Bob Gurr Receives a Window on Main Street
Friday, March 7, 2008

Friends, colleagues and admirers of Disney Legend Bob Gurr gathered on East Center Street in Disneyland to celebrate another honor in his long career. A window was about to be dedicated to Disneyland's master designer of "anything that moves."

Guests were borne to the ceremony in examples of Bob's handiwork. Main Street vehicles, some designed more than fifty years ago, pulled up and disgorged their happy passengers. Welcoming everyone were Main Street's own Dapper Dans, who sang a sprightly tune as a small parade of Bob's vehicles circled the street. They then introduced the Disneyland Resort's Vice President of Operations, Michael O'Grattan.

After a brief description of the significance of the Main Street Windows, O'Grattan welcomed the man of the hour. Bob Gurr entered in one of his more notable creations, Walt Disney's personal Main Street runabout, complete with uniformed driver. As Bob took his seat, O'Grattan introduced Disney Legend and Imagineering Ambassador Marty Sklar.

In his comments, Sklar marveled at the depth of Gurr's involvement in designing Disneyland, from the Autopia cars, to the nostalgic vehicles of Main Street, to the Submarines and the Disneyland Monorail system. He noted that Bob Gurr had also had a notable career outside of Disneyland as well, designing the King Kong attraction for Universal and a pirate ship that could reliably sink several times a day for a Las Vegas casino.

To actually unveil the window, Mickey and Minnie Mouse were called on. As they pulled away the velvet curtain, the sparkling window was seen by all for the first time. The inscription reads as follows: Riding the Road to the Future/Meteor Cycle Company/Our vehicles pass the test of time/Fast, Faultless and Fadless/Bob Gurr, Design Impresario.

When asked to offer a few words, Bob first thanked everyone for showing up so early in the morning. He mentioned that he had had many memorable days at Disneyland. Opening day, and a Summer day in 1959 when he gave Vice President Richaard Nixon the first trip on the monorail were two he said he would never forget. And now, he smiled, this day would be added. He further noted that he had received three honors that meant much to him: a THEA lifetime achievement award, a Disney legend award from the NFFC, and in 2004 the Disney Legend Award from the Walt Disney Company. The window on Main Street, he said, was the frosting on the cake. As he concluded his remarks, Bob couldn't resist giving Minnie Mouse a quick kiss on the cheek before heading back to his seat.

Michael O'Grattan then presented Bob Gurr with a replica of his window. The Dapper Dans sang a special version of There's a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow as the Fab Five entered, carrying cutout representations of three of Bob's timeless creations: the Autopia cars, Disneyland submarines, and the monorail. A blast of confetti signaled a festive end to a wonderful morning in the Happiest Place on Earth.

Videos