March 2 is the birthday of Ted Geisel — aka the famous children’s books author known as Dr. Suess. Did you know that Springfield is his hometown? Read on to learn a thing or two, who’s who, and the places you can go locally.
Who is Ted Geisel? Ted Geisel, I am.
The Springfield local was better known as Dr. Suess, which was actually his middle name. Geisel had two siblings and his father was the Superintendent of Parks. Together, they frequented the zoo, including some behind-the-scenes tours + would bring a sketch pad. He would see the animals and nature around him and let his imagination run wild like Thing One and Thing Two. These zoo-influenced sketches inspired many of his illustrated books (think: “Horton Hears A Who” or “The Lorax”).
The first book he published was “And To Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street,” which is rumored to be inspired by his childhood growing up in Springfield. He didn’t find success right away; his first book was rejected by 27 publishers before being published in 1937. Nearly 20 years later, the world would be captivated by a cat in a hat with his 15th published work.
The National Sculpture Garden has familiar faces like Thing One and Thing Two.
Photo by @adventureswithchass
Oh the places you’ll go
In Springfield, you can visit the The Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum and the National Sculpture Garden. The museum is located at 21 Edwards St. and features two floors of family-friendly, interactive exhibits + a recreation of Geisel’s studio and living room. Visitors can explore art, family photographs, and letters. Plus, play the giant marble maze, a round of Whoville with a ball wall + the Lorax recycle game.
The sculpture garden was established in 2002 and has bronze statues of storybook characters like Horton + the Grinch.
The museum is hosting a birthday party, which is free with admission, to celebrate his 120th birthday on Saturday, March 2. Party goers can expect with character appearances, balloon animals, and cupcakes.
