Walt Disney’s Childhood Home Opened To The Public For The First Time Ever
Last weekend, Disney fans in the Chicagoland area got to celebrate The Walt Disney Company’s 100th anniversary in a unique way.
Walt Diseny’s childhood home and birthplace was open to the public for the first time ever on Saturday and Sunday as part of the Chicago Architecture Center’s free annual Open House Chicago festival.
Walt’s Childhood Home
Elias Disney purchased the land in the Hermosa neighborhood of the city on October 31, 1891. A year later, the carpenter obtained a permit to construct the cottage for $800.
In 1901, Elias built a modest two-story home from architectural plans that his wife Flora drew.
The Disneys moved into the home upon its completion with their two sons, Herbert and Raymond. Shortly after moving in, they welcomed a third son named Roy.
A Historic Location
“The Disneys were ordinary people, who did extraordinary things,” Walt Disney Birthplace Project Director Rey Colón told local news outlet ABC 7 Chicago.
Walter Elias Disney was born on the second floor of the home on December 5, 1901. Walt would grow up in Chicago until the Disneys sold the property in 1906.
“Walt Disney was an example that, you know, if you come from humble beginnings, if you work hard, you follow your dreams. You could change the world,” Colón said.
A Bright Future
According to the Walt Disney Birthplace Restoration website, the city of Chicago attempted to designate Walt’s childhood home as a historic landmark in 1991. The homeowner at the time, however, fought the designation and put the home at risk of demolition.
Luckily, the current homeowners are working with the city to protect the home and restore it to its 1901 state.
To learn more about Walt Disney’s childhood home visit thewaltdisneybirthplace.org
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