Project To Restore Walt’s Laugh-O-Gram Studio Receiving Huge Funding Boost
Disney history enthusiasts will be excited to hear the news that this morning U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver II is meeting with the Thank You Walt Disney, Inc. group to present a $2 million check for its KC IMAGINE Project. Local Kansas City News Station FOX4 is reporting that this funding is being used to restore Walt’s Laugh-O-Gram Studio for members of the public and provide enrichment for the surrounding neighborhood.
UPDATE: Congratulations to the Thank You Walt Disney Inc.!
We are excited to share that Congressman @repcleaver has formally announced and presented a $2 million check to Thank You Walt Disney Inc. as part of his robust Community Project Funding initiative! pic.twitter.com/U6omMnffnE
— Thank You Walt Disney, Inc. (@TYWaltDisney) February 22, 2023
Walt and Ub Iwerks worked together in Kansas City. Image: Disney.
The Laugh-O-gram Building was home to Walt Disney’s humble beginnings as a cartoonist. It was also the huge catalyst for the change to Hollywood animation looming on the horizon. At the early age of 20, Walt Disney and animator Ub Iwerks started the Laugh-O-Gram Studio on the second floor of this 10,000-square-foot building. It was here that the idea for Mickey Mouse was born.
However, in 1923 Walt declared bankruptcy in Kansas City. He packed up his belongings and moved to California. For 50 years after that the building had a number of tenants until in 1978 it was granted an official standing on the National Register of Historic Places. Unfortunately, this designation did not save it from a lack of proper maintenance and care. The building began crumbling and is currently unhabitable.
credit: Walt Disney Archives
The Thank You Walt Disney group has big plans to change all that. As they put it “It’s time for the next chapter of the Disney Laugh-O-gram story”. They have announced future plans for this site which among other things include recreating Laugh-O-gram’s offices and exhibits to honor Walt Disney and his fellow animators.
We can’t wait to see what the future holds for the birthplace of Mickey Mouse!
Walt’s Laugh-O-Gram Studio Receiving Huge Funding Boost Credit: FOX4 and Thank You Walt Disney
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