Carolwood Pacific Historical Society Ward Kimball Tribute,

Carolwood Pacific Historical Society Ward Kimball Tribute
Page 4 of 4

Mike Campbell stepped up to speak next. Mike had been at Walt Disney World many years ago to visit the steam train roundhouse. While he was there, George Britton handed him a large placard that read "Ward Kimball." (The Ward Kimball was originally supposed to be a WDW engine, but it is currently slated to be the fifth engine at Disneyland.) Some time later at an Ollie Johnston steam-up, Mike took the opportunity to present the placard to a delighted Kimball. While Ward was waiting for his ride that day, he stood on the sidewalk with the sign over his head yelling to passing cars, "Will animate for food!"

Michael Broggie took a minute to provide an update on the aforementioned Ward Kimball’s status. Michael confirmed that there is going to be a fifth engine at Disneyland and that it will be named the Ward Kimball. The headlamp will have paintings of Jiminy Cricket (a character Ward designed) on each side. Michael stated his disappointment that Disney was unable to marshal enough resources to finish the restoration and enter the train into service while Ward was alive to see it.

Harry Every was the last person from the audience to speak about Ward. Harry said that Ward probably did more to shape the comedic tone of Disney than anyone else. Ward knew that Walt rarely took direct suggestions, so he would leave caricatures and drawings on his board at night because he knew Walt always came by after everyone was gone to check things out. Some of these ideas were incorporated by Walt into storyboards and used in projects.

Harry touched on another side of Ward that few people mention-his dedication as an employee. Ward was very concerned with what Walt thought of him, so he tried to tone things down when possible. He was particularly careful to never give the impression that he gave less than a full week’s work each week.

During baseball season, several animators he knew wrapped up work early when there was a game so they could go catch it. Although Ward was often invited, he turned them down because of his fear of running into Walt-who also enjoyed baseball-at a game and getting fired. After several tries, Ward finally was talked into going to a game.

Halfway through the game, Ward went to the restroom. On his way out, a man tapped him on the shoulder and said, "Hi Ward." Ward turned around to see-who else?-but Walt Disney himself! Ward went back and tried to finish the game, but he found that he was too nervous to enjoy it and went back to the Studio to work. Walt never mentioned this incident to him, for which Ward was forever grateful.

This story marked the end of the Ward Kimball remembrances. Michael Broggie finished the Tribute by presenting the "Best Male and Female Ward Kimball-Inspired Costumes." The male winner was Steve Waller, while Kendra Trahan was the female winner. Each won Ernest S. Marsh Event limited edition buttons, from the event at Disneyland the day before. The tie-in with the Ernest S. Marsh was fitting, as Ward was the designer of that engine. He based it on Engine No. 1, The Montezuma, of the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad. It was one of Ward’s favorite locomotives.

 

Related Links

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-- Posted November 6, 2002
-- Story by Kevin Beltzner
-- Pictures by Rebekah Moseley

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