Snoopy lands in Elmhurst as World War I ace
Charles Schulz introduced Snoopy as the World War I Flying Ace in 1965, and over the decades the character became one of Snoopy's most recognizable personas.
The popular aviator lands in Elmhurst this spring when a new national traveling exhibition from the Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Center, titled "Snoopy and the Red Baron," makes its first stop at the Elmhurst History Museum.
"Snoopy" will be on display from March 23 through June 17 at the downtown museum at 120 E. Park Ave.
The exhibit tells the full story of the charismatic and beloved character from his origins to the detailed research on all aspects of World War I that Schulz brought to the comic strips for authenticity.
Visitors will learn about this favorite Peanuts storyline through high resolution reproductions of Schulz's original comic strip artwork; World War I artifacts; photographs; film clips; and themed objects inspired by Snoopy as the Flying Ace, from toys and model airplanes to dolls, books and more.
Museum visitors also can step into character as the Flying Ace by donning aviator caps and goggles for a photo-op next to Snoopy's doghouse.
History lesson
When asked about the origins of Snoopy's aviator role, Charles Schulz credited his son Monte's interest in making plastic airplane models as his chief inspiration. Schulz described drawing a little helmet on Snoopy after seeing Monte's World War I aircraft models, and "suddenly got the idea for it."
He also cited 1960s events that commemorated the start of World War I, and movies such as "The Dawn Patrol."
He immediately recognized the potential of the Flying Ace. "I knew I had one of the best things I had thought of in a long time," he said.
Throughout the decades, Snoopy comically embraced his fighter pilot role for delighted Peanuts readers. As Snoopy envisioned himself soaring through the clouds in pursuit of his nemesis - the infamous Red Baron - he sat atop his doghouse, which he imagined to be a real British biplane known as a Sopwith Camel.
(Schulz once said, "Can you think of a funnier name for an airplane?")
He wandered through parts of Europe that World War I aviators genuinely traversed, stopping in cafes to quaff root beers and flirt with French mademoiselles. In everything he cartooned, Schulz strove for authenticity, a point made especially clear by his Flying Ace storylines.
Beyond the comic strip, Snoopy as the Flying Ace prompted the manufacture of countless memorabilia items, including toys, games, music boxes and more. Fans dressed up their dogs in flying caps and goggles, and Air Force squadrons adopted Snoopy as a symbol of their patriotism.
"I don't think there has been an animal character in a long time that has done the different things that Snoopy has done," Schulz once said. "He's an attorney. He's a surgeon. He's the World War I Flying Ace."
Related programs
The museum staff is planning a number of programs for both family and adult audiences connected to the "Snoopy and the Red Baron" exhibit, and many of the activities are free.
For families, a Spring Break Snoopypalooza is scheduled from March 24-31 with a Snoopy scavenger hunt, craft time and a dance party for preschoolers in the mix.
A free screening of "The Peanuts Movie" is scheduled at 9:30 a.m. April 7 at the York Theatre in Elmhurst with a Snoopy meet-and-greet and activities in Elmhurst City Centre Plaza.
In addition, Snoopy will be on hand at the annual Elmhurst Museum Day on May 20, where kids can make paper airplanes, test out a flight simulator, have their faces painted with Peanuts themes, and learn to draw a Peanuts character.
For adults, the museum is planning two World War I-related programs in conjunction with the exhibit and the 100th anniversary of the end of the war.
Peter Fritzsche, a University of Illinois history professor and author, will present a slide lecture on "The Real Red Baron: Manfred von Richthofen & the WWI Aviators" on April 22 (1918 is also the anniversary of the death of the notorious German pilot). In addition, a bus trip to the First Division Museum at Cantigny in Wheaton for a guided tour to learn more about the history of the Great War is slated for May 16.
"Snoopy and the Red Baron" is organized and toured by the Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Center, Santa Rosa, California.
The Elmhurst History Museum's hours are 1 to 5 p.m. Sundays and Tuesdays through Fridays, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays. General admission is free and limited free parking is available.
For details, visit www.elmhursthistory.org or call (630) 833-1457.