On this day in 1957, Parade magazine featured a cover story titled "Luckiest Boy in the World." It was about Disneyland Cast Member Tom Nabbe - the park's first Tom Sawyer.
Tom was just 12-year-old when he began working as a "newsie" for Disneyland - selling The Disneyland News to park guests on Main Street. Eventually Tom himself came up with the idea to be the park's Tom Sawyer. He spent a year pursuing Walt about becoming the star of Tom Sawyer Island.
Walt finally agreed - but under one condition: that Tom keep at least a C average in school. Tom kept up his grades and became Disneyland's Tom Sawyer.
After outgrowing the role, Tom went on to manage different attractions and in 1969 met his wife Janice (who was working in a concession stand). In 1971 he was transfered to the new Disney World where he started as manager of the monorail.
In June 2003, 60-year-old Tom Nabbe retired from his job (which at the time was manager of distribution services at the Florida park). He was the final working member of Club 55 - a group of original Disneyland employees.
Tom Nabbe was inducted a Disney Legend on September 20, 2005 and received a Disney NFFC Disney Legend Award the following year.
Click HERE for more April 07 Disney history.
Monday, April 7, 2008
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Apr 06: LOOK
On this day in 1971, the April 6th issue of LOOK magazine (volume 35 number 7) featured a cover shot of Mickey Mouse the "first citizen of Florida." At a mere cost of 35 cents, the over-sized LOOK featured multiple articles about the near completion of Disney World and Florida's booming economy.
The Contents page informed readers:
Mickey Mouse is 42. Hard to believe? He still looks ready for mischievous mousery. You've probably seen dozens of his 100 and some cartoons, shaken his hand at Disneyland in California or even joined the Mouseketeers yourself. Now he's about to be host of the new Walt Disney World near Orlando, Florida. There are more than 27,000 acres of it, opening in October. Mickey and his pals, Dumbo, Daisy Duck and the others, will gladly give you a preview. For a start, see page 17.
Page 17 began with the article "Boom! Boom! Boom?" - in which readers were informed that "money is creating new excitement in Florida."
Page 18 featured "Florida: Preview of The New Biggest Show on Earth" complete with color photos (albeit promo shots) of the new Magic Kingdom.
The article "Florida: What Hath Disney Wrought?" began on page 26. Readers were informed that "Walt Disney's decision to drop his billion-dollar Walt Disney World into 27,400 swampy, wooded acres in Central Florida has resulted in some of the wildest statistics in the history of land development."
Page 33 featured the article "Florida: Powder Keg Among The Palms" and told readers that "the sun-soaked funland is about to explode."
Page 38 featured a story titled "Florida: The Kids Play Outside Every Day," about a family originally from Virginia who happily moved to Florida.
A brand-new vacation world was about to take the decade by storm.
Click HERE for more April 06 Disney history.
The Contents page informed readers:
Mickey Mouse is 42. Hard to believe? He still looks ready for mischievous mousery. You've probably seen dozens of his 100 and some cartoons, shaken his hand at Disneyland in California or even joined the Mouseketeers yourself. Now he's about to be host of the new Walt Disney World near Orlando, Florida. There are more than 27,000 acres of it, opening in October. Mickey and his pals, Dumbo, Daisy Duck and the others, will gladly give you a preview. For a start, see page 17.
Page 17 began with the article "Boom! Boom! Boom?" - in which readers were informed that "money is creating new excitement in Florida."
Page 18 featured "Florida: Preview of The New Biggest Show on Earth" complete with color photos (albeit promo shots) of the new Magic Kingdom.
The article "Florida: What Hath Disney Wrought?" began on page 26. Readers were informed that "Walt Disney's decision to drop his billion-dollar Walt Disney World into 27,400 swampy, wooded acres in Central Florida has resulted in some of the wildest statistics in the history of land development."
Page 33 featured the article "Florida: Powder Keg Among The Palms" and told readers that "the sun-soaked funland is about to explode."
Page 38 featured a story titled "Florida: The Kids Play Outside Every Day," about a family originally from Virginia who happily moved to Florida.
A brand-new vacation world was about to take the decade by storm.
Click HERE for more April 06 Disney history.
Saturday, April 5, 2008
Apr 05: Kopy Kat
On this day in 1934, Emmy-nominated actor, comedian, and impressionist Frank Gorshin was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Disney fans may recognize him from the 1965 live-action feature That Darn Cat! in which he played Iggy the bank-robber.
His early days as a comedian/impressionist included TV guest spots on The Ed Sullivan Show (his first being the same night The Beatles debuted) and The Steve Allen Show. He also appeared in such feature films as The Bells Are Ringing and Where The Boys Are.
In 1965 Disney released That Darn Cat! starring Hayley Mills, Dean Jones, Dorothy Provine, Roddy McDowall, Elsa Lanchester, and Gorshin. The comedy was nominated for an Edgar, a Golden Laurel, and a WGA Award.
But Gorshin will always be remembered for his role as the Riddler on the 1966-67 television series Batman. All in all he made nine appearances on the series as Batman's enemy and even received an Emmy nomination!
He later received another Emmy nomination for his role of an alien in a 1969 episode of Star Trek tiled "That Will Be Your Last Battlefield." Gorshin's television exposure led to headline status in many Las Vegas showrooms.
In 1970, Gorshin made his Broadway debut in the show Jimmy, in which he played New York Mayer James J. Walker.
In 1972, he starred in ABC-TV's The Kop Kats - in which the cast did impressions of actors and TV stars. Throughout the 1980s and 90s he appeared in countless TV films and guest starred on many series.
His final performance was in a 2005 episode of CBS-TV's CSI: Crime Scene Investigations, which sadly aired two days after Gorshin's death.
Click HERE for more April 05 Disney history.
His early days as a comedian/impressionist included TV guest spots on The Ed Sullivan Show (his first being the same night The Beatles debuted) and The Steve Allen Show. He also appeared in such feature films as The Bells Are Ringing and Where The Boys Are.
In 1965 Disney released That Darn Cat! starring Hayley Mills, Dean Jones, Dorothy Provine, Roddy McDowall, Elsa Lanchester, and Gorshin. The comedy was nominated for an Edgar, a Golden Laurel, and a WGA Award.
But Gorshin will always be remembered for his role as the Riddler on the 1966-67 television series Batman. All in all he made nine appearances on the series as Batman's enemy and even received an Emmy nomination!
He later received another Emmy nomination for his role of an alien in a 1969 episode of Star Trek tiled "That Will Be Your Last Battlefield." Gorshin's television exposure led to headline status in many Las Vegas showrooms.
In 1970, Gorshin made his Broadway debut in the show Jimmy, in which he played New York Mayer James J. Walker.
In 1972, he starred in ABC-TV's The Kop Kats - in which the cast did impressions of actors and TV stars. Throughout the 1980s and 90s he appeared in countless TV films and guest starred on many series.
His final performance was in a 2005 episode of CBS-TV's CSI: Crime Scene Investigations, which sadly aired two days after Gorshin's death.
Click HERE for more April 05 Disney history.
Friday, April 4, 2008
Apr 04: What A Voice!
On this day in 1932, actress Estelle Harris was born in New York City. Best known to fans of Seinfeld as Mrs. Costanza (George's cranky mom), her unique comical voice can be heard in many Disney TV programs and feature films.
Harris has voiced Lula - the talking sword in Dave the Barbarian, Mama Lipsky in Kim Possible, Mrs. Potato Head in Toy Story 2, Old Lady Bear in Brother Bear, Audrey the Chicken in Home on the Range, Mama Gunda in Tarzan II, Mrs, Turtle in House of Mouse, and Mrs. Boogins in Teacher's Pet. She also plays the role of Muriel on Disney Channel's The Suite Life of Zack & Cody, and has even appeared on an episode of Phil of the Future.
Click HERE for more April 04 Disney history.
Harris has voiced Lula - the talking sword in Dave the Barbarian, Mama Lipsky in Kim Possible, Mrs. Potato Head in Toy Story 2, Old Lady Bear in Brother Bear, Audrey the Chicken in Home on the Range, Mama Gunda in Tarzan II, Mrs, Turtle in House of Mouse, and Mrs. Boogins in Teacher's Pet. She also plays the role of Muriel on Disney Channel's The Suite Life of Zack & Cody, and has even appeared on an episode of Phil of the Future.
Click HERE for more April 04 Disney history.
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Apr 03: A Literary Superstar
On this day in 1783, writer Washington Irving was born in New York City - the same week Manhattan residents learned of the British ceasefire that ended the American Revolution. One of Irving's most famous tales "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" was retold in Disney's The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad.
Irving's tale was part of an 1820 collection of short stories and essays titled The Sketch Book of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent., written while living in England. "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" is set circa 1790 in the Dutch settlement of Tarry Town, New York. It tells the story of schoolmaster Ichabod Crane who is pursued one autumn night by a headless horseman.
Disney's 1949 The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad was directed by the team of James Algar, Clyde Geronimi, and Jack Kinney. The animated version of Irving's story was paired up with Kenneth Grahame's The Wind in the Willows. Narrated by Bing Crosby, it featured the animated work of Frank Thomas, Ollie Johnston, John Lounsbery, Wolfgang Reitherman, Milt Kahl, and Ward Kimball.
Irving's The Sketch Book of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent. also included another well-known tale ... "Rip Van Winkle."
Irving popularized the nickname "Gotham" for New York City (later used in Batman comics and movies). The southernmost section of Lexington Avenue in New York City is called Irving Place, named so after Irving in 1833.
He is credited as the first American to earn his living solely by his pen.
Click HERE for more April 03 Disney history.
Irving's tale was part of an 1820 collection of short stories and essays titled The Sketch Book of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent., written while living in England. "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" is set circa 1790 in the Dutch settlement of Tarry Town, New York. It tells the story of schoolmaster Ichabod Crane who is pursued one autumn night by a headless horseman.
Disney's 1949 The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad was directed by the team of James Algar, Clyde Geronimi, and Jack Kinney. The animated version of Irving's story was paired up with Kenneth Grahame's The Wind in the Willows. Narrated by Bing Crosby, it featured the animated work of Frank Thomas, Ollie Johnston, John Lounsbery, Wolfgang Reitherman, Milt Kahl, and Ward Kimball.
Irving's The Sketch Book of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent. also included another well-known tale ... "Rip Van Winkle."
Irving popularized the nickname "Gotham" for New York City (later used in Batman comics and movies). The southernmost section of Lexington Avenue in New York City is called Irving Place, named so after Irving in 1833.
He is credited as the first American to earn his living solely by his pen.
Click HERE for more April 03 Disney history.
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Apr 02: The Moral Storyeller
On this day in 1805, author & poet Hans Christian Andersen was born in Denmark. Best known for his fairy tales (of which there are over 150) Disney fans know his work through the animated adaptations The Little Mermaid and The Little Matchgirl.
Andersen's first collection of fairy tales (published in 1835) broke new ground for Danish literature with his style and use of idiom, irony, and humor. The book was a success, and he followed it with many other volumes.
"The Little Matchgirl," about a girl who dies selling matches on a cold New Year's Eve, was first published in 1845. Disney's Matchgirl got its start back in 2002 due to Roy Disney's intent on including it in a Fantasia sequel - which at the time was called The Music Project. The Little Matchgirl eventually came together as a short (with no dialogue - just music) and debuted at Annecy in France in June 2006. It went on to win Best Film For Children at the 17th Festival of Animated Films.
Andersen's "The Little Mermaid," about a young mermaid willing to give up her life in the sea for the love of a human, was first published in 1837. Disney's 1989 hit The Little Mermaid is based on Andersen's original tale which he first wrote in 1836. So popular is the story that a statue of Little Mermaid has been sitting on a rock in the Copenhagen harbor since 1913!
Andersen's other well-known tales include "The Ugly Duckling" and "The Emperor's New Clothes." His stories have been translated into well over 150 languages.
April 2 is International Children's Book Day.
Click HERE for more April 2 Disney history.
Andersen's first collection of fairy tales (published in 1835) broke new ground for Danish literature with his style and use of idiom, irony, and humor. The book was a success, and he followed it with many other volumes.
"The Little Matchgirl," about a girl who dies selling matches on a cold New Year's Eve, was first published in 1845. Disney's Matchgirl got its start back in 2002 due to Roy Disney's intent on including it in a Fantasia sequel - which at the time was called The Music Project. The Little Matchgirl eventually came together as a short (with no dialogue - just music) and debuted at Annecy in France in June 2006. It went on to win Best Film For Children at the 17th Festival of Animated Films.
Andersen's "The Little Mermaid," about a young mermaid willing to give up her life in the sea for the love of a human, was first published in 1837. Disney's 1989 hit The Little Mermaid is based on Andersen's original tale which he first wrote in 1836. So popular is the story that a statue of Little Mermaid has been sitting on a rock in the Copenhagen harbor since 1913!
Andersen's other well-known tales include "The Ugly Duckling" and "The Emperor's New Clothes." His stories have been translated into well over 150 languages.
April 2 is International Children's Book Day.
Click HERE for more April 2 Disney history.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Apr 01: Toe-Tappin Favorites
On this day in 2003, Walt Disney Records released the CD "O Mickey, Where Art Thou?" The album featured movie soundtracks performed in a bluegrass style by such artists as Ronnie Milsap, Collin Raye, Sonya Isaacs, and Elizabeth Cook. (Bluegrass dates back to the 1920s when its creator Bill Monroe named his band The Blue Grass Boys.)
"O Mickey, Where Art Thou?" includes:
Country music singer-songwriter Collin Raye singing "Circle of Life"
"Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah" performed by country singer-songwriter Elizabeth Cook
Country rock/pop singer-songwriter Kevin Montgomery singing "You'll Be in My Heart"
Newcomer Caroline Brown singing "Baby Mine"
An instrumental version of "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious"
"The Bare Necessities" by Country veteran Stonewall Jackson
Sonya Isaacs (of The Isaacs) performing "When She Loved Me"
A duet of "You've Got a Friend in Me" by Amanda Martin & Lyle Goodman
An instrumental version of "Mickey Mouse Club March / The Ballad of Davy Crockett"
Singer-guitarist Robbie Fulks singing "When I See an Elephant Fly"
Veteran Charlie Louvin performing "I Will Go Sailing No More"
and "When You Wish Upon A Star" by country legend Ronnie Milsap
Click HERE for more April 01 Disney history ... no foolin'!
"O Mickey, Where Art Thou?" includes:
Country music singer-songwriter Collin Raye singing "Circle of Life"
"Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah" performed by country singer-songwriter Elizabeth Cook
Country rock/pop singer-songwriter Kevin Montgomery singing "You'll Be in My Heart"
Newcomer Caroline Brown singing "Baby Mine"
An instrumental version of "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious"
"The Bare Necessities" by Country veteran Stonewall Jackson
Sonya Isaacs (of The Isaacs) performing "When She Loved Me"
A duet of "You've Got a Friend in Me" by Amanda Martin & Lyle Goodman
An instrumental version of "Mickey Mouse Club March / The Ballad of Davy Crockett"
Singer-guitarist Robbie Fulks singing "When I See an Elephant Fly"
Veteran Charlie Louvin performing "I Will Go Sailing No More"
and "When You Wish Upon A Star" by country legend Ronnie Milsap
Click HERE for more April 01 Disney history ... no foolin'!
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