Imagine... if every child, family and community could achieve their highest and best purpose in life because that one single life story inspired them. 


Walt Disney dreamed big and rose up from humble beginnings in a small community in Chicago…

 

At The Walt Disney Birthplace, that hope, tenacity and courage of a mid-western child lives on for all of us to believe that anything is possible.

 

Children being creative

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Take a self-guided virtual tour inside the home!

Click on the image above to come on in!

A VERY BRIEF HISTORY OF THE HOUSE

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A carpenter with a growing family, Elias Disney decided to build a home and put down roots in Chicago.

He purchased property on the southwest corner of Tripp Avenue on October 31, 1891.

On November 23, 1892, Elias obtained a permit to build a two-story, 18 x 28 foot wood cottage for $800.

Flora, Walt's mother, drew up the architectural plans and Elias, Walt's father, built the house. In early 1893, the Disney family settled into their new home with their two sons: Herbert and Raymond. Shortly thereafter, their third son, Roy, was born on June 24, 1893.

Walter Elias Disney was born on December 5, 1901, on the second floor.

And on December 6, 1903, the Disneys welcomed their fifth child, Ruth.

On February 10, 1906, Elias sold the property to Walter Chamberlain, moving his family to Marceline, Missouri.

In 1991, Chicago attempted to designate the property as a historical landmark but the owner fought the designation and won, putting the home at risk of demolition.

The Present: After years of neglect, the home is purchased with the intent to restore it to its 1901 state. The new owners are working with the City to protect the home forever.

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