MONSANTO HALL OF CHEMISTRY
![(1955 - September 19, 1966)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1608443382073-F095WAQ7XPNS235RF394/IMG_9470.jpeg)
(1955 - September 19, 1966)
In the words of Walt Disney (published in Wisdom magazine, December of 1959), “Tomorrow can be a wonderful age. Our scientists today are opening the doors of the Atomic Age to achievements which will benefit our children and generations to come.” Walt’s vision of “tomorrow” helps us to understand Tomorrowland of 1955 - (“a long time ago” before fictionalized Lucasfilm and Pixar space-themed feature film characters roamed the landscape). Back then, Tomorrowland was first realized mainly as place where a potential true-life future in scientific conquest was envisioned. And who would effect this “scientific conquest”? Though “Walt constantly denies he is an educator” (according “The Magic Worlds of Walt Disney,” published years later in National Geographic, 1963), “he believes there’s a great urgency today to interest young people in science as a profession,” (according to an Associated Press article by Bob Thomas, published April of 1957). Yes, Walt believed highly in the youth of tomorrow, empowered with scientific knowledge of the world of Tomorrow!
As it was envisioned that much of this progress would be brought about by scientists of industry, many of Tomorrowland’s free exhibits and shows were sponsored by then-well-known American industrial corporations. Corporate sponsors Dutch Boy, Kaiser Aluminum, and Richfield would lease the exhibit halls in order to display their unique shows “depicting the role that products and services - from chemistry to telephones - will play in our future lives,” according to the author of “Walt Disney Disneyland” (first published 1964). This was such a common practice during Disneyland’s “first fabulous decade,” that in fact Monsanto would go on to sponsor a total of four free exhibits at Disneyland!
![Everyday, chemistry works wonders for Disneyland visitors (like the cabin along the Rivers of America, which perpetually burns thanks to “the devices of chemistry and modern materials,” according to “Walt’s Wonderful World - Disneyland Bigger and](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1639720405239-CI5V09XUN8L9BJTP9EEZ/98B50E47-9A16-489E-8452-01A2582631A5.jpeg)
Everyday, chemistry works wonders for Disneyland visitors (like the cabin along the Rivers of America, which perpetually burns thanks to “the devices of chemistry and modern materials,” according to “Walt’s Wonderful World - Disneyland Bigger and Better” published in the Milwaukee Sentinel, June 8, 1958). Now, “Disneyland is a place to have fun… and with the fun it is a place where you can learn… a place for people to find happiness and knowledge,” according to “Disneyland, U.S.A.” (published 1958, for potential Participants). So, in the neighboring South Tomorrowland Exhibit Hall, Monsanto Chemical Corporation presented the main show - “Monsanto Hall of Chemistry” - a free exhibit about those building blocks around us, and how man finds ways to make them work for us, to improve our quality of life! In fact, “Your Guide to Disneyland” (published 1955) officially identified this exhibit as “Where Chemistry Works Wonders From You.”
“Disneyland Participant Sponsorship”
Now during 1954, Walt was searching for participants to lease shop and restaurant spaces at Disneyland, and help generate the necessary capital to fund construction of Disneyland. By July 1, 1954, Russel Tippett of Disneyland Inc. Advertising oversaw Exhibitor’s Space Sales and Lease Agreements. In a synergistic relationship, the companies (in turn) could sell their products and advertise their corporate names in the Park. Disneyland Participant Corporate Sponsors were carefully selected. High quality, long term corporate sponsors would provide incremental income that enabled Disneyland to enhance its show and attractions, offset some operating expenses, and capitalize on marketing opportunities.
Proving this, years later in 1958, Bank of America appraisers figured of the total income received from leases, 16.02% was derived from the selling of advertising rights and 40.12% from the leasing of space to concerns (like Monsanto) whose main reason for occupancy is for advertising purposes.
The corporate synergy would prove beneficial for both parties. Just a few years later, the institutional lessee Monsanto Chemical Company brought much revenue for Disneyland, Inc. For instance, for the fiscal years ending September 29, 1957 and September 28, 1958, the institutional lessee brought $30,000 of annual revenue to Disneyland, Inc. In addition to exhibit space, office space rentals to Monsanto would also come to yield revenue for Disneyland Inc. For instance, $458 for the fiscal year (52 weeks) ending September 29, 1957 and $900 for the fiscal year (52 weeks) ending September 28, 1958.
![Tomorrowland entrance by Herb Ryman, c. 1955.](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1652163848973-M8RU2KX297HI3U3YEZ23/788270A0-BAB8-4A2B-A4CB-6D818BFD4764.jpeg)
Tomorrowland entrance by Herb Ryman, c. 1955.
“Tomorrowland Rotunda Construction”
For now, the very first buildings were framed at Disneyland (after the Mill) - the Main Street Complexes (on each side of the street), as well as the two Tomorrowland Exhibit Halls (known as the North Rotunda Building & South Rotunda Building). Many of the skilled craftsmen of local businesses (under the direction of the General Contractor George Mills Sr.) had completed work on the two main Tomorrowland Rotunda Buildings. These craftsmen and construction workers likely included (but were not limited to) the crew and staff of M.A. Gentle (who performed “all brick, block and stone work at Disneyland”), the Al Sparks Electric Company, Frank Silveri (tile and marble contractor), the Kissel Refrigeration Company, ABC Roofing Company, Bailey the Plumber, Inc., Universal Homemakers, Inc. (who fabricated “all drywall interiors” of ceilings and walls at Disneyland), and perhaps Arthur Pizzinat (a Venetian terrazzo and mosaic company).
“Newbery Electric Corp. took the rapid electrical con-structión of Disneyland in stride. The electrical installations were supervised by Roy J. Gruendler, manager of Newbery's Orange County district office located at 1335 Santiago Ave, Santa Ana.”
![The North Rotunda Building & South Rotunda Building; ©Walt Disney Productions.](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1663558069368-OA4E3N5LDNIZ4DJXHFQ4/C20A3C52-B136-4CAE-88BE-529970164181.jpeg)
The North Rotunda Building & South Rotunda Building; ©Walt Disney Productions.
The South Rotunda Building was particularly constructed with macadam and vinyl tile floors, mainly unfinished exposed frame walls, and some drywall partitioning. The South Rotunda had plenty of approximately 16-foot ceiling heights, space heaters, a partial air conditioning system, and three restroons (28 fixtures). Considering these features, the South Rotunda would prove to be a sufficient location for the Monsanto exhibit, with some of the 21,320 square feet allocated for its use.
“Exhibit Design & Construction”
Several Disneylanders were involved at this stage of development. By July 1, 1954, George Whitney of Disneyland, Inc. directed Amusements, with Ron Miller overseeing analysis, philosophy, capacities, planning, operator training, and amusement procurement. Jim Buckley was contracted to design unique and exciting exhibits for both Kaiser and Monsanto. Nearly a year after a search for Disneyland Participants had begun (and by the time the Tomorrowland Exhibit Halls were ready for exhibit installation), Monsanto representative Bill Farrell was shown the plans and presentation for the exhibits. Bill thereafter approved the engineering and construction sometime before May 9th, 1955 (a little over two moths before Disneyland would open).
![Monsanto Souvenir Postcard Excerpt](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1633188460111-B63SKRIFJ7RX15U4060E/C4E092EB-D9E4-44B2-9E17-41613A1E2092.jpeg)
Monsanto Souvenir Postcard Excerpt
At the behest of Bill Farrell, bids were soon issued to two parties - Jeff Davis and Floats, Inc. (then located at 2107 Chico Avenue, El Monte, California). As a sidelight, Floats, Inc. manufactured “point of purchase displays, and sales aids of all kinds.” They also helped “plan and stage sales meetings and design and build showrooms and offices.”
Designs and models (including the Chemitron) were prepared by artists at WED Enterprises, Inc. By about May 18th, 1955, enough exhibit engineering data was prepared, so that Bill Farrell could submit it to both Jeff Davis and Floats, Inc. in order to receive an estimate from both parties. Floats, Inc. ended up winning the bid for the Monsanto Chemical Company’s exhibit (as well as that of Kaiser Aluminum), and working with Gabe Scognamillo (an artist directing many of Tomorrowland original designs) to create the dioramas and decorative elements.
As of June 2, 1955, C.V. Wood Jr. sent an Inter-Office Memorandum to Walt Disney regarding the best estimates that could be obtained at the time regarding the completion status of individual sections of the Park and Opening Day. C.V. wrote: “Building Fronts facing Hub: The aluminum and tile for these fronts should arrive this week and we will have it installed for opening. Fountains: They will be installed and will have jets but it is questionable how playful they will be due to the lead time on heads. Monsanto: This one will be very close and it appears that we have a better than average chance.”
![c. 1958 Monsanto Souvenir Excerpts](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1632778363052-0FC98FFOMMWLB3T5W8IX/A14420B5-0789-4F76-82A0-0FB10FC1D0DE.jpeg)
c. 1958 Monsanto Souvenir Excerpts
“Promotion”
Even before setting foot inside Monsanto’s Hall of Chemistry at Disneyland, consumers were well familiar with Monsanto Corporation’s “creative chemistry” which was “working wonders for you”! Advertisements of the era educated readers and viewers of their many “wonders” - unbreakable records, light and colorful radio cabinets, glare-reducing television picture frames and glass, ink-friendly treated paper product, wood preservatives and fashionable finishes, light and shock-absorbing telephone parts, super-rinse laundry detergent, durable and washable vinyl dolls and upholstery, realistic and non-warping hobby model kits, warm and fluffy sweaters of chemical fibers, reusable food packaging, flexible irrigation pipes, tough and dimensionally stable boards (comprised of wood waste sawdust and shavings), strong laminated automobile safety glass, and far-flying “Flyin Saucer” frisbees! The point, is that everyday people often utilized, enjoyed, and “walked by” products or contributions of Monsanto (at times) without a thought of their origin.
![A Monsanto Hall of Chemistry Preview in a "Disneyland" Insert Excerpt , (published July 15, 1955)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1636428123288-Q67SWJDZ5IX2ITMSHS0B/95538D05-2461-478B-9F00-E419C535F4FA.jpeg)
A Monsanto Hall of Chemistry Preview in a "Disneyland" Insert Excerpt , (published July 15, 1955)
A person coming to Disneyland would soon be able to enjoy world renowned free shows, such as Monsanto's Hali of Chemistry and home of the future, Bell Telephone's Exhibit, “America the Beautiful,” and Pepsi-Cola's Golden Horseshoe Revue. In the meantime, viable project Concepts (as above), were supported by a well-developed business case and built expectation.
![Monsanto Hall of Chemistry Front of House](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1652751560779-HVHDRSKILRTGNZSMT15D/28FC2DF2-B7A6-45CD-BE46-99F0B712D2B7.jpeg)
Monsanto Hall of Chemistry Front of House
![Monsanto Hall of Chemistry](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1608787841609-3L7I77HSW0S4S6XSTEGK/908899C6-AD08-4CBF-A6B1-2A53CE0D8AF5.jpeg)
Monsanto Hall of Chemistry
As we enter Tomorrowland and approach the first building on our right, we look toward Herb Ryman’s atomic logo and recollect the words of a description in one Tanner Gray Lines brochure : “the buildings of Tomorrowland are of advanced architectural design, with exhibits showing what the future has in store.”
![Monsanto Chemical Company's Hall of Chemistry Souvenir Pamphlet](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1565315942692-882811YJB89GH40VKVZG/5D63E84B-14E4-46F6-8FDD-82EB1D5ADC49.jpeg)
Monsanto Chemical Company's Hall of Chemistry Souvenir Pamphlet
Most Disneyland Hosts and Hostesses (including “custodians” of Monsanto Hall of Chemistry) hired during 1955, were “hand-picked by Disneyland officials with qualifications including disposition, general attitude and appearance. Each new Disneyland employee was required to attend ‘orientation classes,’ part of a training course in Disneyland policies, to become acquainted with the Disneyland way of life,” according to “Building A Dream,” prepared by Disneyland, Inc. Public Relations Department, c. June of 1955. Five months before the premier opening of Disneyland, Hal Hensley (of the Disney University Orientation Program) held classes to instruct some 1,200 Disneylanders (including those fulfilling roles at the Monsanto Hall of Chemistry) in some of Walt’s personal philosophies, as well as the policies which would “create happiness” for visitors! Considering their futuristic On Stage setting, Hal wanted to ensure that Disneylanders to “get a ‘new world’ feel about this place.”
Early during its era, the Monsanto Hall of Chemistry was “under the Custodianship of Pat O’Connor, Monsanto Chemical Company Representative at Disneyland. Pat and his assistants, Gene McNicholas and Patty Silvia, [were]… on hand every day to supply further information about Monsanto and the world of chemistry.” Later (c. 1966), this particular Disneyland Monsanto Exhibit may have been managed by Art Hibbeler.
In addition, souvenir pamphlets loyally commemorated Monsanto Hall of Chemistry with colorful visuals and descriptions of the displays. Long after the free exhibit has suffered “decomposition”, these souvenir brochures seem to be the “solution” to keeping its memory alive!
![Monsanto Chemical Company's Hall of Chemistry Souvenir Pamphlet](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1565317548814-4N7XJ590ZNQX00AXLJ4J/DD7310BC-1166-494C-A8CF-6101B01B6E39.jpeg)
Monsanto Chemical Company's Hall of Chemistry Souvenir Pamphlet
Much like a plaque at the base of a flag pole, this introductory page of the souvenir brochure helps readers understand the purpose of the Monsanto Hall of Chemicals exhibit.
![Through the doors of the exhibit stood the massive Chemitron (variously spelled “ Chematron ” in some contemporaneous promotional literature) - eight twirling laboratory test tubes, slowly rotating on a gigantic centrifuge! According to souvenir p](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1608444905067-RVRDPNLC6188F5YKTWUN/5D62D656-C6A7-441B-8E87-1C54E5018F18.jpeg)
Through the doors of the exhibit stood the massive Chemitron (variously spelled “Chematron” in some contemporaneous promotional literature) - eight twirling laboratory test tubes, slowly rotating on a gigantic centrifuge! According to souvenir postcards of the era this display was : “The Chemitron in Monsanto Chemical Company’s Hall of Chemistry…symbolizing for visitors the amazing processes of chemistry …that transforms eight basic materials found in nature into thousands of chemicals and plastics”. At the time, the Monsanto Corporation (and its partners, affiliates, and subsidiaries) were transforming these very substances into some 400 (and eventually 500) different plastics and chemicals which would “work wonders” for man! The Chematron highlights materials like“Coal! Did you know that from coal it is possible to make over a quarter of a million substances? From plastics to perfumes, from drugs to disinfectants - hundreds of things you use today…and will tomorrow…are derived - chemically - from coal.” That was just one of those naturally occurring materials!
![c. 1958 Monsanto Souvenir Excerpt](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1632777761894-VQ3VVRRMABVCD2O11JQ6/89544D7F-0E67-435B-A561-203FD75F916D.jpeg)
c. 1958 Monsanto Souvenir Excerpt
The eight naturally occurring materials highlighted in those twirling test tubes of the central display were :
•COAL
•SALT
•AIR
•OIL
•SULFUR
•PHOSPHATE ROCK
•WATER
•LIMESTONE
At the time, Monsanto would transform these eight substances into some 500 different plastics and chemicals which would “work wonders” for man! There was good reason why the 1956 Disneyland Souvenir Pictorial Guide billed this attraction as “Monsanto Hall of Chemistry (Chemistry Contributes to Tomorrow’s Living)”.
![Monsanto Chemical Company's Hall of Chemistry Souvenir Pamphlet Featuring the Chemitron (Chematron)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1565317603352-ZLS8DD66JN5NR06VNJVG/E5A1F4B2-16F7-4400-935E-D912F5B32C32.jpeg)
Monsanto Chemical Company's Hall of Chemistry Souvenir Pamphlet Featuring the Chemitron (Chematron)
Rotating displays featuring more than 400 (and eventually 500) Monsanto chemicals and plastics (manufactured in some 20,000 formulations, from those eight basic elements) flank the main Chemitron display!
![Monsanto Hall of Chemistry Chemitron (Chematron) with Hand of Chemistry above, 1950s.](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1650151988620-ZRHLO0K3HOV8C8NAATRB/B0AB8697-CC58-431C-A1D5-5304C1B4E15D.jpeg)
Monsanto Hall of Chemistry Chemitron (Chematron) with Hand of Chemistry above, 1950s.
![Monsanto Hall of Chemistry Chemitron (Chematron), (1950s)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1608786929190-V77ZDXMZ3F1KTP92V3R6/4CB1E04D-06CE-4E4B-B21C-F49ADD86387C.jpeg)
Monsanto Hall of Chemistry Chemitron (Chematron), (1950s)
These rare Vintage Views help us to understand the sheer scale of the 8-foot-tall cylindrical test tubes of chemical compositions, and their rising 2-foot-tall anthropomorphic precipitated figures! Similar to the Upjohn Company’s models of the human cell (one of which was on display in Tomorrowland), Monsanto Chemical Company’s Chemitron was a specially crafted display. Figures (representing the anthropomorphic essences of these eight common materials found on earth) were first sculpted by Roger Noble Burnham, and then cast by plastics engineer Glen Kline. Over the course of the free exhibit, there were two sets of figures - the earlier figures (which appeared flatter, and did not illuminate), and the latter more shapely figures (pictured) did.
![Monsanto Hall of Chemistry Chemitron (Chematron)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1606193831571-VV0GFWF5IPFKS7Q8PBWT/A8FCCE0C-6152-47D4-AD73-D2BBE7A446A5.jpeg)
Monsanto Hall of Chemistry Chemitron (Chematron)
The “Disneyland Dictionary” (produced October 1958; as a training resource) finally settled the matter of the various spelling of the “Chemitron.”
![Monsanto Chemical Company's Hall of Chemistry Postcard (Front)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1565315858318-JI4AO98S2JDDIFJ3KFSM/DFDDB04D-687C-44B5-88B2-3D0108132DFD.jpeg)
Monsanto Chemical Company's Hall of Chemistry Postcard (Front)
Just through the entryway, were many fascinating educational (and even interactive) exhibit displays inhabiting this 4,000 square foot space were manufactured by Bob Henry and Roger Tierney of Floats Inc., Pasadena, California! Postcards captured displays of exhibit hall interior. Along the wall (on the right side of the previous postcard image), mural and diorama displays (framed in “beakers, flasks, test tubes, and stills) focused on the products of those “eight basic materials found in nature” (in various combinations. Chemicals (used to prevent some illnesses and cure others) this bettering health, chemicals utilized in cleanliness (as detergents), and chemical based fibers of clothing are the subject of this part of the exhibit.
![All of these displays furthered the theme of Monsanto’s Hall of Chemistry - “creative chemistry works wonders for you” to help produce food, clothing, shelter, and health! This idea of “creative chemistry” was epitomized in the representation](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1608794398871-TWW73HCP57XG9O30XT4D/B7B572F1-EF61-4987-9E05-AAAEA893F4CB.jpeg)
All of these displays furthered the theme of Monsanto’s Hall of Chemistry - “creative chemistry works wonders for you” to help produce food, clothing, shelter, and health! This idea of “creative chemistry” was epitomized in the representation of a hand (with the force of fire in the palm), seen overhead as we enter.
The ball of fire in the center of the palm serves as a “symbol of the complex processes necessary for transformation” of “basic materials” into the aforementioned wonders! You can see it overhead in the follwing Vintage View.
![Image of the Hall (955-DL-230); from a proof sheet.](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1704987396928-TQHD1BHSDBU3KIN6XD2N/51DF3816-B70D-47FB-A9D4-FC6E481A75CF.jpeg)
Image of the Hall (955-DL-230); from a proof sheet.
According to some documents, the “individual wall displays show the use of chemicals in: health, detergents, fabrics, furniture and toys, stock feed and fertilizers, food packaging, food production ‘Farm of the Future’ - plastic pipelines, and purification of salt water for tomorrow's living.”
![Monsanto Chemical Company's Hall of Chemistry Souvenir Pamphlet](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1565317691321-FUERQ72LBGI9N7C8YQV2/3C522697-B540-40D6-A2F2-EDFC6062E8D8.jpeg)
Monsanto Chemical Company's Hall of Chemistry Souvenir Pamphlet
These displays helped appreciate how chemicals work wonders for clean clothes and comfortable upholstery and bedding!
![Monsanto Chemical Company's Hall of Chemistry Souvenir Pamphlet](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1565319650110-SMYD57B1D4KXS8X38422/E9F04220-8665-4C1D-BDB2-23002FCA2467.jpeg)
Monsanto Chemical Company's Hall of Chemistry Souvenir Pamphlet
The next section of the exhibit showcased shatter-proof glass used in automobiles, manufacture of plastics around the home, and commercial packaging.
![Monsanto Chemical Company's Hall of Chemistry Souvenir Pamphlet](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1565319650220-QHUUE99677U586G4VKRT/23C486E8-5FD6-4113-B941-AC445A54EB09.jpeg)
Monsanto Chemical Company's Hall of Chemistry Souvenir Pamphlet
These displays exhibited the chemistry of food production (utilizing Chlorella of the sea) for humans and animals, automated baking, and the production of synthetic starch and sugar.
![Monsanto Chemical Company's Hall of Chemistry Souvenir Pamphlet](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1565319655240-4VEGHHLO1FZR2HKPGEC6/6B2F2428-7AFF-4DA1-80F4-50C8A6F8F901.jpeg)
Monsanto Chemical Company's Hall of Chemistry Souvenir Pamphlet
Lastly, this potion of the exhibit discussed the study of utilizing chemistry to grow vegetables without the use of soil, production of potable water from sea water for irrigation of desert farmland, and fertilizer to aid in food production.
Considering all of these displays, it is easy to see why by the year 1958, the Monsanto’s Hall of Chemistry was considered one of 15 free educational shows and exhibits at Disneyland! How would Disneyland guests initially respond to Monsanto’s free and educational exhibit? After just two months, the 1 millionth visitor passed though Disneyland’s Main Gate, and by late 1963, “more than 35 million guests have visited Disneyland.” Many of these guests could not pass the opportunity to enjoy Monsanto’s free exhibit. According to early souvenir postcards, “millions have visited Monsanto Chemical Company’s Hall of Chemistry, one of Tomorrowland’s most popular attractions”, which highlighted “chemistry’s contributions to tomorrow’s life”! After visiting this exhibit, Disneyland Guests no doubt had even more of an appreciation for the chemistry and modern materials that helped bring to life various Disneyland adventures (like the log cabin, perpetually burning along the Rivers of America)!
![Monsanto Hall of Chemistry Chematron as it notably appeared in “Disneyland 1st Anniversary Souvenir Pictorial”](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1636526327413-X3AS3EZVWZZBR8GIVBOI/BEDBA664-4D5D-48DB-AFD3-4BB909689C0F.jpeg)
Monsanto Hall of Chemistry Chematron as it notably appeared in “Disneyland 1st Anniversary Souvenir Pictorial”
![Monsanto Jingle Contest Entry Form, c. late 1955 - January 14, 1956](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1609793380694-3HN7D7A0GCOA8UO8ZO71/74E81C8D-81C5-4C60-B542-96731DFDF37C.jpeg)
Monsanto Jingle Contest Entry Form, c. late 1955 - January 14, 1956
In another move of corporate synergy, the Plastics Division of the Monsanto Corporation sponsored a radio jingle contest, offering 5 first prizes (an “all-expense one week visit to Disneyland Park, California via TWA”)! All the while, many Walt Disney Productions licensed products (like children’s toys) were manufactured by Monsanto.
![Monsanto Jingle Contest Entry Form, c. late 1955 - January 14, 1956](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1609793374004-MPCE3RYRFE2WTG3RTX0O/F7CF8AB2-C366-4FB6-B518-748C3F3D2CA4.jpeg)
Monsanto Jingle Contest Entry Form, c. late 1955 - January 14, 1956
![Monsanto Hall of Chemistry, December of 1956.](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1650153351721-426FEW046IX6JRWVTTIA/0D556FC7-A1C3-448E-8728-A3644C236D8F.jpeg)
Monsanto Hall of Chemistry, December of 1956.
![Monsanto Hall of Chemistry and Fountains](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1603043360530-7KF79BLYA1MTPEXEL3IK/F2B2DBE0-48B2-40D7-941A-451DF2860BEA.jpeg)
Monsanto Hall of Chemistry and Fountains
One of those eight (previously mentioned) naturally occurring elements - water - is part of a particularly entertaining “free show.” To the right of the South Exhibit Hall entrance (and behind the poles of the Avenue of Flags) were leaping jets of water in fountains!
![Tomorrowland North Exhibit Hall Atom Fountain (Daytime)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1606195506488-USCQAXGTBB8PATHX0MKI/E4ED5AE3-384D-4276-9C6D-87B7AECA0A5C.jpeg)
Tomorrowland North Exhibit Hall Atom Fountain (Daytime)
You may recollect the sound or the feel of these jets of water as they sprayed and seemed to rise and fall from the fountain heads! But, just wait until night falls on the Tomorrowland’s North and South Exhibit Halls’ Atom Fountain.
![“The world of the future, with its wonderful new frontiers unfolded by the Atomic Age, is brought to life for Disneyland visitors in the 1987 realm of Tomorrowland.” These little reminders were everywhere - even over the illuminated fountains of o](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1609914294417-23JSI1ETOHLZN4ZQ01LR/BDDE3D43-86A4-4457-9758-3E9D0A9A624D.jpeg)
“The world of the future, with its wonderful new frontiers unfolded by the Atomic Age, is brought to life for Disneyland visitors in the 1987 realm of Tomorrowland.” These little reminders were everywhere - even over the illuminated fountains of one of Tomorrowland’s two main Exhibit Halls! Yes, above the colorful water spouts, the atomic logo (on the side of the CirCARama building) was a nightly attraction in itself! LIGHT magazine (July and August 1956; published by the Large Lamp Department of General Electric, 1956) “shed some light” on the technology used : “300-watt PAR-56 floods are recessed at the base of the flag poles, and used with red and blue filters in the pool. Jets of water play in front of the vari-colored mosaic tile screen with its illuminated electronics insignia in blue.” By September of 1958, an appraisal of Disneyland “land improvement” assets valued the Atom Fountain at $19,129.
Character lighting at Disneyland has always been themed to enhance the overall appearance and complement the interior, such as a chandelier or kerosene lamp. These added to the Disneyland show, but don't necessarily create enough illumination for operation. Later Disneyland Resort water-based shows and attractions like the Water World Dancing Waters Show at the Disneyland Hotel or Disney California Adventures’ World of Color surely owe their existence (in some way) to this original Disneyland nightly illumination spectacular!
![Tomorrowland North Exhibit Hall “Atom Fountain” (Nighttime)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1606329505469-YZ7WE6U87WLSHQZP3Y57/IMG_8183.jpeg)
Tomorrowland North Exhibit Hall “Atom Fountain” (Nighttime)
Now we’re having ‘fun with water’ under the atomic logo of the Tomorrowland North Exhibit Hall (similar to that of the Tomorrowland South Exhibit Hall, home of Monsanto Hall of Chemistry)! The water for these was provided by one of the original pumps left on a parcel of Disneyland now located in Tomorrowland. Nightly (after the show was over) these pools and fountains were cleaned.
Speaking of atomic power…
![“Our Friend The Atom,” published by Simon and Shuster, Inc., Copyright © 1956 Walt Disney Productions](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1617253832599-SPJW05QRS8AHHVLWZI91/FEA1A78F-F824-46E5-99A0-0EE96E9E94D1.jpeg)
“Our Friend The Atom,” published by Simon and Shuster, Inc., Copyright © 1956 Walt Disney Productions
During the era of Monsanto Hall of Chemicals, a few science-based Walt Disney Productions licensed products could be found at a few merchandise locations where fine books were sold. For instance, content from the soon-to-be-aired Disneyland episode “Our Friend The Atom” (of the 1956-1957 series) was first published as a children’s hard cover book, and once sold through the Book and Candle Shop in the Park. This educational book was a rare piece of licensed product, released years before Walt Disney Educational Materials Co, was incorporated on June 25, 1969.
![“Our Friend, the Atom” Advertisement, published January 2, 1957](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1633037208630-9AX2Z3UMGJBB7EU9Z4RB/E8334F0F-591E-4089-88B3-7EBDFB5CF09B.jpeg)
“Our Friend, the Atom” Advertisement, published January 2, 1957
An entire episode of the Wonderful World of Walt Disney was dedicated to “Our Friend The Atom.” The episode (hosted by Heinz Haber), first aired January 23, 1957, and again April 24th, 1957.
![After the Park closed, the staff would take over with brooms, mops and dustcloths. Special attention was given to marred walls, posts and furniture. Items with marks that didn’t wash off were replaced or repainted. Floors were waxed and buffed to pr](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1609968425332-JPJRXLR48K3J3G89MVW8/3FAF0F38-891D-40D0-8B7D-50B0E723D228.jpeg)
After the Park closed, the staff would take over with brooms, mops and dustcloths. Special attention was given to marred walls, posts and furniture. Items with marks that didn’t wash off were replaced or repainted. Floors were waxed and buffed to preserve their beauty and protect them from the thousands of feet that scuffled over them each day.
“Information For Your Visit to Disneyland” (published 1955, by Disneyland, Inc.) partially described Disneyland as “a metropolis of the future, a show place of living facts - but, above all, a place for people to find happiness and knowledge.” As “living facts” are always in a state of change, even five years after Monsanto’s Hall of Chemistry first opened, consideration was given to keeping the exhibit both fresh (in this regard) as well as exciting!
By September 28, 1958, at least one Disneyland Inc. job number 4063-039 for the “Hall of Science” was in progress at a cost of $37,133. Some of the visible updates to the Monsanto Hall of Chemistry displays have been preserved on souvenir postcards! You’ll note that many of these displays (pictured below) were not part of the original Monsanto Hall of Chemistry exhibit when it first opened, but were added during later years. The additional large revolving test tube (bearing the Monsanto corporate logo) at the end of the wall display, highlighted “health-contributing [and life-prolonging] aspects of Monsanto” Chemical Company products upon the lifespan of man (from embryo to maturity), and new colorful displays on the rear wall.
![Monsanto Hall of Chemistry Postcard Featuring Updated and New Exhibits](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1611500042503-28QI1I7IXLM9OVFEXHN6/5610C224-6AE0-4BF2-B270-5081ED05B76E.jpeg)
Monsanto Hall of Chemistry Postcard Featuring Updated and New Exhibits
And where were some of these wonders dreamt up and created? A giant globe display (seen to the right) highlighted Monsanto locations around the world. This “Monsanto Around the World” exhibit concept would live on through the Monsanto’s World Clock (not to be confused with Timex’ Clock of the World, in Tomorrowland’s hub), which was “an unusual and quick way to check the time around the world” and view “Monsanto’s worldwide locations”. Monsanto was thriving, as Guests would see through this exhibit! By 1958, Disneyland Guests would know that Monsanto had 27,000 American and national employees, located in 60 countries. Two years later, the Monsanto Corporation was among the forty largest industrial companies of the nation!
![“Monsanto Around the World” Lives on Through the “Monsanto’s World Clock“](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1612245432456-M3C725TPZPZAJZY4K0X6/BB6486E0-64A5-4E90-A6C2-85779058F18E.jpeg)
“Monsanto Around the World” Lives on Through the “Monsanto’s World Clock“
Aside from the rehabilitations and new displays, Disneyland’s Executive Policy and Planning Committee and Walt’s team of artists were already planning the next big Monsanto-sponsored adventure as early as 1957! One Associated Press article “Plan Trip Into Drop of Water, Liberty Square for Disneyland” (published April 20, 1957) briefly divulged “Big projects coming to Tomorrowland, including a protozoa ride that would take patrons into a drop of water as seen through a microscope.” As you can see in the following excerpt, the “trip into a drop of water” was just one of three adventures in development for the planned “Adventures in Science” Show !
![“Adventures in Science” mentioned as a coming attraction in “Disneyland U.S.A.” Excerpt (Published 1958)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1623189304199-1F7YIKGFN3JJT4UH1ABU/CF11338E-C983-473E-8B3C-7FD1E6C63741.jpeg)
“Adventures in Science” mentioned as a coming attraction in “Disneyland U.S.A.” Excerpt (Published 1958)
![“Adventures in Science” Excerpt from “Disneyland U.S.A.” Published 1958.](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1620438893492-EPSP1CP33C05FJCJ64A5/09E73486-09E1-4D9D-AED3-16D7C5BC1C4D.jpeg)
“Adventures in Science” Excerpt from “Disneyland U.S.A.” Published 1958.
On September 14th, 1960 a Disneyland, Inc. Inter-Office Communication addressed the status of several Disneyland “projects in design”. One “Monsanto’s Hall of Chemistry Redo” was mentioned among the lot of these projects considered for research or development. The section of the letter read : “$15,000 has been appropriated to develop an idea for a possible addition to their Hall of Chemistry in Disneyland.”
However, the impending development and arrival of a New Tomorrowland would alter plans drastically! According to the “Walt Disney Productions Annual Report to Shareholders and Employees Fiscal Year Ended October 2, 1965” mentioned “three present lessees… discussing expansion of their already popular attractions.” Among these was “Monsanto’s ‘Hall of Chemistry.’” In one Disneyland Inter-Office Communication dated November 9th, 1965, Jack Sayers informed all concerned : “A meeting was held last week at WED with Walt, Mel Melton, Dick Irvine, and John Hench to review the 1967 Tomorrowland development, in view of Ford’s withdrawal and other pending lessee matters… It was recommended that we enlarge the Monsanto space and create a ride for them based on the micro world or the atom, or both. Fee $100,000 per year, term five years. Bill Farrell of Monsanto is coming from St. Louis to meet with us next week on the overall project.”
In the meantime, refurbishments and repairs continued to maintain Show Quality. Knowledge of such lesser-known and forgotten repairs and refurbishments to the Tomorrowland South Exhibit Hall have been preserved through publications like Disneyland LINE or Backstage. These sorts of repairs would occur frequently. For example, the glass doors would occasionally jump off their tracks (if you pushed them into the storage area), and members of the Mill’s Carpenter Crew were often called to remedy the situation. However, the solution to this problem would not occur until a suggestion was made by Hans Bekerthy (of the Disneyland Mill) through Disneyland’s Creative Idea Program, more than a decade after Monsanto’s Hall of Chemistry was replaced by Monsanto’s Adventure Thru Innerspace.
![Updated material was featured and new displays were exhibited (which can be evidenced on postcards sold around the later years of the exhibit). During this time, Monsanto Hall of Chemistry’s neighboring exhibit hall spaces would periodically feature](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1611422454468-5LP24G2T3OFCWM19FYWF/DA4F28CC-0507-4E77-983E-FEB6922BAEED.jpeg)
Updated material was featured and new displays were exhibited (which can be evidenced on postcards sold around the later years of the exhibit). During this time, Monsanto Hall of Chemistry’s neighboring exhibit hall spaces would periodically feature other exhibits (like the non-Monsanto sponsored the “New York World’s Fair Exhibit” of 1964; see the site plan below). Somewhat contemporaneous with that exhibit was the Monsanto (Acrylan ®️ & Chemstrand divisions) sponsored “Fashions and Fabrics Thru the Ages” from March of 1965 to September (or possibly December) of 1966.
![The Chemstrand exhibit is detailed in this site plan.](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1654483633165-E7M57QM8KSZOEUPPM90X/5CC28FC2-12B6-47CF-B79A-A6D5078D3503.jpeg)
The Chemstrand exhibit is detailed in this site plan.
This exhibit was created “to portray how the natural fibers of the past can be duplicated with today’s man-made fibers . . .fibers that offer vast superiority in durability and cleanability undreamed of just a few years ago.” The new exhibit was (of course) synergistic in nature, and especially beneficial for Monsanto (which then held “a major position in the textile field through its Chemstrand Company Division, producer of nylon and Acrilan acrylic fibers”). Monsanto could (yet again) “expose its institutional advertising and public relations message to Disneyland guests” while “woven into the overall concepts and themes of Disneyland.” In turn, Disneyland would receive a new, fresh and different attraction in Tomorrowland!
Once inside, Guests followed the giant colorful chemical fibers (as they wove around the giant spools and the entire exhibit). These threads passed vignettes, which wove the “yarn” of “ancient apparel”, all the way to “fabrics along with contemporary garments made of Chemstrand Acrilan and Cumuloft Nylon fibers”! According to the “Souvenir of ‘Fashions and Fabrics Thru the Ages’”, this was “a fascinating exhibit that traces the history of fashions and fabrics from pre-historic times through the miracle of fibers today. . .visually telling the exciting story of the endless search for better and more stylish garments with accent on the chemical tailoring of man-made fibers for the versatility and beauty demanded by modern women. Detailed miniatures and life-like mannequins unveil fashion history in an exhibit never attempted before.” The displayed collection of Helen Larson featured a true-life garment worn by Mary Todd Lincoln (the wife of President Abraham Lincoln), Julia Tyler (wife the 10th U.S. President), “Sarah Bernhardt, Queen Alexandra of England, the French chanteuse Mistinguette, and movie queen Jean Harlow”! Other historic garments are preserved through the “Fashions and Fabrics Through the Ages” Souvenir, (distributed during the exhibit’s run, from 1965-1966). According to one exhibit brochure, there were “five contemporary gowns by Anthony Muto. These gowns were [also] created entirely of Acrilan and nylon fibers made by Monsanto’s Chemstrand Company Division. The exhibit theme is expressed in Muto’s hooded halter jump suit of white stretch nylon designed for a trip to the moon… symbolizing the spectacular future which lies ahead for fashions made of man-made fibers.”
![Monsanto Exhibits as seen in “Disneyland ‘65 Tencennial Celebration” Supplement Excerpt.](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1638342295186-9CE42VP5TENNLBQSBDNT/82789488-CE90-4F50-BABF-E56C548F3277.jpeg)
Monsanto Exhibits as seen in “Disneyland ‘65 Tencennial Celebration” Supplement Excerpt.
Monsanto’s “Fashions and Fabrics Through the Ages” opened the story in a pre-historic setting. Souvenir books of the exhibit best tell the story this way :
“Evolution of Natural Fibers”
Mrs. Neanderthal probably never uttered that familiar complaint, ‘I haven’t a thing to wear,’ for fashion as such did not exist in pre-historic times. The first needle, made of bone with an eye, was used to lace hides with sinews and vegetable fibers. Linen, woven from flax on hand looms, was the most widely used fabric in the pre-Christian era from the dynasty of Queen Nefertiti in 1250 B.C. to Cleopatra, eleven centuries later. In Ancient Greece of Plato and Aristotle, both men and women were classically simple, draped garments made from uncut lengths of wool or linen. The toga was a masterpiece of complicated draping of a single piece of white wool. The art of silk making was first discovered by the Chinese at a time and place now obscure. It remained one of history’s best kept secrets until eggs of the silkworm were secretly brought from China by Persian monks and introduced to the western world in the fourth century.
“Refinement of Natural Fibers”
By 500 A.D., man had discovered all the natural fibers, and until until the 1930’s could only improve and refine what his ancestors had discovered. In the early years of the Middle Ages, men and women wore identical loose-fitting wool and linen garments. The Renaissance in 14th century Europe stimulated the wide use of silk, velvet, satin and brocade for fashion-conscious nobility. In the 18th century, England took the world leadership in fashion, and gowns of satin, silk, and velvet were extravagantly embroidered, laced and ribboned. The 19th century was marked by elegance. Elaborate and expensive silks, satins, damasks, brocades and crinolines were worn at any time of the day or evening. Sarah Bernhardt set the fashion pace in the early 20th century as she appeared in a gown of black net sprinkled with jet sequins. The flappers of the ‘Roaring Twenties’ popularized the short and backless wisp of a dress embroidered with hundreds of spangles and sequins.”
![Empire fashion common in California, c.1805.](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1654741250271-7BT3NONKOL8QZAMLB2E6/7B2E558A-6500-4A0E-9A9B-CB1EA5E8EEBC.jpeg)
Empire fashion common in California, c.1805.
![Turn-of-the-century fashion, c.1902.](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1654741458797-5WXOGY4E3EWEZRVCX9GS/BE9C1E5B-9866-43A9-8787-B1B9AB31DC36.jpeg)
Turn-of-the-century fashion, c.1902.
![“Fashions and Fabrics Through the Ages” Souvenir, (1965-1966), Preserves Some of the Historic Fashions Once on Display](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1620076768728-AVESF4WRO3LE6XFROSDI/A116D13A-22D9-4EAD-8974-A63A139F362C.jpeg)
“Fashions and Fabrics Through the Ages” Souvenir, (1965-1966), Preserves Some of the Historic Fashions Once on Display
Displays also exhibited “fabrics along with contemporary garments made of Chemstrand Acrilan and Cumuloft Nylon fibers “. According to one exhibit brochure, there were “five contemporary gowns by Anthony Muto. These gowns were [also] created entirely of Acrilan and nylon fibers made by Monsanto’s Chemstrand Company Division. The exhibit theme is expressed in Muto’s hooded halter jump suit of white stretch nylon designed for a trip to the moon… symbolizing the spectacular future which lies ahead for fashions made of man-made fibers.”
![“Fashions and Fabrics Through the Ages” Souvenir, (1965-1966)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1620076767812-XUW556UK883G3XNZDSSD/02E04611-017A-421F-AC38-C33671D79492.jpeg)
“Fashions and Fabrics Through the Ages” Souvenir, (1965-1966)
Now, synthetic fibers weren’t new, as “the first acrylic fibers, Acrilan, entered the fabric market in the 1950s and has created a new fashion world of comfortable, inexpensive luxury”. As the country prepared to enter the 1970s, there was an even greater interest and rise in popularity (among American consumers) of clothing made from Chemstrand fiber fabrics, Acrilan, Blue “C” Nylon, and Blue “C” Spandex - all of them synthetic, comfortable, functional, highly fashionable, and beautiful textiles! But, just what is Acrilan (*a Registered Trademark of the Monsanto Company)? Another handy souvenir from the exhibit (though focusing on another primary use for Acrilan) was designed to explain this very miracle…
!["Seven Reasons Why You'll Enjoy Acrylan" Advertisement](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1610056773689-KEDN4QD1GQIEXHWPN4T3/789E9A83-FD08-4E86-A070-38B2C95B319A.jpeg)
"Seven Reasons Why You'll Enjoy Acrylan" Advertisement
!["Seven Reasons Why You'll Enjoy Acrylan" Advertisement](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1610056778070-KD7IUNALXH2U7TXATQ9M/FAAC51DC-62E5-46CA-8F57-50B62CB5E400.jpeg)
"Seven Reasons Why You'll Enjoy Acrylan" Advertisement
Yes, there was a “spectacular future” which lay ahead for man-made fibers and the fashions they would be involved with! For one year (from 1966 to 1967), Guests could see a few examples of Acrilan used for purposes other than fashion, in the Monsanto House of the Future! Even after the Monsanto Hall of Chemistry closed (in September of 1966), Monsanto and Disney continued a partnership.
![The Monsanto contract is mentioned at a WED Enterprises, Inc. Board of Directors Meeting Proposed Agenda just four days after Walt’s passing, December 19, 1966.](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1651994531884-FUZL5GQEGUTOA53SDYCT/B5AD895D-F7A5-43B7-93E2-2440461822D6.jpeg)
The Monsanto contract is mentioned at a WED Enterprises, Inc. Board of Directors Meeting Proposed Agenda just four days after Walt’s passing, December 19, 1966.
A WED Enterprises meeting held four days after Walt’s passing would address the Monsanto contract. Four years later, the following Acrilan campaign featuring Disney Characters was featured in magazines with a teenager demographic.
![Acrylan "Disney On Parade" Advertisement, (1970)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1610947573197-G4LH5TC9XX2CZBJC45PT/36724665-4B17-4D6D-9AA8-A573EEC2E0DD.jpeg)
Acrylan "Disney On Parade" Advertisement, (1970)
During the 1970s, this groovy Chemstrand Acrilan fiber advertising campaign was run in Teen Beat (and other teenager demographic-focused publications). Don Payne (who was very close to Pluto at the time of this Monsanto Acrylan photo shoot) remembers that this “took place in a landscaped area at the Anaheim Convention Center, across the street from Disneyland”. He recalls fellow Entertainment Department Cast Member Paul Castle being close to Mickey Mouse at the time of this photo shoot.
!["Monsanto 'Wear Dated' "Disney On Parade" Advertisement, (1970)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1610947567085-WEZJV6TDF1FEBYSXNVPC/8420C6F7-5E85-41DF-9805-08151BC1B879.jpeg)
"Monsanto 'Wear Dated' "Disney On Parade" Advertisement, (1970)
![Acrilan & "Wear Dated" "Disney On Parade" Advertisement, (1970)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1610947570586-FSPM708D2HGVU98GSDA4/7F1F6C5A-560B-4970-B359-8BEAD546814C.jpeg)
Acrilan & "Wear Dated" "Disney On Parade" Advertisement, (1970)
![Blue "C" Polyester "Disney On Parade" Advertisement, (1970)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1610947564165-1BWRO4KY3LO2S4Q02P3C/712D16BA-7FDA-4A57-BDEA-E24A65D70755.jpeg)
Blue "C" Polyester "Disney On Parade" Advertisement, (1970)
!["Wear Dated" & "Disney On Parade" Advertisement, (1970)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1610947576147-YOZAAZG6CMLVXK9IIS9U/77C32425-87AA-4CA2-9CCC-AAF5C9E598C4.jpeg)
"Wear Dated" & "Disney On Parade" Advertisement, (1970)
Monsanto Corporation and Disneyland developed great synergy during their era of partnership, as seen in this series of advertisements for Monsanto’s “Wear Dated” line of fashion and the traveling “Disney on Parade” experience! Naturally, Monsanto’s “Fashions and Fabrics Thru the Ages” exhibit would have a legacy at Disneyland, in the “Fountain of Fashion” exhibit (part of Monsanto’s Adventure Thru Innerspace). Here, women’s fashions made by Acrilan were on constant exhibition in one of the “post-show” displays. The artificial fibers were also utilized for materials which decorated the very exhibit. Prospectus documents (revised during 1966) described how upon entering the new exhibit, “Monsanto’s guests will proceed toward the huge Instrument on a Chemstrand carpeted walk-way.”
You can begin your tour of Monsanto’s next Adventure - Thru Inner Space by clicking the following link HERE!
![Magic Kingdom prospectus makes brief mention of Monsanto in Tomorrowland at Walt Disney World.](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1664559567565-3364K7W5ITDW53OONCD6/AA5B0AEB-39AD-4B27-9E00-7949C504C93B.jpeg)
Magic Kingdom prospectus makes brief mention of Monsanto in Tomorrowland at Walt Disney World.
Back in 1958, Monsanto’s Hall of Chemistry was one of 15 free educational shows and exhibits at Disneyland. Soon, many exhibits would be gone. The reason was once divulged by Marty Sklar (years later), in that “Walt wanted all that out quickly” (according to the narrator of “Disney’s Behind the Attraction”). Still, the arrival of New Tomorrowland at Disneyland did not mean the absolute end of all Participant sponsored exhibit halls, displays, and attractions at Disney Parks.
These would soon find new life at Epcot Center in Walt Disney World (Florida)! At The Magic Kingdom, the free, Circle-Vision 360 “America the Beautiful” would be presented by Monsanto, in time for the American Bicentennial celebration. Monsanto would also sponsor the development of The Yestermorrow Time Machine - a collaboration between science fiction author Ray Bradbury and Marc Davis of Walt Disney Productions.
![227E2371-0B16-4B28-9518-06C7622833C1.jpeg](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1623703299796-LOOWPQ3GFQAL9W0YCZVA/227E2371-0B16-4B28-9518-06C7622833C1.jpeg)