Clyde R. White - Animator at the Disney Studio

Q: My grandfather, Clyde White, was an early artist who drew Mickey Mouse for Walt Disney — probably in the mid to late 1930s (but not sure of the exact dates). Do you have any record of my grandfather? Maybe a picture or something showing his name? It would be really great to see this!
Farida, Long Beach, California

A [Dave Smith]: Clyde R. White was in training as an animator at the Disney Studio beginning on May 26, 1939, but he left on July 8 of that year before being given a full-time job.

The Former Mouseketeer: Cheryl

Q: Could you please tell me what happened to former Mouseketeer Cheryl? I saw her listed in the "In Memoriam" section of the SAG Awards.
Laura, Casper, Wyoming 

A [Dave Smith]: Mouseketeer Cheryl Holdridge sadly passed away on January 8, 2009, at her home in Santa Monica, California, after a two-year battle with lung cancer. She was 64

[More to See - Marcio Disney]

Everyday, Disney fans send dozens of questions for Disney Chief Archivist Dave Smith. Here are Dave's answers to your questions. Check back every day for a new post with a new question.

Dave Smith (born October 13, 1940) was the Walt Disney Archives founder and chief archivist which is located in the Frank G. Wells Building at Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, California. He joined the company June 22, 1970. Forty years later, on July 2010, he retired.

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What kind of relationship Walt had with his Parents

Q: Dave, can you tell me what kind of relationship Walt had with his parents? I've been told that he didn't like his mother, but I don't ever recall hearing that! Is this true?

John, Belvidere, Illinois

A [Dave Smith]: When Walt Disney was growing up, he was very close to his parents, especially his mother. He never disliked her. Flora even agreed to help Walt get into the Red Cross at the time of World War I, even though he was underage. Walt's father was more strict, and there were times that he and Walt clashed.

[Marcio Disney]

From This Day in Disney History section at Disney's Dream Makers site: August 26

1918: A young Walt Disney forges his parents' signatures to enlist in the American Ambulance Corps (part of the Red Cross). He changes his birth from 1901 to 1900. See the details above!

Walt Disney in the American Ambulance Corps

The summer of 1918 was the best that Walt had known. His hours for the post office were long, but there was no drudgery to the work, and he was outdoors most of the time. At night he took girls from McKinley High School to movies and vaudeville shows.

For the first time in his life, Walt had enough money to indulge himself, and he contemplated buying a movie camera or a canoe. A girl friend urged him to buy a canoe, but he decided on the camera. He mounted it on a tripod in an alley and photographed himself in imitations of Charlie Chaplin. To please his friend, he joined another boy in buying an inexpensive canoe; it was so small and unwieldy that he and the girl were swept out into the lake on a windy Sunday.

By late summer, the Allies had stopped the Germans in the second battle of the Marne, and Marshal Foch bad ordered a counterattack. Walt grew more impatient to get in uniform, telling his parents, "I don't want my grandchildren asking me, 'Why weren't you in the war? Were you a slacker?' " The Navy had transferred Roy to Charleston, South Carolina, then assigned him to voyages between New York and France. Ray Disney had joined the Army. Walt wanted to take part in the same adventure; he couldn't conceive of returning to high school for another year. A friend at the post office, Russell Maas, shared his feelings. They decided to cross the border and enlist in the Canadian Army, which accepted younger recruits. Their plot was thwarted when Russell's mother discovered his packed suitcase; her son admitted the plan and she warned Flora Disney. One day Russell arrived at the post office and told Walt excitedly. "There' s something forming here that you and I can get into. It's a volunteer group called the American Ambulance Corps, part of the Red Cross. They need drivers, and they're not fussy about how old you are."

At noon, the two young men hurried to the headquarters of the American Red Cross. They learned the age limit for ambulance unit volunteers was seventeen. Both were sixteen, but they falsified their ages and applied as the St. John brothers, Russell and Walter. The ruse succeeded until the applications for passports which required their parents' signatures. Walt was forced to disclose his plan to his parents. "I will not sign any permission" Elias Disney declared. "It's signing a death warrant for my son."

Flora Disney argued that three of their sons had left the family home by stealth and she didn't want Walter to go the same way. "The boy is determined," she said "I would rather sign this and know where he is than have him run off."

"Well, you can sign it for me---I won't!" Elias replied, and he stalked from the room. Flora forged his name on the passport application, and Walt altered his birth date to read "1900." He and Russell Maas returned to the Red Cross, and their applications were accepted. The two boys received uniforms and reported to a tent encampment at a burned-down amusement park near the University of Chicago. Mechanics from the Yellow Cab Company taught them how to repair motors and drive cars over rough terrain.

Click here to read the complete story or visit: http://tinyurl.com/2vouzaj

A Master Sculptor for Kitchen Kabaret, Mickey atop the World and More!

 Q: I have a friend whose father, Perry Russ, used to work with Imagineer sculptor Blaine Gibson. As I understand it, Mr. Russ worked here in Florida on Epcot projects and then later on other projects around Walt Disney World (including the Magic Kingdom). Can you tell me anything about Mr. Russ and the projects that he worked on?
Brian, Kissimmee, Florida 

A [Dave Smith]: I remember Perry well. He was a well-liked master sculptor at Walt Disney World and Walt Disney Imagineering for 20 years, beginning in 1972. Besides working on Emporium window displays and sculpting figures for merchandise, he created the cast of talking fruits and vegetables for the Kitchen Kabaret at Epcot, the Mickey atop the world on the Crossroads of the World pylon at Disney's Hollywood Studios and the original bronze Tinker Bell figure I among others received as a 25-year Disney service award. Perry was noted for his tremendous talent and artistic judgment.

[More to See - Marcio Disney] 

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Cinderella Cel to Betty Craig

Q: My parents purchased a Cinderella cel. This cel has the original background of the stairway with the Cinderella cel superimposed on the background. The cel was also signed by Frank Thomas, Mark Davis and Ollie Johnston. Before these three cartoonists signed the cel, it was signed by Walt Disney himself. Walt Disney wrote, "To Betty Craig Cordially, Walt Disney." My question is, who is Betty Craig? I have looked everywhere but can't seem to tie her to Cinderella or anything with Disney.
Jonathan, Warminster, Pennsylvania 

A [Dave Smith]:Walt Disney was often asked to sign artwork for business clients or for friends and relatives of Disney employees. We do not know who Betty Craig might be.

Everyday, Disney fans send dozens of questions for Disney Chief Archivist Dave Smith. Here are Dave's answers to your questions. Check back every day for a new post with a new question.

Dave Smith (born October 13, 1940) was the Walt Disney Archives founder and chief archivist which is located in the Frank G. Wells Building at Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, California. He joined the company June 22, 1970. Forty years later, on July 2010, he retired.

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Two Brothers Tunemakers / Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman

 Q: I've just read that the  now have their own window on Main Street, U.S.A. (as well they should, after all they're Disney Legends!). I was wondering, however, if you knew exactly which park it's in (Disneyland or Magic Kingdom), where exactly it's located and what type of business it's disguised under?
Kaitlin, Bolton Landing, New York 

A [Dave Smith]: The window is located on Main Street, U.S.A., at Disneyland park, where it was dedicated on March 11. It is on a door at the 20th Century Music Company shop, and reads: Two Brothers Tunemakers/Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman, Proprietors/"We'll write your tunes for a song."

[More to See - Marcio Disney] 

Enjoy a look back at these talented brothers singing the Carousel of Progress theme with Walt Disney himself.

Legendary Sherman Brothers Honored with Window on Main Street, U.S.A.

posted on March 11th, 2010 by Valarie Sukovaty, Disneyland Public Relations

---

Today, Main Street, U.S.A. was buzzing with the tune of several familiar songs as Richard and Robert Sherman were honored with their own window. A window dedication, by the way, is the highest honor a cast member can receive at Disneyland Park. The window dedicated to the Sherman Brothers reads “Two Brothers Tunemakers,” with their names inscribed underneath. Check it out next time you stroll down Main Street, U.S.A. The famous brothers are the creative minds behind the song “it’s a small world (after all),” and the theme songs for several attractions (The Enchanted Tiki Room, Carousel of Progress) and songs from the movies “Mary Poppins,” “The Jungle Book,” “Bedknobs and Broomsticks,” “The Aristocats” and “Winnie the Pooh.” Richard Sherman was at the ceremony today. Take a look at this video and hear what Richard had to say at this heartwarming celebration of the Sherman Brothers’ amazing work.

 

1976 Movie - No Deposit, No Return

 Q: In the early '60s, Disney used to send me a newsletter, in one of which was mentioned a movie called Double Trouble. Was this movie ever released?
Louise, San Francisco, California

A [Dave Smith]: Double Trouble was the working title for the film that was finally released in 1976 as No Deposit, No Return, starring David Niven, Darren McGavin, Herschel Bernardi, Barbara Feldon and Don Knotts.

[More to See - Marcio Disney] 

No Deposit, No Return is a 1976 comedy film directed by Norman Tokar. It was written by Arthur Alsberg and Don Nelson. It is the story of two children (Tracy and Jay) who hold themselves for ransom, reluctantly aided by an expert safecracker and his sidekick (Duke and Bert).

Don Knotts said that one day, while he was filming scenes for this project in the San Francisco airport, a director approached him and said he would like to cast him in a dramatic film one day. Although it never happened, Knotts said he was flattered by the offer. The director was Sam Peckinpah.

 

Everyday, Disney fans send dozens of questions for Disney Chief Archivist Dave Smith. Here are Dave's answers to your questions. Check back every day for a new post with a new question.

Dave Smith (born October 13, 1940) was the Walt Disney Archives founder and chief archivist which is located in the Frank G. Wells Building at Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, California. He joined the company June 22, 1970. Forty years later, on July 2010, he retired.

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Why Goofy can talk?

Q: Why is Goofy the only Disney dog that can talk?
Alicia, Stockton, California 

A [Dave Smith]: Goofy was actually created as a human character, with dog-like characteristics, so, yes, he wears clothes and talks. But there are other Disney dogs that talk — witness the casts of Lady and the Tramp, Oliver and Company, The Fox and the Hound, etc. 

Everyday, Disney fans send dozens of questions for Disney Chief Archivist Dave Smith. Here are Dave's answers to your questions. Check back every day for a new post with a new question.

Dave Smith (born October 13, 1940) was the Walt Disney Archives founder and chief archivist which is located in the Frank G. Wells Building at Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, California. He joined the company June 22, 1970. Forty years later, on July 2010, he retired.

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"Mater" as the name of the tow truck in Cars

 Q: What is the significance, if any, of the name "Mater" as the name of the tow truck in Cars? Is it a reference to the "country" term for tomato?
Jim, Myersville, Maryland 

A [Dave Smith]: The name, Mater, was actually taken from the nickname of Douglas "Mater" Keever, a devoted fan at Lowe's Motor Speedway near Charlotte, North Carolina. Cars director John Lasseter met Mater, and was impressed by him, on a research trip for the film in 2001. Keever had received the nickname as a kid working with "tuh-maters" on his parents' farm. 

 [More to See - Marcio Disney]

Lowe's Motor Speedway:
http://www.charlottemotorspeedway.com/

Everyday, Disney fans send dozens of questions for Disney Chief Archivist Dave Smith. Here are Dave's answers to your questions. Check back every day for a new post with a new question.

Dave Smith (born October 13, 1940) was the Walt Disney Archives founder and chief archivist which is located in the Frank G. Wells Building at Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, California. He joined the company June 22, 1970. Forty years later, on July 2010, he retired.

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The Man Behind the Myth

Q: My cousins told me about a great documentary that was made about Walt Disney. They also told me it was directed by his grandson. Do you know where I can find it?

Gavin, Auburn, Indiana 

A [Dave Smith]: You are referring to Walt: The Man Behind the Myth. It was released on video cassette in 2001 and DVD in 2002, and they may still be available. You can also find copies on eBay. The executive producer was Walter Elias Disney Miller, Walt's grandson, for the Walt Disney Family Foundation.

Click Here to watch the full movie!

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Coca-Cola and Disney

Q: Is there any specific information on the history of the partnership between Coca-Cola and Disney? When did it start, how did it start? It seems that the two are synonymous with each other, but I wonder how it all started.
Crystal, Seattle, Washington

A [Dave Smith]: Coca-Cola sponsored the first Disney television show, One Hour in Wonderland, which aired as a special on December 25, 1950. When Disneyland opened in 1955, Coke became a participant with the Refreshment Corner on Main Street, U.S.A., and remains a participant there today. Coca-Cola is now the global beverage provider for all of Disney's 11 parks in the U.S., Hong Kong, France and Japan.

[Marcio Disney]

The Hub at the Magic Kingdom

Club Cool - Epcot

Magic Kingdom - Backstage

Alice in Wonderland - The Second Star to the Right

Q: I have heard rumors about lyrics to "The Second Star to the Right" that were not used. I also heard they had something to do with Alice in Wonderland. Could you tell me about them?
Gabrielle, Houston, Texas

A [Dave Smith]: Composer Sammy Fain, with lyricist Bob Hilliard, wrote some of the songs for Alice in Wonderland, including one called "Beyond the Laughing Sky." It was not used in Alice, but since Sammy Fain was also the primary composer on Peter Pan, and presumably everyone liked the melody he had written earlier, new lyrics were written by Sammy Cahn and it became "The Second Star to the Right."

[Marcio Disney]

Here's a new version for the song! Just Push Play - It's Free :-D

Lyrics

The Second Star To The Right
(Thanks to 50bop for the correct lyric!)
The second star to the right shines in the night for you
To tell you that the dreams you plan
Really can come true
The second star to the right
Shines with a light so rare
And if it's neverland you need
Its light will lead you there
Twinkle Twinkle little star so we'll know where you are
Gleaming in the skies above lead us to the land we dream of
And when our journey is through each time we say goodnight
we'll thank the little star that shines
the second from the right

Why does the whispering wind
Sound like a lullaby?
Is that the magic music
From beyond the laughing sky?
Why can't the swallows remain
Where is the place they fly?
Why can't I go along with them
Beyond the laughing sky?
If I climbed the highest tree
Where, oh, where would I be?
Would I find a place for me
In the land Of grand enchantmen?
Where do the clouds disappear
When they go rolling by?
I'm wondering about the world
Beyond the laughing sky

The Roll-A-Book Dumbo

Q: My daughter's favorite character has always been Dumbo. How did the movie of the same name come to be made, and on what was it based?
Duane, Golden, Colorado

A [Dave Smith]: Dumbo was based on a story by Helen Aberson and Harold Pearl that was first published in a scroll-like item called a Roll-A-Book. None of these Dumbo Roll-A-Books have ever surfaced. After the intense work on the major productions of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Pinocchio and Fantasia, Walt Disney and his artists were looking for a simple little story which they could turn into the next animated feature. Dumbo fit the bill.

[Marcio Disney]

"Dumbo the Flying Elephant is like Sleeping Beauty Castle. It is so iconic that when you see it, you know you’re looking at some place inside Disneyland park. It’s one of our classics, dating back 55 years ago. In fact, it debuted almost exactly a month after opening day on August 16, 1955. The 16 happy, grey elephants — inspired by Walt Disney’s 1941 animated film — are “piloted” by guests. These baby pachyderms can fly as high as 17 feet! Did you know that the Dumbo attraction is also at the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World (1971), Tokyo Disneyland (1983), Disneyland Paris (1992) and Hong Kong Disneyland  (2005)? Here’s another fun fact: When President Harry S Truman (a staunch Democrat) visited the park in 1957, he playfully refused to ride Dumbo because of the Republican symbolism associated with the elephant-themed attraction. Enjoy this historical footage of our famous flying elephants."

by Valarie Sukovaty, Disneyland Public Relations

ESSAYS

The Mysterious Dumbo Roll-A-Book

By Michael Barrier 

 

When I wrote in a January 14, 2010, post about the history of the black crows in Dumbo, I reached back as far as the 102-page treatment that Joe Grant and Dick Huemer submitted to Walt Disney in the early months of 1940, in installments. But Dumbo's history goes back further than that, as Huemer himself acknowledged in his interview with Joe Adamson, part of which I published in Funnyworld No. 17. Adamson asked, "Where's the story that Dumbo comes from?" and Huemer replied:

I never saw it, but they say it was on a little strip that was given away on a cereal box. Or maybe it was even printed on the outside, I don't know. But it had the basic elements of the story: the little elephant who had big ears, was made fun of, learned to fly, and was redeemed. All in just a few panels. Well, we took it from there, had a few story meetings, then Joe Grant and I wrote it up a chapter a time and submitted it to Walt. He used to come down and say, "That's coming along good,. We'll make it!"
Then we got sketch men and story men and went to work and put together what we call a Leica reel. A Leica reel was a way of presenting a storyboard with the individual pictures on a filmstrip that was run through a Leica projector. You'd flip over a picture and talk about it, then flip over the next. ...
This was how we often held a story meeting. Sometimes we had rough Leica reels in pencil, and later we would make a color reel.
Adamson: When you first got Dumbo, what form was it in?
Huemer: Somebody had started working on it and there were quite a few sketches that I remember, but no storyboards yet. Mostly talk, getting together with Walt, and taking notes, and studying them. Dumbo was put aside a while to concentrate on another picture, I suppose, then Joe Grant and I picked it up.

Please! Read the rest of this AMAZING article by visiting: http://www.michaelbarrier.com/Essays/DumboRollABook/DumboRollABook.html

Everyday, Disney fans send dozens of questions for Disney Chief Archivist Dave Smith. Here are Dave's answers to your questions. Check back every day for a new post with a new question.

Dave Smith (born October 13, 1940) was the Walt Disney Archives founder and chief archivist which is located in the Frank G. Wells Building at Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, California. He joined the company June 22, 1970. Forty years later, on July 2010, he retired.

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The Last Thing Walt Wrote

Q: Is it true that the last thing Walt Disney did before he died was write the words "Kurt Russell"?
Victor, Chicago, Illinois

A [Dave Smith]: Not exactly. On his desk was a notepad on which he had scrawled some notes about future films and television shows. One of the names that he wrote was "Kurt Russell." The notes are undated, but are certainly among the last things he wrote in his office. When Kurt was at the Studio filming Now You See Him, Now You Don't, I took him up to Walt's office to show him the notes.

Donald's Toothbrush Holder

Q: I have an early Donald Duck figurine. It is either a chalk holder or a pencil holder. It is approximately 2 3/4" wide and about 5" high. On the back it says c (which is in a circle) Walt E. Disny (note spelling) and on the bottom it says "Made in Japan." As I look at it, Donald is looking to the left, and his right hand is touching the brim of his hat (U.S. Navy) as if saluting. His bowtie is red, his hat and sleeves have a black ring around them. Do you have any information on this? Thank you!
Linda, Rochester, New York

A [Dave Smith]: That item is actually a toothbrush holder, made in Japan around 1935 and distributed in the U.S. by the George Borgfeldt Co. There were a number of similar toothbrush holders, also featuring Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Pluto and the Three Little Pigs.

The 70s Electrical Water Pageant

Q: I remember seeing the Electrical Water Pageant at the Contemporary Resort at Walt Disney World in the 1970s and I've heard that its development eventually led to the development of the Main Street Electrical Parade. Was the original music used for the show a version of "Baroque Hoedown," the song later (and still) used for the Main Street Electrical Parade?
Alan, Chicago, Illinois

A [Dave Smith]: "Baroque Hoedown" was indeed originally used by the Electrical Water Pageant in 1971, but in 1972 it was transferred to the Main Street Electrical Parade at Disneyland. Over the almost four decades that the Pageant has been operating, the music it uses has changed many times.

[More Info by Marcio Disney]

This is a vacation video took on feb 23 - mar 1st, 1975.

The music played is a rare recording of the original Electrical Water Pageant (The Electrical Water Pageant is played at night during the light show on Seven Seas Lagoon Lake. It includes footage during the 4th year it was open (Opened 10/1/71), including the Main Street Parade, It's a Small World, and The Hall of Presidents.

The music as heard here was used only in the original 1972 parade at Disneyland and never played in the WDW version!

Donald Duck Orange Juice

Q: In December 1976 my family went to Walt Disney World and there was a place called the Donald Duck Juice Factory with the name on a water tower. In 2008 I returned there and noticed a water tower at Downtown Disney that looked just like the tower I remember. Is that where the juice factory used to be?
Robert, Baldwin, Wisconsin

A [Dave Smith]: Would you be thinking of Citrus World, Inc., headquartered in Lake Wales, Florida, not far from Walt Disney World? That is where Donald Duck orange juice is packaged. I do not remember a water tower, but I do remember a large billboard with Donald Duck on the roof of their building back in the 1970s.

[Marcio Disney]

Do you remember the commercial?

WORLD WAR II

"Sixty boxcars of fresh citrus fruit a day are being processed by Florida Citrus Canners Cooperative at Lake Wales. About 40 of those boxcars of fruit are converted into 8,000 gallons of orange concentrate destined exclusively for the United States armed forces and their allies. Total volume of concentrate was expected to reach 800,000 gallons. When reconstituted on the basis of 7 gallons of water to a gallon of concentrate, it will produce 6.4 million gallons of juice with vitamins added.

All will be shipped under the coop's Donald Duck brand. Concentrate production has been boosted by the need to reduce shipping space. Concentrate requires only about one-eighth of what fresh fruit requires. "]"Sixty boxcars of fresh citrus fruit a day are being processed by Florida Citrus Canners Cooperative at Lake Wales. About 40 of those boxcars of fruit are converted into 8,000 gallons of orange concentrate destined exclusively for the United States armed forces and their allies.

Total volume of concentrate was expected to reach 800,000 gallons. When reconstituted on the basis of 7 gallons of water to a gallon of concentrate, it will produce 6.4 million gallons of juice with vitamins added. All will be shipped under the coop's Donald Duck brand. Concentrate production has been boosted by the need to reduce shipping space. Concentrate requires only about one-eighth of what fresh fruit requires. "

"My Dad, Walt Disney" by Diane Disney Miller

Q: Walt Disney was the mystery guest on the November 11, 1956 episode of What's My Line? At the end of the show, he tell us that next week, The Saturday Evening Post will feature an article written by his daughter about Walt Disney. I would love to read this article and know more about it.

Marcio Disney, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

A [Dave Smith]: Walt referred to the serialized version, "My Dad, Walt Disney," of Diane Disney Miller's biography of her father. It appeared in The Saturday Evening Post for 7 weeks, beginning on November 24, 1956. The book version was entitled The Story of Walt Disney.

[More from Marcio Disney]

Actually it started on November 17, 1956 and you can read the original First and Last [January 5, 1957] article in the PDF below:

My Dad, Walt Disney by Diane Disney Miller - Saturday Evening Post by Marcio Disney

And here you can see the "What's My Line" episode with Walt Disney as the Mystery Guest!

Donald's Big Imagination

Q: I had a wonderful Donald Duck comic in which he traveled through space and went to stars. He was largest on Betelgeuse (I think) and smallest on another star. Imagine my surprise when I found out that both of the stars he visited were REAL stars. Do you know what the comic issue was and is it anywhere I can read again?
Erica, Brooklyn, New York

A [Dave Smith]: That story is the lead story in Walt Disney's Comics and Stories, #199 (April, 1957). You might be able to find the comic in a used comic book store or on eBay (there are a number of copies available there as I am writing this).

[More Info by Marcio Disney]

This is the cover of the Walt Disney's Comics and Stories #199 and the story is a 10 pages story with 4 rows per page and it's called Donald's Big Imagination.

Character Appearances: Donald Duck, Gyro Gearloose, Gyro's Helper, Huey Dewey and Louie

After the cover below, you can read the complete story. Please, be patience while the PDF file automatic loads!

1957 Donald Big Imagination - Carl Barks by Marcio Disney

Cruise of the Eagle

Q: I am searching for a feature that I think was on The Wonderful World of Disney about 30 years ago. It described the Coast Guard training school and boat rescue at Cape Disappointment in Astoria, Oregon. It may have been filmed to coincide with the release of The Boatniks. Can you give me any more information and is it available for purchase?
Marian, San Pedro, California

A [Dave Smith]: Perhaps you are thinking of Cruise of the Eagle. Here is the entry from my Disney A to Z encyclopedia: "'People and Places' featurette; released on March 19, 1959. The varied and important services of the U.S. Coast Guard are glimpsed. They warn ships of dangerous shoals, keep sea lanes open with icebreakers, face gale and hurricane to accurately forecast the weather in remote areas of the Atlantic and Pacific, and perform rescue services to ships and downed aircraft. We are also told of a training program of men of the Coast Guard and their many hardships. Filmed in CinemaScope. 18 min." The film is not available for purchase.

The Boat, The Car and the House - "Lifeless" Objects Cartoons

Q: I remember Little Toot, a little tugboat trying to prove himself to the other boats. There was another cartoon about a sports car and one about a house. I liked how they showed the life of a "lifeless" object. Unfortunately, I don't know where to find them or even their name for that matter. Do you by any chance?
Dezyrie, Lodi, California

A [Dave Smith]: You are probably thinking of Susie, the Little Blue Coupeand and The Little House (both special cartoons from 1952). Another classic of the animated inanimate is Johnny Fedora and Alice Blue Bonnet from Make Mine Music (1946). Over the years, these all have been released on DVD.

Little Toot

Susie, The Little Blue Coupe

The Little House

Johny Fedora and Alice Bluebonnet

Everyday, Disney fans send dozens of questions for Disney Chief Archivist Dave Smith. Here are Dave's answers to your questions. Check back every day for a new post with a new question.

Dave Smith (born October 13, 1940) was the Walt Disney Archives founder and chief archivist which is located in the Frank G. Wells Building at Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, California. He joined the company June 22, 1970. Forty years later, on July 2010, he retired.

ºoº

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Disney's Dream Makers

http://sites.google.com/site/marciodisney/

Disney Picture of the Day

http://marciodisneypictures.blogspot.com/

Vinylmation of the Day

http://vinylmationoftheday.blogspot.com/

Disney Fun Fact of the Day

http://tinyurl.com/MDFunFact

Today's Past in Disney History

http://tinyurl.com/PastDisney

Disney Tales [5 Weekly tales]

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The Disney History

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Walt Disney and Walter Knott

Q: Did Walt Disney and Walter Knott meet? If so, do you have any details of that meeting? Did they get along, share values, discuss their ideas of the old west?
George, San Diego, California

A [Dave Smith]: I am not aware of a specific meeting, but Knott and Disney certainly admired each other, and it can be assumed that they would have met at some time. Each would visit the other's park (Walt got ideas for his park from Knott's Berry Farm and Knott was invited to Disneyland's grand opening), and both served on a planning council for the Children's Hospital of Orange County.

[Walter Knott info by Marcio Disney]

The Knott family today no longer owns the theme park; it has since been sold to Cedar Fair. Additionally, The J.M. Smucker Company now owns the "Knott's Berry Farm" brand of jam and jelly ConAgra Foods in 2008. Click here to read more!

Address:
8039 Beach Boulevard
Buena Park, California 90620
U.S.A.

Telephone: (714) 220-5200
Fax: (714) 220-5150
http://www.knotts.com

Statistics:
Private Company
Founded: 1920
Employees: 6,300
Revenues: $230 million (1995)
SICs: 7996 Amusement Parks; 5812 Eating Places; 5399 Miscellaneous General Merchandise Store; 2033 Canned Fruits & Vegetables 

Seeds of the Theme Parks

Long before Walt Disney bought land for Disneyland Park in the early 1950s, Walter Knott planted the seeds of the amusement industry in Orange County with his Calico Ghost Town. 

Set next to the Knott family's Buena Park berry stand and chicken restaurant, the ghost town grew to become Knott's Berry Farm amusement park, now run by Sandusky, Ohio-based Cedar Fair LP.

As Disneyland readies for its 50th anniversary in 2005, Knott's in July plans to mark the 70th year of Mrs. Knott's Chicken Dinner Restaurant, which the theme park grew out of.

Cordelia Knott started serving chicken dinners to make ends meet during the depression. They proved so popular, Walter Knott added the Calico Ghost Town -  the forerunner to Knott's - to entertain visitors waiting to eat.

Unlike Disneyland, the restaurant, which still sports long lines, is set to celebrate quietly. Knott's spokeswoman Susan Tierney said plans for the anniversary still are in development, but likely would be kept on a "small scale."

That's a big contrast to Disney's recent splashy launch of its 50th anniversary plans-a worldwide celebration of the 1955 opening of Disneyland in Anaheim.

But the low-key tack is in tune with Knott's image as a regional attraction that easily would be a No. 1 draw in a market that didn't include the Disneyland Resort.

Long in the shadow of Disney, Knott's has held a solid place in one of the most competitive amusement park markets in the nation. It ranks among the top 20 parks in attendance and regularly updates rides on its 150 acres.

Of course, being next door to Disney is a big reason why Knott's is popular. The park stands to benefit if Disney's 50th anniversary draws the anticipated crowds.

Carry-Over Effect

So far Knott's hasn't looked at how it might leverage the Disney celebration to its own advantage. There likely would be a carry-over effect between parks, according to Brian Witherow, director of investor relations at Cedar Fair.

"When Disney does great, Knott's does great," he said. "If it brings more people into the market, we have enough to draw those visitors as well."

Knott's typically begins planning for the coming year in September. That's when park officials are likely to plot a strategy to play off Disney's big year, spokeswoman Tierney said.

For now Knott's is focused on 2004 after a sluggish 2003. 

This year Knott's hopes to see more visitors with the summer debut of the $3 million RipTide, a spinning ride set to open at the Boardwalk. It also plans to unveil Lucy's Tugboat at Camp Snoopy later in the year.

In December, the park plans to debut its newest thrill ride, the $15 million Silver Bullet, a suspended roller coaster with six loops along its track. That, Tierney said, should set the stage for attendance growth into 2005.

Knott's attendance has been between 3.4 million and 3.7 million visitors a year since 1998, the first full year under Cedar Fair, which bought the park in 1997.

Like other parks, Knott's saw a falloff in visitors after the 2001 terrorist attacks. Attendance also slipped last year with continued tough times in tourism with the war in Iraq and other global woes.

Disneyland last year had an estimated attendance of 12.8 million visitors, while Knott's had 3.45 million visitors, about the same as in 2002. 

Theme parks typically draw more visitors with new rides-something Knott's lacked in 2003. In the three weeks since Twilight Zone Tower of Terror opened at Disney's California Adventure, Disney officials say it has spurred increased interest in that struggling park.

"The attraction has become a real hit with our guests," park spokesman Bob Tucker said.

At Knott's, park officials only can count on a big new attraction every two or three years.

"Our big parks like Knott's and Cedar Point (in Ohio) have the economic means to justify new attractions every few years," Witherow said.

Knott's will have lots of competition.

Besides Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, Universal Studios Hollywood is set to unveil its Revenge of the Mummy-the Ride next month. Universal Studios, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, also opened a walk-through attraction featuring Count Dracula's infamous Transylvania digs, along with the film "Van Helsing."

At Six Flags Magic Mountain, this year's big debut is Tornado, a 75-foot-high tunnel-style water slide at Hurricane Harbor.

To the south, 5-year-old Legoland in Carlsbad is adding a Fun Town Fire Academy and a Florida setting in its Miniland USA section, geared to the under-12 set.

During Memorial Day weekend, Seaworld San Diego plans to open its first thrill ride with Journey to Atlantis-a splashdown water ride based on the mythical island. 

One plus for Knott's: cost.

While Disney typically saves its local promotions for winter, Knott's has made its $12.95 kids' admission price permanent through the summer at both Knott's and its companion water park, Soak City. Southern California adults pay $26.95.

Regular full price for Knott's Berry Farm is $43-in line with other major parks across the country. According to trade publication Amusement Business, daily full-price rates at the largest 20 parks in the U.S.-including Disney's California Adventure-range from $36 to $58.

Having three theme parks in a 10-mile radius gives a boost to Orange County's efforts to lengthen the time visitors spend in the area. The parks could pick up the slack if the county Board of Supervisors cuts economic development funding for the coming year, including for the Orange County Tourism Council.

"We are featuring the diversity of entertainment in Anaheim and Orange County," said Charles Ahlers, president of the Anaheim/Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau. "Having a great theme park like Knott's gives people more choice of entertainment for their families while they're here."

Having three parks enhances the likelihood people will stay a day or a night longer, and "that's what drives economic impact," he said.

Pattie Davidson, executive director of the Buena Park Convention & Visitors Office, said her staff urges callers to schedule some time at local attractions like Ripley's Believe It Or Not museum or Medieval Times dinner theater for some downtime away from the parks.

"Even kids get exhausted at theme parks," she said. 

Knott's and other local tourist attractions could be in for a boost from a rosier tourism forecast.

The Travel Industry Association last week projected a 3.2% increase in leisure travelers this year. Walt Disney Co. already is seeing gains, as indicated in its results for the quarter ended March 31.

With vacationers traveling shorter distances, and with 86% of California's tourists coming from other parts of the state, Knott's could snag a healthy percentage of those regional visitors.

Western Marketing

Both Disney and Knott's market heavily to the Western market, with Knott's focusing on the five-county Southern California region as well as Arizona, Nevada and Northern California.

"Our major market is still the drive market (seeking) two- to four-day vacations to Southern California," Tierney said.

Sandusky, Ohio-based Cedar Fair excels in that type of environment. In the Midwest, it has six amusement parks-including the recently acquired Six Flags Worlds of Adventure near Cleveland-and five water parks. It plans to debut an indoor water park near its flagship amusement park, Cedar Point, in Sandusky in November.

The company often is cited as a possible suitor for other parks, though Chief Executive Dick Kinzel long has held that the company looks first to managing its debt and won't be buying a park if it is likely to drag down dividends.

At Knott's Berry Farm, the company eventually will face the perpetual California dilemma for expansion: land.

Knott's owns another parcel of land currently used for parking across La Palma Avenue. But onsite space is at a premium.

"We won't let space hinder our creativity," Kinzel said.

Purists sometimes worry that Knott's is losing its local flavor and Old West theme and becoming just another thrill ride park. Both Kinzel and Knott's general manager, Jack Falfas, steadfastly insist the Old West always will be part of the park. Ghost Town and the Stagecoach, they say, are an integral part of Knott's history and will remain part of the park, even in the face of shrinking space for new rides.

With Ghostrider and upcoming Silver Bullet, park officials and ride designers have been creative in dealing with the space shortage.

"We're pretty good at going up and over things," Tierney said. 

 Pictures by YESTERLAND.COM at http://www.yesterland.com/knottspreserved.html

 Article by Sandi Cain, May 2004

    Sandi Cain is a freelance writer and contributor to the Orange County Business Journal and meetings industry publications. She specializes in hospitality, tourism and travel. Cain holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education from Kent State University in Ohio, where she majored in social studies. A former high school teacher, she has written for niche-market sports publications in the U.S., England and Australia and formerly worked in both the printing and high-tech industries. A Cleveland, Ohio native, Cain hasbeen a resident of Laguna Beach since the late ’70s. She enjoys travel, gardening, reading and spoiling her three cats.

Everyday, Disney fans send dozens of questions for Disney Chief Archivist Dave Smith. Here are Dave's answers to your questions. Check back every day for a new post with a new question.

Dave Smith (born October 13, 1940) was the Walt Disney Archives founder and chief archivist which is located in the Frank G. Wells Building at Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, California. He joined the company June 22, 1970. Forty years later, on July 2010, he retired.