A Toto By Any Other Name

Wamego is an enchanting small town in Kansas that hosts a Wizard of Oz museum, a beautifully restored wild west opera house, several lovely parks and a variety of wonderful places to visit, things to do, and events that seem far too extravagant for such a small town.  

The most endearing project consists of fifteen small statues of the little dog Toto. I do not know the history of this community effort except that local students and artists submitted designs.  The results are whimsical.  These little fellows make everyone happy.  I always see people (of all ages) taking photos and otherwise admiring the statues.  One warm summer night I saw two young boys, 11 or so, riding their bicycles on the main street sidewalks. As he rolled past, one of the boys gently high-fived the statues outside the Wizard of Oz museum.  That small gesture certainly seemed like magic to me.  Imagine the memories he will have of warm summer nights spent riding bikes with his best friend in a hometown decorated with Totos.  

This is Community Toto.  He guards the southern approach to the city, a couple of blocks north of the Kansas River bridge.

A companion for Community Toto, bedecked in red slippers.

This Toto is in the city park where there is a collection of old west buildings.

Star spangled Toto faithfully bears witness to the formal Veterans memorial, which includes a replica of the Vietnam War Memorial Wall.

"Toto-ally Gingham"  waits with all the children wanting to ride the small train around the park.

Letter jacket Toto stands in the center of the wonderful sports complex where soccer, baseball, softball and tennis are played - all at the same time if needed!

Covered in candy, this Toto is across from the city park and next to Friendship House. (Notice the yellow brick road?).

Outside one of the banks on Main Street.

Also outside the bank...

You might guess this Toto is before the Public Library

Toto beside his own yellow brick road.

Another Toto on Main Street.

One of the two statues guarding the Wizard of Oz museum.

Outside the Wizard of Oz Museum.  The perfect height for a gentle high-five... 

Sunflower Toto greeting visitors who arrive via Highway 24.