An in-depth look at the past, present and future of Walt Disney’s Birthplace including a rare video we were able to shoot from inside the home.

CHICAGO, IL

HEY STRANGERS!

A little known fact, even amongst Disney fans, is that Walt Disney was born in Chicago Illinois on December 5th back in 1901. Walt was born at home, in a house that is not only still standing, but is being carefully restored to it’s 1901 state.

Walt Disney, the visionary behind beloved characters and magical worlds, holds a significant place in the hearts of millions around the globe. To truly understand the man behind the magic, we must delve into the history of his birthplace, where his extraordinary journey began. Located in the charming city of Chicago, Illinois, the humble birthplace of Walt Disney has its own unique story to tell.

THE HISTORY

On December 5, 1901, in the Hermosa neighborhood of Chicago, Elias and Flora Disney welcomed their fourth son, Walter Elias Disney, into the world. The Disney family resided in a small two-story cottage located at 2156 North Tripp Avenue. The birthplace was a modest, working-class home, reflective of the times and the aspirations of young Walt’s family.

Hermosa, a predominantly German-American neighborhood, was characterized by a strong sense of community and a vibrant atmosphere. The area was home to a diverse population, with residents engaged in various trades and occupations. Elias Disney, Walt’s father, worked as a building contractor and later as a mailman, striving to provide for his family.

Despite the limitations of their modest dwelling, the Disney family created a nurturing environment for their children. It was within the walls of this unassuming birthplace that Walt Disney’s imagination began to take flight, fueling his lifelong passion for storytelling and animation.

Chicago, during the early 20th century, was a city teeming with creative energy and innovative ideas. The emerging world of entertainment, encompassing theater, vaudeville, and early motion pictures, provided a rich backdrop for a young Walt Disney’s burgeoning imagination. His exposure to the diverse cultural offerings of the city would later inspire the magic and spectacle evident in his creations.

In 1906, when Walt was just four years old, the Disney family faced financial difficulties, prompting them to relocate to a small farm near Marceline, Missouri. This idyllic rural town would later hold a special place in Walt’s heart, serving as an enduring source of inspiration for the enchanting settings of many of his stories, such as Main Street, U.S.A., in Disneyland.

Despite Walt Disney’s departure from his birthplace at a young age, the cottage on North Tripp Avenue remained a symbol of his humble beginnings and the foundation upon which his dreams were built. Over the years, the building underwent various ownership changes and faced the risk of demolition. However, in 2016, the Walt Disney Birthplace, a non-profit organization, stepped in to preserve and restore this historical landmark.

Under the organization’s dedicated efforts, the Walt Disney Birthplace was renovated, restoring its exterior to its original appearance and creating a space to celebrate Walt’s legacy. The site now serves as a community center, museum, and educational resource, honoring the spirit of innovation and imagination that Walt Disney exemplified.

THE ORGANISATION

• Historical Preservation: The organisation has taken on the responsibility of preserving and restoring the original birthplace of Walt Disney, located at 2156 North Tripp Avenue in Chicago. Through meticulous restoration efforts, the organization aims to maintain the authenticity and historical significance of the building, allowing visitors to experience the place where Walt Disney’s journey began.
• Museum and Exhibitions: The birthplace is gradually being transformed into a museum and exhibition space, providing visitors with a unique opportunity to explore the early life and influences of Walt Disney. The organisation continues to add new pieces to the collection to return the home to it’s 1901 appearance whilst displaying found artifacts and recreating aspects of the house using original pieces of door frames, flooring etc.
• Educational Initiatives: Recognising the power of education, the Walt Disney Birthplace organisation places a strong emphasis on educational initiatives. They develop and implement educational programs, both on-site and in partnership with schools and community organizations, to promote creativity, innovation, and storytelling. These programs aim to empower and inspire the next generation of artists, animators, and dreamers. The organisation regularly works with Nixon school, just around the corner, the school where Walt’s brother Roy attended during the family’s time in Chicago.
• Outreach and Partnerships: The organisation actively engages with the local community, forging partnerships with schools, businesses, and cultural institutions to create a positive impact. They collaborate with artists, historians, and Disney enthusiasts to develop exhibitions, events, and projects that celebrate Walt Disney’s legacy and promote the arts.
• Fundraising and Support: To sustain their mission, the Walt Disney Birthplace organisation relies on fundraising efforts and the support of dedicated individuals and organizations. They actively seek donations, grants, and sponsorships to ensure the ongoing preservation and development of the birthplace as a cultural landmark and educational resource.

Through these endeavors, the Walt Disney Birthplace organisation strives to honor the legacy of Walt Disney, inspire creativity and imagination, and cultivate a greater understanding and appreciation of the remarkable contributions made by this visionary entrepreneur, animator, and storyteller. By keeping the birthplace alive and thriving, the organisation ensures that Walt Disney’s spirit continues to inspire and captivate future generations.

THE VIDEO

On a whim, I decided to email the organisation with the hopes of being able to film at the home. To my surprise, not only did they allow us to film a video but also arranged for Rey Colon, the Chicago Project Lead, to meet us at the property, interview him and tour the home!

This isn’t something we’ve done before and from this one shoot, we’ve already learnt a lot. We know how to improve for next time but for now, we’re extremely grateful for the opportunity to enter and document the home! A massive thank you to The Walt Disney Birthplace for giving us access to Walt’s original home.

When we arrived we spoke with Rey and began documenting this historic home when a Chicago couple happened upon the house. With service Walt Disney himself would be proud of, Rey invited the couple to tour the home with us, to their delight! You may notice in the background of the video the couple talking or reacting.

In Conclusion

The birthplace of Walt Disney in the Hermosa neighborhood of Chicago represents the humble beginnings of an extraordinary individual who forever transformed the world of entertainment. From his early years in Chicago, to the magic of Marceline, Walt’s formative experiences shaped his imaginative vision, leading to the creation of iconic characters and groundbreaking animations. Preserving and honoring the birthplace not only pays tribute to Walt Disney’s legacy but also allows future generations to explore the roots of a man whose dreams continue to inspire and enchant the world.

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