Dispatch From Disneyland
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Remembering Those in the Background

You might be amazed to know this. There are only two windows on Disneyland's Main Street U.S.A. dedicated to any of the talented women who contributed to making the park so wonderful. Without the effort put into the park by many talented female cast members, Imagineers, and family members, the Magic Kingdom would not be quite so magical. But as of today they go unheralded.

I admit, I'm very ignorant as to the process involved in awarding a window to a Disneyland legend, but I know the meaning behind them. I also know what a travesty it is for there to be so few to represent the enormous efforts of the rest.

To have a window on Main Street U.S.A. is more than an acknowledgement of contributions to the park. It is to become part of the 'townsfolk' of Disneyland and that special simple place in time, dreams, and memories where Walt was trying to lead us. To live for eternity among the great gift that Walt Disney has dreamed up. To have a window means thankful remembrance.

I've been pondering this issue ever since I read Van Arsdale France's great memoir A Window on Main Street. Although it's out of print, if you can get your hands on a copy you'll find yourself enthralled in the story of the creation of Disneyland and the thousands of talented people it took to make Walt's dream a reality.

Many of the characters from that book have been awarded windows. France has his own window, Dick Nunis was recently awarded his. In fact, in the last five years there has been a veritable plethora of windows awarded to those deserving. But still none from the traditionally under appreciated segment, women. Something must be done, and soon.

I've chosen three women, from among the countless many, whom I personally would like to see presented with windows this year. For two it is already too late, and they must awarded be posthumously; for the third, it is also too late, but in a different way. Please accept this column as my humble petition to remedy this injustice and remember the stories and the supreme efforts made by these three important players in Disneyland's history.

The first, and perhaps most egregious omission is Lillian Disney. As Walt's wife, Lillian played the role of his strongest supporter. She was there by his side for the park's dedication and often stayed at the park with their children and grandchildren while Walt would work around the park. She may have been in the background, but like many women who came of age in the liberation of the 20's and 30's she had a voice and a role in making it possible for her husband to realize his vision.

I think of a particular picture where Walt and Lillian are dancing and happy together. The setting is on stage at the Golden Horseshoe. Its their wedding anniversary celebration just a few days before the park opened; a party Walt threw despite all that was riding on Disneyland's success. How happy they were even with all the hard times they went through together, the loss of the Oswald character and Ub Iwerks (twice!), the brilliant failures like Fantasia, the mortgage on the house to build Disneyland, raising the children, and more.

I don't know for sure, but Lillian's humble, stay in the background nature might have caused her to refuse a window in life. But with her death, to not recognize her role in the creation and development of Disneyland is a failure that should be corrected. With her support for and work on a new symphony hall in Los Angeles, The Lillian Disney Concert Hall, a window on the Opera House would be very apropos.