 1956, and is buried in Forest Hill Cemetery.
The headstone was supported by a grant from The International Wizard of Oz Club. The club, with more than 500 members worldwide, publishes a magazine, sponsors conventions and promotes interest in Baum and Oz.
