“Blue Sky for Disneyland City Hall”

Since the earliest planning phases of Disneyland Park, drawings included a civic center and buildings. These early thumbnail sketches and other concept artwork seemed to be unencumbered by restrictions of budget, schedule or the laws of nature and physics. Though guided by Walt, his artists appeared to engage in “free-thinking,” as if implementing the modern “Blue Sky” Imagineering process.

The “Proposed Diagramatic Layout of Disneyland” (Marvin A. Davis’ plot plan, produced for WED Enterprises, Inc. by September 12, 1953) detailed “Town Hall” on the East side of “Main Street.” At that time, Herb Ryman’s “Schematic Aerial View” of Disneyland (originally produced September 26 & 27, 1953) also depicted a City Hall structure in that civic center. One year later, “The Disneyland Story” (a document produced for WED Enterprises, Inc., September 3, 1954) mentioned “you find yourself in a Civic Center or Town Square at the Turn of the Century… here you will see the Town Hall.”

Around this time, artist Harper Goff had already been tasked with creating concepts of the turn-of-the-century Main Street facades. The preliminary designs of Disneyland City Hall was partially inspired by a building from Harper Goff’s hometown of Fort Collins, Colorado and the Bay County Courthouse of Bay City, Michigan. Like some advanced “High Concept,” final designs were quickly generated and approved.

Early merchandise gave a preview of Disneyland City Hall, before construction even began.

“Architectural Plans”

Next, architectural drawings helped define all designs, production and construction strategies, costs, schedule, and resource requirements. “Disneyland is unique in that some of the world's foremost creative artists and architects control all design at Disneyland.“ Models explored the various dimensional relationships, site-lines, flow patterns, ergonomics, and visual appeal to convey the desired creative intent.

By January 7, 1955, architectural drawings (elevations and site plans) for “Town Hall” on the 200 Block had been completed by a “Lorrecc” and an “H.S.” of WED Enterprises, Inc. for Disneyland, Inc. The drawings were checked by a “WBK,” approved by two individuals, and revised twice - by “R.A.M.” (on March 4, 1955) and E. Jericho (March 9, 1955). These were working (construction) drawings and were the final plans from which the facilities were built.

The City Hall and Fire Station building accounted as one structure and described as a “one and part two-story structure” consisting of a total of “4875 sq. ft.”, and containing “fourteen offices and adequate restroom facilities.”

“Construction”
F. M. Franz, manager of operations for MeNeil Construction expressed: “We feel sure there has never been anything built like this in Southern California, or elsewhere in the United States. Many of the items were constructed from artist’s sketches.”

“Foundations and Framing”

First, a concrete foundation and slab floors were prepared, followed by wood frame construction (while store units would have a combination wood and rigid steel frame). On Main Street U.S.A., the buildings would not be full scale. Ground floors were built about 9/10ths scale. Second floors measured up to 7/10ths scale. The scale on the uppermost floors would be smaller still. Forced perspective would only make the buildings on Main Street appear taller than actually are. Still, the final steel and wood frame of Disneyland City Hall (though at a charming 5/8 scale) was actually more “to scale” than other structures on Main Street.

“Electrical, Plumbing, Air Condition Installation”

“Newbery Electric Corp. took the rapid electrical construction of Disneyland in stride. The electrical installations were supervised by Roy J. Gruendler, manager of Newbery's Orange County district office located at 1335 Santiago Ave, Santa Ana.”

Disneyland City Hall was also serviced by an air conditioning system and possessed complete fire sprinkling systems. By June 30, 1955, related Disneyland Site Work Fire Protection Utilities Plot Plans were prepared for Disneyland Inc., by J.E. Thomasson of WED Enterprises Inc.

“Drywall and Floors”

The rooms had asphalt tile floors, and painted and papered drywall partitions and ceilings.

“Brickwork”

City Hall had simulated brick and stone exterior on its front and side elevations, and stucco on the rear elevation. Much of this “brick” of Main Street Architectural Facades was QuikBrik “real brick applied like plaster,” manufactured by American Cement Products, Inc. (of Detroit, Michigan).

Larson Brothers Plastering Company of San Diego was also a proud part of Disneyland. The company crafted the ornamental plastering and all brick used at Disneyland (including their amazing new plastered brick veneer). The versatile Quikbrick (real colorful and textural brick applied like plaster) was about half the price of ordinary brick. It insulated, beautified, and was meant to “last a lifetime.” Scenes of plasterers carving these “brick” facades on Main Street are seen in a few brief scenes of A Pre-Opening Report from Disneyland.

The exterior of the building also had 1,000 square feet of covered porches and steps.

“Roofing”

According to inserts published in area newspapers during July of 1955, Disney buildings were roofed by Pioneer Roof & Shingle Company (then located at 608 Mateo Street, Los Angeles, California; 7522 Westminster Avenue, Westminster, California). Many roof coverings were a variable, dependent on the architectural design. The roof of City Hall was a steep wood shingle roof with dormers, towers, and ornamental iron railings.

“Storytelling Set - Decorative Fixtures”

All fixtures were placed in their correct motif and many light fixtures of Disneyland were authentic antiques. By July 2, 1955, shadow gags were ordered. Painted signs, window, curtains, and shades were projected to be completed on time. The sound equipment was be installed, with completion of the tape recordings appearing to be fairly tight.

On June 2, 1955, C.V. Wood Jr. sent an Inter-Office Memorandum to Walt Disney regarding the best estimates that could be obtained at the time regarding the status of individual sections of the Park and Opening Day. C.V. wrote: “The City Hall - It will be complete… Police Station - This and the Lost Children’s Play Ground behind it will be complete.”

“The Mickey Mouse Flag”

The first Disneyland Dictionary (printed October 1959) makes a brief (but noted) distinction between the Mickey Mouse Flag and the “Official Flag of Disneyland”: “There are many flags flown in Disneyland - atop buildings, flag poles and many of Disneyland's boats. There are American flags of today and flags of our nation's historical growth, and flags of other countries. There are also Mickey Mouse flags and the official Disneyland flag.”

Several styles of flags are typically flown atop Disneyland City Hall including a 45-star American Flag (in keeping with the turn-of-the-century era) and a Mickey Mouse Flag (over the Police Department).

The Mickey Mouse Flags were copyright Walt Disney Productions and once located over Main Street Depot, the Police Station, the Fire Station, and the Mickey Mouse Club Theater. These were a reminder “for all who come to this happy place,” that “it all started with a mouse.”

“The Official Flag of Disneyland”

Another important flag was the Official Flag of Disneyland, a copyright Walt Disney Product and a unique flag that was located exclusively over the Main Street Depot and above Disneyland City Hall. For a time, this flag was manufactured by Hortie-Van Banner. & Flags of Pasadena (est. 1926). There have been at least four styles of this flag - two rectangle styles (one with the full name “Disneyland”; the other with the “D” monogram) and two styles of swallowtail flags (a short and a long).

“Pre-Opening Operations at Disneyland City Hall”

Disneyland City Hall is one of the oldest buildings in Disneyland, as construction began with Town Square. Day Sechler recalled: “When I first saw Disneyland, the only thing was the four-foot high walls of the City Hall!“ Even while construction of Disneyland was ongoing, Bob Thomas (of Associated Press) visited for a tour with Walt Disney. “‘That will be the City Hall over there,’ he said, pointing to a construction on the West Side. ‘We’ll have our offices there and a press room upstairs.’”

Very early on, Disneyland City Hall became a functioning civic center of the site. The upper floors were used as the Disneyland Operations office even before Disneyland opened, and it was also used as the Disneyland Publicity Office for press-related work (source of “News From Disneyland.” This office was ideal for Eddie Meck as “he could greet the press ... and see the guests,” according to the recollection of Van France (of the University of Disneyland). From this location, Eddie began to sell Disneyland to the world! Sometime after May 17, 1955, WED Enterprises, Inc. staff like G. Scognamillo, George Patrick, Dick Irvine, Bill Martin, and Wade Rubottom moved to “the site” and set up offices in the upper floor of the City Hall through opening.

Eventually, one authorized “Disneyland Information & Nomenclature List” (prepared by Bill Cottrell of Disneyland Inc., by May 25, 1955) listed “official and authorized nomenclature” of Disneyland, and even distinguished the “Buildings in Civic Center” : “Disneyland Police Department, Disneyland City Hall, Disneyland Fire Department, Disneyland Opera House.”

“Press Preview Day”

Soon (on July 17, 1955), Bob Cummings first introduced Disneyland City Hall this way : “There’s City Hall - quaint and dignified, with its Post Office! The place where the citizens of the town gather to exchange gossip and hear the latest news of the day.”

“General Information”

Since 1955, Disneyland City Hall has been synonymous with General Information! Here, at Disneyland City Hall was Disneyland’s "Guest Relations Office” behind the information desk, where Guests could receive general Information about Disneyland, from Cast Members were familiar with the parks as a Guest and were able to answer guest’s questions. There was no “stupid” question and every Guest was entitled to his or her opinion. In addition, information about bus and helicopter schedules, and motel and trailer park information could also be obtained at the City Hall on Main Street.

According to the Guided Tour Script (published, 1962), “The large brick building across Town Square is Disneyland’s City Hall. If you have any problems you may take them there, because we all know, City Hall has ALL the answers.”

“Lost Children Department”

In 1956, benches adjacent to signs which read “Inquire Here for Lost Parents” (in locations like the Central Plaza Hub) helped lost family members reunite. [This can be seen in a few scenes of the short film “Disneyland - The Park” (a Disneyland anthology television series short film, originally aired in 1957). Disneylanders were instructed that “Young children must be carefully watched as they easily wander away from their parents… If the parents are not found in a few minutes take the child to First Aid.”

Disneyland City Hall contained the Lost Parent Department, a division of the Disneyland Safety Department. It was also a place where parents could inquire of Lost Children and be reunited with them, and children could claim their lost parents. According to one source : “Kids from one to 100 wander away from each other, and it’s hard to figure out who actually gets lost in the process - parent or child? The problem is being handled through a department known as ‘Lost Children,’ and referred to, by a sign posted at Disneyland City Hall as ‘Lost Parents.’ Located just off Main Street U.S.A., next to the First Aid Offices, it serves as a meeting place for parents and children alike when either becomes lost or misplaced in the busy Anaheim park. Disneyland employees are well briefed on looking out for the lost and to lend a guiding hand when help is needed. On one unusual day a ticket seller reported having twelve children in her tiny booth at one time, all waiting for security guards to pick them up.”

“Actually some children seem to enjoy being lost at Disneyland. And for good reason.” As far back as July 1955, it was “staffed by experienced attendants who maintain a special playground for youngsters,” according to “Welcome to Disneyland,” 1955. As of June 2, 1955, C.V. Wood Jr. sent an Inter-Office Memorandum to Walt Disney mentioning an rarely-talked-about feature of the facility: “The Lost Children’s Play Ground.” By July 1955, it was “staffed by experienced attendants who maintain a special playground for youngsters,” according to “Welcome to Disneyland,” 1955. Attention was drawn to this radical amusement center feature in one photograph of Actress Spring Byington (of “December Bride) and child actor Bobby Diamond (of “Fury”) shot for their 1956 “TV Radio Mirror” article, where the duo are featured taking a little lost boy bye the hand, and leading him “to Lost Children Headquarters - and his folks!”

Upon the grand opening, the Lost Children Department had “colorful benches and tables to play on. Merchandising supplies toys and comic books. And occasionally, a balloon salesman drops by with a few free helium filled models for the gang. Under the faithful eyes of a Matron who stays on duty at all times, the kids are almost too well taken care of.

Len Jones, safety manager in charge of Central First Aid and Lost Children, says ‘St. Patrick’s Day is usually the worst of all. It was last year, we registered over 500 Lost Children and more than 300 more were recovered by their parents before we could get their names into the book.’

When a child is brought in, the matron-in-charge attempts to get as much information as possible, especially the parents’ names. Usually mom and dad are found quite readily. If the missing youngster isn’t claimed in, say two hours, Security is called into the case.

‘On occasion, panic-stricken parents from out of town have returned to their nearby hotel rooms to find their son or daughter safe and sound, just a little exhausted from the day at Disneyland,’ says the head nurse Mary Gilbert.

The maximum age for assistance is ten. If a child older than that loses his parents, he is allowed to wander through the Park, provided he has tickets or money, and is instructed to return to Lost Children in half an hour, whereupon he quite possibly will find his lost parents waiting among the comic books.”

In the present, a sign reading “Lost Parents Inquire Here for Children” features Mr. and Mrs. Darling (whose children temporarily became “lost” with the Lost Boys” of Neverland).

“Other Services”

According to the early souvenir book “A Complete Guide To Disneyland” (published 1956), also mentioned a “First Aid Station.” Other services included Rest Rooms, and public telephones.

Decades later, Disneyland City Hall was also one of several locations where guests could acquire stamps to mail souvenir post cards. By 1987, Disney Dollars (the official currency of Disneyland, available in $1 and $5 denominations) were redeemable for their equivalent U.S. currency at (not Bank of America, but) Disneyland City Hall. This was unique at the time as so many non-Disneyland Disney locations, i.e., Walt Disney World, Glendale Galleria, did not accept Disney Dollars.

Back in 1948, Walt was dreaming about a Park (to be located across the street from the Studio in Burbank). The opening words of the “Mickey Mouse Park” prospectus mentioned that “adjoining Town Hall will be the Fire and Police Stations… The Police Station will be put to practical use. Here the visitors will report all violations… lost articles… lost kids, etc. In it we could have a little jail where kids could look in. We might even have some characters in it.” [“The Spirit of Disneyland”]

Ultimately, Town Square became the civic center of Disneyland, where a number of important structures represented elements of the average turn-of-the-century town. Adjacent to Disneyland City Hall, the Police Station was a free exhibit, giving guests a look at a typical turn-of-the-century jail house. “The Story of Disneyland” [published 1955 by Disneyland Inc.] made mention of “the City Hall and Police Station” exhibit which also served as a “Lost Children” center.

Adjacent to Disneyland City Hall, the Police Station featured a turn-of-the-century jail house. Like the Upjohn Pharmacy or Yale & Town Lock Shop, this was a free exhibit, but it no doubt deterred some would-be shoplifters entering Disneyland’s tunnels. Unbeknownst to most guests, behind the Police Station (in the Backstage area), was an employee Lounge.

The first civic center structure that guests encountered through the tunnels was the Disneyland Police Station (located just south of Disneyland City Hall).

“The Guest Relations Department”

The Guest Relations Department was formed during 1959. Since then, Disneyland Tour Guides would assist with Guest Relations from Disneyland City Hall. In addition to answering telephone calls that would come into Disneyland, the Guest Relations Department would come to be responsible for “complimentary ticket registrations, the Lost and Found, Carefree Corner, and City Hall locations, and a variety of special events that occur throughout the year. Guest Relations also works very closely with WED, the Press, and Community Affairs”, according to Disneyland LINE Vol. 13, No. 3 (published January 22, 1981). In recent decades, Disneyland City Hall Records (of Disneyland recipes, or names of plants, flowers and trees are available to the public.

“Back of House”

The 4,875 square foot interior contained fourteen offices and adequate restroom facilities. Marty Sklar (Public Relations), Tommy Walker and Ben Harris (assistant to Disneyland Entertainment Director Tommy Walker) once had their Production Department Offices on the 2nd floor of Disneyland City Hall. The upper floors are believed by some to have possibly once temporarily housed the Disneyland PBX Offices (while these were assuredly located on the second floor of the Main Street Opera House).

Sound and music are essential to any spectacular show, and the responsibility for maintaining high quality sound at Disneyland falls to the SOUND DEPARTMENT. An attic on the third floor of Disneyland City Hall once housed computers which controlled some of the sound-related show systems for Main Street U.S.A.

Behind the Police Station (in the Backstage area), was an employee Lounge.

“Special Events on The Disneyland City Hall Stage”

Disneyland City Hall has become a stage for winter holiday celebrations. Beginning in 1955, Disneyland City Hall was decorated for the first Christmas - draped in overhead evergreen wreaths. More than a decade later, the City Hall Balcony was utilized as an “Announcer Location” for Holiday Festivals and Parades of Disneyland’s “First Fabulous Decade.” City Hall was also the setting of a Look Magazine photo shoot (in conjunction with new Disneyland 3-D post cards) on May 24, 1966. The steps of Disneyland City Hall were used as a Stage for performances, as when the Disneyland Christmas Carolers (under the direction of Dr. Charles C. Hirt and lead by Mr. Robert G. Hasty), appeared during various times of the day, from December 16th, 1967 thru January 1st, 1968. [“Disneyland Holiday Talent Master Schedule,” prepared for the period of December 16, 1967 through January 1, 1968]

City Hall was utilized for ceremonies, as when Elsa Marquez (the 1-millionth visitor) stepped through the Disneyland Main Gate. Here (from the steps), Jack Sayers (of Customer Relations) “introduced the Marquez family to Sheriff Bill Lacy of Frontierland, Chief Shooting Star of the Indian Village in Frontierland ; TWA hostess, Jo Ann Weidman ; and K-7 John Catone, the ‘Spaceman’ of Tomorrowland. Following the public announcement and introductions at City Hall, Elsa was showered with gifts from Disneyland and Disneyland exhibitors,” according to one newspaper article.

Many celebrities have made appearances at Disneyland City Hall. Among notable VIPs was the comedic Milton Berle inquiring about “lost child” Jerry Lewis. “55er” Frank Martines recalled: “One time Jimmy Stewart got cornered by the fans near City Hall. I'll never forget watching him run across the parking lot, trying to get away!” On another occassion, on a Sunday morning in 1959, Senator (and United States Presidential Candidate) John F. Kennedy and Guinea President Ahmed Sekou Toure met (and were photographed) at Disneyland City Hall.

Those tall Eucalyptus trees behind City Hall, were present in the groves countless years before Disneyland construction began. You see, they were originally utilized as a “wind break” for the orange trees that once grew on the land. Another similar group of trees would be retained near the site of the Casey Junior Circus Train in Fantasyland. Today the landscaping partially functions as frost control and to screen service areas.

Near City Hall, was a posted sign listing the day’s entertainment (Disneyland Marching Band, Frontierland Indians, and “Gonzalez, Gonzalez, and Gonzales”)!

Blue and silver bunting decorates the Disneyland City Hall in honor of Disneyland’s 25th Silver Anniversary!

One of five 45-star flags in Disneyland flies atop Main Street City Hall, while one of the official Flag of Disneyland flies atop the adjoining structure (the old Police Department).

“The Harrison Buzz Price Window”

“We celebrate our people for the memories they created in the past.” Martin Sklar once said “an individual's contribution can usually be found in the final product if one looks closely enough, but the Disney mind frame is to never point out ‘what I did’ to anyone.” However, a few outstanding individuals have been publicly recognized for their contributions and even ceremoniously honored by the Company.

There are thousands of windows at Disneyland.

Who was Harrison “Buzz” Price? Back in April of 1953, a company called Stanford Research Institute was hired by Walt, to began analysis on a suitable and sizable plot of land that had the potential to hold his “Disneylandia.”

You’ll note that the window (above) describes Harrison Price as a “finder,” and that’s because both Cornelius Vanderbilt Wood and Harrison Price (Stanford Research Institute mechanical engineers) helped “find” 10 potential Southern California locations for Walt Disney’s “Magic Kingdom.” Of these suggestions, Walt and these engineers of Stanford Research Institute decided upon a certain rural area in the Ball Road Subdivision of Orange County. This an the agricultural community (located just down the country road from the little Witherill farm), the “right” spot to realize Disneyland!

Jack Lindquist is the honorary mayor of Disneyland. Jack was the 1st president of Disneyland (announced at an awards banquet in 1989) and has a window above City Hall.

Not far from Disneyland, we find a special artifact among a particular library’s rotating collection. It is the trophy reproduction of the Honorary Main Street Window belonging to the first Disneyland President Jack Lindquist (1989-1994). Jack retired from Disneyland during Mickey Mouse’s 65th Birthday, and received an honorary window on Main Street U.S.A., within the Court House. The gold leaf reads, “Honorary Mayor of Disneyland”. Jack had come far from his position spearheading Disneyland’s Marketing Department, back in 1955. For all his contributions, he would soon be named a Disney Legend (in 1994), and in later years would go on to perform much altruistic and charitable work as a Trustee with the local Chapman University.

Today City Hall houses Guest Relations offices - the department that handles Guest concerns, compliments and tour services while Guests are visiting the park.

The Disneyland Main Street City Hall "Mayor's Office" was once (originally) the setting of the Disneyland Police Station.

In the rooms and along the exterior of the building, note the two separate types of lighting: Character lighting, and Functional Lighting. Character lighting such as a chandelier or kerosene lamp, was themed to enhance the overall appearance and complement the interior. These add to the show, but didn’t necessarily create enough illumination for operation. Functional lighting on the other hand, offers substantial light without being obvious, or distracting from the show.

By late 2022, the location has become the Disneyland Merchant’s Guild.

By 1996, City Hall was still offering Guest Relations assistance. While being assisted, it may have been easy to overlook little details surrounding guests.

Inside of City Hall you may notice a bookcase, filled with books like “Walt & You,” by Sidejas and Kimbrell. The book is homage to Ray Sidejas (one-time Disneyland Custodial Guest Services Manager) and Bruce Kimbrell (one-time Disney Institute business program facilitator). The former Walt Disney Imagineering Principal Creative Executive Marty Sklar would probably agree that the small details like these make the story appealing.

The rear of City Hall serves as a Cast Member Assembly Area for Cast Members of Adventureland/Frontierland/West side of Main Street.

“Awards on Display”

By 1965, several resolutions of special recognition were being received by Walt Disney and Disneyland. By that year, resolutions had been received from the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors and the City of Anaheim. Many other such commendations would be received before the conclusion of the Tencennial Year on a national, state and community level.

By the mid 1960s Disneyland City Hall displayed “several of Walt Disney’s international awards,” according to the “Disneyland Dictionary” (compiled by WED Enterprises, Inc. and WED Public Relations Department, c. 1968). This tradition would continue well beyond Walt’s lifetime. In the present, Disneyland City Hall still holds :

A County of Los Angeles Document recognizing the Disneyland Tencennial Celebration.

A Resolution (by the Senate, California Legislature) No. 335 - for Walt Disney Appreciation Day, unanimously adopted July 13, 1967.

A (March 4, 1980) signed resolution representing the Motion (by the County of Orange County Board of Supervisors) to wish Disneyland a Happy (25th) Silver Anniversary.

A (June 20, 1980) signed resolution (by Tom Bradley, Council President, and 15 District Members) representing the motion (by the Los Angeles City Council) to wish Disneyland a Happy (25th) Silver Anniversary.

A Resolution (by the Senate, California Legislature) recognizing the 30th Anniversary of Disneyland.

Years later, the facility would be home to the Guest Research Department.

The “I Have an Idea” Program (est. 1978) would come to yield many ideas that would influence and shape the efficiency and safety of how things were run. For instance, Disneyland Cast Member Margaret Hebenstreit had the idea to “have Disney cartoons at Lost Children to entertain children who are waiting to be found.” [Disneyland Line, March 1st, 1979]

In the present, Disneyland City Hall still cares for lost children of Disneyland.

City Hall also created tangible memories Guests through merchandise and show.

“Legacy”

Many rehabilitations have both maintained and improved upon the show quality of backstage and onstage areas of Disneyland City Hall. For instance, one rehabilitation included Job #032-50-52 - the c.1959 installation of fifteen 48” fluorescent ceiling fixtures on the second floor, at a cost of $995.66.

Another rehabilitation involved the removal of the original Disneyland City Hall doors which were installed in 1955. After fulfilling a starring role for decades, they were salvaged during a refurbishment. Perhaps you entered through these doors in order to make use of the public telephones, or inquire of Lost Children and be reunited with them. Maybe, you even walked through these doors on your way to Disneyland Guest Relations, Disneyland Operations or the Disneyland Publicity Office. While interacting with any of these departments, you may not have noticed the doors were not full-scale.

Like the rest of Disneyland City Hall, they were constructed at a charming 5/8th scale. It’s also not easy to see that these amazing doors were also “Aged and Grained” with a simulated wood grain.

Today, City Hall is “Guest Relations’ central information source, located in Town Square on Main Street, U.S.A.”

Disneyland City Hall has legacy among Disney Parks worldwide. Why, by the spring of 2003, “City Hall… home to Guest Relations… on the South side of Town Square” was among the concepts for Hong Kong Disneyland. There, guests could “obtain information, ask questions, leave messages and find guidebooks in Chinese-Traditional, Chinese-Simplified, English and other languages.” It would also become “the location for Lost & Found, where guests can inquire about items they have lost during their day in the Park.”

“Blue Sky for ‘Mickey Mouse Park’ Fire Station”

A Fire Station was included in some of the earliest designs for Walt Disney’s themed amusement park. Back in 1948, Walt was dreaming about a Park (to be located across the street from the Studio in Burbank). The opening words of the “Mickey Mouse Park” prospectus mentioned that “adjoining Town Hall will be the Fire and Police Stations. The Fire Station will contain practical fire apparatus… scaled down.” [“The Spirit of Disneyland”] Early thumbnail sketches and other concept artwork seemed to be unencumbered by restrictions of budget, schedule or the laws of nature and physics. Though guided by Walt, his artists appeared to engage in “free-thinking,” as if implementing the modern “Blue Sky” Imagineering process.

Even at this early date, the Main Street Fire Station had its roots in true-life structures. For instance, when Walt Disney Studio artist Harper Goff was tasked with creating Main Street building design concepts for the “Mickey Mouse Park” (an 11-acre plot across the street from Walt Disney Studio), he drew some inspiration from the old buildings of his hometown - Fort Collins, Colorado. Some of those very same structures (some of them two-story) that were present from 1911-1920), were also present when Harper arranged for photographs of Fort Collins to be captured and shown to Walt during the early 1950s. While the Main Street Fire Station was not directly inspired by any singular building, Harper’s memories of them doubtlessly continued influential to conceptual artwork soon produced for the early “Mickey Mouse Park” concepts and ultimately the 160 acres of Walt Disney’s Disneyland in Anaheim, California!

“Blue Sky for the Disneyland Fire Engine House”

The preceding image is an excerpt from Herb Ryman’s “Aerial View Over Disneyland,” which was produced over a weekend (September 26 & 27, 1953). In this excerpt (pictured above), we get a glimpse of the Main Street Fire Station (which appears to be an exhibit of sorts) located in Disneyland’s Civic Center of Town Square.

By July 1, 1954, George Whitney of Disneyland, Inc. directed Amusements, with Ron Miller overseeing analysis, philosophy, capacities, planning, operator training, and amusement procurement. Soon “The Disneyland Story” (a document produced on September 3, 1954), told the story of what guests would experience once entering Disneyland. The opening page states : “Here you will see…the Fire Engine House with the Old Fashioned Fire Engine.” Clearly, a Fire Department has been a part of Disneyland plans since it’s earliest conceptual stages.

Like some advanced “High Concept,” final designs were quickly generated and approved. Some of these viable project Concepts (as this), were supported by a well-developed business case and built expectation. In fact the Disneyland Fire House was included among the portfolio of colored sketches by Herb Ryman, Bruce Bushman, Harper Goff, and others that was prepared for Dick Irvine and Nat Winecoff to take back East to sell the Disneyland concept to prospective licensees.

“Master Planning and Design of the Disneyland Fire Engine House”

Next, architectural drawings helped define all designs, production and construction strategies, costs, schedule, and resource requirements. “Disneyland is unique in that some of the world's foremost creative artists and architects control all design at Disneyland.“ Models explored the various dimensional relationships, site-lines, flow patterns, ergonomics, and visual appeal to convey the desired creative intent. By January 7, 1955, architectural drawings (elevations and site plans) for “Town Hall” on the 200 Block had been completed by a “Lorrecc” and an “H.S.” of WED Enterprises, Inc. for Disneyland, Inc. The drawings were checked by a “WBK,” approved by two individuals, and revised twice - by “R.A.M.” (on March 4, 1955) and E. Jericho (March 9, 1955).

“Construction of Disneyland Fire Engine House”

F. M. Franz, manager of operations for MeNeil Construction expressed: "We feel sure there has never been anything built like this in Southern California, or elsewhere in the United States. Many of the items were constructed from artist’s sketches.” An excellent example is the Disneyland Fire Engine House!

Forced perspective would make the buildings on Main Street appear taller than actually are. On Main Street the buildings would not be full scale. Ground floors were built about 9/10ths scale. Second floors measured up to 7/10ths scale. The scale on the uppermost floors would be smaller still.

City Hall and Fire Station was accounted as a “one and part two story structure” comprised of 4875 sq. ft.

Floor Slabs and Framing - First, a concrete foundation and slab floors were prepared, followed by wood frame construction (while store units would have a combination wood and rigid steel frame). Oren Gallegly was one “55er” who came to Disneyland as a diver-welder, and soon found himself working as a carpenter, building the fire station.

Walls - The interior walls were painted and papered drywall partitions and ceilings.

Roofing - According to inserts published in area newspapers during July of 1955, Disney buildings were roofed by Pioneer Roof & Shingle Company (then located at 608 Mateo Street, Los Angeles, California; 7522 Westminster Avenue, Westminster, California). The roof covering was a variable, dependent on the architectural design. This particular roof was covered in steep wood shingles with dormers, towers, and ornamental iron railings. The floors were of asphalt tile while the walls were painted and papered drywall partitions.

External Finishing - The Disneyland Fire Station hassimulated brick and stone exterior on its front and side elevations, and stucco on its rear elevation. Larson Brothers Plastering Company of San Diego was a proud part of Disneyland. The company crafted the ornamental plastering and all brick used at Disneyland (including their amazing new plastered brick veneer). Like most facades of Main Street USA, that of the Disneyland Fire Department was designed and constructed at smaller scales - 9/10 scale for the first floor and 8/10 scale for the second floor. As for the simulated brick and stone of the exterior Main Street front and side elevations, it was comprised of QuikBrik, “real brick applied like plaster,” manufactured by American Cement Products, Inc. (of Detroit, Michigan). The versatile Quikbrick (real colorful and textural brick applied like plaster) was about half the price of ordinary brick. It insulated, beautified, and was meant to “last a lifetime.” It was used on the facade.

The rear elevation facade was composed of stucco.

Flooring - The interior had asphalt tile floors.

Rough-In Plumbing and Electrical - The building (as each on Main Street U.S.A.) possessed complete fire sprinkling systems. By June 30, 1955, related Disneyland Site Work Fire Protection Utilities Plot Plans were prepared for Disneyland Inc., by J.E. Thomasson of WED Enterprises Inc.

“Newbery Electric Corp. took the rapid electrical construction of Disneyland in stride. The electrical installations were supervised by Roy J. Gruendler, manager of Newbery's Orange County district office located at 1335 Santiago Ave, Santa Ana.”

The entire structure was serviced by an air conditioning system.

By July 2, 1955, shadow gags were ordered. Painted signs, window, curtains, and shades were projected to be completed on time. The sound equipment was be installed, with completion of the tape recordings appearing to be fairly tight. As of June 2, 1955, C.V. Wood Jr. sent an Inter-Office Memorandum to Walt Disney regarding the best estimates that could be obtained at the time regarding the status of individual sections of the Park and Opening Day. C.V. wrote: “Fire Station - With the exception of the upstairs for which the design is still unknown, it will be complete.”

While construction was being completed, Walt described the West side of the “City Square” (to Bob Thomas of Associated Press), this way : “next door is the firehouse, with an old fire wagon the kids can get on and ride around the town. Upstairs will be a room for VIP’s, where we’ll entertain the visiting firemen.’” One authorized “Disneyland Information & Nomenclature List” (prepared by Bill Cottrell of Disneyland Inc., by May 25, 1955) listed “official and authorized nomenclature” of Disneyland, distinguished the “Buildings in Civic Center” : “Disneyland Police Department, Disneyland City Hall, Disneyland Fire Department, Disneyland Opera House.”

“Press Preview and Grand Opening of Disneyland”

Art Linkletter - host of the televised Grand Opening of Disneyland (airing live on ABC, July 17th, 1955), first introduced the Main Street Fire Station this way : “Fire Station - that’s a special interest of the volunteer ‘bucket brigade,’ whose horse-drawn engine and up to date hose and chemical wagon are a source of real local pride!” Yes, this exhibit was reckoned among “Disneyland rides and amusements” that “will delight the very young, the teen-ager, young married couples, the middle-aged, and grandparents alike,” as some of the Vintage Views testify [Anaheim Bulletin “Premier Souvenir Edition - Walt Disney’s Magic Kingdom - Disneyland” Insert ; Friday, July 15th, 1955].

With only slight deviation from the original color scheme (i.e. that of the doors, circular awnings and trim), as well as more durable materials, the Disneyland Fire Department Building facade is virtually similar to that of Walt’s day.

The first Disneyland Dictionary (printed October 1959) makes a brief (but noted) distinction between the Mickey Mouse Flag and the “Official Flag of Disneyland”: “There are many flags flown in Disneyland - atop buildings, flag poles and many of Disneyland's boats. There are American flags of today and flags of our nation's historical growth, and flags of other countries. There are also Mickey Mouse flags and the official Disneyland flag.”

By 1959, The Mickey Mouse Flags were copyright Walt Disney Productions and once located over Main Street Depot, the Police Station, the Fire Station, and the Mickey Mouse Club Theater.

While there have been a number of Disneyland Flags produced for various Stages around the Park, the Mickey Mouse Flag, was later flown over several locations on Main Street Disneyland City Hall, the Santa Fe & Disneyland Railroad Main Street Station, Disneyland Guest Relations, “the Biggest Bass Drum” in the world float (which made appearances in Walt’s day), and the Disneyland Fire Department. These were a reminder “for all who come to this happy place,” that “it all started with a mouse.”

Though this is an exhibit, Disneyland’s buildings were equipped “with sprinkler systems for fire protection,” by 1956, according to “News From Disneyland” (a c.1956 press release document). “Eight manual fire alarm boxes are on the site with connections in security offices and the Anaheim Fire Department.”

The presentation of the Disneyland Fire Station show on the vast DISNEYLAND “stage” was a distinct part of the Disneyland theater concept. Character lighting was themed to the area to enhance the overall appearance and complement the interior, such as a chandelier or kerosene lamp. These add to the show, but don't necessarily create enough illumination for operation.

Regarding most any project pursued, Walt Disney once said: “We have always tried to be guided by the basic idea that, in the discovery of knowledge, there is great entertainment as, conversely, in all good entertainment there is always some grain of wisdom, humanity, or enlightenment to be gained.” While fewer current Disneyland attractions embody the spirit of those words, the story was far different in the beginning, as the Firehouse itself was full of quite a few genuine antiques.

The first “Disneyland Dictionary” (printed October 1959) mentioned that the Insurance Company of North America Companies Exhibit: “Has display of actual antiques; Fire Hats, Water Bucket and axes used at the turn of the Century, as well as model fire fighting apparatus used during this period.”

The fire hats, flathead axes, and other props are authentic, verified by “Did You Know” (published by Disneyland in 1991).

Above the desk, you’ll notice a rarely-seen c. 1860-1861 antique electric Gamewell Fire Alarm Telegraph Co. Firehouse Gong with a beautiful oak case. The bell alone is 12 inches in diameter. “The magnetic electric fire alarm gong which is part of the Main Street Fire House… works on the same principle as the old telegraphic key, and was first used in Boston in 1851. The hunt for this was begun at the obvious place - the fire department. However, none was available in the local area, and Disney searchers were referred to an individual collector, who agreed in part with the gong only after hearing the story,” according to “The Disneyland News” (Vol.1 - No.2 ; August, 1955). According to “Did You Know” (published by Disneyland in 1991), “the elaborate Alarm System is [sic]… also authentic… the Fire Alarm System was purchased from the City of Los Angeles.”

Below (on the desk), is a Fire Alarm Ticker Tape Machine, that would print the location of the Fire Box that was used to telephone the emergency. Just a handful of United States firehouses had one of these machines around 1880, and all of them were located in major cities.

The authentic recreation of the Disneyland Fire House also holds Horse Stalls. “Each horse is named,” according to “Main Street Vehicles”, published 1966 by Disney University. You may recall hearing of George (born at Walt Disney Studios, before Disneyland was completed), or “Atom the Burro” (Disneyland’s first citizen, “born on the Magic Kingdom’s Pony Farm”). Since Disneyland began its first day of operation, each horse would clock “in and out when he works,” including Bess and Jess.

The present exhibit attempts to capture the feel of the early exhibit, with Fire Hats, Water Bucket and axes similar to those used at the turn of the Century. The former Walt Disney Imagineering Principal Creative Executive Marty Sklar would probably agree that the small details like these make the story appealing.

You’ll note a variety of horse tack props (like the Brow Bands with Disneyland “D” monogram) similar in fashion to the kind used specifically by the horses that pulled the Chemical Wagon.

Much of Disneyland’s original equestrian gear was created by hand, under the direction of Owen Pope and his apprentices. Here, we see one of the Main Street Horse Brow Bands, which fits over the horse’s head. These were never used by the horses in Frontierland (as those that pulled the Stage Coaches, or the Conestoga Wagons). These Brow Bands were made specifically for the Percheron, Belgian, and Clydesdale horses that pulled the Main Street vehicles (the Surreys, and Hose and Chemical Wagon, included)! Brow Bands like these were also used by the “scaled-down” Hackney and Shetland breeds used to pull the Surreys, and Hose and Chemical Wagon! To put this in perspective, Brow Bands (like the one pictured above) would have only been used by the “15 draft horses” or “16 ponies” among Disneyland’s some 189 head of horses in 1966.

This portion of the brow band (with the “D” surrounded by bosses) is centered on the front of the horse’s head, between the eyes.

The blinker traditionally holds the owner’s monogram or initials. In this case, the Disneyland “D” was originally placed on blinkers of the Disneyland Main Street Horse brow bands.

As to one particular reason for names, Van Arsdale France once wrote: “Since the horses were not directly on the payroll, they had to be carried as assets. All were given names. They all received names of people in accounting. Lucy Cotton, for example had a mule on the records named, ‘Lucy Mule.’”

Many wonder if Walt ever slid down the authentic Fireman’s Pole. According to Diane Disney’s own words, “I’m sure he didn’t.” However, visitors (like Fess Parker and Buddy Ebsen) occasionally did slide down the Fireman’s Pole. [see “Diane Disney Remembers Dad : Walt’s Secret Disneyland Apartment” by Jordan Zakarin, Huffington Post, February 11, 2012] On even rarer occasions, a few curious folks made their way up the pole. Diane also shared (with Michael Broggie), a story of a “small red-headed boy” who shimmied up the fire pole in order to meet her father, only to surprise Walt (who was reading nearby). Soon after, the additional means of egress was closed up.

Considering all these loyal details, it is not hard to believe why (by the year 1958), the Main Street Fire Station was one of 15 free educational shows and exhibits at Disneyland.

Disneyland has been utilized as a backdrop for many advertising campaigns made for television and publications (like magazines and newspapers). Photographs for the “Schwinn Takes A Trip To Disneyland” catalogue (including this one where the Disneyland Fire Station became a background for the Schwinn Speedster) were shot at Disneyland during the Disneyland Tencennial celebration of 1965.

On a rare occasion, the firehouse was home to a Hand-Crafted Bonsai Association exhibit, during “Festival Japan” (held October 12 & 13, 1985).

In the present, the Disneyland Fire Department has become the Stage for “Hook & Ladder” performances. The Hook & Ladder’s entertaining sight and Dixieland sound are something reminiscent of both Ward Kimball’s Fire House Five Plus Two and the Main Street Saxophone Quintet.

The Disneyland Fire Department/DFD is the Resort's internal fire department. Since the beginning, Disneyland has always been serviced by on-call personnel handling true-life fire fighting equipment. When Disneyland opened, the Fire Department was under Burn's until October, 1956. At that time, it was protected and serviced by a 1954 Willys Jeep (acquired July 17, 1955). It was occasionally parked near the Fire Chief’s Office behind Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln, Backstage of Main Street East).

Then one day in 1956, Ben Meister asked Dick Galentine (of Burns) to join him as Disneyland had taken over the department. The Disneyland Fire Truck was staffed by: Chief Ben Meister, Lt. Earl Considine, and six (6) experienced firemen. By 1959, this department could be summoned during an emergency by dialing EMERGENCY call ext. 229 or Disneyland operator. By 1969-1970, the department also made use of three R.C.A. 2-way 2-frequency radios (Personalfone 150) Model # C.P. C. JIPNHTOA which were assigned to the Fire Dept. Chief. The price/unit for these was $546.00 with batteries and antenna.

As a sidelight, by October 1959, Truman Woolworth (of General Services) was overseeing the Disneyland Safety Departments (both Medical and Fire Departments).

Through the years, the Disneyland Company would have several cutting edge models of fire engines on reserve. Of course, these were true-life engines, not attractions for On Stage. For instance, when the Disneyland Fire Department was located Backstage behind the 700 Block (adjacent to Administration Building in the Service Area near both the Lincoln Theatre and Security) there was a 1981 Chevrolet Pierce Pumper.

To the right is a Controlled Access Barrier (one of two in Town Square) that is part of the Park-wide Emergency Access System and the Firehouse Gate occasionally utilized for crowd control during peak periods and parades. But, most days the doors are closed to the public.

“Right above the Main Street Fire Station is one of Disneyland's best-known, ‘well kept’ secrets-Walt Disney's private apartment. The apartment was built in 1955 as a place where Walt might spend the evenings during the construction of Disneyland. Because Disneyland would be built in 257 working days and because there were no other local lodging areas at the time, the apartment was built partly out of necessity.”

“Construction”

Above the Disneyland Fire Station an efficient, small, 500-square-foot (or, 675 square feet according to one 1958 appraisal) apartment was built, to house a living space room, kitchen, closet, and a 3/4 bathroom. The 3/4 bathroom was a tiny area, complete with a working shower. The shower had four showerheads. There are a couple of theories behind this. The most likely theory is that it was just a luxury Walt had installed for the sake of having it.

The interior of the apartment had carpeted floors, plaster board, paint and paper walls and ceilings. These were serviced by an air conditioning system and possessed complete fire sprinkling systems. All fixtures were placed in their correct motif and many light fixtures of Disneyland were authentic antiques.

“Décor and Furnishings”

The original décor of the apartment was a joint effort between Mrs. Disney and the set designer for Mary Poppins, Emile Kuri. The theme was Victorian. Representative elements of the theme included rose and green colors and the repetition of the rose motif. Walt’s daughter Diane who went to great lengths to preserve many original furnishings from the Disneyland Apartment remembered: “They decorated it in the Victorian style they both knew and loved.”

There were two sofas which were actually hide-a-beds; one for Walt, and one for his wife, Lillian. Each bed used to have portraits of Walt and Lillian's mothers above their respective beds, so there was no late night confusion over who slept in which bed.

Mrs. Disney purchased some items right on Disneyland property, like an ink well set (that still carried its price tag) that was on display below a mirror in the apartment.

Speaking of antiques, the apartment contained an Edison Company Standard Victrolla Phonograph and an original 1890s Regina Music Box Company Corona, Style 35 Disc Player, each purchased by the Walt Disney family from the A.C. Raney collection in 1953. These items were gifts to Lillian from Walt, reckoned “family property” in “Disney Music Box Information” Records and never received a Disneyland Property Control Number.

As with all Disneyland keys produced in 1955, the special Yale Lock to Walt’s Apartment could only be opened by a special YALE Key, which Walt (and evidently, his assistant Dorothy Wrigley) possessed.

Next to Walt's Apartment, VIP guests watched the Press Preview Day Parade from the Restroom rooftop (as seen in televised footage and images captured by photographer Mel Kilpatrick).

“Walt Moves In”

According to the “Disneyland 25 - Happy Birthday to a Dream” newspaper supplement: “Once Main Street was constructed, Walt moved into his own small apartment above the Fire House to be closer to the action.” Disneylander and “55er” Bob Milek remembered “Walt was practically living here in the early days.”

Dorothy Wrigley (Walt’s Secretary, Park Operations Secretary & Disneyland’s 26th employee) helped set up (and regularly stock) Walt’s Main Street Apartment. In the kitchenette, there was a sandwich griller that Walt probably used many times to make his favorite food: grilled cheese sandwiches. There was a ‘Tom and Jerry’ bowl set which is named for a popular holiday drink, not for the MGM cartoon characters that, incidentally, are NOT part of the Disney family.

“Press Preview Day”

From the onset of construction Walt spent-as much time at Disneyland as his schedule would permit-and often times more so. Walt was making daily visits to the site and his apartment, especially on the Press Preview Day. Proving this is an anecdote preserved in the same publication: “Walt… confided to a reporter that he had almost missed the Park’s spectacular debut. Exhausted, he had gone to bed in his tiny apartment above the Firehouse to try for a few hour’s sleep. Because people kept waking him up with problems, he finally locked his door, only to find that later in the morning he couldn’t get the door open. In desperation, Walt finally had to yell for help.” [Disneyland 25 “Happy Birthday to a Dream” Advertising Supplement; published January 20, 1980] Walt clearly made it out in time for the Dedication of Disneyland. This is also where Walt could come to observe his first Guests on that opening day, between ceremonies and interviews.

Next to Walt's Apartment, VIP guests watched the Press Preview Day Parade from the Restroom rooftop (as seen in televised footage and images captured by photographer Mel Kilpatrick).

“Grand Opening”

Hank Dains recalled “the first day we had paying guests in the Park, and Walt was over at the Fire Station looking out the window. And I heard him say ‘Paying guests, I love you... and threw them a great big kiss.’”

“Walt & Lillian’s Retreat”

Walt would spend a lot of time at the park on weekends coming back from Palm Springs.“Most of the time, Walt was here on what he called ‘business’ - observing maintenance and construction on the off-season Monday and Tuesday closure days, and patrolling the Park ‘incognito’ or so be tried to be almost every Saturday, so he could gage his Guest's reaction to Disneyland.”

One indication that Walt was ‘home’ in the apartment would be the closed doors to the Fire Station below. “This was done to ensure no fire bells were ringing if the Disney's were taking an afternoon nap. The fire pole in the station once extended right into the apartment.” As far as historians know, Walt never used the pole as a quick exit from the apartment. Another sign that Walt was in for the evening was an illuminated light located in front of the window facing Main Street.

The apartment eventually become Walt and Lillian’s private retreat in the Park. “In the early days, when Disneyland was still in an experimental learning period, Walt and Lilly would come to the Park to spend a few days in his apartment above the Fire Station,” according to “The Spirit of Disneyland” (published 1985, for Disneyland Cast Members). Staying here may have very well seemed familiar to Lillian, whose father was once the Fire Chief of Lewiston, Idaho.

“The Disney Family Retreat”

You may recollect how Walt described (to Bob Thomas of Associated Press) a particular element of the “firehouse” : “Upstairs will be a room for VIP’s, where we’ll entertain the visiting firemen.’” We’re unsure of how many “firemen” were actually entertained in Walt’s Apartment, but Walt and Lillian often hosted family members. “After Disneyland opened to the public, Walt found the apartment was a good idea as it allowed him a place within the park where he could entertain his family in private or even spend the night before his Saturday ‘inspection days.’”

Sometimes, though, Walt's visits were strictly recreational increasingly so as his family grew. “During Disneyland's first decade, Walt and Lilian Disney had acquired 11 grandchildren and you can bet what weekend outing was very high on those grandchildren's list!“ The Main Street apartment could scarcely accommodate so large a group and the children and, later, the grandchildren, would sleep on the floor. Inside the cabinets there were glass baby bottles which were used by the Disney grandchildren. Joanna Miller (the second eldest child of Diane and Ron) often shares fond memories of her grandfather Walt Disney, including staying in the apartment above the fire station. Diane Disney recalled: “Dad and Mother spent many weekends in the apartment, often with some of their grandchildren.”

Therefore, with Disneyland's first new land, New Orleans Square, already under way, Walt decided to build a larger version of his home-away-from-home up in the otherwise unoccupied second level of the gracious, balconied buildings.

“Walt Entertains a Few Guests”

As the Disneys loved to entertain, a few non-family members were also guests of Walt’s Apartment through the years! According to Mouseketeer Sharon Baird’s account, the Mouseketeers were in Walt’s private apartment when Guests first stepped through the turnstiles below, on the Opening Day of Disneyland. The adjoining Roof Terrace allowed guests to enjoy the air (and the view of Town Square) from the second story. Many guests could be seen on the Roof Terrace during the Opening Day Parade as attested to in "Homecoming - Destination Disneyland" by Carlene Thie with photos by Mel Kilpatrick. Another event (in coordination with the release of a Davy Crockett film) brought both Fess Parker and Buddy Ebsen to Walt’s Apartment.

Original Mouseketeer Tommy Cole recalled: “Our first schoolroom where they would tutor us was above the fire station in Disneyland. It was close to Walt's office, for he had an office above the firehouse. I so remember that and all the back streets, back parts of Disneyland.“

In its early years, while Walt and Lillian were alive, the apartment was as private as anyone's home. Few photographs (as one published in National Geographic, August of 1963) of Walt’s Apartment, were made public, so it was hard for the average Park-goers to imagine what Emile Kuri’s interior decor (now enhanced with trinkets personally selected by both Lillain and Walt) looked like.

Not many Cast Members or guests ever saw the inside of the apartment. Bill Sullivan recalled: “I think my most memorable encounter was when we opened Small World. This was my first experience at being responsible for opening a new attraction. Walt and I walked through the area one night, and talked for about half an hour about things in general and the attraction in specific. In fact, we kept on walking and talking all the way from Small World and down to Main Street to his apartment.”

“Disneyland Cast Member Re-Orientation Tour Groups Visit Walt’s Apartment”

There were a few unauthorized visitors according to Van France: “Everyone was curious about Walt's apartment located above the Fire Station on Main Street. So, for a re-orientation group I was leading, I managed to borrow a key (I can't remember how), and each group would "ooh" and "ah" as we walked through Walt's private quarters. Many Cast Members enjoyed the tour until, on rainy day, the raincoat of one participant brushed against one of Lillian Disney's table decorations. The Cast Member made a courageous reach, and fortunately caught it before it hit the floor.

In addition to the re-orientation traffic, a young Host, the son of one of our executives, had found a key to the rooms, and had used the apartment... I planned to have someone clean and straighten up, but I had somehow forgotten about it, a fatal error just before Walt's weekend visit. When the Housekeeping Hostess entered the apartment in anticipation of Walt's arrival, she found clues that there had been unauthorized intruders. Panic buttons were pushed from Disneyland to the Studio to WED and back. That was the end of our tours of the apartment.”

During 1958, a shade roof lattice was constructed over the 20’x33’ Walt’s Roof Patio. This Roof Patio Addition to Walt’s Apartment (Disneyland Inc. Job #032-50-45) was accomplished through the help of Disneyland & Studio laborers, as well as sub-contractor Cowelco. The covered porches and steps measured 1000 square feet. The labor and materials of the Roof Patio Addition project were later appraised at $5728.42.

By March 15, 1961, the design of louvre shutters (by Art Director Harvey Gillett of WED Enterprises, Inc.) was completed for Disneyland, Inc. and added to Main Street Buildings.

“After Walt Tours Resume”

The Disney apartment is a very special part of Disneyland history. After Walt and Lillian passed away, the apartment remained locked for years.

The Disney apartment was not an attraction for the general public. From time to time, a few select few Cast Members (and some distinguished guests) were invited to take a tour of the apartment. But ultimately, thanks to the magic of Disneyland Guided Tours, many a guest has set foot into Walt’s firehouse apartment. It was and is the distinct privilege of tour guides, to preserve this piece of history, hoping that Guests considered it a privilege to have been able to experience it.

Walt Disney's personal apartment is still decorated in the Victorian style Lillian, Walt's wife, chose for their home away from home. The decorating staff showed impeccable care in mirroring Lillian's original collection and in preserving the style of Emile Kuri. While very few of the current bric-a-brac items actually belonged to the Disneys, Guests are encouraged to not handle old and fragile items or irreplaceable antiques within the apartment (or on the balcony). In order to preserve the sanctity of the apartment, pictures were also initially prohibited then limited. Above, Bob and Don make a sanctioned memory behind the Main Street Fire House (and Walt’s apartment).

Today, Walt’s Apartment is a unique part of our resort history, and a fun glimpse into Walt's life here at Disneyland. In visiting, I am often reminded of an expression made by Martin Sklar, how: “you can't beat the original Disneyland. I always like to remember that this is the only park Walt ever walked in.”

Walt’s Apartment continued to occasionally host events. Club 55 celebrated “40 Years of Adventures” here with a friendly champagne reception and reminiscing, on Saturday, July 15, 1995.

“Legacy”

In order to share the experience of Walt’s Apartment with Disneyland fans, the Walt Disney Family Museum (of San Francisco, California) has created a special diorama in honor of this rarely-seen “dwelling unit”! The Walt Disney Family Museum Trophy Room houses some amazing antiques from Walt Disney’s so-called “super secret hideaway” - the Main Street Fire House Apartment. According to Walt Disney Family Museum docents, some of the furniture and pictures on exhibit were removed from the Fire Station Apartment by Disney family previously. Some pieces (like the lamp) are representations of the antiques that once furnished the apartment. Though the authentic antiques have been cared for (receiving some level of refurbishment and restoration), they can still be seen as they are rotated in and out of the exhibit.

Occasional unique artifacts from Walt’s apartment have surfaced at auctions over the years, including lamps and even swatches of carpet. We once came across this most unique artifact (pictured above) at one of Van Eaton Galleries’ pre-auction shows. This beautifully elegant candlestick (or, “grandfather”) telephone (was actually seen in the few approved press photos of the Disney family Firehouse apartment interior). Even more, this piece was also once the property of ATT (the American Telephone and Telegraph Company, and one-time sponsor of the Circle Vision Theater in Tomorrowland). Walt and Lillian often visited antique shops along their travels, and likely found this on one of those excursions. The phone number for the apartment is even still on the telephone, reading “(714)533-4456”.

This artifact is now part of some private collection.

This sample of wallpaper from Walt Disney’s Firehouse Apartment gives us an idea of one element of the original setting enjoyed by guests.

According to Diane’s account preserved at the Walt Disney Family Museum:

"When dad was in Disneyland during the hours it was open to the public, he was frequently approached by people, usually children, asking for his autograph and a photo. He appreciated this, but it did hinder his progress through the park. To solve the problem, he would sign his name on the sheets of his personalized memo pad and put them in his pocket. When approached, he'd rather secretively hand one out, with a smile, of course, and a word or two, then go on his way. We found a small cache of these in their Disneyland apartment, where he had written them."

If you would like to read more about the Walt’s Apartment, I highly recommend adding Marcy Smothers’ “Eat Like Walt - The Wonderful World of Disney Food” to your personal Disney Home Library! Therein, Marcy has extensively researched and finely crafted a small section of a chapter “Walt Disney’s Disneyland - Main Street U.S.A.” dedicated to “Walt’s Apartment.” Marcy even shared the contents of a “1959 Memo” which “listed the supplies to be stocked in the apartment.” If you would like to bring the magic of Disneyland restaurants and concessions to your dining room table, “please step this way” toward www.eatlikewalt.com where Marcy has shared a few recipes for memorable Disneyland menu options, so you too can “Eat Like Walt.”

The Disneyland Fire Department would have a legacy in Disney Parks worldwide. In fact (by the spring of 2003), the concept of an “old-time” Disneyland Fire Department was being Imagineered for the south side of Town Square at Hong Kong Disneyland, but with a practice usage of space. The structure was planned to be utilized as a “stroller and wheelchair rental” facility.

While there will continue to be such Fire Department buildings on the Main Streets of Disney Parks worldwide, the Disneyland Fire Department (in Anaheim, California) with its upstairs apartment, will forever be the one and only with the personal imprint of Walter Elias Disney. Today, a light remains lit 24 hours a day, all year long, to remind us that Walt is still here at Disneyland, in spirit.

“Walt was reared in the mid-western town of Marceline, Missouri. As with other lands, he wanted Main Street to be a Main Street - authentically recreated to get the feel of a typical small town thoroughfare of the 1900 era with which he was familiar.”

Take a close look at Main Street. “Note the results of years of research to determine and design a composite Main Street of the typical small town of the early century. Note the demanding attention to detail designed and built into every nook and cranny by Walt and his ‘Imagineers’ at WED Enterprises. This same demand for detail is designed into Main Street vehicles.”

At Disneyland there is a "story behind the story" of every attraction, every attraction is a living experience for the guest. Disneyland ride-through attractions or adventures have officially been defined as an “individual show, ride, or exhibit designed to produce an entertaining Guest experience. Disney attractions stir the imagination, enliven the senses, and provide the participants with positive, innovative entertainment, which is the essence of the DISNEYLAND Show.” It is important to review the story of the attraction, tell the story, explain it, and create interest. This is the story of the Fire Wagon.

“Main Street vehicles play an important part in the Disneyland show. First, they are essential to the staging of Main Street, U.S.A. The contrast to the hustle and bustle of our modern world and its streamlined modes of transportation is sharp and penetrating. Suddenly, as a guest comes onto Main Street, the entire mood changes. The years roll backward. back to Main Street, U.S.A., circa 1900. It wouldn't be Main Street without the leisurely clop-clop of a horse-drawn surrey, or the chug-chug of a horseless carriage.”

Second, they serve as much-needed transportation for our guests. They provide a convenient and colorful way to reach the heart of the Magic Kingdom - or back to Town Square after a long day in the Park. Third, hosts assigned to operate these vehicles play an important part in answering questions - giving tips and directions - to guests who are either starting out or winding up their day at Disneyland. Their role falls into what might be called our ‘first impression - last impression’ group. They can start guests off on the right foot - in the right mood, and send them away with a warm feeling - and a desire to come back.

Three years before Disneyland acquired an antique fire engine, guests could “be a fireman” and “answer the alarm” on Disneyland’s very own horse-drawn fire wagon! At the time, there were already several other horse-drawn vehicles in Disneyland - the Main Street Surrey, as well as the Frontierland buckboard & Stagecoach. Grandmother and Grandfather could reminisce about the good old days while riding aboard these “vintage” vehicles of their youthful era. However, among this lot of vehicles, there was just one Disneyland Chemical Wagon.

The Chemical Wagon was one of several horse-drawn vehicles constructed on the Walt Disney Studio Lot. Horse trainer (and temporary Walt Disney Studio resident) Owen Pope helped design this vehicle, while Walt Disney Studio carpenter Ray Fox helped construct this re-imagining of a late nineteenth-century Chemical Wagon.

While one authorized “Disneyland Nomenclature List” (prepared by Bill Cottrell by of Disneyland Inc., May 25, 1955) soon described “1 Horse drawn fire engine” with a “3 horse hitch,” two horses would typically be used to pull the final vehicle. According to “Walt Disney Disneyland” (published 1964): “To recreate a fire engine that might once have answered the alarm in a small American village at the turn of the century, studio men designed a chassis and then poured through standard catalogs for unlikely but practical equipment: a jeep rear axle, a three-speed truck transmission, the power plant of a small pickup truck, standard drive line parts.”

“In 1954, Day Sechler [sic] went to the STUDIO, where he helped Owen Pope make street cars, surreys, stage coaches and even a fire engine.”

Necessary firefighting implements were placed as props, around the apparatus. There were shiny chrome sulfuric acid tanks placed under the driver’s bench. Instead of soda-acid tanks in the rear, guests would sit on one of two rows of benches. The ladders were even rearranged to serve as railings to the passengers.

There’s a story that speaks volumes of more than the craftsmanship of the Main Street vehicles: “A staff member was concerned that the Main Street vehicles would be vandalized. Walt discarded the notion. ‘Don’t worry about it. Just make them beautiful an you’ll appeal to the best side of people. They all have it… all you have to do is bring it out.” [“The Spirit of Disneyland,” page 43 ; Prepared 1984 by Walt Disney Productions.] And so with an optimistic view of Disneyland Guests in mind, these particular Main Street vehicles were born.

While most employees of Disneyland attended an orientation program, during this era, there were many who worked on The Pony Farm at Disneyland, who did not. Van Arsdale France remembered: “I think I managed to schedule almost everyone through orientation, with one exception. My only failure was with the people who were to operate the horse drawn vehicles. This operation was controlled by a crusty man named Owen Pope, whose headquarters were in what is still called ‘The Pony Farm.’ When I cornered him, he explained by saying, ‘Van, you're dealing with people people. We're horse people out here.’ He finally sent me one or two of his men. But, he was. doing his own training program.”

Before the Park opened, the Belgians, Percheron, Clydesdales, and Shire-Percheron cross-breed draft horses that pulled the Main Street vehicles (the Surreys, and Hose and Chemical Wagon, included) were prepared for the noises that they would hear once On Stage on Main Street (and other parts of Disneyland). Van Arsdale France once wrote: “He [that is, Owen Pope] was worried about the horses ‘spooking’ with all the sights and sounds of Disneyland. So, a recording of sounds from arcades and shooting galleries, and yelling kids made up. This was used as an audio aid for horse training. Since the horses were not directly on the payroll, they had to be carried as assets. All were given names. They all received names of people in accounting.

Some pre-opening day licensed merchandise (like the children’s book pictured above) prepared Disneyland guests for adventures in store on July 17th, 1955.

Two days before the televised Press Preview event at Disneyland, a newspaper supplement (published for July 15th, 1955) included this preview of the “horse-drawn hose and chemical wagon.”

The Chemical Wagon (variously referred to as the Horse Drawn Fire Wagon, and the Horse Drawn Fire Engine) was originally 1 of 22 initial major attractions at Disneyland. In fact, in advertisement for the Park’s many adventures, some box backs of Cheerios featured colorful artwork (in the form of “Disneyland Park Light-Up No. 15”) highlighting the “Fire Company Hook and Ladder on Main Street - Disneyland Park”.

The popular Chemical Wagon remained in service to Disneyland for five years (from July 17, 1955 - September 11, 1960), before being retired. During this time, admission for a one-way ride (during 1958), was one “jumbo” “A” coupon (the price of 10¢, for one adult) - the same as the 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea Exhibit, the Omnibus, or the later “motorized Fire Wagon”!

By October 1958, the “Disneyland Dictionary” commented: “There is one (1) horsedrawn fire engine, typical of the 1900’s. (operates in peak seasons.)” As to the route, the same publication states: “Town Square, down Main St., Circles Plaza. Return trip - Plaza, Main Street to Depot. Serves as Main Street transportation.”

A Disneyland Fire Wagon Driver proves that a smile was essential, and a genial and friendly personality was the Disney style.

This young honorary fireman looks like he’s “ready to answer the call”. Are YOU ready to answer the call?

“Yes-Junior, and even Dad can answer an ‘alarm’ and ride to a ‘fire’ behind the department's gallant steeds.”

By September 28, 1958, Bank of America appraised the Fire Wagon (considered a Park Asset) and valued it at $6,056.

The Chemical Wagon was even featured in “The Dutch Boy Disneyland Coloring Book” (published 1957). As mentioned, the popular Chemical Wagon remained in service to Disneyland for five years (from July 17, 1955 - September 11, 1960), before being retired. By the time the Horse Drawn Fire Wagon had ceased operation, it had transported a grand total of 379,969 guests down Main Street U.S.A.!

By 1966, only brief mention of the Horse-Drawn Fire Wagon is made in the pages of “Main Street Vehicles” (published 1966 by Disney University), where it states, “the Horse Drawn Fire Wagon… in the Fire Station at City Hall is authentically reproduced from pictures. The hats, axes, and other props are authentic. The wagon is part of the show, but is not used on Main Street to carry guests.”

Currently the bright red Chemical Wagon is still part of the Disneyland show, but is not used on Main Street to carry guests. It sits inside Main Street Fire Station amidst many fire fighter-related antiques and reproductions, decorated with authentic hats, axes, and other props.

In the present, it seems that the authentic bell has been removed to improve the Show Quality of this free exhibit.

*Some sources (as “Disneyland Admission Media Rides and Attractions” report, page 40, published 1971) cite August 27, 1958

The Main Street Fire Department Engine has become a Disney Parks tradition from Walt Disney World to Shanghai Disneyland. But the story of the Disneyland Motorized Fire Engine begins with one true-life fire engine - the former Los Angeles Fire Department Engine No. 63! After being retired during the late 1940s, the engine was acquired by Walt Disney Productions artist Ward Kimball (c.1949).

During this era, Ward’s “Firehouse Five • Plus Two” performed from his 1916 American La France Fire Engine in Disneyland Parades, and even in the Tournament of Roses Parade! This antique Fire Engine may be the reason for Disneyland’s own Fire Engine according to Bob Gurr’s account.

WED employee Bob Gurr first laid eyes (and hands) on Ward Kimball’s American La France fire engine in 1953, when he was asked to help Ward drive the engine to the local fueling station in order to fill the radiator with water. Early in 1958 (three years after Disneyland’s first operational day), Bob was sitting in the Burbank office of Walt Disney. He had been meditating on what to add to Disneyland’s “turn-of-the-century” land, and recollected Ward’s little ALF engine. Up to this point, the Disneyland Fire Department had a horse-drawn Chemical Wagon that was being utilized for the free exhibit, as well as to offer guests passage down Main Street. It was at this point, that Bob Gurr (knowing the audience) pitched the idea of an antique engine to his boss Walt Disney. For the FULL STORY on Ward Kimball’s Fire House Five • Plus Two engine, please VISIT the following link to Disney History 101’s tour of Los Angeles County Fire Museum!

“Disneyland Fire Engine Design and Construction”

The replica 1916 vehicle was recommended and, but also designed by Bob Gurr with color by Sam McKim. Like the Horseless Carriages, “the Motorized Fire Engine …is similarly a composite design of a hose-carrying fire engine of the turn-of-the-century,” according to “Main Street Vehicles,” published 1966 by Disney University. “The studio’s Imagineers designed a chassis, then used practical equipment like a jeep rear axle, a three speed truck transmission, and standard drive-line parts.” [“Did You Know?” prepared for Disneyland, c.1991.] A 2-cylinder Hercules gasoline engine was installed in the vehicle. “The primary change we made was to place seats where the hose was carried. The Studio men designed a chassis, then pored through standard catalogues for unlikely, but practical equipment - a deep rear axle, a three-speed truck transmission, the power plant of a small pick-up truck and standard drive-line parts. The bell and the siren are authentic, purchased after considerable search. At the turn of the century, gas-driven cars were considered a novelty - and a hazard - lacking the reliability of a horse. Motorized fire equipment was merely supplementary to the more respected steed.” [According to “Main Street Vehicles”, published 1966 by Disney University] Much of that “fire equipment” was acquired through Bob’s $150.00 purchase of a 1938 Chevrolet fire engine, from the Crown Coach Fire Engine Company. Ward Kimball (who owned and operated several antique fire engines) recommended the Bob install Rushmore headlamps on the engine, for a finishing touch.

“Debut & Response”

During 1958, the Disneyland Fire Department took a step forward in time, when it received its first motorized fire engine (appraised and valued between $3,600 and $4,300). By September 28, 1958, Bank of America appraised the Motorized Fire Wagon (considered a Park Asset) and valued it at $12,267. This vehicle would bear the distinction of becoming the last DMC attraction vehicle to be added to Main Street!

For a little over a year, two fire fighting vehicles shuttled guests down Main Street. The Main Street Fire Engine ferried guests on a one-way trip, from Town Square to the Plaza. The new 2000-pound vehicle had an 8-Guest capacity. Eventually (in 1960), the Chemical Wagon was retired, and the Main Street Fire Engine became the “chief” form of transportation! According to one Disneyland Admission Media Rides and Attractions Report [prepared in April 1971, by Disneyland Research Department], 2,787,155 guests had already taken a ride aboard the Fire Engine.

Here’s the Main Street Fire Department during the debut year of the Main Street Fire Engine.

A number of Disneylanders operated the Fire Engine like Ralph Hansen (1967).

The Disneyland Fire Engine was closed weekdays during the winter season of 1962, operating on weekends.

The Disneyland Fire Engine didn’t respond to “code 904,” but it was quite often used in parades and occasionally ferried special guests down the parade route. Among the notable Guests to take a ride aboard the Disneyland Fire Engine were :

•Sergei Gerasimov (Soviet Union Producer) and Georgrii Mdivani (Soviet Union Playright)

•The Tournament of Roses Queen Carole Washburn and her Royal Court, on December 19, 1960

•Richard Nixon and his family, 1961

•President Eisenhower and his wife, 1961

•Kyu Sakamoto, Japanese singing sensation renown for his hit Sukiyaki, was photographed aboard the Disneyland Fire Engine in August of 1963.

•Illinois Governor Otto Kerner (and family), on December 30, 1963 (in conjunction with their visit to the Rose Bowl)

•February of 1964, the Disneyland Fire Engine ferried Aunt Jemima (portrayed by vocalist Edith Wilson) and National Pancake Day Race Contestants in a Parade.

•Bob and Helen Bezucha (the editors of “The Golden Magazine for Boys and Girls”) sat behind the wheel of the Disneyland Fire Truck, and their photo was published in “The Golden Magazine for Boys and Girls” (June of 1965).

•The Disneyland Fire Engine was also used as a prop for a Look Magazine photo shoot (in conjunction with new Disneyland 3-D post cards) on May 24, 1966.

•The last photo of Walt Disney in the Park, was taken while he was aboard the Disneyland Fire Engine during the Fall of 1966.

•Camp Fire Girls Day at Disneyland (on Saturday, March 23rd, 1968) was advertised with a photograph of three Camp Fire Girls (and their Leader) aboard the Disneyland Fire Engine on the cover of Disneyland News (published for March of 1968).

•The c.1987 Interstate Batteries Great American Race Grand Marshall was transported down the parade route in the Disneyland Fire Engine.

•President Ronald Reagan at Disneyland’s Rededication, on January 11, 1990

•Disney Legends Alice Davis, Blaine Gibson, Bob Gurr, Harriet Burns, and Xavier Atencio rode in an event in honor of “Pirates of the Caribbean”, March 8, 2007.

By 1981 Main Street Vehicles contributed $24,000 in revenue (of $94,576,000 area sales) for Center Stage at Disneyland.

“It has been said that a Guest interacts with about 60 Cast Members during a visit. Keep in mind, this estimate refers to ‘interactions’, not all of the Cast Members a Guest actually sees.” This number includes the Hosts and Hostesses that re-create Main Street, U.S.A. with a show that is played up to Walt Disney standards. Hosts show an enthusiastic personality - an appearance, smile, and both outgoing and enthusiastic personality. They wear proper attire, a prescribed wardrobe in good repair and properly worn at all times. Hosts deliver an interesting narration - a good one. They know their facts, state them in an interesting way, and give them with enthusiasm. Hosts have a sparkling and clean appearance, that is essential to Disneyland showmanship. Hosts do their part in keeping their vehicle clean at all times. They are “popcorn picker-uppers”. Their realistic performance is most-important, living their role. The Disneyland Fire Engine Host is a conductor or driver at the turn of the century - only much more friendly and courteous!

By 1996, the Main Street Vehicles (Fire Engine, Horseless Carriage, Omnibus, Horse-Drawn Streetcars, ‘03 Red, ‘03 Yellow, Double-decker touring bus (5/8-scale), and Horse-powered trolley cars were presented by National Interrent.

Every now and then, some licensed merchandise was produced, inspired by the Disneyland Fire Engine. One of the most fascinating pieces that was never produced was an Old Fashioned Fire Engine model kit by Strombeck-Becker, Mfg. During 1955, this kit was discussed between Philip Sammeth of Walt Disney Productions Character Merchandise Division and C.S. Olson of Strombeck-Becker. While the possibility of a Fire Engine model (based on the Horse Drawn Chemical Wagon; proportionate in size to the Stage Coach Model Kit) was explored, it was never fully realized or produced.

One of my favorites (among the licensed merchandise produced) remains this matchbook, which commemorates the D.M.C. vehicles of both the motor-driven and horse-drawn variety. The Dapper Dan’s custom bicycle makes several appearances, as well as the Disneyland Fire Engine.

Disneyland actually looses money on Main Street vehicles, but they are vitally important to the showmanship of Walt’s recreation of Main Street U.S.A. These are essential, operated by the “first impression” and “last impression” representative host of Disneyland.

By the 1990s, the name on the attraction’s sign had been shortened from Main Street Fire Engine to simply, Fire Engine.

The Disneyland Fire Department Engine has received regular maintenance and rehabilitations through the decades. Some (like the new gold-leaf font of the characters on the hood) are more noticeable than others.

THIS is the scene down East Center Street today - the sight of freshly grown flowers in pots filling colorfully covered carts! Though adding to the small-town turn-of-the-century ambiance, these carts are actually a nod to another Disneyland attraction from Disneyland’s first decades. Let’s take a brief stroll down Center Street, and stop to “smell the flowers”!

This was the average early morning scene on West Center Street during the first two years of Disneyland’s operation. West Center Street was located at the center of the length of Main Street, on the west side; leading to Guest rest rooms. Before long, Walt’s promise of an ever-expanding vision would commence, and this quiet turn-of-the-century street would bustle with new attractions and experiences in shopping - outdoor vendors!

During Disneyland’s first year or two, while the Popcorn Cretors occasionally set up outside Gibson Greeting Cards on east Center Street, artists could often be found on West Center Street. Occasionally, the sounds of the Keystone Kops Quartet could be heard there.

But, after the Artists were cleared out of “the Alley,” Disneyland, Inc. opened Job #032-50-37 - the construction of a Flower Market, on West Center Street. The attraction was an efficient, maximum utilization of space. It would include the construction of a flower stand and two flower wagon bodies, planter boxes and liners, wood lattice work by restrooms, and a storage area for the flower stand. The costs were as follows: design ($433.50), labor ($3,250.79), materials ($272.61), outside purchases ($459.92), two umbrella frames and covers ($32.06). Including Studio overhead, construction, and Cowelco subcontract costs, the job cost totaled $5,682.67 once closed.

Soon, new vendors appeared on West Center Street (between the 300 and 400 blocks of Main Street U.S.A.) - florists! West Center Street quickly “blossomed” into “one of the loveliest and most photographed spots in Disneyland...the beautiful Flower Mart on Main Street where guests may enjoy ‘the world’s finest natural flowers not grown by nature.’” Guests taking a stroll down Main Street U.S.A. were naturally drawn to the colorful nook between Upjohn Pharmacy and Carnation Cafe.

The Disneyland Flower Market was operated by Disneyland, Inc. Maps and Guidebooks published during the years of operation have identified this outdoor shop simply as the Flower Market, though the sign above one of the main carts clearly read “Disneyland Flower Market.” Year round, “imported plastic flowers of every description” were sold here, ranging from 50¢ to $2.75 (during the early sixties), and packaged in attractive florist boxes!

The Disneyland Flower Market was one of the preferred Disneyland merchandise locations to work. Anne Salisbury (known to guests as “Flower Market Annie”) was a Merchandise Hostess who had the longest tenure with Flower Market - lasting from 1955 until about 1977 (when she retired). When Annie was first employed by Disneyland, she had three family members who were also employed by Disneyland, and Annie’s own daughter even “blossomed” into one of Disneyland’s first Tour Guides!

While the Flower Market carried plastic flowers of every description, by 1958, Guests could purchase organic flowers at the Disneyland Hotel. Waynes for Flowers offered orchids to Disneyland Hotel Guests, which could be ordered by dialing KE3-1932. Both locations created tangible memories Guests through its merchandise and show.

According to The Disneyland Shopper (published 1955): “Half the fun of buying Christmas Gifts is the atmosphere you shop in. You couldn't ask for more in the way of the spirit of Christmas than to shop in Disneyland. Especially along Main Street will you catch the air of the good old-fashioned Christmas with wreaths of holly, Christmas bells, carolers, snow-frosted windows gaily decorated with fairytale rhymes, and the scent of pine boughs in the air. Ringing through this Magic Kingdom are the Christmas Songs we all love to hear.”

The 1957 TWA brochure “Let’s Talk About… My Visit to Disneyland, Anaheim, California: A Note from Mary Gordon TWA Travel Advisor” mentioned: “We learned that to fully explore Disneyland takes two days, so early next morning we were at the gates of the park again. The second day we spent more time shopping in the 50 inviting shops, and the youngsters bought inexpensive souvenirs to take home to friends.”

During this era, Wilmark helped maintain the Quality of customer service received at this and other Disneyland merchandise locations. As a sidelight, by October 1959, Jim Baker (of Merchandising) was overseeing the Disneyland Food Administration and Souvenir Sales.

The DISNEYLAND FLOWER MARKET had colorful displays of many flowers, all handmade for lifelike appearance and all available for purchase.

During the late 1960s, a Flower Stall was also opened in the Grand Courtyard of New Orleans Square, offering “artificial flowers made from a number of unusual materials not always found in this type of merchandise”.

This was the scene on June 17, 1960 - a bustling Center Street, Dapper Dans making acquaintances, Hallmark Communication Center construction scaffolding across the street, and a “fresh” stock of summer flowers at the Flower Market carts!

Did you ever order a gift bouquet of flowers for a loved one? The Gifts From Disneyland catalogue enabled both guests and those who hadn’t visited to purchase “imported flowers” from Disneyland’s famous Flower Market! By the Winter of 1961-1962, there were “80 different varieties,” thanks to Disneyland’s Merchandising Department, according to a contemporaneous Vacationland column. By 1963, there were 30 different varieties of scented flowers alone, that (despite not being the real McCoy), fool many a passerby.

Inventory of Main Street Flower Mart varied both perennially and annually, throughout the course of the year. April showers, brought a full stock of “May flowers” to Main Street Flower Mart!

Main Street Flower Mart was originally located on West Center Street, between Carnation Ice Cream Parlor and Upjohn Pharmacy.

You’ll find colorful spring bouquets year-round at the Disneyland Flower Market (or, Main Street Flower Mart)! If you did not have the pleasure to pass though this market “bursting with brilliance and fragrance the year around,” know that the artificial blooms were “so realistic that even the bees sometimes get confused,” according to Vacationland magazine (published Winter/Spring of 1965).

During non-peak periods of Disneyland Park attendance, a smaller inventory of stock was displayed on the street. It looks as if an entire cart has been dedicated to fruits and vegetables and another to flowers.

Floral arrangements were also for sale, on display under that awning in the center of the photograph!

The Disneyland Flower Market also carried hanging baskets (seen in the background), pottery, and glass vases for your arrangements. The flower market also carried a variety of embellishments and enhancements, (like the feathered, faux birds seen in the foreground).

During the following season, yet another “fresh” assortment of flowers was offered. During the Summer and Fall months, a selection of summer fruit and roses were offered. How many of you stopped to “smell the roses”?

Notice the corn and grapes in the foreground (on the left), used to embellish and enhance your banquet and dining room tables with a festive quality.

Ah, the bouquet garni - bundles of peppers, garlic, carrots and other vegetables suitable for hanging. These decorative embellishments would bring a colorful touch to your home kitchen!

“So life-like…so beautiful…so almost real”, according to a Disneyland gift catalogue from 1960.

During 1977, the Carnation Ice Cream Parlor added an outdoor dining Patio Area with Gazebo which filled all of West Center Street. It was at this time that the Carnation Truck exhibit was relocated near Central First Aid. As for the Main Street Flower Mart (with its “small unusual plants and man made flowers”), it was moved just across Main Street U.S.A., to a section of East Center Street, nestled between Hallmark Communication Center and Swift’s Market House / C & H Sugar Corner!

The Flower Mart of East Center Street was not as sprawling as its previous (and Carnation Cafe adjacent) West Center Street incarnation!

But there was still a healthy assortment of flowers at this East Center Street location. Just take a look!

The flowers never wilted, but they would eventually disappear. In 1979, the East Center Street Flower Mart (along with their vendors, and their stock) would vanish. By 1984, small plants, unusual artificial flowers, and even stamps could be purchased at the Flower Market on Main Street.

However, the tradition continued at the Magic Kingdom Flower Shop (part of the Emporium on Main Street), where an “alley brightened by multi-colored flowers” consisted of “artificial floral arrangements made from our large selection of dried and plastic flowers and fruits.” The Shop offered miniature “orange, lemon, lime, gardenia, orchid, and palm trees… along with terrariums, hanging pots, earth candles, plant books, and and chimes.”

During 2013, flower carts reappeared on East Center Street in a homage marking the second location of the Disneyland Flower Market. This time around the flowers weren’t for sale, and they weren’t synthetic either. The carts were now adorned with true - life naturally fragrant flowers (much like their Magic Kingdom incarnation)!

The former Walt Disney Imagineering Principal Creative Executive Marty Sklar would probably agree that the small details like these make the story appealing.

The next time you happen to stroll down Main Street, please step this way, and experience a Walt-era attraction that once graced East Center Street - the scent of some of the finest flowers “grown by nature!”