Look Up
Welcome to first of a multi-part post highlighting the windows of Main Street USA. Not the windows of shops and stores. Most of these windows are a little higher up, on the 2nd floor, and have some special meaning. You have to look up when you walk down the street, and in many cases you need to stop and take a moment to see them. Come along as we stroll down the street.
For many people entering into the park the first choice they have to make is which side of Town Square to enter from. If you enter through the east tunnel you will pass directly in front of the Disney Gallery and Opera House, but if you enter under the west tunnel then you will pass the tours garden and be directly in front of our first window, located at City Hall.
If you look at the upstairs window, just to the right of the porch you will find the window dedicated to the "Honorary Mayor" of Disneyland, Jack Lindquist. Jack is one of the Disney Legends, and was integral to the history of Disneyland. From the Disney Legends site:
Jack Lindquist was hired by Walt Disney as Disneyland's first
advertising manager, and eventually played a key role in making the Park a
world-famous tourist attraction. From . marketing the original "E tickets" to
lobbying for Disneyland's millennial expansion, Jack was involved in nearly
every aspect of the theme park.
For a detailed bio click here
Now let's move down the west side of the street.
Between the Emporium and the Crystal Arcade sits one of the many facades along the street. Next time you pass by take a look up at the window. The name my ring a few bells. Elias Disney, husband of Flora and father of five children. Born in February of 1859, he would go on the have a varied career which including working in construction. Oh, and his youngest son went on to do some great things as well.
Walter Elias Disney paid tribute to his father in a very special way with this window on Main Street. Having passed away in 1941, Elias never saw what would become The Happiest Place on Earth, but he would forever be a part of it with this window. For more history look here.
Continuing, between the Crystal Arcade and The Fortuosity Shop is out next stop.
The first of two windows here belongs to Wathel Rogers, imagineer and Disney Legend. Do you love the audio-animatronics that are all over Disneyland? Thank Mr. Rogers for his work each time you pass by the window. More here.
The next window belongs to another Disney Legend, Mary Ann Mang. After writing to Walt Disney in 1960, asking for a job, she went on to become a vital part of the park and resort. More here.
And to finish this posting we look above the door to the Fortuosity Shop
This is a fairly non-descript window, with two names on it. C.V. Patterson & W.F.Allen. These two gentlemen were, respectively, Vice-President of Upjohn Pharmaceuticals and a pharmacist from Upjohn, who were instrumental in getting a pharmacy on Main Street. Nowadays if you want medical attention you can visit First Aid.
Next time we will continue down the west side of the street and look at more windows.
