Q: My late Great Uncle Truman Dailey use to work in Disneyland in the '50s or '60s as an Indian Chief known as White Horse. He was of the Otoe-Missouria tribe and I remember when my uncle came to visit he brought a program that he was featured in. For the life of me I could never find it. Would you have any information on him?
Kelley, Seminole, Oklahoma A [Dave Smith]: We generally do not have information on specific Disneyland Cast Members, but it is wonderful to know this information about your great uncle. There was an Indian Village at the park from 1955 to 1971, and Disneyland visitors fondly remember the Native- American dancers, as they would teach their dances to young guests.
Pictures [Marcio Disney]
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From "Backstage Disneyland" magazine, Summer 1965: "Chief Whitehorse belongs to the Otoe tribe and is from Red Rock, Oklahoma. Before coming to Disneyland five years ago, he made his living by farming and raising livestock. Prior to coming out west for his "retirement," he was a leader of his tribe. Truman Dailey, which is his English name, acts as supervisor, narrator, leader, and walking encyclopedia about our people."
ReplyDeleteFrom "Backstage Disneyland" magazine, Summer 1965: "Chief Whitehorse belongs to the Otoe tribe and is from Red Rock, Oklahoma. Before coming to Disneyland five years ago, he made his living by farming and raising livestock. Prior to coming out west for his "retirement," he was a leader of his tribe. Truman Dailey, which is his English name, acts as supervisor, narrator, leader, and walking encyclopedia about our people."
ReplyDeleteMy grandmother and uncle are in the bottom photo dancing. In an odd coincidence I have some beadwork with the name white horse on it from my grandfather. I couldn’t figure out where the name came from as we don’t have any white horse in our family. Now I wonder if it’s from her Disneyland days! :)
ReplyDeleteI visited your great uncle in 59.
ReplyDeleteWas the highlight of my first trip to Disneyland!
I recall asking him why a real Indian chief would be here?
He spent time with me talking about the fate of the Native American.
Great man.
Here is a short video of our encounter.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/steve_siri/29244105242/in/dateposted-public/
BTW I married a Native American, was there more impact than I realize ;)