A Brief History of
The Home
A carpenter with big dreams and a growing family, Elias Disney left Florida for the promise of opportunity in the Midwest. He joined his brother Robert to work on the 1893 World’s Fair in Chicago. It was there, amidst the hum of progress and possibility, that Elias made a life-changing decision — to build a home and plant roots in the Windy City.
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, Elias’ wife, drew up the architectural plans and Elias 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 was purchased and restored to its fit and finish in its earliest known photograph, above left.
Step inside the modest Chicago home where a global legend was born. Located at 2156 N. Tripp Avenue, the guided tour takes you through the very rooms where Walt Disney spent his early childhood — the place that sparked the imagination behind Mickey Mouse, Disneyland, and a lifetime of magic.
Walk in Walt’s footsteps as our guides share stories about his formative years in Chicago, and gain an intimate glimpse into the roots of a visionary whose work still inspires millions.
