On this day in 1894, Disney Legend Joe Fowler was born in Lewiston, Maine. The retired Navy Admiral was tapped by Walt Disney to oversee the construction of Disneyland in 1954. In recognition of Joe’s effectiveness and positive outlook, he became affectionately known as “Can-Do Joe.”
On this day in 1908, John Hench - Disney’s Renaissance artist - was born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. In his legendary 64 year career with the Walt Disney Company, John left his mark in films, theme parks, and hotels.
Illinois. Ryman had an illustrious Disney career and cemented his legacy as the artist Walt Disney turned to when he needed someone to translate his dreams of Disneyland onto paper so his brother, Roy, could attract the financing required to build the park.
n this day in 1893, Walt Disney’s older brother, Roy Oliver Disney, was born in Chicago, Illinois. For more than four decades, the brothers worked side-by-side to create an entertainment empire.
On this day in 1910, Morgan “Bill” Evans was born in Santa Monica, California. As Disney Imagineering Legend Marty Sklar describes him, “Bill defined Disney theme park landscaping.”
The partnership between Walt Disney and Admiral Joe Fowler was essential for getting Disneyland built and open under the time and financial constraints impacting the park’s construction.
On this day in 1910, one of Disneyland’s very first employees and only true residents, Owen Pope, was born in Josephine, Texas. Pope, along with his wife Dolly, are the only people to ever live at and literally call Disneyland their home.
Disney artist and Imagineer Bruce Bushman was born on this day in 1911. Bushman, pictured here with Walt Disney, was a lead designer of the original Fantasyland as you can see by his concept art on the walls. Bushman was first hired by the Disney Studios to work on Fantasia on April 5, 1937. He’d…
Today is the birthday of Disney Legend Ken Anderson, who was born in 1909. While Anderson is mostly known for his incredible animation portfolio, he was one of the many Disney Studio artists tapped by Walt Disney to work on Disneyland before it opened in 1955.
Today is the birthday of Disney Legend Harper Goff. A number of beloved Disneyland attractions, including the Jungle Cruise, Haunted Mansion, and Golden Horseshoe Saloon, first appeared as concept art drawn by Goff. As one of Disney’s very first Imagineers, Goff began working on the Disneyland project even before it was called Disneyland or any land in Anaheim was acquired.
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