By Liz Neroni, Naturalist
You may be familiar with the 1971 Dr. Seuss children’s book entitled The Lorax and the conservation message within its pages. However, did you know that our very own Lake Erie was mentioned within its pages?
The Once-ler’s factory was polluting the lake which was the home of the Humming-Fish. The Lorax had to make the fish leave, because they couldn’t survive in it anymore. As they were departing, The Lorax said “Oh, their future is dreary…..I hear things are just as bad up in Lake Erie,” referencing the appalling condition of the lake.
This reference to Lake Erie is found only in the original version of the book, and a 1972 television special. The reason why? Two research associates from the Ohio Sea Grant Program wrote to the author in 1986, explaining to him that people were working on cleaning up the lake and the reference wouldn’t help their cause. Dr. Seuss responded by removing the line from the book, but 14 years had passed since it was first published with the original phrase. So, you may still find original copies floating around out there with the phrase in it. Dr. Seuss’s letter to the Claudia Melear and Margie Pless is below.
If you haven’t read the book, take some time during these cold winter days to check it out. Even share this classic Dr. Seuss book, and his personal favorites of all his books, with your family.
