PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release

Contact:           Bette Allen, Executive Director

Phone:              (785) 220-0733

Email:               ballen@greatoverlandstation.com

Coffee and Dessert with Hamilton Meserve, son of the Wicked Witch of the West

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

7 – 9 pm

at the Great Overland Station, 701 North Kansas Avenue, Topeka

$5.00 per person; Members free

RSVP to 785-232-5533 by noon Tuesday, September 29

Just How Wicked Was the Wicked Witch of the West?

Hamilton Meserve, son of Margaret Hamilton who played the Wicked Witch in MGM’s 1939 classic movie “The Wizard of Oz” will share facts and stories about his mother on Wednesday evening, September 30, at the Great Overland Station.  Ranked by the American Film Institute as the fourth greatest screen villain of all time, the Wicked Witch of the West as played by Margaret Hamilton is universally acknowledged as the embodiment of evil. 

But what was Margaret Hamilton like in person?

“Mom’s multi-faceted background included stints as an actress, kindergarten teacher,

den mother, SAG union executive, Junior League member, staunch Republican, and activist on minority issues,” says Meserve.  Appearing exclusively in Topeka at the GOS, Meserve will delight guests with his stories and take questions from the audience.

Enjoy delicious pie from Perkins Restaurant and Bakery, plus coffee or tea.

The “All Aboard the Oz Express” exhibit will be open for viewing all evening. 

(Don’t forget your ruby slippers!)