TLS, one page, 8.5 x 11, Disneyland Inc. letterhead, March 19, 1957. Letter to California Governor Goodwin J. Knight. In full: “I regret very much that I was unable to be present and personally accept the plaque which you so graciously awarded to Disneyland on February 22nd. Since that time, I have had the opportunity to read your words of greeting and am deeply appreciative of the many kind thoughts which you expressed. All of us at Disneyland are proud to have received this recognition from you, and the members of my staff here join me in sending thanks. I am enclosing your Gold Pass for 1957 and hope you will have many occasions to use it. If there are ever any special favors you would like in the handling of your guests, please have someone contact either my office at the studio…or Jack Sayers at the Park…and arrangements will be made to extend all the courtesies of Disneyland to you and your guests.”
Stapled to the letter is a Governor’s Office memo, dated February 18, 1957, with a subject of “Presentation of scroll to Walt Disney 2/23/57,” and reads, in part: “Arrangements have been made…for the Governor to present the Dinseyland scroll…at the Disneyland City Hall just across the parking lot from the Disneyland Hotel…Mr. Hanna says that arrangements have been made for full press coverage of this event.” Accompanied by an original crayon sketch by Roy Williams of the Mickey Mouse Club, on a 10 x 6 off-white sheet. Entitled “Big Shot Table,” Williams’s sketch depicts seven people seated at a draped table with a microphone on top. Also accompanied by a glossy 10 x 8 Walter Fisk Mirror News photo of two women having lunch at Disneyland, while being serenaded by a Mariachi band. The women are wearing “Editor’s Day at Disneyland” ribbons. In very good condition, with scattered areas of toning, small slip stapled to front of letter, pencil notation to top edge, and a governor’s office stamp touching the end of Disney’s signature.
In 1956, Disney issued the first Gold Pass to Jack Wrather and his family to express his gratitude; Art Linkletter and JFK also received one of the first Gold Passes. Such passes were mainly given to investors, business associates, and friends of the Disney family. They are extremely rare and this scarce 1957 pass permitted Governor Knight and five guests year-long access to the park. Issued annually, these limited passes were signed by Disney himself until 1966.
A letter of great association, made all the better by its excellent accompanying sketch by Roy Williams! Williams, a staff artist, appeared in the Mickey Mouse Club as the Big Mooseketeer, suggesting and creating (with staff help) the Micky Mouse ears worn by the cast. The popular children's program was Disney's second television venture, helping to finance and promote the building of Disneyland. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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