October 27, 2025

Charles Lutwidge Dodson,
Popularly Known by his Pen Name, Lewis Carroll
John George

Charles Dodgson led a quiet but interesting life. A much-published mathematics scholar and Christ’s Church College, Oxford lecturer, Dodgson was a pioneer photographer, and author of literature under the nom de plume of “Lewis Carroll.” His two most popular books, “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” and “Through the Looking-Glass,” were based on a leisurely picnic jaunt in early July 1862 up the Thames River (locally called the “Isis”) where he spun a tale that his childhood audience urged him to write. His poem, “The Hunting of the Snark,” has also received acclaim.

Presenter

John George was raised on the 140-acre “Wonderland Farm” near Libertytown, named after his favorite childhood book. The farm a flock of Suffolk sheep to round up (always getting out), trees to climb, and a pond for swimming and for fishing blue gill and big mouthed bass. He shared this small heaven with his parents and sisters, Mary and Sara, who have returned to Frederick and are both recent members of Frederick Torch.

John graduated from Frederick High School, and earned degrees at Georgetown, Johns Hopkins, and American Universities. He taught and administered for 47 years in both public and private schools, retiring from Hood College where he chaired its Department of Education. John enjoys walking his Baker Park neighborhood, reading, and tending his fine garden.

John George is probably Frederick Torch's all-time leader in the number of presentations given.