When Walt Disney opened his animation studio at 2719 Hyperion Ave in 1926, it marked his arrival on the entertainment scene. Until 1940, when they moved to a bigger campus in Burbank, this is where all the Disney shorts—as well as “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” were produced. Of course, the big draw was Mickey Mouse, which is why he’s on the sign that says “Walt Disney Studios – Mickey Mouse – and Silly Symphony Sound Cartoons.” Although not remembered quite so well these days, the Silly Symphony series were often seen preceding feature movies. This campus also housed the animation school that Disney opened in 1935. Going by the cars parked out front, this photo was taken circa early 1930s.
That site is now home to a Gelson’s supermarket. This image is from December 2020:
The guy on the ladder is braver than I am.
I’m glad that wasn’t my job. Especially back then when there wouldn’t have been too many workplace safety rules in place!
and in the background is John Marshall High School, alma mater of Leonardo DiCaprio, Will Hutchins, Julie Newmar, and my sister Sally. (And Judge Ito from the OJ Simpson trial, and Heidi Fleiss from…. well, never mind.)
That’s quite an alum! Those school reunions must be lively!