Do not miss Wade Sampson's fascinating article titled Walt and Demolay this morning on Mouseplanet!

And Jim Korkis adds:

[One of the exciting things about Disney history is that no matter how well researched an article or book is, there is always more to the story. Here is some additional information about Walt and DeMolay that didn't appear in Sampson's article:

When Walt picked up the De Molay Legion on Honor in October 1931, apparently it was a degree corresponding to that of a 33rd degree in Masonry, the highest attainable . When asked about it at the time, Walt responded: "This reception rather bewilders me although I know the DeMolays always do everything in fine shape. I am proud to receive the Legion of Honor, but I feel as though I haven't done anything to merit it . "

At the Founder's Conference in July 1936, Walt was there to participate in the installation of 100 new members in the Legion of Honor of the Order of DeMolay, the same award he had received in 1931. It was reported that this was the very first public speech that Walt Disney had ever made because he hated speaking in public. The Kansas City Star wrote, "Although Mr. Disney's voice has been heard by millions of persons as the voice of his Mickey and other animated cartoon characters, he never before has consented to speak before an audience." Walt told the reporter, "I can't talk. It frightens me."]