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Disneyland Main Street U.S.A. Magic Shop Spinner photo (July 17, 1955–Present) BACKSTORY: The East Side of Main Street has a number of favorite shops and entertainment, including the Main Street Cinema, The Magic Shop, The Market House, as well as The Silhouette Shop, where guests can be immortalized in a hand-cut silhouette. The Indian statue that stands near the Cinema was placed there because The Tobacco Shop was originally located behind it. The statue remained even though the shop is long gone.
TOBACCO/20TH CENTURY MUSIC/MAGIC SHOP   |   MAIN STREET CINEMA   |  DISNEYANA   |   MARKET HOUSE

MEXICO STREET EXHIBIT (1963)   |  EAST CENTER STREET  

CHINA & GLASS, KODAK, SILHOUETTE SHOPS, CASTLE BROS., CHESTER DRAWERS

PLAZA APTS./INA CAREFREE CORNER/KODAK/BABY STATION

EAST SIDE—WONDERLAND MUSIC/TOBACCO SHOP/20TH CENTURY MUSIC/MAGIC SHOP

Main Street, August 1955
Aug. 1955
Main Street, August 1955
Aug. 1955
Disneyland Main Street Wonderland Music Shop, September 1955
Sept. 1955
Main Street U.S.A. Wooden Indian, August 1956
August 1956
Main Street, 1956
1956
Disneyland Main Street Tobacco Shop, May 1956 photo
May 1956
Main Street U.S.A., September 1959
Sept. 1959
Main Street eastside, date unknown
Date unknown
Disneyland Main Street U.S.A. eastside, December 1961
Dec. 1961
Disneyland Main Street U.S.A. eastside, 1960s
1960s
Disneyland Main Street U.S.A. eastside photo, 1960s
1960s
Disneyland Main Street U.S.A. Tobacco Shop photo, February 1971
Feb. 1971
Disneyland Main Street U.S.A. Tobacco Shop photo, 1979
1979
Disneyland Main Street eastside photo, Summer 2005
2005
Main Street eastside, March 2007
March 2007
Main Street eastside, March 2007
March 2007
Main Street eastside, March 2007
Broggie Window, March 2007
Main Street Roger Broggie window, May 2007
Broggie Window, May 2007
January 2007
Jan. 2007
Main Street, January 2007
Jan. 2007
Disneyland Tobacco shop, date unknown
Tobacco Shop, date unknown
20th Century Music Sign, March 2007
20th Century Music Sign, March 2007
Main Street eastside, November 2007
Nov. 2007
Main Street eastside, March 2008
March 2008
Main Wooden Indian, June 2008
June 2008
Main Street Magic Shop, June 2008
June 2008
Main Street Cinema, September 2008
Sept. 2008
Main Street Magic Shop, March 2009
June 2009
Main Street Magic Shop, November 2009
Nov. 2009
Main Street Magic Shop, November 2009
Nov. 2009
Main Street Magic Shop, November 2009
Nov. 2009
Main Street Magic Shop, November 2009
Nov. 2009
Main Street Magic Shop, November 2009
Nov. 2009
Main Street Magic Shop, December 2009
Dec. 2009
Main Street Magic Shop, December 2009
Dec. 2009
Main Street Magic Shop, December 2009
Dec. 2009
Main Street Magic Shop, December 2009
Dec. 2009
Main Street Magic Shop, December 2009
Dec. 2009
Disneyland Main Street Magic Shop, February 2010
Feb. 2010
Disneyland Main Street Magic Shop, February 2010
Feb. 2010
Disneyland Main Street Magic Shop, February 2010
Feb. 2010
Disneyland Main Street Magic Shop, March 2010
March 2010

FROM THE DISNEYLAND LINE NEWSLETTER, JULY 28, 1977

MASTERING THE TRICKS OF THEIR TRADE

Among the hallmarks of our typical American small towns at the turn-of-the-century were the quaint, cozy specialty shops which dotted the city streets. The young-at-heart of all ages would spend endless hours browsing through the aisles of these old curiosity shops—and our Main Street U.S.A. Magic Shop proves that times really haven't changed much.

Shelf upon mysterious shelf filled with such oddities as joy buzzers, garlic taffy, dribble glasses and rubber masks attract the wandering eyes of visitors to the shop—and sometimes the wandering fingers of some of the more youthfully enthusiastic guests! "We get kids grabbing at the tricks they're not supposed to grab," says Allan Street, "and you have to ask them politely to back off.:

The large number of small kids so naturally enchanted by the merchandise (illusions which can range from the simple "under a dollar" kind to some of the more elaborate stage tricks) can often prove a challenging audience for those Hosts and Hostesses who demonstrate some of the items.

"I get a fan club every day," says Rick Dotson, who's been in the shop for a month and a-half. Some kids who have figured out the mechanics of the tricks are prone to blurting out the secret while the sleight-of-hand is in progress, says Mark Nenaber, who's found that the best way to handle them is to remind them that others watching don't know—and often don't want to know—how the trick works.

Mark is one of the shop's hosts capable of performing some of the more complex feats. An accomplished magician since age 5, he, as well as the shop's Jim Everett and Chuck Lucas, belongs to the Magic Castle, a prestigious magician's club in Hollywood.

Despite the fact that they often do the saem tricks over and over again each day, the Cast Members claim that it doesn't get boring. "The reaction of each group is different," says Mark, "and you can play off those different reactions." Irma Quintana finds small children have the best reaction and are the most fun to perform for. "It really astounds them," she says. Many of the shop's Hosts and Hostesses find themselves learning from the guests. "I've learned a lot of tricks from people that come in to the shop, watch me perform and then say 'Let me show you one,'"says Jim. "We can exchange them."

Every so often the secret to a particular ruse is given away not by kids but rather by the fumbling fingers of the performer. "You have to keep going and play like it never happened," says Allan. "If you don't have a sense of humor, you'd never survive in here."

Ken Neufeld, a Magic Shop member for eight years, finds that a sense of humor is helpful for both guests and employees alike, since some of the shop's jokes and tricks can be a little surprising to the unsuspecting "vicitm"—things like bogus "mustard" and "ketchup" bottles that squirt their contents (colored strings) and books and lighters that give a surprising jolt of electricity.

Ken once found out first hand just how alarming some of the tricks can be. The shop sells large rubber spiders, and several are rigged on strings that can be controlled by the Cast Members behind the counter. The spiders can be dropped down to surprise guests browsing at the display racks, and Ken once landed one on a woman's head without her realizing it. He began to raise it for another try at startling her, but was shocked himself when her hair—actually a "fall" wig—began rising with the spider! A quick jerk of the string freed the pseudo-insect from the hair, and the woman left none-the-wiser.

The Main Street Magic Shop, with its variety of magic paraphenalia, jokes and novelties, attracts a greatlly diverse clientele, some of whom are fascinated by the shops "illusions of grandeur," and some who are just looking for "tricks to treat."

EAST SIDE—MAIN STREET CINEMA, 1950’s–1960’s

Main Street Cinema, June 1955
June 1955
Main Street, July 26, 1955
July 26, 1955
Main Street Cinema, Summer 1955
Summer 1955
Main Street U.S.A., 1955
1955
Main Street U.S.A., 1955
1955
Main Street U.S.A., 1955
1955
Main Street U.S.A., 1955
1955
Main Street U.S.A., 1955
1955
Main Street, 1956
1956
Main Street Cinema photo with Mary Pickfor and Charles Buddy Rogers, August 1957
Mary Pickford & Charles Buddy Rogers, Aug. 1957
Disneyland Main Street Cinema photo, 1950s
1950's
Disneyland Main Street Cinema photo, September 1960
Sept. 1960
Disneyland Main Street Cinema, July 1961
July 1961
Disneyland Main Street Cinema, May 31, 1963
May 31, 1963
Disneyland Main Street Cinema, October 1962
Oct. 1962
Main Street Cinema, August 28, 1965
Aug. 28, 1965
Mr. Hyde at the Main Street Cinema, August 28, 1965
Mr. Hyde
Disneyland Main Street U.S.A. Cinema, April 1965
April 1965
Main Street Cinema, September 1965
Sept. 1965
Main Street Cinema, June 26, 1966
June 26, 1966
March 1968
March 1968
Disneyland Main Street U.S.A. Cinema, 1968
1968
Disneyland Main Street U.S.A. Cineman, 1968
1968
Main Street Cinema, 1960s
1960’s
Main Street Cinema, 1960s
Undated
Disneyland Main Street Cinema, 1960s
Undated

EAST SIDE—MAIN STREET CINEMA, 2000+

Main Street Cinema, 2006
Main Street Cinema, 2006
Main Street Cinema Wooden Indian, 2006
Main Street Cinema Wooden Indian, 2006
Main Street Cinema Banner, March 2007
Main Street Cinema Banner, March 2007
January 2007
Main Street Cinema Ticket Girl, Jan. 2007
January 2007
Main Street Cinema Interior, Jan. 2007
Main Street Cinema interior, February 2007
Interior, Feb. 2007
Main Street Cinema interior, February 2007
Interior, Feb. 2007
Main Street Cinema interior, February 2007
Interior, Feb. 2007
Main Street Cinema interior, February 2007
Interior, Feb. 2007
Main Street Cinema, March 2008
March 2008
Main Street Cinema, September 2008
Sept. 2008
Main Street Cinema, September 2008
Sept. 2008
Main Street Cinema, September 2008
Sept. 2008
Main Street Cinema, September 2008
Sept. 2008
Main Street Cinema, September 2008
Sept. 2008
Main Street Cinema, September 2008
Sept. 2008
Disneyland Main Street Cinema, March 2009
March 2009
Disneyland Main Street Cinema, March 2009
March 2009
Disneyland Main Street Cinema, March 2009
March 2009
Disneyland Main Street Cinema, March 2009
March 2009
Disneyland Main Street Cinema, March 2009
March 2009
Disneyland Main Street Cinema, March 2009
March 2009
Disneyland Main Street Cinema, March 2010
March 2010
Disneyland Main Street Cinema, August 2010
Aug. 2010
Disneyland Main Street Cinema, August 2010
Aug. 2010
Disneyland Main Street Cinema, August 2010
Aug. 2010
Disneyland Main Street Cinema, August 2010
Aug. 2010
Disneyland Main Street Cinema, August 2010
Aug. 2010
Disneyland Main Street Cinema, August 2010
Aug. 2010
Disneyland Main Street Cinema, August 2010
Aug. 2010
Disneyland Main Street Cinema, August 2010
Aug. 2010
Disneyland Main Street Cinema, August 2010
Aug. 2010
Disneyland Main Street Cinema, August 2010
Aug. 2010
Disneyland Main Street Cinema, August 2010
Aug. 2010
Disneyland Main Street Cinema, August 2010
Aug. 2010
Disneyland Main Street Cinema, August 2010
Aug. 2010
Disneyland Main Street Cinema, August 2010
Aug. 2010
Disneyland Main Street Cinema, August 2010
Aug. 2010
Disneyland Main Street Cinema, August 2010
Aug. 2010
Disneyland Main Street Cinema, August 2010
Aug. 2010
Disneyland Main Street Cinema, August 2010
Aug. 2010
Disneyland Main Street U.S.A. photo, May 2011
May 2011

EAST SIDE—DISNEYANA

Bushman and DaGradi Window, April 2007
Bushman and DaGradi Window, April 2007
Emile Kurt and Ron Dominguez Windows, April 2007
Emile Kurt and Ron Dominguez Windows, April 2007
Ken Anderson Window, April 2007
Ken Anderson Window, April 2007
January 2007
Jan. 2007
Disneyana Shop, February 2007
Disneyana Shop, Feb. 2007
Marc Davis window, August 2007
Marc Davis window, Aug. 2007
Marc Davis window, September 2007
Marc Davis window, Sept. 2007
Disneyana, June 2009
June 2009
Disneyana, June 2009
June 2009
Disneyana, July 2009
July 2009
Disneyana, July 2009
July 2009
Disneyana, July 2009
July 2009
Disneyana, September 2009
Sept. 2009
Disneyana on Main Street U.S.A. photo, January 2011
Jan. 2011

EAST SIDE—MARKET HOUSE, 1950’s—1970’s

Main Street 1955
1955
Main Street U.S.A. Market House interior, 1955
1955
Main Street U.S.A. Market House interior, 1955
1955
Main Street U.S.A. Market House, Summer 1955
Summer 1955
Main Street U.S.A. Market House, Summer 1955
Summer 1955
Disneyland Main Street 1956
1956
Disneyland Main Street 1956
1956
Omnibus, 1950s
1958
Disneyland Swift Market House photo, May 1959
May 1959
Disneyland Main Street 1950s
1950’s
Disneyland Main Street 1950s
1950’s
Disneyland Main Street photo, February 1960
Feb. 1960
Disneyland Main Street Eastside, July 1964 photo
July 1964
Disneyland Main Street Eastside, July 1964 photo
July 1964
Main Street Eastside, 1964/1965
1964/1965
1964/1965
1964/1965
Swift Market House, September 1965
Sept. 1965
Main Street U.S.A. East Side Market House, June 26, 1966
June 26, 1966
Swift Market House, September 1965
Sept. 1965
Market House Interior September 1966
Market House Interior, Sept. 1966
Main Street Swift Market House, September 1967
Sept. 1967
Disneyland Main Street U.S.A. Swift Market House, 1960s
1968
Disneyland Main Street U.S.A. Swift Market House, 1960s
1968
Main Street U.S.A. photo, July 29, 1973
July 29, 1973
Main Street, January 1975
Jan. 1975

EAST SIDE—MARKET HOUSE, 2000+

Market House Interior, February 2007
Market House Interior, Feb. 2007
Market House Interior, February 2007
Market House Interior, Feb. 2007
Market House September 2007
Market House Sept. 2007
Seb Morey window, June 2008
Seb Morey window, June 2008
Main Street Market House, June 2008
June 2008
Main Street Ron Dominguez window, June 2008
Ron Dominguez window, June 2008
Main Street Emile Kuri window, June 2008
Emile Kuri window, June 2008
Main Street Gaslamp, June 2008
June 2008
Main Street Gaslamp, June 2008
June 2008
Disneyland Main Street U.S.A. Market House, December 2008
Dec. 2008
Disneyland Main Street U.S.A. Market House, December 2008
Dec. 2008
Disneyland Main Street U.S.A. Market House, December 2008
Dec. 2008
Disneyland Main Street U.S.A. Market House, December 2008
Dec. 2008
Disneyland Main Street U.S.A. Market House, December 2008
Dec. 2008
Disneyland Main Street U.S.A. Market House, December 2008
Dec. 2008
Disneyland Main Street U.S.A. Market House, February 2009
Feb. 2009
Disneyland Main Street U.S.A. Market House, February 2009
Feb. 2009
Disneyland Main Street U.S.A. Market House, February 2009
Feb. 2009
Disneyland Main Street U.S.A. Market House, February 2009
Feb. 2009
Disneyland Main Street U.S.A. Market House, February 2009
Feb. 2009
Disneyland Main Street U.S.A. Market House, February 2009
Feb. 2009
Disneyland Main Street U.S.A. Market House, February 2009
Feb. 2009
Disneyland Main Street U.S.A. Market House, April 2009
Feb. 2009

FROM THE DISNEYLAND LINE NEWSLETTER, NOV. 8, 1972

150,000 AND STILL DRAWING

Betty Bell, a 15-year employee of the Merchandising division in the Art Festival, drew her 150,000 portrait recently.

Betty started her career with Disneyland, January 3, 1957, as an artist at the Art Corner (which is now the Tomorrowland Stage Area) under the supervision of Jack Olsen. Jack is now Vice President of Merchandising Disneyland/Walt Disney World.

During her 15 years as an artist in Merchandising, Betty has drawn portraits in pastel of such people as Alan Funt, Lucy Johnson Nugent, many foreign dignitaries, and many other celebrities which she can't recall.

Betty is also well known for her oil portraits and her works of sculpture, which she does in her spare time. Spare time? Betty's spare time also includes construction and set decoration of the Disneyland Drama Club plays (including the recent "Lil Abner"), and make-up for the casts (for which she received the Drama Workshop's "Stellar Award").

Besides her active work schedule and hobbies, Betty is also busy with her family. She has been married for 24 years and has 4 girls, the oldest being 22, enough to keep any gal on the go full time - without a job or hobbies! Congratulations to Betty on a job well done!

EAST SIDE—EAST CENTER ST./GREETING CARD STORE/DISNEY CLOTHIER, 1950’s—1970’s

Main Street Gibson Shop at Disneyland
Gibson Greeting Card Shop
Main Street at Disneyland, 1955/1956 photo
1955/1956
Main Street at Disneyland, March 8, 1956
March 8, 1956
Main Street at Disneyland, March 8, 1956
March 8, 1956
Main Street, April 1956
Main Street, April 1956
Disneyland Main Street U.S.A. photo, March 1957
March 1957
1957/58
1957/58
Disneyland East Center Street on Main Street U.S.A. photo, May 1958
May 1958
Disneyland East Center Street on Main Street U.S.A. 1958
1958
Main Street, date unknown
Date unknown
Main Street U.S.A. Center Street, January 1961
Jan. 1961
Main Street U.S.A. Center Street Sounds of America photo, February 1961
Feb. 1961
Main Street U.S.A. Center Street photo, January 1962
Jan. 1962
Main Street U.S.A. Center Street photo, June 1962
June 1962
Main Street U.S.A. Center Street Hallmark Communication Center, December 1962
Dec. 1962
Art Festival area, September 1964
Art Festival area, September 1964
Main Street U.S.A. Art Festival, June 26, 1966
June 26, 1966
March 1968
March 1968
March 1968
Dec. 1968
Disneyland Main Street U.S.A., East Center Street Art Festival, 1960s
Art Festival, 1960s
Disneyland Main Street U.S.A., East Center Street Art Festival, 1960s
Art Festival, 1960s
Disneyland Main Street U.S.A., East Center Street Art Festival, 1960s
1960s
Disneyland Main Street U.S.A., East Center Street Art Festival, 1960s
1960s
Disneyland Main Street U.S.A., East Center Street, 1960s
1968
Main Street U.S.A. Hallmark Greeting Card Shop, March 1975
Hallmark Shop Interior, March 1975
Disneyland Main Street U.S.A., East Center Street, April 1977
April 1977

MEXICO STREET EXHIBIT (7/29/63–9/14/63)

From the L.A. Times on July 24, 1963: “An authentically decorated Mexican street exhibit will be opened Monday at Disneyland to celebrate a ‘Salute to Mexico’ sponsored by People-to-People, Inc., in co-operation with the Mexican Tourist Council. “Mexico’s former president, Miguel Aleman, now president of the tourist council, will act as official representative at the 11 a.m. dedication ceremonies. “The three-month exhibit will be a showcase of Mexican crafts ranging from pottery and jeweltry to contemporary art and bull fighting.” From the Pasadena Star-News, July 31, 1963: “Mexico Invades Southland—A beachhead based on friendship and mutual understanding has been established at Disneyland with opening of the ‘Salute la Mexico’ under the sponsorship of People-to-People, Inc. Teresa Lucero, 8, of Los Angeles and Patrick Wade, 12, of Anaheim, pulled the ribbon to officially open the display. Watching were Edmondo Gonzales, Consul General of Mexico in Los Angeles; Walt Disney, executive committee member of sponsoring group; Carlos Arruz, of Mexico City, and Joyce C. Hall, chairman of People-to-People committee.” Below are photos from what I believe to be the closing ceremonies on September 14, 1963.
1963 Disneyland Good Neighbor Mexico photo, September 14, 1963 1963 Disneyland Good Neighbor Mexico photo, September 14, 1963 1963 Disneyland Good Neighbor Mexico photo, September 14, 1963 1963 Disneyland Good Neighbor Mexico photo, September 14, 1963 1963 Disneyland Good Neighbor Mexico photo, September 14, 1963 1963 Disneyland Good Neighbor Mexico photo, September 14, 1963 1963 Disneyland Good Neighbor Mexico photo, September 14, 1963
1963 Disneyland Good Neighbor Mexico photo, September 14, 1963 1963 Disneyland Good Neighbor Mexico photo, September 14, 1963 1963 Disneyland Good Neighbor Mexico photo, September 14, 1963 1963 Disneyland Good Neighbor Mexico photo, September 14, 1963 1963 Disneyland Good Neighbor Mexico photo, September 14, 1963 1963 Disneyland Good Neighbor Mexico photo, September 14, 1963 1963 Disneyland Good Neighbor Mexico photo, September 14, 1963
1963 Disneyland Good Neighbor Mexico photo, September 14, 1963 1963 Disneyland Good Neighbor Mexico photo, September 14, 1963 1963 Disneyland Good Neighbor Mexico photo, September 14, 1963 1963 Disneyland Good Neighbor Mexico photo, September 14, 1963 1963 Disneyland Good Neighbor Mexico photo, September 14, 1963

EAST SIDE—EAST CENTER ST./GREETING CARD STORE/DISNEY CLOTHIER, 1980’s—2000+

Disneyland Main Street photo, August 1986
Aug. 1986
Minnie on Main Street, 2006
Minnie on Main Street, 2006
The Dapper Dans, December 2006
Dapper Dans, Disney Clothiers Shop, Dec. 2006
The Dapper Dans, December 2006
Dapper Dans, Dec. 2006
The Dapper Dans, December 2006
Dapper Dans, Dec. 2006
January 2007
Jan. 2007
January 2007
Jan. 2007
East Center Street, February 2007
East Center Street, Feb. 2007
Disneyland Locker area, March 2007
Locker area, March 2007
Disneyland Locker area, March 2007
Locker area, March 2007
East Center Street, May 2007
May 2007
East Center Street, May 2007
May 2007
East Center Street, May 2007
May 2007
East Center Street, October 2007
Oct. 2007
East Center Street, October 2007
Oct. 2007
East Center Street, October 2007
Oct. 2007
East Center Street, March 2008
March 2008
East Center Street, March 2008
March 2008
East Center Street, March 2008
Bob Gurr Window, March 2008
East Center Street, March 2008
March 2008
East Center Street, October 2008
Oct. 2008
East Center Street, October 2008
Oct. 2008
Disneyland East Center Street, March 2009
March 2009
Disneyland East Center Street, March 2009
March 2009
Disneyland East Center Street, March 2009
March 2009
Disneyland East Center Street, September 2009
Sept. 2009
Disneyland East Center Street, September 2009
Sept. 2009
Disneyland Clock on East Main Street, December 2009
Dec. 2009
Disneyland Clothier on East Main Street, March 2010
March 2010
Disneyland Clothier on East Main Street, March 2010
March 2010
Disneyland Clothier on East Main Street, August 2010
Aug. 2010
Disneyland Clothier on East Main Street photo, January 2011
Jan. 2011
Disneyland Clothier on East Main Street photo, January 2011
Jan. 2011
Disneyland Main Street U.S.A. photo, May 2011
May 2011
Disneyland Main Street U.S.A. photo, May 2011
May 2011
Disneyland Main Street U.S.A. Disney Clothier Shop photo, October 2011
Oct. 2011
Disneyland Main Street U.S.A. Disney Clothier Shop photo, October 2011
Oct. 2011
         

A DISNEYLAND EMPLOYEE REMEMBERS…

George Hushman was kind enough to share some of his memories from his 1955 employment at Disneyland. Visit his website to view his photography and more nostalgia.

“In 1955, if High School graduates could get a job at Disneyland, that was a big deal. I didn’t work directly for Disney at the time, because most all concessions were farmed out. I worked for The Royal Tone Photo Company, at the Eastman Kodak store. All I did was sell film and flash bulbs; no computers or digital cameras in those days! The job paid $2.50/hr.; for my half-hour lunch break I’d walk to the Pavilion. Sunday, July 17, 1955 arrived with great fanfare as Disneyland was introduce to the world. Thousands of people converged on the city to be the first to visit the “Happiest place on earth,” bringing with them vehicles which caused “the worst traffic mess we’ve ever seen,” as expressed by one Police official. Lines of cars more than two miles long stretched “bumper to bumper on all roads leading to Disneyland, creating major traffic jams and short tempers as people waited in 87-degree temperature.” Extra Anaheim policemen and Highway Patrolmen were placed on duty to control traffic and deal with the additional safety responsibilities associated with Disneyland. Cars lined Harbor Boulevard from the entrance to the park to Katella Avenue. Many parked overnight waiting admission to the park. When asked by the Anaheim Bulletin to comment of the police activity, Captain Tommy Taylor answered, “Don't ask me how many cars we had from Disneyland yesterday...don’t even lead up to it.” An older man who lives here in Texas bought the first ticket to get into Disneyland; my sister was the third to walk through the gate. Everyday that I worked there, Walt Disney paraded down Main Street and greeted all his friends that came out to see the park; it was a big site to see. My music vocal teacher from High School, Sheldon Disrud, ran the Disneyland Choirs for five years; if he’s still alive, he would be about 85–90 years old now.*”

*A reader recently wrote that Mr. Disrud is still alive and in his 80’s.

EAST SIDE—RUGGLES CHINA & GLASS SHOP, INTIMATE APPAREL, KODAK SHOP, CHINA CLOSET, SILHOUETTE SHOP, CASTLE BROTHERS, CHESTER DRAWERS, CRYSTAL ARTS

Main Street U.S.A., 1955
1955
Main Street U.S.A., 1955
1955
Main Street U.S.A., 1955
Kodak Exhibit, 1955
Main Street U.S.A., 1955
Oct. 1955
Main Street at Disneyland, 1955/1956
1955/1956
Main Street at Disneyland, 1955/1956
1955/1956
Main Street U.S.A. Wonderland Music, 1950s
Wonderland Music
Main Street U.S.A., August 1956
August 1956
1956
1956
Disneyland Main Street U.S.A., 1956
1956
Disneyland Main Street U.S.A. photo, March 1957
March 1957
Disneyland Main Street U.S.A. photo, May 1958
May 1958
Disneyland Main Street U.S.A., 1959
1959
Disneyland Main Street U.S.A., China Shop interior photo, October 1960
Oct. 1960
Main Street U.S.A. East Side, June 26, 1966
June 26, 1966
Main Street East Side, January 1968
Jan. 1968
March 1968
March 1968
Disneyland Main Street U.S.A., 1968
1968
Disneyland Main Street U.S.A., 1968
1968
Disneyland Main Street U.S.A., 1968
1968
Main Street East Side, 1960s
1960’s
Disneyland Main Street Dog Pound fun photo, 1960s
1960’s
Disneyland Main Street U.S.A., 1960s Crystal Shop Interior
Shop interior
Disneyland China Shop Interior
China Closet Interior
Disneyland Main Street East Side, November 1978
Nov. 1978
Disneyland Main Street U.S.A., August 1986
August 1986
January 2007
Jan. 2007
January 2007
Jan. 2007
January 2007
Jan. 2007
January 2007
Jan. 2007
East Main Street, May 2007
May 2007
Main Street, September 2007
Sept. 2007
Main Street, September 2007
Sept. 2007
Main Street, September 2007
Sept. 2007
Main Street, November 2007
Nov. 2007
Main Street, November 2007
Nov. 2007
Main Street eastside, March 2008
March 2008
Main Street eastside, June 2008
June 2008
Main Street eastside, June 2008
June 2008
Main Street eastside, June 2008
June 2008
Main Street eastside, June 2008
June 2008
Main Street eastside Jim Cora window, June 2008
Jim Cora window, June 2008
Disneyland Main Street U.S.A. Crystal Arts photo, September 2010
Sept. 2010
Disneyland Main Street U.S.A. Crystal Arts photo, September 2010
Sept. 2010
Disneyland Main Street U.S.A. China Closet photo, September 2010
Sept. 2010
Disneyland Main Street U.S.A. Silhouette Shop photo, September 2010
Sept. 2010
Disneyland Main Street U.S.A. Silhouette Shop photo, September 2010
Sept. 2010
Disneyland Main Street U.S.A. Silhouette Shop photo, September 2010
Sept. 2010
Disneyland Main Street U.S.A. photo, September 2010
Sept. 2010
Disneyland Main Street U.S.A. photo, September 2010
Sept. 2010
Disneyland Main Street U.S.A. photo, September 2010
Sept. 2010
Disneyland Main Street U.S.A. photo, May 2011
May 2011
Disneyland Main Street U.S.A. photo, May 2011
May 2011

DISNEYLAND LINE NEWSLETTER, APRIL 27, 1978

Of Shadows and Smiles…The Main Street Silhouette Studio

When Walt Disney first conceived his Main Street entryway to the Magic Kingdom, he desired that each details, each characteristic trait of that turn-of-the-century period be recreated in the most authentic manner. One of the most prominent examples of this duplication of 19th century life lies within the door of the Main Street Silhouette Studio. Today an almost obsolete art form, the craft of cutting profile likenesses found its roots in the mid-18th century. Étienne Silhouette, a French finance minister, originated the commercial production of the craft. During that time, the privilege of personal portraiture was reserved for the very elite, and Étienne began his campaign to generate the production of the "poor man's" portrait…the Silhouette. Eventually this innovative art form caught on even in the wealthy circles and became one of the most popular portrait devices in Europe.

The invention of the camera cast a lasting shadow over the art of silhouette creation, and today only about 25 full-time silhouette artists exist in this country. Harry Brice is Disneyland's artist in residence, and tells an interesting tale of how he came to be an artist of such rare talents. "I was being interviewd by Disneyland's former artist lessee, and he asked me if I'd had any experience with silhouette portraits. I didn't even know what a silhouette portrait WAS, but told my interviewer that I was experienced int he field. Within a week, I had taught myself the craft, and was working in the Sihouette Shop."

Since that time over 10 years ago, Harry has become an accomplished duplicator of Disneyland guest profiles. 60,000 silhouettes were created by Harry last year alone, and it's been estimated that he's the "fastest snip in the West"…and the world at 30 seconds per portrait. Harry has scissored some unusual profiles, as horses, cats and dogs are now a part of his repertoire. One of his most memorable portraits is a silhouette of a departed husband, described th Harry by the man's widow.

Although Harry is the shop's full-time artist, Laurie Myers and Bonnie Elliot share the responsibility on party nights and during the summer and peak seasons. A Silhouette Cart in New Orleans Square relieves some of the pressure during the busier periods.

More than artistic talent, however, is required to be a creative silhouette cutter. Showmanship, patience and an infinite sense of humor are prerequisites to the success of the craft. And in every aspect of this art, Harry and his staff of artists are a difficult group to over-shadow.

EAST SIDE—PLAZA APTS./INA CAREFREE CORNER/KODAK PHOTO SUPPLY/BABY STATION

Disneyland Main Street, July 1955
July 1955
Disneyland Main Street, July 1955
July 1955
Disneyland Main Street, July 1955
Holidays 1955
Disneyland Main Street U.S.A., 1956
1956
Disneyland Main Street U.S.A., 1956
1956
Disneyland Main Street U.S.A., 1956
1956
Disneyland Main Street U.S.A., 1956
1956
Disneyland Main Street U.S.A. photo, March 1959
March 1959
Disneyland Main Street, July 1962
July 1962
Disneyland Main Street photo, September 1963
Sept. 1963
INA Carefree Corner and Band, 1960s
INA Carefree Corner and Band, Summer 1963
INA Carefree Corner and Band, Summer 1963
INA Carefree Corner and Band, Summer 1963
Disneyland INA Carefree Corner, June 1964
INA Carefree Corner, June 1964
INA Carefree Corner, October 1969
Oct. 1969
INA Carefree Corner, 1960s
INA Carefree Corner, 1960s
Baby Station Sign, 1980s
1980s
Kodak Corner, October 2006
Kodak Corner, October 2006
Kodak Corner, September 2007
Kodak Corner, Sept. 2007
Kodak Photo Supply Company, Feb. 2007
Feb. 2007
Kodak Photo Supply Company, June 2008
June 2008
Kodak Corner, August 2008
Kodak Corner, Aug. 2008
Main Street U.S.A., September 2008
Sept. 2008
Main Street U.S.A., September 2008
Sept. 2008
Main Street U.S.A., September 2008
Sept. 2008
Main Street U.S.A., June 2009
June 2009
Main Street U.S.A., June 2009
June 2009
Main Street U.S.A. photo, September 2011
Sept. 2011
CoxPilot Remembers at Daveland
Omnibus, September 1967Omnibus License Plate: The licence plate (see photoat left) was because of the California State Law regarding taxes. My father was with the State Board of Equalization (taxes) and said that Disneyland was taxed like a town of its own. Utilities, streets and roads, motor vehicles, food sales, etc. The plate was a device to place the tax stamp (we know it as the licence registration renewal), and that ALL motor vehicles in the state must be registered and have a plate (even if only used on private land) which included farms and such. The vehicle also was taxed as a commercial carrier. Later, Disney got a variance to delete the plate, but still had to pay.

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