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Howard Museum Permanent Disney Studio Exhibit Opens
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Burbank Historical Society Dedicates Permanent Disney Studio Exhibit at Howard Museum
On Thursday, November 16 at 5:00pm, the Burbank Historical Society officially dedicated a new, permanent exhibit devoted to the Walt Disney Studios. The date chosen was not arbitrary; November 16, 2003 marked the Walt Disney Company's 80th Anniversary. Joining for the celebration were representatives of the Walt Disney Company, the City of Burbank, and the Historical Society. Also lending his presence to the proceedings was the world's most famous mouse, Mickey.
TJ Baptie, Vice President for Corporate Relations
for the Walt Disney Company welcomes the crowd.
TJ Baptie, Disney's Vice President for Corporate Relations welcomed the assembled crowd, saying "We have a place here we can all be very proud of." She added, "We are celebrating the Walt Disney Company's 80th birthday, and we are giving a gift to Burbank and the museum." She went on to thank Burbank History Museum founder Mary Ware Strickland, as well as members Gordon and Mary Howard, and Mike Cunningham. She also introduced the Board members in attendance. Baptie then acknowledged Burbank City Council members Jeff van der Borght, Dave Golonski, and Todd Campbell. She then introduced the next speaker, the Honorable Marsha Ramos, the Vice Mayor of Burbank.
The Honorable Marsha Ramos, Vice Mayor of
Burbank, presents Roy Disney with an engraved platter.
In her comments, Marsha Ramos said, "Disney has been a wonderful partner with the City of Burbank." She presented an engraved platter to then Disney Vice Chairman Roy E. Disney, who accepted on behalf of the Company, saying, "Thank you from the bottom of my heart."
Marty Sklar speaks on behalf of Walt Disney
Imagineering.
TJ Baptie then introduced Marty Sklar, the Chairman of Walt Disney Imagineering. WDI worked closely with the Historical Society to create the new exhibit. "This has been a learning experience for our staff," said Marty. On a personal note, he added, "I am the black sheep of my family-the only one not involved in education. When I am involved in history, I feel I am doing my part." Marty then went on to acknowledge members of WDI who had contributed to the exhibit and its design: Van Romans, Leila Smith of the Animation Archives, Jim Clark, Grey Willsbach, Bruce Gordon, Debbie Hoffman, and Tim Campbell.
TJ Baptie introduces Roy E. Disney
TJ Baptie returned once again to introduce Roy Disney. He started his comments with an acknowledgement of Marty Sklar's words: "Marty, you're exactly right. We all learned working on this." Roy then mentioned personal ties to the area. "We moved to Toluca Lake in 1934. Then we built the studios in 1939. My memories here go way, way back...endless, wonderful memories." He mentioned that he had previewed the attraction, as well as other exhibits inside, eagerly pointing out, "There's airplane pictures everywhere, and it's really neat!"
Roy Disney offers personal memories in his speech
Roy also recalled, "In 1945 the Cleveland Indians did spring training here. I watched Satchel Paige warm up. Whoa!" As Roy invited everyone to "Come on in," his wife mentioned something to him. With a grin he passed it on: "Patty reminds me-we got our marriage license in the Burbank City Hall."
Roy Disney and Founder of the Burbank Historical
Society, Mary Jane Strickland cut the red ribbon, officially opening the new exhibit.
Marty Sklar, Patty and Roy Disney, Mary Jane
Strickland,
and Mickey Mouse are all smiles after the ribbon cutting.
With that, Roy led the crowd inside, where the official ribbon cutting awaited. With a photo of his father and uncle overhead, he cut the ribbon with a flourish. Afterward, the crowd moved through the gallery, lingering to greet the various dignitaries and admire the new exhibit.
The Burbank Historical Society Museum is located at 1015 W. Olive Avenue, near Victory, in Burbank, California. It is open Sundays 1-4pm. Group reservations may be made by calling 818/841-6333. Email ghowardmuseum@earthlink.net, or log on to http://www.burbankhistsoc.com.
Disney artist and Imagineer Sam McKim met up with
an old friend at the welcoming reception.
Author Bob Tieman greeted friends inside the new
exhibit.
Discuss It!
-- Posted January 7, 2004
-- Story and pictures by Doug Marsh
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