Korkis Korner: Remembering Bill Justice

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Remembering Bill Justice by Jim Korkis

Jim looks back on the life and times of the Disney Legend

Read it here!

[zenifrax]

The resort that hosted the big Disney party opened in 1929 as the Norconian Resort Supreme. Both the hotel and its lake, Lake Norconian, were named after the town of Norco (not "Narco"), which is a shortened version of "North Corona." The former resort is in Riverside County, approximately 60 miles from Burbank. It is nowhere near Palm Springs, which lies 70 miles to the east. Today, the hotel sits in a state of decay, only 30 miles to the east of Disneyland.

The event was called "Walt's Field Day" and was held on June 4, 1938. The program referred to the resort as the Lake Norconian Hotel in Norco, California. The program's cover featured a drawing of Mickey Mouse playing golf. This sketch has been attributed to Ward Kimball, with the historic footnote that it may have been the first time Mickey was drawn with pupils in his eyes.

The program's schedule of events was preceded by these words from Walt Disney: "Believe it or not, this is a day dedicated to the forgetting of sweatboxes, animation footage and celluloids. It is my sincere wish that you enjoy yourself to the utmost, and that you will find the day one of complete pleasure and relaxation."

Jeff Peterson

[Dragonlady53]

Thanks so much for a great article. It's amazing and inspiring to hear those little details that we know make the Disney magic so special. I was at Disneyland two weeks ago and sat in the front row just to see Mr. Lincoln get up and sit down. It still fascinates me!