Disney History

2012-01-27T00:02:00.000-08:00

Italy, February 1933, during the carnival of Viareggio.

2012-01-26T00:02:00.000-08:00

Here is another book about True-Life Adventures naturalist-cinematographers Lois and Herb Crisler, which I had the pleasure to discover a few days ago.

2012-01-25T00:02:00.000-08:00

I think that most of you will thoroughly enjoy this article, which I discovered a few days ago.

2012-01-25T00:01:00.000-08:00

There is an new blog in Italian which will be worth checking out from time to time: La Grotta del Fumetto.

2012-01-24T00:02:00.000-08:00

I was caught totally by surprise yesterday when I read about this newly released book.

A collection of Disney-related interviews is always a "must-have" for me so I will be ordering right away.

The book includes interviews with Fess Parker (Davy Crockett), Tommy Kirk (Old Yeller, The Shaggy Dog), Ann Jillian (Babes in Toyland), Billy Mumy (Rascal), Arthur Hiller (director of Miracle of the White Stallions), Marta Kristen (Savage Sam), James Drury (Pollyanna, Ten Who Dared), Eddie Hodges (Summer Magic, The Happiest Millionaire), Peter Brown (Summer Magic, A Tiger Walks), and many more.

2012-01-23T00:02:00.000-08:00

I can't begin to tell you how excited I was to stumble this weekend upon the recently released autobiography of John Tishman. Tishman supervised, among other things, the building of EPCOT, and a whole chapter in this book is dedicated to his experiences with Disney.

2012-01-20T00:02:00.000-08:00

D23 Presents: Armchair Archivist - A Visit To Marceline!

2012-01-20T00:01:00.000-08:00

Do not miss today:

- How Jim Korkis Invented the Term Disney Historian by Jim Korkis
- New Heights: Walt Disney’s Mineral King by Werner Weiss
- New Heights: Mount Disney and Sugar Bowl by Jeff Pepper
- New Heights: Walt and the Winter Olympics by Michael Crawford

2012-01-19T01:24:00.000-08:00

Kay Kamen in Europe - Need help from an Italian reader

I need help from one of the Italian readers of this blog. I stumbled upon this article while conducting a totally different search within online Italian archives. Forget the image on the two pages, which is totally irrelevant. The article itself titled C'era una volta? no: c'è adesso, was released in the Italian magazine Cinema illustrazione from June 5, 1935. It was written by Luigi A. Garrone, who is credited as a Disney writer on at least one Italian comic book story from 1937 and it is based on an interview with Disney's merchandizing guru Kay Kamen who was spending his honeymoon in Europe at the time.

Could one of you translate it for us?

2012-01-19T00:02:00.000-08:00

Disneyland - 4.26 - Magic Highway U.S.A.

2012-01-18T00:02:00.000-08:00

This just in from Julie Svendsen:

[While going through some things here at home, I found a Disneyland opening day souvenir guide that my mom and dad had saved. It included a nice invitation note signed by Walt Disney and a few tickets for the Mark Twain riverboat ride and a couple of "press passes".

I don't remember being there for opening day. We went there many, many times after that though.]

2012-01-18T00:01:00.000-08:00

Do not miss today:

- M.J. Winkler + Felix the Cat = Walt Disney's Alice by David Lesjak
- The Genesis of Disneyland: the 1951 "Riverside Drive Park" by Maxime Bogaert

2012-01-17T00:03:00.000-08:00

We watched a few months ago the newsreel of the Macy's Parade from 1934. Here is the one from 1935, which includes quite a few more Disney characters.

2012-01-17T00:02:00.000-08:00

This just in from my Serbian friend Sasa Rakezic:

[I have found three more ads from Politika...

The first one (above) was a privately designed ad for a paint shop in Belgrade (published on June 12th, 1938). It says: "All the leather made objects, bags,shoes, furniture is painted in a most solid way by Tingirija." It's funny that they presented the one who works in a paint shop as Mickey Mouse!

The second ad is for the special edition of Politikin zabavnik, which includes reprints of several strips featuring Goofy and Mickey, and it says : "Soon coming out: Goofy Knows Everything, 15 stories about Mickey and Goofy, Price 6 dinars."

The third one is dedicated to the Pluto comics that were coming out in Politikin zabavnik ( 21.10.1940). It says: "Good dog Pluto again appears in Politikin zabavnik, along with Mickey, Goofy, the Katzerjammer Kids, Popeye and other favorite cartoon characters." ]

2012-01-16T00:03:00.000-08:00

Help Needed in Georgetown!

Do we have readers of the blog living close to Georgetown University? If so, could you email me. I have just discovered there a few documents related to Disney and WWII and to Disney and the DOD and would need help accessing them.

2012-01-16T00:02:00.000-08:00

And here is another Italian book I just discovered. Not certain yet how good it is. For those of you who speak Italian, Except for Mickey Mouse. The clash of cultures between fascism and the comics,which I mentioned last week, is an absolute "must have."

2012-01-13T00:02:00.000-08:00

This just in from Jeffrey Jones:

[Many years ago, I read "Mickey's Tour Of The Walt Disney Animation Department". It was a three or four page article in a hardcover Donald Duck comic book (I believe published by Abbeville) explaining how animation is done, and used Disney characters in the roles of animators, editors, ink and paint, etc. Do you have access to that article? If so, I think many people would enjoy reading it on your Disney History Blog. I found one page of it online (in Italian) and I've attached it to this email.]

Those images really ring a bell. Could one of you remind me where they were initially released and would you have access to the full series?

2012-01-13T00:01:00.000-08:00

This just in from Jeff Heimbuch:

[Hi there fellow Disney History junkies.

I'm Jeff, and I'm the guy working with Rolly Crump on his memoir.

We're looking for some old Disney photos: Adventureland Bazaar in 1963, Tower of Four Winds, Enchanted Tiki Room in the 60s, It's A Small World at World's Fair...All stuff that Rolly brought to life.

Can anyone help? We need more for the book & would love to see any from your personal collection. We will gladly give you credit AND a signed copy of the book!

Thanks!]

2012-01-13T00:00:00.000-08:00

Do not miss today:

- M.J. Winkler and Felix the cat - what's the Disney connection? by David Lesjak
- The Mama Melrose Story by Jim Korkis
- Millenium Celebration at Disneyland Paris by Maxime Bogaert
- The Disney-Welton Becket connection by Chuck Schmidt
- Updated edition of "Building a Dream" covers even more of Disney's world by Jim Hill

2012-01-12T00:02:00.000-08:00

This just in from Gunnar Andreassen:

[The enlosed photos show Clarence Nash and his Donald Duck Doll. Since the doll wears a uniform, it must have been taken during WWII.

On one of the photos "Donald" is given a badge/pin, and as the photo is of very high resolution it was possible for my son to read on the badge: Father Duffy Canteen. When zooming in on the photo, I was able to read the same. See close-up scan.

Father Duffy was a well known person in New York, and probably also in the whole USA and there is a statue of him on Duffy Square. He was an American soldier and Roman Catholic priest - a military chaplain during WWI. and he died in 1932.

There's a large article about him on Wikipedia, a quote from this:

In the 1940s movie The Fighting 69th, Father Duffy is portrayed by Pat O'Brien.

This is what I found about Father Duffy Canteen on the web:

Having a little extra time on my hands I founded the Father Duffy Canteen, Inc., a group of 125 women who nightly with their ambulance canteens cover the water front and anti-aircraft bases of New York, serving the men on sentry duty. We average 60,000 servicemen and women a month, and have served over 1,250,000 since our inception. All food is prepared in Reuben's Restaurant and is financed by public contributions. There are no salaries in the Father Duffy Canteen. The drivers are the USAAC Emergency Corps men.

The Billboard, Dec. 25, 1943 (Probably by Alan Corelli, Executive Secretary, Theater Authority, Inc.)

New York, May 22. - Father Duffy Canteen, organized by showfolk and catering to local servicemen, is running a Canteen Ball next Saturday (29) night at the Hotel Astor. Harry Brandt is chairman of the arrangements committee.

The Billboard, May 29, 1943

My friend David Lesjak found a couple of newspaper items which show that Nash was in New York for three weeks in March 1943 doing what appeared to be a promo tour for Saludos Amigos. The other was from February 1942 and he was in Niagara Falls (on the American not Canadian side).

Even if "Donald" was given this badge, it doesn't necessarily mean that this was an event organized by Father Duffy Canteen, but it's not impossible. What seems pretty clear is that it did happen in New York. There's a New York photographer's stamp on the back of the photos.

Do any of the readers of your blog know anything about these photos, and possibly on what occasion they were taken - to share with us ?]

2012-01-11T00:02:00.000-08:00

Armchair Archivist Saddles Up! A Very Special Smoke Tree Ranch Episode

2012-01-10T00:02:00.000-08:00

I just learned through the Italian site AFNews that Disney comic book artist Vicar had passed away.

Through AFNews I also discovered two Disney related books in Italian which I had missed at the end of last year. One is titled Except for Mickey Mouse. The clash of cultures between fascism and the comics, the other deals with famous Italian Disney comic book artist Luciano Bottaro.

I will pick up both of them soon.

2012-01-10T00:01:00.000-08:00

Do not miss today:

- The Definitive History of Disney’s “Snow White” is Coming! by Amid Amidi
- John Wilson/Fine Art Films - part 1 by Michael Sporn
- Drawing in 3D - anno 1949 by Hans Perk
- Prod. UM1 - Mickey's Nightmare by Hans Perk

2012-01-09T00:02:00.000-08:00

Last week Greg Heberlein made me discover a great site which I believe some of you will enjoy, about True-Life Adventures cinematographers Lois and Herb Crisler.

In his turn the owner of the site, Jim Wohlhueter recommended at least one book about the Crislers: Beyond the Trails by Francis E. Caldwell.

Great way to start the week.

2012-01-09T00:01:00.000-08:00

Do not miss today:

- 1960 Winter Olympics on Daveland
- 1935 Walt Disney Studio (Hyperion Ave.) ad by David Lesjak
- New William Kallay book reveals "How Tron Changed Visual Effects and Disney Forever" by Jim Hill
- My Friend, Ronald Searle by Matt Jones on CartoonBrew

2012-01-04T00:03:00.000-08:00

The blog will be updated again on Monday.

2012-01-04T00:02:00.000-08:00

I thought you might enjoy those two photos from BoxOffice magazine. The one above was released in the June 24, 1939 issue, the one below in the March 20, 1943 issue.

2012-01-04T00:01:00.000-08:00

Do not miss today:

- 1938 Snow White parade float by David Lesjak
- The Disney John Carters That Never Were by Jim Korkis
- by Jim Fanning
- by Joseph Titizian

2012-01-03T00:03:00.000-08:00

This just in from Jim Korkis:

[When the New Year falls on a Sunday, the famous Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California is held on Monday, January 2nd as it was this year. The first and last visit Walt made to the Rose Parade (before he was Grand Marshall in 1966) was on January 2, 1939. The Disney Family Museum has a photo on display of that historic moment of Walt, his wife Lilly and daughter Diane standing on the balcony of the Constance Hotel to watch the parade.]

2012-01-03T00:02:00.000-08:00

I am always trying to locate little known autobiographies containing a few pages about someone's work at Disney. This book by film editor Elmo Williams discusses briefly his work on 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. I may pick it up at some point.

2012-01-03T00:01:00.000-08:00

Fascinating new blog found by Michael Goldberg about The Haunted Mansions, the art of deception, Claude Coats...

2012-01-02T00:02:00.001-08:00

Walt Disney on The Jack Benny Hour, 1965

Here is to start 2012 with a smile. To 2011 I say: good riddance. Happy New Year to all of you!

Would anyone happen to have a copy of the Ed Sullivan show from February 1953 which featured Walt Disney? I would love to see it! (see David Lesjak's post on this subject from two years ago)

2012-01-02T00:01:00.000-08:00

Do not miss today:

- Angie Tudor, Animation & Anna May Wong by Robin Lung
- Donald Duck, Animation Bloggers & Ancestry.Com, or Robin’s Rules of Research #2 & #3 by Robin Lung
- Man in Space by Jim Korkis
- Snow White magazine Gustaf Tenggren cover by David Lesjak
- Disney Christmas ad 1933 by David Lesjak
- 1937 Snow White advertising by David Lesjak

2011-12-30T00:02:00.000-08:00

This has become a tradition. Here are the Disney history books I consider as the best ones of the year. The competition was really tough in 2011, which is excellent news.

1. Timothy Susanin, Walt before Mickey: Disney's Early Years, 1919-1928 published by University Press of Mississippi; 2011.

2. David Gerstein (editor), Walt Disney's Mickey Mouse: "Race to Death Valley" and Walt Disney's Mickey Mouse: "Trapped on Treasure Island" published by Fantagraphics Books; 2011.

3. Don Ballard, Disneyland Hotel 1954-1959: The Little Motel in the Middle of the Orange Grove published by Don Ballard; 2011.

4. William Kallay, The Making of Tron: How Tron Changed Visual Effects and Disney Forever published by William Kalley; 2011.

5. Don Peri, Working with Disney: Interviews with Animators, Producers, and Artists published by University Press of Mississippi; 2011.

6. Lella Smith (editor), Walt Disney Animation Studios The Archive Series: Layout & Background published by Disney Editions; 2011.

2011-12-29T00:02:00.000-08:00

I stumbled recently upon this document designed by the Disney Studio in 1939 on the request of the Missouri Conservation Commision and I thought you would enjoy seeing it.

2011-12-28T00:02:00.000-08:00

This just in from Gunnar Andreassen:

[Recently I bought an issue of Collier's from 1934 with a short story with "Illustrations by Walt Disney Studio". I immediately recognized one of the illustrations, but it was a bit different from the sketch I remembered having seen earlier.

The sketch for this drawing is found in Canemaker's "Before the Animation Begins" It's rather grotesque, and I have thought that this was a drawing that had never been used. See enclosures. The dog sketch by Hurter has a somewhat "Mickey Mouse" looking animal as the lower jaw, and this probably didn't make it through the sensorship. Since Hurter was an inspirational sketch artist, other artists made the finished ones, here probably by someone in the Publicity Department.

I will guess that the other drawings also were based on sketches by Hurter, as all of them really do look Hurteresque.

There's reason to believe that Collier's also published another story where Hurter's sketches were the inspiration for the illustrations.]

2011-12-27T00:02:00.000-08:00

This just in from Gunnar Andreassen:

[This illustrated chessboard that was sold at an auction some days ago.

It was sold at Bonham's - here's the description:

Lot No: 4400
A chessboard illustrated by various artists from the Disney Studios
1940s, paper adhered to wood, each black square on the chessboard is a reproduction of a drawing done by a Disney artist, representing their artistic style, a key on the reverse identifies each of the artist which include Kay Nielson, Bob Majors, Sola Franco, Gin Herwig, Jack Miller, Gustave Tenngren (sic), Dick Huemer, Martin Provensen, Fini Rudiger, Bill McKee, Dunn Roman, Shirley Soderstrom, Ward Kimball, Berk Anthony, Art Babbitt, Campbell Grant, Albert Hurter, Dick Kelsey, Bill Martin, Martin Provenser, Ford Moore, A.H., Bill Wallert, T. Hee, Jim Bodrero, Milt Kahl, Ernie Nordil, John Walbridge, Tony Rivera and Phil Dyke.

On the reverse is typed In 1940, while working in the story department of the Walt Disney Studio, Campbell Grant wheedled sundry fellow inmates into doing a picture chess board. The lower right picture of a weather vane by Phil Dyke is the key to the other names.18 x 18 in
Sold for US$375 inclusive of Buyer's Premium]

2011-12-26T00:02:00.000-08:00

This just in from Ed Mazzilli:

[I was on your blog this morning and the post triggered a thought. Here are a couple of pictures. One of Walt, two of the Disney Day in Levittown schedule and one of the crowds waiting for Walt with a lot of signage. This was the dedication of the Walt Disney Elementary school in Levittown, Pa.

I came across these pictures while doing some research for a blog post I put up about a year ago about schools named after Walt.

I had found a lot of other schools using his name, but the one in Pa. was the only school Walt ever made the trip for the dedication. Note the artwork on the walls in the background. Artists from the Studio had come out to add the finishing touches. The pictures can be found on the PA Sate Museum Web site.

2011-12-26T00:01:00.000-08:00

Do not miss today:

- The Disneyland Paris Book "From Sketch to Reality" is Back, and in the Limited Collector's Edition! by Alain Littaye

2011-12-23T00:02:00.000-08:00

Jim Korkis recently stumbled upon this music sheet, supposedly illustrated by Floyd Gottfredson.

Merry Xmas to all of you!

2011-12-23T00:01:00.000-08:00

Do not miss today:

- Bible Storyland - Some Clips by Todd James Pierce
- Disney History Stocking Stuffers by Jim Korkis
- What's My Crime? by Andreas Deja
- Early Mama Odie by Andreas Deja
- 1935 Mickey Mouse stocking stuffer on Vintage Disneyana Collectibles
- Snow White's premiere - 74 years ago tonight on Vintage Disneyana Collectibles

2011-12-22T00:03:00.000-08:00

Help Needed

Would one of you be able to send me a scan of the following document?

[Hamilton, Bruce, "Carl Barks and John Stanley" / transcribed by Milo George. Comics Journal No. 250 (February 2003) p. 159-162. Barks & Stanley are interviewed together by Bruce Hamilton in 1976 during a joint panel at New Con.]

Thanks in advance

2011-12-22T00:02:00.000-08:00

This just in from Gunnar Andreassen:

[Babes in Toyland (also called March of the Wooden Soldiers) has previously been mentioned on your blog as a movie with "Disney contents", but I haven't seen a link to it. It's found on Youtube - even the full version. It can also be bought as a DVD or blu-ray. Here's a link to the colorized version, see "Mickey Mouse" and "The Three Little Pigs" from 01.26:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HBKgh7LfiT0

The question is: The actor playing "Mickey Mouse" is he a monkey or a kangaroo ?]

2011-12-21T00:03:00.000-08:00

This just in from Ralph Eggleston:

[My friend William Kallay put a LOT of effort into the Making of Tron book--and personally interviewed virtually all of the key players. It is, by far, the most informative book on the subject, and a quite intriguing look into Disney Studios in the late '70s-early '80s.]

2011-12-21T00:02:00.000-08:00

This just in from Göran Broling:

[As you know I have a lot of Ollie's Christmas cards. I guess I received every one from 1978 until he had to quit making them himself just a couple of years or so before he passed away...

For the Christmas card in 1999 Ollie chose to use a photo of a Pinocchio bronze figurine, and pasted in a drawing of himself instead of Jiminy. His dear wife Marie became the Blue Fairy, always drawn with Mickey Mouse ears(!)

As a bonus Ollie also included a very interesting photo of himself and the sculptor, Disney artist Bruce Lau. The photo is from Ollie's home, and it seems that Ollie together with the sculptor are discussing the final approval look on the model used for making the figurine. As a mather of fact I even recognize what the model is standing on. It is Ollie's cookie box, because I have had cookies from that very same box at the same place with Ollie in 1998. :) Bright memories, I can tell you that!]

2011-12-21T00:01:00.000-08:00

Last year, a U.K. group decided to do MouseVent...an audio Advent calendar relating to Disney Christmas with contributions from people like Jim Hill and Jim Korkis. They were so successful that they are doing it again this year. It is on line at www.mousevent.com and each day a new Christmas ornament is highlighted for a four to seven minute selection. You can go back and click on previously highlighted ornaments to hear any that you may have missed. (Jim Korkis will be heard today, December 21.)

2011-12-20T00:03:00.000-08:00

I just stumbled upon this newly released book today and will order it extremely soon. Clearly a "must-have" as far as I am concerned.

2011-12-20T00:02:00.000-08:00

Jim Korkis saw this posted at Mark Evanier's site www.newsfromme.com and felt that Disney fans might enjoy seeing this Movietone newsreel of musician Spike Jones performing Der Fueher's Face during wartime.

2011-12-20T00:01:00.000-08:00

Do not miss today:

- Dorse Lanpher (1935-2011) by Jerry Beck
- The Season of Giving: Walt, Kay, and Disney Gifts by David Lesjak
- OSWALD AD - June 25, 1927 by Mark Sonntag
- 1932 - MICKEY MOUSE TRADE AD by Mark Sonntag
- In Memorium by Mark Sonntag
- More Early Walt by Mark Sonntag

2011-12-19T00:02:00.000-08:00

I just discovered this book through the Laughingplace site and thought some of you might want to know that it exists.

2011-12-19T00:01:00.000-08:00

Do not miss today:

- Ward Kimball’s 1958 Holiday Card Photo by Amid Amidi
- Remembering Pres Romanillos Through his Artwork by Amid Amidi
- An interview with author Amid Amidi by Jérémie Noyer

2011-12-16T00:02:00.000-08:00

Beautiful concept painting created by Walt Peregoy for The Jungle Book and being sold at the moment by Van Eaton galleries.

2011-12-16T00:01:00.000-08:00

Do not miss today:

- Disneyland Hotel History: Bonita's Scrapbook (Thanks to Jim Korkis for the link)
- A Carousel of Progress Christmas by Jim Korkis
- Walt Disney, the maverick: A guest essay by Jon Favreau (Thanks to Jim Korkis for the link)
- A Very Merry Musical: Walt Disney’s Babes in Toyland by Jim Fanning

2011-12-15T00:02:00.000-08:00

Gunnar Andreassen attracted my attention towards thise two photos that were recently sold on ebay and which I don't remember having seen before.

2011-12-14T00:05:00.000-08:00

This just in from Gene Sands:

[Don't know if you heard, but Wally Boag and Betty were inducted into the International American Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions' Hall of Fame in November. Betty was the first woman to be inducted. Marty Sklar attended and he said it was a beautiful ceremony. ]

2011-12-14T00:00:00.000-08:00

Do not miss today:

- 1934 Kamen / Disney Christmas store display advertising on Vintage Disneyana Collectibles
- "A Christmas gift from Mickey Mouse" - 1934 on Vintage Disneyana Collectibles

2011-12-13T00:46:00.000-08:00

And David Lesjak kindly sent me this article released in the Emporia Daily Gazette from February 20, 1942, which is directly linked to my previous post.

2011-12-13T00:02:00.000-08:00

Reader of the blog FrenchDisneyFan, just sent me a link to this marvelous photo that I had never seen before and which he found in the Kansas City Public Library website.

The caption reads:

[February 13, 1942 - Walt Disney and others posing at the head table of a South Central Business Association luncheon at the Blue Bird Cafeteria. The individuals are, from left to right: Homer L. Blackwell of the National Screen Service Corp.; Clarence Nash, the voice of Donald Duck; Mrs. Lillian Bounds Disney, Walt Disney's wife; Kansas City Mayor John B. Gage; Walt Disney; SCBA President Edwin J. Barnes, Sr.; Frank S. Land, founder of the Grand Council of DeMolay; Mrs. Joseph C. Wirthman; Keith Martin, Director of the Kansas City Art Institute; and three of Disney's classmates from Benton School--George L. Williams, Louis G. Lower, and Donald Monroe. ]

2011-12-12T00:02:00.000-08:00

3 Is a Family

A good friend of the blog sent me the opening sequence of the movie, created by the Disney Studio. Enjoy!

The movie itself does not seem to be worth watching, by the way.

2011-12-12T00:01:00.000-08:00

The Disney Books Network was updated this weekend.

2011-12-12T00:00:00.000-08:00

Do not miss today:

- The Luckiest Kids In The World on Daveland
- "A Christmas gift from Mickey Mouse" - 1934 on Vintage Disneyana Collectibles

2011-12-09T00:02:00.000-08:00

A few days ago Gunnar Andreassen discovered this amazing page about Pinto Colvig. I know you will all enjoy it.

2011-12-08T00:02:00.000-08:00

I love to stumble upon those off-the-beaten-path autobiographies which include small sections aboutr someone's career at Disney. Michael Hoey worked at an editor at the Studio in the late '50s, on quite a few live-action movies. I have not yet read this book, but it seems to contain a few fun stories. For the "completists" only, though.

2011-12-08T00:01:00.000-08:00

Do not miss today:

- Mickey Mouse at Toyfair - Christmas 1933 on Vintage Disneyana Collectibles
- Remember Pearl Harbor on Toons at War
- Walt in Disneyland: Happy 110th Birthday, Walt on MiceChat
- DLP Twenty by Maxime Bogaert

2011-12-07T00:02:00.000-08:00

This just in from Julie Svendsen:

[Thought you might be interested in seeing the attached photo of some of the "dinosaurs" upon whose shoulders we all stand. It was taken at an event in the WDI Library to celebrate (I don't remember what it was celebrating) circa 1995.

Back row (from left to right): (1) Fred Joerger (2) Ward Kimball (3) Ray Aragon (4) Fred Hope (5) Bill Martin (6) Rolly Crump (7) Don Edgren (8) Clem Hall (9) Bill Evans (10) John Hench (11) Bill Justice (12) Collin Campbell (13) Sam McKim

Front row is X. Atencio, Marc Davis and Alice Davis.]

2011-12-07T00:01:00.000-08:00

Do not miss today:

- Walt's 110th by Michael Barrier
- A Duckburg Christmas....a daily posting of comic book covers of Disney ducks celebrating Christmas (Thanks to Jim Korkis for the link)
- Five Things I Miss About a WDW Christmas by Jim Korkis

2011-12-06T00:02:00.000-08:00

I doubt that this book is worth buying (but I admit I may be wrong). At least now you know that it exists. The description reads:

[Walt Disney World is known for its attention to detail. Never is it more evident than during the Christmas season. Each year brings changes around the parks and resorts. Take a photo journey with us that includes extinct guest favorites such as the Country Bear Christmas Special, an overnight visit to the Cinderella Castle Suite from Christmas week 2007, and a look around the Walt Disney World theme parks and resorts as you may see the decorations now. If you are heading to Walt Disney World for the holiday season, you'll enjoy using this book as a guide to finding decorations and displays! Over 300 color photos are included.]

2011-12-06T00:01:00.000-08:00

This just in:

[Part 3 of Disney Auction Collection of books and Collectibles. Auction willalso contain many items from the Disneyana Conventions.

After being in business for over 35 years. Cohen books and Collectibles.is continuing to auction his collection of Disneyana. His web site iswww.weissauctions.com

Part 3 of this auction will be held on December 17, 2011 atwww.weissauctions.com There will be 39 lots of some of books ephemera andvintage collectibles. Please bid if you want, the reserves are very low.

Detailed descriptions are of the lots are shown in the Weiss Auctioncatalog. Please pass this note on to others who might be interested. Weiss AuctionGallery will have other Disneyana.View the jpeg I have included in this note of a collage of the 39 lots.

Good luck

Joel Cohen]

2011-12-06T00:00:00.000-08:00

Do not miss today:

- My Dad Works At Disneyland: Plaza Garden Memories on Daveland
- Happy Birthday, Walt! (Unreleased Audio of Walt -- 1937) by Paul F. Anderson and Todd Pierce
- Happy Birthday, Walt Disney by Jerry Beck

2011-12-05T00:40:00.000-08:00

Today, don't forget to follow the special events scheduled by Paul F. Anderson and Todd Pierce for Walt's birthday on the Disney History Institute.

2011-12-05T00:02:00.000-08:00

If like me you really want to watch ever single animated sequence ever produced by Disney, you might want to try and track down one more non-Disney movie: Three's a Family (1944) directed by Edward Ludwig and produced by Sol Lesser (above). Apparently, according to this article in the Pittsburgh-Post Gazette from June 19, 1944, the movie contains a sequence with storks animated by the Disney Studio. This is confirmed by the Disney records, which list the project as production number 2692.

I would love to see it!

2011-12-05T00:01:00.000-08:00

Do not miss today:

- COVERING DISNEY~Walt South of the Border by Paul F. Anderson

Here is the translation of the article:

[The Clippers of Pan American Airways which unite the continent were invaluable vehicles for Walt Disney, who, with a group of artists and photographers, made a trip to the countries and Center America and South America to get data, impressions and panoramic views for the color pictures that he is planning and that he is developing with the CIAA.

This long trip, which would have usually taken months to achieve using other ways of transport, was done in just a few days thanks to the Pan American Clippers.

In the Andes, in the pampas of Argentina, in the forests of Brazil and in the beautiful lakes of Guatemala, the creator of Mickey, Donald, Pluto, Jose Carioca, Dumbo, and many other characters, became the guest of honor of his fans.

Walt Disney crowned his trip to Latin America with a visit to Mexico.

With a group of landscape painters, artists, caricaturists, composers, photographers, and script writers, Walt Disney traveled from Los Angeles to Mexico City aboard the Clippers of the Compañía Mexicana de Aviación.

Along with Walt Disney and his wife, who took the CMA road, which reaches the principal cities of the Republic along the Pacific Coast, arrived the producer Norman Ferguson, the Foreign Department Chief of the Studio, Jack Cutting, the composer Charles Wolcott, the watercolorist Mary Blair, the animator Fed Moore, the landscape painter Ken Anderson, the caricaturist Ernesto Terrazas, the storyman Homer Brightman, and the technical consultant Edmundo Santos.

When they arrived in the capital, the party was greeted by the Head of the Tourism Department, Mr. Alejandro Buelna, a mariachi who played regional music in the airport, and many people of all sexes and ages who wanted to welcome the travelers.

Without losing time, Walt Disney and his artists, who stayed at the hotel Reforma where they granted interviews to the local press, started working earnestly and with heart on the sketches on the new picture with a Mexican theme which will be called Piñata.

[Caption: Despite the rain, a cordial welcome for the arrival of Walt Disney on the California Clipper of the Compañía Mexicana de Aviación.]

One group visited Cholula and Puebla, another Cuernavaca and Taxco, and another Morelia and Patzcuaro. The watercolorist Mary Blair and storyman Homer Brightman made a special trip on the CMA route to Ixtepec, Oaxaca, to discover Jucitán and Tehuantepec, and were helped during their trip by the PR Department of the Compañía Mexicana de Aviación.

During his stay in the Mexican capital, which lasted 11 days, Walt Disney was treated as a guest of honor and received many awards: he was received by the president, General Manuel Avila Camacho, by the Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Ezequiel Padilla, by the United States Ambassador, Mr. George Messersmith, and was guest of honor of a bullfight organized by the Compañía Mexicana de Aviación, which left him “amazed,” according to his own words.

Before leaving the country and starting to work on his new Mexican-theme movie, Disney summarized his impressions of Mexico:

“I was delighted by Mexico, its people and its natural beauties. I aim to come back to spend a long vacation here with my wife. Of course I will use the Clippers of the CMA: I was extremely happy with the service and the security of the trip, and with the cares that I enjoyed.”

[Caption: Jose Carioca, Donald, and other Disney characters receive the visit of Ezequiel Padilla.]

2011-12-02T00:02:00.000-08:00

Here is an interesting excerpt from BoxOffice Magazine, thanks to Jim Korkis:

[Boxoffice - November 20, 1943
Pg 40-C

Disney Museum Trustee
New York—Walt Disney has been named a trustee of the Museum of Modern Art. Other new trustees appointed are William A. M. Burden, Henry Allen Moe and Mrs. George Henry Warren jr.
Disney was one of the first sponsors of the museum and one of the first to donate his films to its collections.]

2011-12-01T00:02:00.001-08:00

Here is another fascinating auction which will take place on December 17. (Thanks to Jim Korkis for the heads up.)

2011-12-01T00:01:00.000-08:00

Do not miss today:

- Early "Black Cauldron" by Andreas Deja
- Horned King Pencil Test by Andreas Deja
- WALT & LILLIAN DISNEY~1932 Academy Awards by Paul F. Anderson

2011-11-30T00:02:00.001-08:00

Here are a few books which have been recently announced on Amazon and which are likely to be of interest to some of you:

- Walt Kelly: The Life and Art of the Creator of Pogo by Thomas Andrea and Carsten Laqua should contain large section about Kelly's career at Disney.

- The Art of Brave by Jenny Lerew

- Animation Flipbook Box Set by Pete Docter (Thanks to David Peake for having spotted that one)

- Animation Under the Swastika: A History of Trickfilm in Nazi Germany, 1933-1945 by Rolf Giesen and J.P. Storm: While this book will not contain any elements about Disney, it could be fascinating and one of its author also penned a seminal book about Disney in Germany (in German, unfortunately).

2011-11-30T00:01:00.000-08:00

Do not miss today:

- WALT DISNEY~Dancing The Night Away by Paul F. Anderson
- Remembering Walt Disney in December by Jim Korkis
- 2719 Hyperion Avenue - then and now on Vintage Disney Collectibles

2011-11-29T00:07:00.000-08:00

I have extremely mixed feelings about the news related to the newly found Oswald cartoon Hungry Hobos. While I rejoice at the fact that a "lost" Oswald cartoon was indeed found (I would love to have access to all of the Alices and Oswalds) the estimated value which the auction house tagged it with is insane and will probably make it way more difficult to get access to and preserve all the other surviving Oswalds which may be found in the future. This is mostly a sad day for Disney history.

2011-11-29T00:02:00.001-08:00

Help needed! Once again, I need your help. Do you live in Chicago? Would you be willing to visit the library of the University of Illinois to check out two files related to Disney's participation to the 1933 Century of Progress event (probably linked to the Ingersoll Mickey Mouse watch)? If so, could you email me at didier.ghez@gmail.com

Thanks in advance.

2011-11-29T00:02:00.000-08:00

This just in through Mark Sonntag:

[Hollywood Party is now available through the Warner Bros. Archive collection.] And it will soon also be available on Amazon.

2011-11-29T00:01:00.000-08:00

Do not miss today:

- Circa 1920 Disney drawing among Reno auction items
- Sorry, Oswald: You're an Unlucky, Exploited Rabbit by Tom Stathes

2011-11-28T00:03:00.000-08:00

Help Needed

Would one of the readers of this blog have subscription to Time magazine? If so, could you send me the following article? Thanks!

[“Merchandising: The Mighty Mouse”
Time, October 25, 1948, pp. 96-98 (481 words).]

2011-11-28T00:02:00.000-08:00

This just in from Gunnar Andreassen:

[When I saw you posting of Kimball's finger prints today, I remembered seeing some time ago another genius' finger prints.]

2011-11-28T00:01:00.000-08:00

Do not miss today:

- 100 Years - Ray Patterson! (Belated) by Steven Hartley
- WALT DISNEY TAKES A RIDE by Paul F. Anderson
- HAPPY THANKSGIVING~Walt Disney Photo by Paul F. Anderson
- Disney might-have-beens will be up for bid in Profiles in History's "Icons of Animation" auction by Jim Hill

2011-11-25T00:02:00.000-08:00

This just in from Jim Korkis:

[Here are two illustrations by Ward Kimball.

The first one that is a thumbnail illustration of the life of Ward Kimball was done by Ward as a gift for me in the Eighties.

The second one is an illustration that Ward did when he attended the Disney Institute at Walt Disney World in April 1996. As an animation instructor, I helped prepare a large sketchbook (about three foot by three foot) and invited visiting lecturers to draw a sketch or sign their name. The book was filled with artwork by Marc and Alice Davis, John Culhane, John Canemaker, a NEW YORKER cartoonist, actors, and many, many others. When Disney laid off half of the animation staff and then shortly after that, other people had access to the animation studios, some things went "missing". Shortly before the physical location closed, someone had taken a razor blade and cut out pages from the book that used to be under lock and key. Fortunately, I took photos of some of the artwork and this is my photo of the page that Kimball did that is now missing. So beware if you ever see it or Marc's self portrait or Alice's sketch of an Eskimo girl from SMALL WORLD for sale among others. I sat there and saw Ward draw it in the backstage green room at the Cinema about a half hour before he was to go on stage and be interviewed. Yes, the light was absolutely terrible (hence, Ward's remark about drawing in "candlelight"), the space was cramped without a table so he balanced it on the sofa, and yes, he hated the result....which I think is pretty wonderful.]

2011-11-25T00:01:00.000-08:00

Do not miss today:

- "Jason's Disneyland Almanac" is a ridiculously detailed, highly entertaining & informative read by Jim Hill
- Taking a Spin on the Carousel of Progress by Jim Korkis
- Macy's - parade and premiums on Vintage Disneyana Collectibles
- Disney on Parade by Sarah Smith

2011-11-24T00:03:00.000-08:00

Help needed!

Do you live in New York and would you be willing to visit the Manuscripts and Archives Division of the New York Public Library? There are some apparently fascinating Disney history related documents linked to the 1939 (no typo here) World's Fair which really need to be checked.

Please email me at didier.ghez@gmail.com

2011-11-24T00:02:00.000-08:00

I have to admit that the videogame Epic Mickey fascinates me, since it features Mickey from the 1930s, since it resurects of some of my favorite characters like Oswald, Horace, and the Gremlins.

I was therefore absolutely delighted to discover the beautiful new Art of Epic Mickey book. While the text is quite short, the illustrations are a real delight since most of them are beautiful never-seen-before renderings. Clearly, the artists who worked on this project knew what they were doing, and when I discovered that one of the consultants was the famous Disney art director Carson Van Osten, I understood a lot about the beautiful end result.

When you add to this the fact that Warren Spector is a known Disney history enthusiast who seems to read this blog from time to time, you will not be surprised by my enthusiasm.

For quite a few of us, this book is a must-have. But if you are not quite sure about whether you will like it or not, I would advise you to check out a short video that one customer posted in his Amazon review, and which will allow you to make up your mind.

2011-11-23T00:02:00.000-08:00

I have no idea what the weird book Disney Stories: Getting to Digital by Lee Newton and Madej Krystina, which has just been announced on Amazon, will be worth, but I know for a fact that - although it is not directly related to Disney - the seminal book about the history of UPA by Adam Abraham, When Magoo Flew: The Rise and Fall of Animation Studio UPA, will be a must-have.

2011-11-22T00:02:00.000-08:00

Emmanuel Bourmalo was kind enough to let me know that the catalog of the exceptional Icons of Animation auction by Profiles in History is now online. It contains some amazing treasures.

2011-11-21T00:02:00.000-08:00

Did you know that actor David Tomlinson, famous for his roles in Mary Poppins and Bedknobs and Broomsticks, had written his autobiography? I did not and I thought some of you might find this interesting.

2011-11-21T00:01:00.000-08:00

Help needed!

I am trying to get access to the article The Life Story of Mickey Mouse which was released in the January 1934 issue of the Windsor magazine. Can anyone help?

2011-11-21T00:00:00.000-08:00

Do not miss today:

- Walt’s Hidden Hideaway by Billy Stanek
- Kamen, Blair, and a boy named Tim on Vintage Disneyana Collectibles
- A Conversation with Disneyland Resort Cast Member Nate Lord – Grandson of Disney Legend Ward Kimball by Kevin Rafferty (Thanks to Jim Korkis for the link)
- by Jim Korkis

2011-11-18T00:02:00.000-08:00

I just stumbled upon this small article in an issue of Life Magazine dated November 22, 1937 and thought you might enjoy it. The additional Stadler and Rose photos below were released in one of Howard Lowery's auction catalogues, many years ago.

I would love to know and see more about this show.

2011-11-18T00:01:00.000-08:00

This just in from David Gerstein:

[To help fund some upcoming research trips, I need to sell an item that I've long been fond of, but have never had the room to properly display: Dick Kinney's scribbles to the first Fethry Duck story, S 64008 "The Health Nut." ["Paperino e il fanatico igienista"] These are the pages that I've republished in Egmont's Dick Kinney/Al Hubbard Hall of Fame volume in Norway and Germany, as well as in Sweden's Kalle Anka - Den Kompletta Årgången 1965-02. Some have also been on my blog here.

And now here's the eBay auction, which I've just launched.

2011-11-17T00:02:00.000-08:00

I have been conducting some research about the life of Kay Kamen recently, for reasons which will become obvious in a few weeks.

One of the elements, which is now finally confirmed is Kay's exact birth date and name at birth, two elements which varied widely on official records, and which we were only able to confirm thanks to the help of Joe Campana, and to the efforts of Charles Kenny who went all the way to the Baltimore Archives to dig up Kay's birth certificate.

While working on this project, I stumbled upona few visual documents which are worth sharing here. I wish to thank Michael Barrier for his help when it came to acquiring copies of them.

We alll knew that Kamen had released a promotional magazine named The Boys Outfitter, when he was still involved with the Kamen-Blair venture, which he started with Streeter Blair in 1926 (and would leave in 1933).

What we did not know is that he also launched several other promotional magazines which would later inspire the promotional Mickey Mouse Magazine.

You can see two of these promotional magazines below.

And we now finally know the name of the plush doll character on the cover of the first Mickey Mouse Magazine!

2011-11-17T00:01:00.000-08:00

Do not miss today:

- Walt in the Park at Disney by Mark (Thanks to Alain Littaye for the link)
- Disney Exhibitors Book by Mark Sonntag
- Walt - 1933 by Mark Sonntag
- Ducks and Disney: The Enduring Humanity of Carl Barks by James Romberger (Thanks to Jim Korkis for the link)

2011-11-16T00:02:00.000-08:00

This just in from Kevin Yee:

[Title: Walt Disney World 'Earbook 2011: One Fan's Review in Pictures

Release date: December 2011

Description: Walt Disney World is such a vast place that change is not only inevitable, it is practically constant. If you've ever wondered what has been added or altered since your visit last year, this is the book for you! It's also the right book for those who wish to commemorate attractions that have disappeared within the past year. Inside you'll find information about all openings and closings of rides, shows, restaurants, and shops at Walt Disney World, with each item covered by multiple pictures. Just like a high school yearbook, this volume stuffed full of pictures will help you remember the good times you had here. A timeline adds precision to the litany of changes, and an index makes finding information a snap.]

2011-11-16T00:01:00.000-08:00

Do not miss today:

- Mickey's Xmas Carol, PART 3 by Mike Peraza
- An Apple a Day For Walt by Jim Korkis
- A Day in the Life: MGM, March 4, 1953 by Michael Barrier (not Disney, but great read)

2011-11-15T00:02:00.000-08:00

Michael Barrier just alerted me to the fact that the posters of Alice the Golf Bug and Alice the Lumber Jack will be sold this week by Heritage Auctions.

In the meantime, I also stumbled on a thumbnail of the poster for Alice the Whaler, which was sold back in 2002, and which I had never seen before.