Walt’s Barn to Celebrate Disney Legend
GRIFFITH PARK, Calif. (Carolwood Pacific Historical Society) -- The public is invited to celebrate the life and contributions of Disney Legend Ward Kimball at the Walt Disney Barn museum on Sunday, July 28. To add to the festive atmosphere, guests are encouraged to wear costumes in tribute to the many interests and creative endeavors of Ward. Animator Ward Kimball, who died July 8 in Arcadia, CA, at the age of 88, became one of Walt Disney's trusted "Nine Old Men" and helped develop or refine such characters as Mickey Mouse and Jiminy Cricket. Kimball, who joined the Disney organization in 1934, animated or served as directing animator on such classics as "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs," "Pinocchio," "Fantasia" and "Peter Pan." In addition to this career with Disney, Kimball was also an avid railroad enthusiast who influenced Walt Disney’s passion for railroading. Ward was one of the founding governors of the Carolwood Pacific Historical Society, which operates Walt’s Barn the third Sunday of each month for free public tours. He was often seen at Walt’s Barn in Griffith Park, where he signed autographs and chatted with like-minded railroad fans. He preferred socializing among fellow railroaders who appreciated the preservation of steam-powered puffers of a bygone era. Guests visiting Walt’s Barn on Sunday, July 28 will have the opportunity to share stories of their experiences with Ward Kimball, hear the music from his Fire House Five Plus 2 Dixieland band, see video footage of Ward’s Grizzly Flats railroad, which was located on the Kimball property, and take part in a tree planting ceremony in memory of Ward Kimball.
GRIFFITH PARK, Calif. (Carolwood Pacific Historical Society) -- The public is invited to celebrate the life and contributions of Disney Legend Ward Kimball at the Walt Disney Barn museum on Sunday, July 28. To add to the festive atmosphere, guests are encouraged to wear costumes in tribute to the many interests and creative endeavors of Ward. Animator Ward Kimball, who died July 8 in Arcadia, CA, at the age of 88, became one of Walt Disney's trusted "Nine Old Men" and helped develop or refine such characters as Mickey Mouse and Jiminy Cricket. Kimball, who joined the Disney organization in 1934, animated or served as directing animator on such classics as "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs," "Pinocchio," "Fantasia" and "Peter Pan." In addition to this career with Disney, Kimball was also an avid railroad enthusiast who influenced Walt Disney’s passion for railroading. Ward was one of the founding governors of the Carolwood Pacific Historical Society, which operates Walt’s Barn the third Sunday of each month for free public tours. He was often seen at Walt’s Barn in Griffith Park, where he signed autographs and chatted with like-minded railroad fans. He preferred socializing among fellow railroaders who appreciated the preservation of steam-powered puffers of a bygone era. Guests visiting Walt’s Barn on Sunday, July 28 will have the opportunity to share stories of their experiences with Ward Kimball, hear the music from his Fire House Five Plus 2 Dixieland band, see video footage of Ward’s Grizzly Flats railroad, which was located on the Kimball property, and take part in a tree planting ceremony in memory of Ward Kimball.