My Day with Walt Disney
This month’s E-Journal is presented by former Jackson County Historical Society (JCHS) board member Arthur Scott Cauger, grandson of his namesake the late Arthur Vern Cauger, called “A.V.” by his friends and business colleagues, and affectionately the “Boss” by his former employee and lifetime friend Walt Disney. Scott is the youngest son of the late Theadore R. Cauger, Sr., known as “Ted,” and Melba Jean (maiden name Scott) Cauger, called “Melbie” by her family and close friends. Ted, Sr. was Treasurer of the JCHS for twelve years. Ted, Sr. and Melba were active, contributing members for decades.
By Arthur Scott Cauger
A. V. Cauger with family in 1920, the year he hired Walt Disney. The photo was taken at his three-story stone house on its six-acre farm at 10628 E. Winner Rd., Maywood, Jackson County, MO. (now in Independence, MO). Also pictured is my father the late Ted R. Cauger, Sr. born December 24, 1919, (twin baby on the left being held by A. V.’s mother/Ted Sr.’s grandmother Rose Bell Cauger). Photo from the collection of A. Scott Cauger.
My late father Ted Cauger was prominent in Jackson County, Missouri civic, business, and governmental associations while owner and president of A.V. Cauger Service Inc. (1946-1960), a business in Hollywood movie distribution and film advertising production (live and animated commercials) for theatres and television. A. V. Cauger Service, Inc. (“Film Service”) was founded by my late grandfather (1933) and was the successor film company to others he started in Kansas City (1910) as an early pioneer in film at the turn of the 20th Century. A. V. Cauger died on October 27, 1945.
After returning from WWII in January 1946, having served two periods of enlistment (Master Sergeant, U.S. Army 1942-1946), Ted Sr. resumed full operations of the Film Service movie distribution and film production business (known for producing live and cartoon commercial ads, corporate movies, documentaries, short subjects, and sales and other training films). [1]
Film Service operated under my dad’s stewardship from 1946 until early 1960 headquartered out of its national office in Englewood, Independence at the 10922 E.
10922 E. Winner Rd. Indep. Mo. the last home of A. V. Cauger Service, Inc. This building is now the Englewood Row Gallery and Art Space owned and operated by A. Scott Cauger, A.V.’s grandson. Photo from the collection of A. Scott Cauger.
Winner Road (the Englewood Row Gallery and Art Space). From this and other earlier business locations in Kansas City my grandfather, A. V. Cauger, pioneered motion picture cartoon film advertising.
A. V. Cauger – October 1913 the same year he moved his business “Kansas City Slide Company” to 1015 Central, Kansas City, MO (from 1332 Grand Ave. Kansas City, MO). This photo was taken approximately six years before the Disney hire. Disney likely was a KC Slide Co. employee through January 6, 1921, when A.V. changed the name to A. V. Cauger Manufacturing Co. Photo from the collection of A. Scott Cauger.
Notably, in 1920, A. V. Cauger gave Walt Disney his “…first job in the movies” doing cartoon animation in film (Disney inscription in a Scrap Book gift related to a California artist event honoring A. V. Cauger December 28, 1944). A. V. pioneered cartoon animation in commercial advertising shown in movie theatres, and had at one time the largest commercial film advertising mail-order business in all of North America. A.V. Cauger is remembered in history for introducing Walt Disney to motion picture film production and cartoon animation destined for the movie theatres. Over the years 22 other Kansas City employees (21 of which were artists) who worked for A.V. Cauger[2] ultimately made their way to California to work with Disney (the 23rd employee) and/or founded other animation divisions at major Hollywood Studios.
Among the young Kansas City artists who broke into the film animation business in Hollywood after working for A.V. were Ub Iwerks (1901-1971) who co-created Oswald the Lucky Rabbit and Mickey Mouse with Disney; Hugh Harman (1903-1982), and Carmen “Max” Maxwell (1902-1987) who with another KCMO home-town artist/LA transplant (Rudolf “Rudy” Ising 1903-1992) founded the animation departments for Warner Bros. cartoons and later MGM creating Looney Toons, Merrie Melodies, and Tom & Jerry[3] (Hugh later went to Metro Goldwyn-Mayer, where he started the “Happy Harmonies” cartoon series); J. B. “Bugs” Hardaway (1895-1957) who worked for Schlesinger Productions, the predecessor to Warner Bros. creator of the first Bugs Bunny character and co-creator and voice of Woody Woodpecker; Isadore “Friz” Freleng (1906-1995) creator of Porky Pig & Pink Panther, co-creator/producer of Yosemite Sam (based upon himself) and producer of Sylvester the Cat, Tweety Bird, Daffy Duck and Speedy Gonzales; Melvin Eugene “Tubby” Millar (1900-1980) cartoonist and noted gag writer for Warner Brothers Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies 1937- 1945 who specialized in Porky Pig cartoons…and Walt Disney. When A. V. hired Walt Disney in January 1920 Walt was 18 years old and one of about 44 staffers (45 employees including A. V.).
Letterhead of Kansas City Slide Co., 1015 Central, Kansas City, MO October 1913. Photo from the collection of A. Scott Cauger.
CALIFORNIA (& DISNEY STUDIOS) HERE WE COME!
In 1958 Ted Cauger and family were invited by Walt Disney to visit his studios in Burbank, California and the new Disneyland Theme Park. This is my story of that memorable journey with Dad, Mom and my older brother Teddy. In a business-like letter to “Walt,” dated August 6, 1958 (USPS Air Mail), Dad wrote Mr. Disney asking if he can “…impose on your hospitality again.” Dad advised Walt that “I expect to be in Hollywood during the week of August 11th and part of the week of the 17th …” on business meeting “…several good clients in Los Angeles… and a [film] representative...” while working there. Dad added, “I am bringing my wife, Melba, and our two boys (Teddy –nine years and Scotty-six years) … to visit Disneyland and if possible, we would like to see you personally. My two boys don’t believe that I know ‘Walt Disney’ and I know there will always be a doubt in their mind unless they could shake your hand.” Dad ends by saying, “Many thanks, Walt, for the many courtesies extended me………and my friends in Independence." Signed “Cordially, T. R. Cauger”.
Ted R. Cauger, Sr. fall 1948 a few years after taking the reins of the family film business. Photo from the collection of A. Scott Cauger.
Disney wrote back to Dad August 8, 1958, on his personal “Walt Disney” letterhead, acknowledging receipt of Dad’s letter saying he is “…pleased to learn that you and your family are coming out for a visit”. He asked Dad to give his personal assistant a call when he arrives [in L.A.] to “…make arrangements for you, Melba, Teddy and Scotty to have a tour of the Studio.” Mr. Disney also said, “I will see that you are given passes for a day at Disneyland as I would like to extend the courtesies of the Park to you and your family. Looking forward to seeing you…and please give my best to your Mother [Nina – A. V.’s widow].” Signed “Sincerely, Walt Disney”.
Ted R. Cauger, Sr. late 1950s when A. V. Cauger Service, Inc. was at its pinnacle, winning “First Prize for Animation” in the 1958 Venice Film Festival for a British film used in the British West Indies. Photo from the collection of A. Scott Cauger.
Departing early one August morning 1958 from the family home at 4030 Blue Ridge Blvd., Independence, Missouri, we embarked by car (driving 3 days) on a multi-week excursion to California both for business and pleasure (vacation and family visitation). I was just six years old at the time (12/10/1951) and Ted Jr. was nine (02/01/1949). The highlights of the California trip for me were meeting Walt Disney, touring the Disney Burbank Studios, and spending a fun-filled day at Disneyland Park (that Mr. Disney referred to as “The Park”).
On the eve of our Disney excursion we stayed overnight with one of Dad’s older sisters “Aunt Lucille” (Lucile E. Cauger Knies) and her husband Jack Knies (“Uncle Jack”). The next day we picked up my paternal grandmother, Nina M. Cauger (A.V.’s widow), and set off in one vehicle for the Disney Burbank Studios. I remember driving past seemingly endless orange groves and apparently the orange dots put me to sleep. The next thing I recall is waking up in a parking area with gates, guard shack, and security.
DISNEY STUDIOS
Kansas City Slide Co. building, 1015 Central, where both Walt Disney and Ub Iwerks interviewed for animation artist jobs, and were given their first opportunity to work in film animation. Photo from the collection of A. Scott Cauger.
We arrived at Disney Studios Wednesday morning August 20, 1958, and glided past security via our Disney Studios Pass 116 (that I still have). We went into the building where Walt Disney’s office was located and entered his office suite. We were pleasantly greeted by Mr. Disney’s secretary in an anteroom outside his office and were quickly ushered in. Walt jumped to his feet and came around his desk to effusively meet and greet us, offer refreshments, and have a warm, friendly chat with his guests. Walt’s office seemed to be large, neat, well-lit and modern (with a long, narrow window on the wall opposite from the entry door). Walt referred to Dad as “the Twin” as he was born (with his twin sister Jeannie) December 24, 1919, just a few weeks before Mr. Disney started working for Grandfather (Kansas City Slide Company at the time but soon to be called Kansas City Film Ad Service to highlight its growing “motion picture” business).
Disney Studio Pass 116 (1958). Used by the Cauger family August 20, 1958. Photo from the collection of A. Scott Cauger.
Shortly after the greetings, Disney asked if we wanted anything to drink and quick-as-Jiminy Cricket™ his secretary brought in glasses of juice on a large tray (either tomato or Campbell’s V-8™ juice). Until that point, I was groggy and tongue-tied but I perked up after drinking that juice. Think about it – I could have had a V-8 juice (with Walt Disney)! Before we left his office Mr. Disney quickly highlighted the day’s plans for us Merry Mouseketeers (at the time my brother and I were official members of the club), then offered the hospitality of “Walt Disney’s Studio Restaurant” to refresh and have an early lunch.
Here is how it went down: after quenching our thirst, Mr. Disney asked, “If anyone was hungry” and before any response, he jumped out of his chair and escorted us out of his building en route to the “Disney Studio Restaurant” in another nearby Burbank Studios’ building. Along the way, we stopped to take a group photo with Mr. Disney—compliments of the Disney Corp. The pictures were taken outdoors under a cork tree at the intersection “Dopey Drive & Mickey Ave”. Dopey Drive also had signage below for “In Between” [sic], “Special EFX” and “Layout Dept”. Mickey Ave also had signage below for “Animation”, “Multiplane” and “Ink & Paint”. I have an original of that photograph proudly displayed in my Englewood, Independence office.
Ted R. Cauger Family photo with Walt Disney at Disney Burbank Studios August 20, 1958. BACKROW L-R Jack Knies (Uncle Jack), Lucille Cauger Knies (Aunt Lucille), Melba J. Cauger (Mother), Ted R. Cauger, Sr. (Father), Nina M. Cauger (A.V.’s widow/Grandmother to all us Grandchildren) and Walt Disney. FRONT ROW: Ted R. Cauger, Jr. (“Teddy”) and A. Scott Cauger (“Scotty”). Photo from the collection of A. Scott Cauger.
While posing for the photographers my brother spied a bug nearby and immediately tried to stomp it into the ground. Mr. Disney noticed Teddy was fascinated by the insect and told him “…it was one of God’s creatures”. My Mom never stopped telling that story anytime our 1958 Walt Disney visit came up in conversation. I don’t remember if Mr. Disney’s intervention spared the critter!
After escorting us to the restaurant in the “Café” building Mr. Disney left us to get a bite to eat in the “Coral Room" and await our first escort of the day. I still have the menu, “Walt Disney’s Studio Restaurant Burbank California” which Mr. Disney signed. The menu’s front cover features cartoon characters Donald Duck, Goofy, and Pluto, all barreling to the sound of Mickey Mouse, wearing chef clothing and regalia, and ringing a dinner triangle bell. Mom remembers we dined on grilled cheese sandwiches priced on the menu with American or Swiss cheese at $.55 and .65, respectfully. The early lunch was on our gracious host Mr. Disney. Mom recalled that “Teddy and Scotty’s meal conversation never varied far from the Zorro™ televisions series” which premiered on October 10, 1957.
Cover of Disney Studio Restaurant menu. Photo from the collection of A. Scott Cauger.
A perusal of the Disney Studio “Coral Room” restaurant menu is quite fascinating. Dated inside “Wednesday, August 20th”, it offered two pages of menu items plus “today’s SPECIAL LUNCHEON” typed (each day) on a slip of paper attached to the upper right-hand-corner of page 2 on a space reserved just for that purpose. “Specials” for that day offered seven entries (anywhere from frankfurters and baked beans, to broiled rockfish with cole slaw, to roast leg of lamb and dressing) plus choice of 4 sides! All “specials” came with the choice of “fresh vegetable soup-chicken broth, juice or salad” and “choice of desert and drink”. Amazingly, all “specials” ranged in price from $1.45 to $1.75 (broiled lamb chops with pineapple” being the most expensive menu item). Also, the menu had a la carte items by category “from the grill”, “cold buffet”, “sandwiches”, “salads”, “drinks”, “beer”, “egg dishes” and “desserts”. Beer selections include a few long-discontinued beverages: Regal Pale, Lucky Lager, and Hamm’s, Schlitz, Budweiser, and Heineken’s (the latter being the highest priced at $.50). The inside pages of the menu are adorned with drawings or sketches of Donald Duck, Mr. Blue Bird, Pluto, Jiminy Cricket, Goofy, Lady & the Tramp, Mickey Mouse, and Chip & Dale.
After the refreshments Walt (alternating with one of his assistants) gave us a personal tour of Disney Studios (including viewing the screening of a scene from an upcoming feature film), a stroll through the artists’ workplace in the Animation building, and a visit to an outdoor Zorro set. Mom recalled the Disney Burbank Studios were the size of a town. Leaving the Café with a Disney assistant we headed east crossing the intersection of “Mickey Mouse Blvd & Dopey Drive” then walked a half block down Dopey Drive to the entrance of the “Theatre” building on the right (south). Upon arriving we proceeded into the building to view clips of an upcoming live action feature film. Mr. Disney had previously arrived and was already addressing a large audience on hand for the program. I learned later that the crowd comprised Disney Corp. “Imagineers” - as Walt called them - comprising the artists, animators, narrators, writers, directors, cast, and other movie production staff. Mom thought there had to be about “a hundred people” with us in the theatre. Mr. Disney led the program before and after we watched the film clip sequence. After the screening Mr. Disney solicited the audience’s reactions and comments plus all-the-while himself speaking, gesturing and critiquing the film.
During the film screening program a Burbank Studio staffer took my brother and I over to a nearby Zorro™ television series outdoor movie set. Teddy and I dashed into Zorro’s Cave exterior entrance and bounded down the steps only to be shocked when discovering the steps didn’t lead to his secret hide-out at all (or anywhere). The steps just dead- ended! Zorro’s cave hide-out was located inside a separate movie set in another studio at a different location!
We caught up with Mr. Disney and the rest of the family as they exited the theatre and proceeded directly across Dopey Drive (north) to the “Animation” building. The Animation building is unique because it is shaped like a jigsaw puzzle piece with four pairs of wings off each side of the narrow spine of the main building. Mr. Disney personally gave us a grand tour of the large, open artist work-spaces that went up and down the building wings housing a multitude of artists sitting at tables in long rows broken by a central walk way. At the end of each row on both sides of the central pathway were wire baskets attached to the table edge that were filled with animation art-work that I assume were templates of various characters (or discards).
I have vivid memory of Mr. Disney tramping down the walkway speaking and gesturing as we marched behind in column then - when passing one of those table baskets and without missing a stride -Walt reached in and snatched a handful of cartoon drawings that he quickly passed to Mom (which I still have). Before departing Burbank Studios for the Park we said goodbye to Walt and thanked him profusely for his hospitality. Well trained, I said “thank you” to “Mr. Disney” adding “I hope to see you again” not knowing I would soon get my wish!
DISNEYLAND PARK
Our expedition to Disneyland Park, for a little boy, was the highlight of my California adventure. We were visiting the “Park”, as Mr. Disney called it, just three (3) years after it opened in 1955. Mr. Disney graciously gave us escorts to take us around The Park to the major rides. Disneyland at the time featured Main Street, Adventureland, Frontierland, Fantasyland and Tomorrowland. We went to each of the “Park” “Lands” with our guides who escorted us to the front of each line with special passes on to all the major rides (so we never had to wait). The other Park visitors looked at us with curiosity and interest (must have been the dresses, hats and suitcoats!). No one objected to us cutting in.
I remember first riding the “Santa Fe & Disneyland RR” leaving a train station and journeying through the Grand Canyon diorama (a 1958 recent addition –“new”). I also recall riding the horse-drawn street cars on Main Street USA. Also, I remember someone screaming during the rides and it turned out to be my Aunt Lucille – especially on the Mountain Mine Train into the Rainbow Mine.
At Fantasy Land we visited the home of the Seven Dwarfs in the Dark Forest and rode the Dumbo ride. I thought Frontierland was the most memorable. I vividly recall riding on the Mark Twain Stern Wheel Riverboat, seeing the ghost town of Rainbow Ridge, and taking the Mine (Train) Ride into Rainbow caverns (a/k/a Rainbow Ridge Mine Train). The Mine ride took us into underground caverns abounding with multicolored waterfalls, glittering gems, precious metals, stalactites and stalagmites, craggy old miners and other scary stuff (Aunt Lucille screaming the entire way). I also remember seeing Tom Sawyer log rafts going to Tom Sawyer Island and playing in Fort Wilderness.
At Tomorrowland we blasted off to the Moon inside the Space Chamber via “Astro Jet-Rockets”, viewing the TWA Rocket and seeing a squid at the submarine Nautilus exhibit. We rode the Skyway to get from Tomorrowland to Fantasyland. I didn’t realize it at the time but our souvenir 1958 Guide Book says that Tomorrowland is based upon “…the world of 1987.” “Time moves forward to the year 1987.” Walt Disney’s Guide to Disneyland (Copyright 1958 Walt Disney Productions p. 18)
My favorite ride (and most vivid recollection) was exploring down the Jungle Rivers of the world on the Adventureland Jungle River Boat Safari with wild animals emerging from the jungle shoreline and the deep (dangerously close to the boat). Our vigilant boat captain frequently interrupted the safari to shoot at those fearsome creatures venturing too close to our vessel. I recalled being not-a-little startled at the native head-hunters hostile to our incursion of their jungle lair.
After all that adventure we were able to refresh in Mr. Disney’s private apartment above the Fire Station in Main Street USA. Our guide let us in and came back for us later. Mr. Disney was not there. Mom and I lingered to rest as I recall but no nap for me!
Next, we were escorted to the Golden Horseshoe Saloon for another meal and floor show (Old-west Golden Horseshoe Revue) from a special balcony suite right over the stage. While eating we watched the entire review with dancing costumed Can-Can girls, card dealers, sharp shooters and western cowboy acts. This free show, I learned later, was sponsored by Pepsi Cola™ officially called the “Pepsi Cola™ Golden Horseshoe Review” described in the Disneyland Guide as a “40-minute old-West stage show, featuring comedy and singing.” (Guide p.25) During the Golden Horseshoe Revue, our new escort took over.
Disney inscribed page from Wildlife of the West book given to me by Walt Disney at a Disneyland gift shop (along with a hunting/fishing knife). Photo from the collection of A. Scott Cauger.
After a walkabout and a few more rides to my surprise, Mr. Disney met us late afternoon at one of the Park’s premier gift shops. Generously, Walt let my brother and I pick out any gift we wanted! HUZZAH! I clearly remember choosing a beauty of a knife with a bright red handle and a blade with jagged ridges. At the time I did not know the ridges were for fish scaling. I liked the look of them because they made the knife appear so fearsome and dangerous! Mr. Disney also selected a personal item to give my brother and me. Mr. Disney picked out for me a Disney Book: Walt Disney’s Wildlife of the West, Animals of the Plains, Mountains and Desert: A True Life Adventure, part of the “The Golden Library of Knowledge” series published by Simon and Schuster priced at $.50 (New York copyright 1958, 1957, 1955, 1954 by Walt Disney Productions). I remember clearly Mr. Disney at the store writing a note and signing his name in the book: “To Scotty Best Wishes Walt Disney”. I still have the book. Mr. Disney gave Teddy an illustrated book about the story of Bambi (in which he wrote a sentiment and signed as well). Our Park procession continued, I am told, into the early evening though I do not remember anything after the visit to the Park gift store and shopping with Walt – the highlight of my day!
EPILOGUE
DISNEYLAND KNIFE & BOOK. While I still have the Wildlife of the West book Mr. Disney gave me, the history of the knife is a different story. I wore that knife everywhere but errored one day in moving it from its original, unadorned sheath with a handle clasp to one I had (from a toy knife) that was decorated with cool looking Indian beads (but alas with no clasp or strap/snap to hold it in place). One day playing with Teddy and neighbor kids in some fields near our home the knife apparently slipped out of the sheath. I remember back-tracking where I had been hiking but no luck finding the missing Disneyland knife. Lesson learned! Since losing that knife I am renown for keeping and taking care of things forever. I wonder, what that knife might be worth today?
GIFT EXCHANGE. Soon after our return to Independence, Dad made arrangements to send Walt Disney Kansas City Strip Steaks. October 2, 1958, Mr. Disney wrote Dad “thanking” him for his “thoughtfulness” in sending the Disney family steaks from Kansas City. Walt said the steaks “…were as choice as you promised they would be. My family and I really enjoyed them.” Mr. Disney also said, “I’m glad to know that your trip out here was a success and that Disneyland was one of the highlights for your family. It’s always nice to hear that the Park was enjoyed.” This letter is signed “Walt” with a flourish! Later that fall our Family received an enlarged, full color cartoon cell autographed by Mr. Disney, from Disney Studio’s recent animation release that year (1958) “From All of Us to All of You” staring my favorite cartoon characters Chip & Dale. I can only assume it was Walt Disney’s way of thanking Dad for those “swell” Kansas City steaks (one of Walt & Mickey Mouse’s favorite expressions).
CORRESPONDENCE & COLLABORATION. Along with the California trip I recall the lasting friendship and trade/film collaboration that continued between my Dad and Walt Disney. Mr. Disney already had some idea of the creative film endeavors Dad was accomplishing at Film Service. For example, that same year Dad won “First Prize for Animation” in the 1958 Venice Film Festival (“An Amazing Collection of the World’s Best Theatre and Television Commercial Films”) for a British film used in the British West Indies. Before and after the 1958 California reunion both Dad and Mr. Disney corresponded and collaborated on film shorts, film industry trade shows and association events, and KCMO theatrical/art programs nearly up to the time of Walt Disney’s death (December 15, 1966). Correspondence with Mr. Disney continued even after Dad had sold the Film Service business in 1960.
Mailing envelope from Walt Disney Productions, Burbank, CA. Photo from the collection of A. Scott Cauger.
In my Dad’s final letter to Walt Disney, dated December 14, 1964, he explained that “It has been several years since our family visit to California, and we still talk about the wonderful time we had visiting you and Disneyland.” Dad informed Walt of family news including the sale of Film Service to Alexander Film Company of Colorado Springs (after a 27 year run 1933-1960); an update on his Mother Nina (whom Walt knew well and communicated with from time-to-time[4]), and apprised Mr. Disney about his growing boys Ted, Jr. (16 Yrs. – 2nd year cadet at Wentworth Military Academy) and myself (13 Yrs. – 7th Grade Raytown Junior High). Dad dedicated a paragraph in his letter regarding Yours Truly concerning a serious injury I incurred April of that year (accidental gunshot wound from a 12-gauge shotgun). Mr. Disney in his reply letter dated December 17, 1964, remarked: “I’m sorry to hear that Scott had such an unfortunate accident – but I salute his courage and determination not to let it get him down. I’m sure that guts like that will pay off.”
A. Scott Cauger is a retired corporate attorney (Niagara Mohawk Power Corp. now a National Grid Co.) and was previously associated with the Three Trails Law Firm Independence, Missouri. Scott is active in the Englewood Arts District where he is President of Englewood Properties, LLC investing in and renovating store front properties in the Englewood- Maywood area. Scott is a past director of the JCHS and lives in Syracuse, New York.
[1] During his career 1946-1960 Dad made commercial ads or film shorts for Coca-Cola, Massey-Harris, Ford, Chevrolet, Pontiac, Midwest Dairy Products Corp, Featherstun, Speed Queen, Westinghouse, Schulze and Burch Crackers, Nehi Beverages, Orange Crush, Sinclair, Crosley, International Harvester, Wishbone Salad Dressing, Adams Dairy, Arthur Murray Studios, Rexall Drug Company, Zonolite Insulation, Du Pont Tontine Washable Shades, Triple “AAA” Root Beer, Hy-Tone School Supplies, McHenry’s Appliances, Windsor Salt, Davis Paints
(DA-JEL & DA-TEX brands), Frigidaire Refrigerators, Ames Tastemark Milk, City Ice Cubes, among others.
[2] A. V. Cauger reply letter dated February 20, 1945, to W. Hardy Hendren, Jr., President, United Film Ad Service, Inc.
[3] Hugh’s brother Fred worked with Disney in his earliest days of animation at KC Film Ad and Kay Cee Studio (a Disney part-time, short-lived private studio 1921-early 1922 before Laugh-O-grams). Harmon continued working at KC Film Ad until sometime in 1924. After several years in Colorado (as cowboy/artist) and Hollywood, Fred went to New York in 1938 and created the famous Red Ryder comic strip that ran until 1962. Harmon went on to become a notable fine arts painter inspired by western scenes.
[4] Walt said in his reply letter about my Grandmother Nina, “I’m also happy to have news of your mother. We had lost her address and finding out she is still in San Bernardino has enabled us to get it again.”