MONSANTO'S PLASTICS HOME OF THE FUTURE
![(June 12th, 1957 - December 1st, 1967*)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1592457421456-8F8LFGK4TUOMTOA0YRT1/CD050EA4-8441-4D42-A3E7-1B58F211CA81.jpeg)
(June 12th, 1957 - December 1st, 1967*)
(June 26, 1957 to September 5, 1966, according to “Disneyland Rides & Attractions and Attendance Report,” 1981, page 50).
In 1955, Tomorrowland opened with the Monsanto’s Hall of Chemistry (sponsored by the chemical manufacturing company of St. Louis Missouri), where guests learned about nature’s “building blocks” all around us, and how some 500 plastics and chemicals can work wonders for man. The examples were depicted in small dioramas and miniature displays around the room. But in 1957, a new Monsanto-sponsored attraction would give an example of those “building blocks” put to use - “structural applications of plastics” in one large life-size exhibit! Welcome to Monsanto’s Plastics House of the Future - a comprehensive preview and prediction of the Home of the future “world of 1987”!
![An original design captured in one The Disney Gallery 10th Anniversary Print, Herb Ryman Limited Edition 300 Print, 1997.](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1602186714408-CDNSQ2YRFVV8F9XQXZXK/7F913A8D-7C93-4BF7-B649-5DCCEB71EF43.jpeg)
An original design captured in one The Disney Gallery 10th Anniversary Print, Herb Ryman Limited Edition 300 Print, 1997.
Early thumbnail sketches and other concept artwork of Disneyland seemed to be unencumbered by restrictions of budget, schedule or the laws of nature and physics. Though guided by Walt, his artists appeared to engage in “free-thinking,” as if implementing the modern “Blue Sky” Imagineering process.
By January 25, 1956, a new attraction was mentioned within the Disneyland Merchant's Association Meeting minutes. “Monsanto approved the plastic house of Tomorrow designed by lass, Institute of Technology. This is a "dream house" of Tomorrow. It will be established on the side of the hill facing Tomorrowland. The kitchen will have the most elaborate utilities and fixtures that can be Imagined. Walt stated he is very happy that Monsanto has decided to put this in Disneyland, This will not be opened before Novenber. but construction will begin during the summer.”
Soon, during 1956, John Hench was put in charge of the second Monsanto-sponsored exhibit at Disneyland. Under his direction, Artist Herb Ryman began creating some preliminary charcoal on tissue drawings (c. 1956), depicting what would become the newest Monsanto sponsored Disneyland attraction. You may recall that Herb Ryman was previously instrumental in designing Disneyland, creating the iconic “Aerial Over Disneyland” drawing over a weekend in 1954. It doesn’t surprise us that Herb was now involved in the concept design and rendering of this house (like no other) - with seemingly six wings. Of course, the unique building owes its final experimental design to notable architects (Marvin Goody and Richard Hamilton), and a structural applications of plastics (by Albert G.H. Dietz, M.I.T. engineer). Thanks to these visionaries, the Monsanto Plastics Home of the Future was one of the most popular free walk-through exhibits in Disneyland! As for John Hench, he still contributed smaller designs to the structure’s interior (like the “Revolving Transparent Plastic Louvered Screen” which was designed by Hench, but “executed by Floats, Inc.”).
![Monsanto House of the Future Ground Preparation](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1608880378310-QYMQJMO4EP40Z0OT47Y0/9D165825-FF0E-453D-A9EF-85A64BDCA4B8.jpeg)
Monsanto House of the Future Ground Preparation
It looks as if the ground is prepared for “future developments” at the entrance of Tomorrowland! Meanwhile, one Associated Press article “Plan Trip Into Drop of Water, Liberty Square for Disneyland” (by Bob Thomas, published April 20, 1957) briefly divulged the big project. Upon being invited to Walt Disney Studio, Bob Thomas enigmatically wrote, “Walt gave me a preview of his ambitious plans at his Burbank studios. He showed models and sketches…plans call for… the house of tomorrow, a futuristic home.”
![Monsanto House of the Future Construction and Placement of Bents](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1604538692882-U0LI7J6UUVN25AO9TCK0/CE2DB1CC-78B8-4C5F-966D-B8FDFFEDA660.jpeg)
Monsanto House of the Future Construction and Placement of Bents
According to Disneyland LINE Magazine (Vol. 12, No. 25 ; June 19, 1980), the House of the Future was “based on a unique, four module, cantilevered design created at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.” According to some pamphlets printed during the 1960s, “Design components are a 16-foot square utility core and eight 8x16-foot molded modules.” These “U”-shaped modules were comprised of plastic reinforced with fibrous glass (which were formed by spraying the Fiberglas into stainless steel molds). Altogether the relatively “light” structure was capable of supporting up to 13 tons. Each module of the wings was fabricated, insulated, coated, and assembled. After that, the design coordination and construction was performed by Floats Inc. of Pasadena, California (the very same company that manufactured the exhibits and displays for the Monsanto Hall of the Future).
During construction, appraisers representing Bank of America inspected and placed a value on everything at Disneyland. They found a 1430 sq. ft. Plastic House (an Experimental house) with equipment, concrete base and footings, fibre-glass exterior walls and roof, and thermo-pane glass areas. It was appraised between $20,000-20,500. Of course, once complete, the exhibit cost was an excess of $1 million.
![Disneyland Map by Sam McKim Excerpt](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1588796719447-JV18IQTT9NSJZK8V6T9O/BAFB731C-4CA6-4881-9CCD-33954C224C23.jpeg)
Disneyland Map by Sam McKim Excerpt
Yes, (near the side) entryway to Tomorrowland sat the path leading to Monsanto’s Plastics House of the Future (also referred to as Monsanto Chemical House of the Future on some c. 1960s maps)!
![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.](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1604538677568-PM466FDH4B4QXW0YEVGI/0D241166-4A9E-414D-B18F-351EB74F37E2.jpeg)
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.
![Monsanto’s Plastics House of the Future, (1958)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1603507977200-YLKMPBNH17YTIG2CHJY7/D0C5D1DE-AE7F-4C75-9F76-7CB37C840E90.jpeg)
Monsanto’s Plastics House of the Future, (1958)
![The contemporary display garden surrounding the House of the Future.](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1634182234027-RRY32TQYV7200WSENY4Q/F82BE1CF-A0F3-411B-89D6-116126DC4B15.jpeg)
The contemporary display garden surrounding the House of the Future.
![Monsanto’s Plastics House of the Future](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1595289740911-HHRXG7GDSYDV6L7MFZB7/A2211CEE-DE0F-4C3E-82C4-DE45EBC0F41F.jpeg)
Monsanto’s Plastics House of the Future
![Monsanto’s Plastics House of the Future Front of House, (1959)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1543887885274-LG3C861QREHTU6039PR0/6FDCB25C-E17E-4105-A341-D6E72E7DA74F.jpeg)
Monsanto’s Plastics House of the Future Front of House, (1959)
Acrylan and Chemstrand Nylon synthetic fiber draperies that drape, pleat, and fold without a wrinkle (as seen through the right window pane), were provided by Fiberglas by Glass Fabrics, Inc. (of Los Angeles, California), and Chemstrand Corporation (of New York, New York).
In the background, American Bridge Steel is used to fabricate another of Tomorrowland’s iconic structures - a towering man-made mountain!
![Monsanto’s Plastics House of the Future, (January, 1965)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1607988242071-6GQVIT39QPWX4SBLMUIW/E0EB4A10-3B90-4F71-ADF5-F7230ADBD09B.jpeg)
Monsanto’s Plastics House of the Future, (January, 1965)
![Monsanto’s Plastics House of the Future, 1967](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1607988387456-Y6UCOBDE2YDMV97U9U99/F1B2CB53-D96A-4F77-AACA-D90ADF42DE74.jpeg)
Monsanto’s Plastics House of the Future, 1967
![476B7425-2936-49F6-AE4C-456DA6AE4276.jpeg](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1614814673582-AEQR7MA6TT354RNE3XJO/476B7425-2936-49F6-AE4C-456DA6AE4276.jpeg)
![Monsanto’s Plastics House of the Future, (February, 1961)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1607579804036-FPYG2EIUPQGSXVUFZJWC/3DCB9D0F-A741-403C-8D5B-289C83E461CB.jpeg)
Monsanto’s Plastics House of the Future, (February, 1961)
![Monsanto’s Plastics House of the Future, (November, 1965)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1631685823054-8HBUNVG3KJGVFEWX1W4P/IMG_3256.jpeg)
Monsanto’s Plastics House of the Future, (November, 1965)
![Monsanto’s Plastics House of the Future, (1957)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1557006395591-J1BRUM4KDFBM8AZ8BUP4/22C548C6-ED2C-41FC-BDF7-8350B390370A.jpeg)
Monsanto’s Plastics House of the Future, (1957)
![Monsanto’s Plastics House of the Future, (1958)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1584223633901-2MQA3VTHZNVYFIPCVJYX/E854120D-857E-4D44-8DFB-474AF38ED95B.jpeg)
Monsanto’s Plastics House of the Future, (1958)
Just take a look at those massive Thermopane glazed windows with “plastic interlayers” (manufactured by Libbey Owens Ford Glass Company)!
![Monsanto’s Plastics House of the Future, (March, 1960)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1590249617731-83RCX776BLAC3ES50IOM/70A43C14-B4CE-4EA0-8B67-B1EE2714C296.jpeg)
Monsanto’s Plastics House of the Future, (March, 1960)
Disneyland World of Flowers (published 1965) shared the natural elements of those surrounding landscaped areas this way : “Nearby is the Monsanto House of Tomorrow in a setting which blends the disciplined form of the structure with a natural environment. In the ‘sunken’ garden, on the slopes and edging the water are several varieties juniper (including a specimen plant of Juniper Pfitzeriana 18 feet across), striped Pygmy bamboo, Oregon grape, azaleas, and stylized guava trees. Meandering pools and lichen-covered boulders complete the composition of a distinctive contemporary garden with oriental overtones.”
![Monsanto’s Plastics House of the Future (Donated on Behalf of Janice Johnson)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1615928344994-D8RDKLT5NJHW7ISG0QTT/E37755A9-7F7D-4343-9377-EC5F546B0EC9.jpeg)
Monsanto’s Plastics House of the Future (Donated on Behalf of Janice Johnson)
![Monsanto’s Plastics House of the Future, (February, 1961)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1607988010676-R9AMRTK7SIHKUZTRMUV4/8655F548-2CC7-4EEC-80EB-96F70B28571A.jpeg)
Monsanto’s Plastics House of the Future, (February, 1961)
![Monsanto’s Plastics House of the Future Entryway, (October, 1960)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1588698831261-O1J5WF5FREVL2PGUJA28/6E3F8193-B263-42A2-992B-FBCD1876D6D9.jpeg)
Monsanto’s Plastics House of the Future Entryway, (October, 1960)
Monsanto’s Plastics House of the Future was the second Tomorrowland attracton encountered, as its entrance was located in the Court of Flags, at the entrance to Tomorowland!
![Monsanto’s Plastics House of the Future Entryway, (c. July, 1964)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1589518906199-FVACBG5FVOYJW04I889I/B0778286-D639-4D20-8D08-3CC8995D8E63.jpeg)
Monsanto’s Plastics House of the Future Entryway, (c. July, 1964)
![Monsanto’s Plastics House of the Future Entryway, (July, 1964)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1590210464218-V4DG0CTXF023PMZSY978/Adjustments.jpeg)
Monsanto’s Plastics House of the Future Entryway, (July, 1964)
![Monsanto’s Plastics House of the Future Queue (seen right), (Pre-1959)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1632365934512-VLWJJAWHG8P7Z94OYQ65/3DF75F9A-054C-499C-806E-56DAE2AE4190.jpeg)
Monsanto’s Plastics House of the Future Queue (seen right), (Pre-1959)
![Monsanto’s Plastics House of the Future Entryway (Donated on Behalf of Janice Johnson)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1615928343619-LUVTSV2WWOUB2J7WXOMW/0538D016-D835-4722-B18A-2B346B63C632.jpeg)
Monsanto’s Plastics House of the Future Entryway (Donated on Behalf of Janice Johnson)
Would you believe that screens permit the user to see callers at the front door?
![71A342EA-399D-464E-BB84-A57D9F61B76A.jpeg](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1615680020838-LBR5RP3ZW4YTTQGJ6905/71A342EA-399D-464E-BB84-A57D9F61B76A.jpeg)
![As Monsanto Plastic’s House of the Future represents a joint effort of industry, as you take your (c. 1957) tour, you will notice products and components by the following 12 leading companies in the building supply and home equipment industries :](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1613184579505-S5P47HA2HXMDB1781JHI/F4E8DC0B-7867-4682-BB37-7B85F6376ABC.jpeg)
As Monsanto Plastic’s House of the Future represents a joint effort of industry, as you take your (c. 1957) tour, you will notice products and components by the following 12 leading companies in the building supply and home equipment industries :
![Participants included American Motors Corp. (Kelvinator division), Armstrong Cork Company, Bell Telephone System, Chemstrand Corp., Crane Company, Libby-Owens-Ford Glass Company, Mobray Chemical Co., National Lead Company, Owens-Croning Fiberglass C](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1613184301088-RKUNI8SOW2QY4K396YMO/7F05E27A-B3B8-4D32-A28B-018C6E237943.jpeg)
Participants included American Motors Corp. (Kelvinator division), Armstrong Cork Company, Bell Telephone System, Chemstrand Corp., Crane Company, Libby-Owens-Ford Glass Company, Mobray Chemical Co., National Lead Company, Owens-Croning Fiberglass Corp. - Textile Products Division, Sylvania Electric Products, Inc., U. S. Time Corp., and Yale & Towne Manufacturing Co.
The House of the Future was a forecast of “practical applications of Future technology,” according to “The House of the Future 1987 : A Disney Retrospective,” prepared by Walt Disney Imagineering, September of 1987. Visitors would observe how science and industry would work together, and contribute to these soon-to-be-realities, and a prime example of dynamic synergetic organization at work! There were many payoffs :
•Operating costs for this particular Disneyland adventure in future technology of home living, were minimized, owing to its diverse sponsors!
•Another benefit was guest reaction to the sponsors this Disneyland experience (even after they’ve departed from Disneyland)! On this note, you may recall that complimentary souvenir literature divulged the manufacturers of every furnishing and component inside the House of the Future (right down to the paint on the walls, and the carpeting on the floor)!
•What is more, some of these very same co-sponsors of exhibited product also sponsored other Disneyland exhibits! The Yale Company sponsored their own Yale & Towne Lock Company exhibit on Main Street U.S.A. (which featured a history of locks and lock-making, and among them some crude latching devices dating back to 5000 B.C.), and manufactured the “Mule Trains” which transported guests in the Disneyland Parking Lot. American Motors sponsored the CirCARama Theater, while Bell Systems would later sponsored the same exhibit. Timex manufactured the Clock of the World and several other time pieces around Disneyland. As for the Crane Company, they sponsored the Tomorrowland Bathroom of Tomorrow exhibit (with its operable Flying Saucers and Industrial Flow displays).
The payoff of this (so-called) “golden symbiosis” was worthwhile for Disneyland and all it’s partners! Soon after its grand opening, film footage featuring the House of the Future was amazingly preserved on film in the “An Adventure in the Magic Kingdom” episode of Walt Disney’s “Disneyland” television series (filmed in 1957, and airing in 1958)!
![Monsanto "House of the Future" Pamphlet Cover, (1957)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1592453944990-C8TQUTZIVI1BMXPS6FUB/CA795DFB-2F41-442B-8880-22457EA98D2B.jpeg)
Monsanto "House of the Future" Pamphlet Cover, (1957)
Now, Monsanto neither manufactured or marketed the “Plastics Home of the Future”, nor was it commercially available from other sources. However, these free souvenir pamphlets were available for guests who visited the attraction when it opened during 1957. As you will see, the leaflets were advertisement for the aesthetic and functional elements of the home.
An attached coupon (not pictured), enabled guests to mail a request for more information about particular features of Monsanto’s Plastics Home of the Future, to the Monsanto Chemical Corporations Plastics Division in Springfield, Massachusetts. Later versions of this pamphlet (printed in 1957) featured a drawing of the House of the Future on the cover, rather than an image of the logo.
![Monsanto "House of the Future" Pamphlet detailing the five rooms, (1957)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1592453394685-T5RPDCQ80DM4NOOI8GL3/22F3A5AE-EB4B-4D1F-9D06-C15D745BECDA.jpeg)
Monsanto "House of the Future" Pamphlet detailing the five rooms, (1957)
A simple floor plan of the “1,280 square foot crystal ball to the future” (published, 1957) gave an idea of the living spaces that could be achieved within the limited square-footage. Floor plans published in subsequent years (i.e. 1960) would detail the furnishings and components contained in these rooms. “For privacy, peace, and quiet, no two rooms share adjoining walls,” according to “The House of the Future 1987 : A Disney Retrospective,” prepared by Walt Disney Imagineering, September of 1987.
“On The Move to The Future”
“As you entered this experimental model home (free of charge), perhaps you noticed that the house itself is constructed entirely of plastics.” Well, . . . almost entirely. The entire four-winged, 8-foot-tall, sixteen-foot-wide house was full of electronic inventions that would become common place in the world of the future - from conditioners that scent each room to your favorite aroma to push-button phones with hands free speakers, and fro wall mounted television sets to electric tooth brushes to microwave ovens! As various sponsors of products changed through the decades, different appliances and furnishings would appear inside the model home. According to the Guided Tour Script (1962) : “This modern home features such elements as a television doorbell, ultrasonic dishwasher, and a microwave oven that cooks a potato in three minutes.” So, it was a good thing that the entire plastic home (with design coordination and construction by Floats, Inc. of El Monte, California) could support up to 13 tons!
![Monsanto "House of the Future" Pamphlet, (1957)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1592453949844-OBRZ3ZWJNLKQJFP10URM/BA1ECAB0-745A-4538-B2F4-FC99DDF5A2D1.jpeg)
Monsanto "House of the Future" Pamphlet, (1957)
![Monsanto "House of the Future" Pamphlet, (1957)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1592453957518-7QO9QHZSJHHAH3U6IC0D/D1A2BF3F-25E0-45A3-A854-6331A91DC977.jpeg)
Monsanto "House of the Future" Pamphlet, (1957)
A few of the businesses listed here, were also current Disneyland sponsors. Both American Motors and Bell Telephone sponsored the CirCARama Theater and its presentation of America the Beautiful, Crane Company sponsored the Bathroom of Tomorrow, and Yale and Towne sponsored a free lock and key exhibit and souvenir shop on Main Street U.S.A.
![Monsanto "House of the Future" Pamphlet, (1957)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1592453921682-7JZHR6MBAPVID1NPTEDZ/864D594D-69DB-4CFB-BD02-BA429E082101.jpeg)
Monsanto "House of the Future" Pamphlet, (1957)
![Monsanto "House of the Future" Pamphlet, (1960)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1594255884086-4WSK5JG7Q4O8WXUDTWJF/AC5E862B-D05B-4903-A255-336E2C287EDE.jpeg)
Monsanto "House of the Future" Pamphlet, (1960)
![Monsanto "House of the Future" Pamphlet, (1960)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1594255891095-GY37TWU4FEJ2PL86FZ3C/EB587F2B-3420-4519-A8AE-E25E5EBEC47E.jpeg)
Monsanto "House of the Future" Pamphlet, (1960)
![Monsanto "House of the Future" Pamphlet, (1960)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1594255877954-XIQLVGZTFSY4RCWTZMSI/97529A07-1474-43C9-91B2-1C28CF55C97C.jpeg)
Monsanto "House of the Future" Pamphlet, (1960)
![Monsanto "House of the Future" Pamphlet Excerpt, (1960)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1594256245647-FM1W4V1K1HWJMJ0IULC3/6F4DD013-AB5A-456E-B0EB-484BE4B5B4A8.jpeg)
Monsanto "House of the Future" Pamphlet Excerpt, (1960)
This floor plan from 1960 (featuring the house’s furnishings) looks years ahead of a similar diagram published in souvenir literature from 1957. Though some pieces of furniture that were exhibited, were available to consumers, much of it was designed just for this exhibit, by architect Vincent Bonini, A.I.A., of La Jolla, California!
![Monsanto "House of the Future" Pamphlet, (1960)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1594256733739-Q36F1HFIOF03USGBL16Q/483850B5-0B9B-45C2-B86B-214E9CD3E954.jpeg)
Monsanto "House of the Future" Pamphlet, (1960)
![Monsanto "House of the Future" Pamphlet, (1960)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1594256636833-TCIPBY6160DUGQBL0V4E/B760576C-2E3F-4D3F-85B2-9D76D357E48A.jpeg)
Monsanto "House of the Future" Pamphlet, (1960)
This 1960 version of the souvenir literature still highlights various aspects of the “years ahead” house, though not focusing on the supporting sponsors. However, a smaller two-sided souvenir card would divulge that information for curious guests. Not pictured, is the Lavatory where the sinks raise or lower for adults or small children.
![Sources For The Products and Equipment, (1960)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1597277740060-C1J3KR5LY7JCFIAOSQIH/1C0F6BBE-D2D7-4379-9BAB-B3CE4F014457.jpeg)
Sources For The Products and Equipment, (1960)
This side updated version of the “Resources” literature credits the industrial companies who manufactured the House of the Future’s furnishings.
![Resources For The New Interior Products and Equipment, (1960)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1597277743584-2H3YA0DPC55W2MSQA1O5/AB7B7E80-BAE3-42A8-8A7F-0ABDC6BA4DF9.jpeg)
Resources For The New Interior Products and Equipment, (1960)
This side updated version of the “Resources” literature credits the designers, construction company, and component manufacturers of the House of the Future.
![Once entering, guests began a counterclockwise tour of the futuristic home! To our right, we notice what appear to be 1 or 2 small rooms.](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1612933970572-672TTG27BTYCUVXVJYWB/D1534360-3F6E-4C65-9A9D-FC09B4EB5D09.jpeg)
Once entering, guests began a counterclockwise tour of the futuristic home! To our right, we notice what appear to be 1 or 2 small rooms.
![Monsanto "House of the Future" Children's Room, (1960)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1595656612860-5407OVCY41GW7OKXW6QP/5D5B6818-C72B-46ED-9C0F-821EE7065006.jpeg)
Monsanto "House of the Future" Children's Room, (1960)
The folding white plastic honeycomb wall divider (manufactured by Jaylis Corp. of Los Angeles) folds out to divide the his/hers sides of the Children’s Room.
Beneath, are plush and colorfully patterned carpets of Acrilan fiber. Acrilan and Chemstrand Nylon synthetic fabrics were also utilized the upholstery, draperies, and curtains around Monsanto House of the Future.
![Monsanto "House of the Future" Children's Room, (1960)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1595656610070-648NNO7V0CY7FSHVX1BZ/0B23DEF9-7880-42A5-847C-C75782E276B1.jpeg)
Monsanto "House of the Future" Children's Room, (1960)
![5A95AB35-A9E7-4F0B-B981-0E7AF303C44A.jpeg](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1612933968354-Q4UOIT25C8373TS2MLW8/5A95AB35-A9E7-4F0B-B981-0E7AF303C44A.jpeg)
![Monsanto "House of the Future" Master Bedroom, (1960)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1595656604112-LH4IR701DMMJZM1ASCF1/3E794E76-3D36-49AA-ACDF-768939C0EC6A.jpeg)
Monsanto "House of the Future" Master Bedroom, (1960)
Draperies were provided by Fiberglas of Glass Fabrics, Inc. (of Los Angeles).
![Monsanto "House of the Future" Master Bedroom, (1960)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1595656606601-I2ZAI5512F1A6XIIRF8G/6C67B6DE-74F3-4630-83E2-BDF71B5144B6.jpeg)
Monsanto "House of the Future" Master Bedroom, (1960)
Dad will enjoy reclining in the Alpha Motorized Lounge Chair after a long day at work!
![14EBCF04-93A2-41A8-988E-01936626C247.jpeg](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1612933977796-CBOK8AKH52353B03KN7I/14EBCF04-93A2-41A8-988E-01936626C247.jpeg)
![Monsanto "House of the Future" Living Room, (1960)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1595656607570-O13FMETSITHS1TOIGAY1/6E8E7B74-227A-43F8-A68B-D66E69C6D59E.jpeg)
Monsanto "House of the Future" Living Room, (1960)
![Monsanto "House of the Future" Living Room, (1960)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1595656611997-56XG911ITK7IQYQXFKX1/2DFFE43E-77CC-47AC-8249-2245D51B7F1E.jpeg)
Monsanto "House of the Future" Living Room, (1960)
Synthetic fabrics (by the Chemstrand Corporation) were used for the carpeting, draperies, carpeting, clothing, and upholstery (pictured). The cushioning material (utilized inside the furniture, and as rug pads), was manufactured by Mobay Chemical Company (then located at 1815 Washington Road, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania).
![Monsanto "House of the Future" Living Room, (April, 1963)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1616012483513-7JVRW1BPIXT5VY6P1ALC/1E1D270B-9C3A-4D77-A7BE-1D996D087CAF.jpeg)
Monsanto "House of the Future" Living Room, (April, 1963)
Let’s talk about the “Observascope” - billed as “a life-sized combination color television and movie screen”. During the mid-1960s, large television consoles generally stood on the floor. Though there were a variety of screen sizes available, the largest average size manufactured was 25 inches.
Stereophonic equipment was provided by the Philco Corporation.
![CD51F9B3-A02F-4C6C-8BC3-F93E8821B165.jpeg](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1666470014184-PA3NPMELWUAP23K0JH0A/CD51F9B3-A02F-4C6C-8BC3-F93E8821B165.jpeg)
![Monsanto "House of the Future" Living Room, (1960)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1595656605299-6814IGMT56S7VP2Y1NN3/C69AD2F7-1183-4E62-9EB3-3AFDDB06EDBB.jpeg)
Monsanto "House of the Future" Living Room, (1960)
![Monsanto "House of the Future" Living Room, (1960)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1604538672465-L348Z5A4S3O2OGF0EE29/15A555B6-86B0-4FE0-9709-2A856A2CF198.jpeg)
Monsanto "House of the Future" Living Room, (1960)
![Monsanto "House of the Future" Kitchen, (1960)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1595656611076-Z1W71ZXHI3PTP4XIE130/6B68999C-A02A-4E22-84EB-1C577AEFE869.jpeg)
Monsanto "House of the Future" Kitchen, (1960)
This view was captured from the Dining and Family Room, looking toward the “Atoms for Living Kitchen”.
In the foreground, you’ll notice Bell Telephone System’s Telephone Communication Systems of the Future, which included push-button and “preset” dialing, “hands free” speakers and transmitters, and a viewing screen to see the person who’s calling. Though we may take these things for granted today, these were amazing technological advances during the 1950s and 1960s.
![At the request of Monsanto Chemical Corporation, the “Atoms for Living Kitchen” was produced by many sponsors, including American Motors Corporation (a division of Kelvinator , and sponsor of Tomorrowland ’s CirCARama Theater ). Like other ro](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1612933973114-ODRKJPR7WG1QHU4U54K5/F9A31873-8077-49F9-9FE1-48638F92A614.jpeg)
At the request of Monsanto Chemical Corporation, the “Atoms for Living Kitchen” was produced by many sponsors, including American Motors Corporation (a division of Kelvinator, and sponsor of Tomorrowland’s CirCARama Theater). Like other rooms, the “Atoms for Living Kitchen” was constructed almost entirely of plastic materials, in new applications. This was the projected future of food storage and preparation. In 5 to 15 years from its debut, no home would be without the “Atoms for Living Kitchen”.
![American Motors Corp. & Kelvinator “Atoms for Living Kitchen” Kitchen Postcard](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1615264721268-RQY19UO6XRR8LJPW34C9/1548D17D-F616-4495-B5AE-B6DF78B665FE.jpeg)
American Motors Corp. & Kelvinator “Atoms for Living Kitchen” Kitchen Postcard
The kitchen was infused with plenty of natural light (from its multiple windows) during the daytime. However, during the night, the house was illuminated by “Trans-Ceiling Polarized Light Panels” Panelescent and Mobile Dome Lighting (seen on the kitchen ceiling, and manufactured by Sylvania Electric Products Company of New York).
Food Storage : At the push of a button, hidden cabinets (made of plastics) “dropped down from above and popped out from below”. The “Atoms for Living Kitchen” held a “freezer compartment, a ‘normal’ refrigerator compartment, and a third refrigerated compartment for irradiated foods*, each of about seven cubic feet capacity.”
*Irradiating foods was a division of research currently conducted at the University of Michigan, and sponsored by Kelvinator. It was believed that a mild dose of irradiation, would increase the longitivtiy of some foods, while not diminishing its wholesomeness.
![“Atoms for Living Kitchen”](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1604538674125-2CLABJP0MJ495PV0HASU/7B47A895-F4FA-42A9-896F-847BAB76C867.jpeg)
“Atoms for Living Kitchen”
The refrigeration units would disappear behind plastic paneling with the touch of a button.
![“Atoms for Living Kitchen”](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1604538685451-1L1L5HEN9SLZ3XIFZSN3/4D78F3C9-988F-4B59-BD41-2ECBF051336F.jpeg)
“Atoms for Living Kitchen”
Mom might enjoy the fact that she can keep an eye on the young ones while she makes dinner! From the “Atoms for Living Kitchen”, we can see both the Dining and Family Room (left) and the Living Room (right). Out of view is the “ultra-sonic dishwasher and communications center”.
![Looking over the previous photograph (featured in a Monsanto souvenir), we are reminded of a question posed to the reader of a “Preview of Tomorrow : Monsanto’s House of the Future” (published in Disneyland Holiday, Fall of 1957) : “Is ‘push bu](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1604538708340-5O9COMQJCHYIIRUJVF1C/EF661908-7F6B-4E52-A03E-A1198EC131EE.jpeg)
Looking over the previous photograph (featured in a Monsanto souvenir), we are reminded of a question posed to the reader of a “Preview of Tomorrow : Monsanto’s House of the Future” (published in Disneyland Holiday, Fall of 1957) : “Is ‘push button living’ really in store for us in the future?”
Bell Telephone System manufactured the unique telephone communications equipment seen here (and in the Family Room of the Future). Now, we may be used to this technology (and not think much of it today), but the telephones of the House of the Future demonstrated “cutting edge” developments in the world of communications - both a push-button and a pre-set dialing feature (for storing frequently dialed telephone numbers), “hands free speakers and transmitters” (for those whose hands were occupied with another task), and even a viewing screen (so that you could see the person calling). A few years later (during 1964), another form of this technology would be demonstrated for guests, when an AT&T Picturephone (located at the New York World’s Fair) was connected to an AT&T Picturephone located in the CirCARama free exhibit at Disneyland! Now, this technology would not become widely in use by the public for about forty years, making this particular exhibit a definite “forecast” of good things to come!
![“Walt Disney’s Guide to Disneyland,” published 1961.](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1705506442421-1BVN8VUK16XYFTE3G330/390961BE-7113-4E34-8B49-4668A446D928.jpeg)
“Walt Disney’s Guide to Disneyland,” published 1961.
“Cooking in seconds on a microwave range and dishwashing with an ultrasonic washer are preview features of Monsanto's House of the Future.”
![The Family Room of the Future seemed to be one of the more spacious rooms (for entertaining guests), featuring space saving furnishings and a large screen television. You may recollect the “smells of the future”, released by push button activation](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1612933975337-S3BSP1JAOHYAGQ48CVQ2/1E1885C4-5618-477D-9517-07500BF0C6BF.jpeg)
The Family Room of the Future seemed to be one of the more spacious rooms (for entertaining guests), featuring space saving furnishings and a large screen television. You may recollect the “smells of the future”, released by push button activation. These Crane Company products add scents of pine or sea air to the House of the Future’s climate with the climate control regulators (which regulates air temperature, humidity, and even purification) for each individual room.
![Monsanto "House of the Future" Dining and Family Room, (1960)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1595656608512-279ETGR3T3CZ8UCUO9NZ/67EE9D05-0B84-4ABA-81D1-3063B1C2168A.jpeg)
Monsanto "House of the Future" Dining and Family Room, (1960)
The “wall-hung” sofa (on the far right) helped conserve space.
![Monsanto "House of the Future" Dining and Family Room](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1604538701891-Q57J5FQ7JW3ESTK4U2MU/28E655C4-B5A2-4215-9C0D-AFFD824D1DEE.jpeg)
Monsanto "House of the Future" Dining and Family Room
![Monsanto "House of the Future" Dining and Family Room](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1604538698585-FLZDXY3JO83Q81JMGSOQ/9099F3FB-47D1-43F9-808B-5BAD4B81182B.jpeg)
Monsanto "House of the Future" Dining and Family Room
![12D306DD-2EE2-4FE8-B9EC-B28030024225.jpeg](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1666470253350-3BEX0DDOH1M2SQKLYOWO/12D306DD-2EE2-4FE8-B9EC-B28030024225.jpeg)
![Grolier Encyclopedia "Story of America" Card](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1592890689055-6V41RDG3G83N7OAXAUNW/E983D70C-DC4D-4DBE-94DB-1027E5B9CC34.jpeg)
Grolier Encyclopedia "Story of America" Card
Grolier (the encyclopedia publisher), manufactured these cards detailing “The Story of America” (including the scientific and industrial contributions and discoveries). This “Plastics” card highlighted the development and utilization of plastics. By the 1950s, plastics were everywhere, all around us - but never fashioned into a house like Monsanto Plastic’s House of the Future! While some components were not made of plastic, the floors and floor covering, furniture, upholstering materials, dishes and house itself were ALL plastic.
![Grolier Encyclopedia "Story of America" Card](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1592890692779-ID77IMCQKS048O1ZEV2X/1335B796-1AD6-46C3-981E-861C2C748369.jpeg)
Grolier Encyclopedia "Story of America" Card
![Monsanto’s Plastics House of the Future](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1572819870548-7GRRS9172IOYF6AMKE5S/4851F7BC-34F3-49BA-81BA-F7BA2A0ED1E7.jpeg)
Monsanto’s Plastics House of the Future
Just through the window, you’ll notice some of the interior lighting provided by the Textiles Division of Sylvania Electric Products Corp. Unseen, are the “Trans-Ceiling Polarized Light Panels”, “Panalescent Lighting”, and “Dome Lighting” utilized throughout the house.
![Monsanto’s Plastics House of the Future and the Matterhorn](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1566861904815-8CG3EYM47D6WFEJITT8S/8DE78F44-F727-447D-A550-B97ACAA955D0.jpeg)
Monsanto’s Plastics House of the Future and the Matterhorn
Just right of that wide walkway to Tomorrowland sits the iconic attraction!
![Monsanto’s Plastics House of the Future, (August, 1961)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1591576485595-GFF0EC1DF82B0E7WH4SK/617F715B-DE43-44C2-958D-5DD9C7357FCD.jpeg)
Monsanto’s Plastics House of the Future, (August, 1961)
In the early days, Monsanto Plastics Home of the Future was one of the introductory attractions near Tomorrowland’s entryways, along the Avenue of Flags. In fact, you might even remember that it was as much of an iconic landmark as the Clock of the World or Disneyland’s Matterhorn!
![Monsanto’s Plastics House of the Future & The Matterhorn](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1579923814668-DHCF5L582B66CWW5SJWC/45A07608-FB81-4FF8-B7C6-6C26800769F0.jpeg)
Monsanto’s Plastics House of the Future & The Matterhorn
![Monsanto’s Plastics House of the Future](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1585177280243-8CQFXVGXPQL764IE55LJ/94CD5D74-2A01-4B53-B9A7-88FB1A58DB9F.jpeg)
Monsanto’s Plastics House of the Future
![Monsanto’s Plastics House of the Future, (August, 1960)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1606445992038-9QU8QDVBGQCTOLOB4G8B/328E1A27-4495-4DCA-AEB7-6DFE01BEA2D8.jpeg)
Monsanto’s Plastics House of the Future, (August, 1960)
By September of 1958, an appraisal of Disneyland “land improvement” assets valued the “House of Tomorrow Landscaping, etc.” at $44,842. Landscape was keynotes by water and plants. The waters from the serene pool reflect the suns rays on the bottom of the house.
![Monsanto’s Plastics House of the Future](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1590209024769-FF8ILMDMVP4KI8SADPLM/01BE89B5-06C1-42DA-A895-FF712ADFDAF4.jpeg)
Monsanto’s Plastics House of the Future
Through the windows you can see the Thermopane - glazed windows (with Salflex plastic interlayer printed in decorative patterns) was provided by the Libbey-Owens-Ford Glass Company (of Toledo, Ohio)!
![Monsanto’s Plastics House of the Future, (1966)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1602622334698-7ECZTS2X586OYQAVAEKV/C99FF597-8972-4A43-92BB-E02987BEFA45.jpeg)
Monsanto’s Plastics House of the Future, (1966)
![527F1D55-F006-441C-B95D-9B5DD0DC1A6D.jpeg](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1614399130978-Y7G7V876YCYLWSS188DI/527F1D55-F006-441C-B95D-9B5DD0DC1A6D.jpeg)
![Monsanto’s Plastics House of the Future, (c. August, 1967)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1590037629803-G6AWABDSPM6QAENPU7K8/ABA0F3C7-46D6-4566-A49F-C380EAC41734.jpeg)
Monsanto’s Plastics House of the Future, (c. August, 1967)
The four wide, sweeping wings of Monsanto’s House of the Future take advantage of natural light by the inclusion of broad window areas.
![7EC06611-B842-4568-BF2E-4D2FA2B313C6.jpeg](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1636178939151-LS0IS30Z699JLPGPXV41/7EC06611-B842-4568-BF2E-4D2FA2B313C6.jpeg)
![Monsanto’s Plastics House of the Future, (July, 1965)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1588787340737-T2IZPUVDLZ8VMHZG4I3G/09CE75D4-0F3B-4CB5-813A-B5B01E9A57DF.jpeg)
Monsanto’s Plastics House of the Future, (July, 1965)
![Monsanto’s Plastics House of the Future, (c. 1959)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1591561126854-PSNWJVLGNINDO14FOIQ4/07B944DE-D639-4718-A22D-98889694C014.jpeg)
Monsanto’s Plastics House of the Future, (c. 1959)
![Monsanto’s Plastics House of the Future, (December 2nd, 1960)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1588468372314-TW6DDWT02WRIYQ75LLLU/6958B1D5-AE24-4A04-B056-33287298516C.jpeg)
Monsanto’s Plastics House of the Future, (December 2nd, 1960)
![Monsanto’s Plastics House of the Future](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1544135836173-RCVIJ2LXTKA57G5BG5B8/EC1D36BD-8837-493D-9F57-5049796355EB.jpeg)
Monsanto’s Plastics House of the Future
![Monsanto’s Plastics House of the Future & The Matterhorn From The Plaza](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1543046039266-PVTWVQRUPZHHRXFTFHIC/C1FAE611-7BEA-4CAB-98FD-1B3A8895DA2A.jpeg)
Monsanto’s Plastics House of the Future & The Matterhorn From The Plaza
![IMG_9500.jpeg](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1625534391910-4CZAITXFRWZ7TGOIU0FC/IMG_9500.jpeg)
![Monsanto’s Plastics House of the Future](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1602381756574-Z7KJLUPYE0ZC6LN4YMFG/A7DBE47D-68C9-4EB9-A7F8-AD32A306E358.jpeg)
Monsanto’s Plastics House of the Future
![IMG_9499.jpeg](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1625534252569-O52LSLOZHR2YB8PBTZW3/IMG_9499.jpeg)
![Monsanto’s Plastics House of the Future, (September, 1962)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1591898796331-O1ZM80OWTB9PK60V2OIT/45E55E89-B3AB-4F82-86F2-242BABE3DD9E.jpeg)
Monsanto’s Plastics House of the Future, (September, 1962)
![466A4A85-9B3A-4B29-9C95-F811517546E7.jpeg](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1639722123167-80OVG2RXWINRZYF3YVVE/466A4A85-9B3A-4B29-9C95-F811517546E7.jpeg)
![(April, 1963)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1616013022606-4I1LEONZCVHY0PUW2PPE/360A3BA0-CE12-40B0-88B3-EEDCFD7F373A.jpeg)
(April, 1963)
![Monsanto’s Plastics House of the Future, all wrapped up for the holidays.](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1602122981388-6Y2N5OR7DWZLG3EUPCJ1/71E5DD36-02A9-47D4-B640-24998C29F733.jpeg)
Monsanto’s Plastics House of the Future, all wrapped up for the holidays.
![Monsanto "House of the Future" Back Stairs, (November 2nd, 1957)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1588487516560-FRFITNW7GUWAHHXCX1GD/F4646550-8090-443B-AFB0-C7583583BF47.jpeg)
Monsanto "House of the Future" Back Stairs, (November 2nd, 1957)
The Exit let out in a peaceful garden behind the home.
![Monsanto "House of the Future" Back Stairs, (June 12th, 1964)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1563833546690-556SEJMCSGVGXX03P7QM/3C25DDFE-38E7-497C-926B-588499FE909F.jpeg)
Monsanto "House of the Future" Back Stairs, (June 12th, 1964)
Exterior latex paint (made with Monsanto Lytron for exterior surfaces), was provided by the National Lead Company.
![c.1967.](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1666198070315-P7L2ZUSYTIZB4P12WGFD/302D012A-6E91-4695-BB18-1D8225F443FD.jpeg)
c.1967.
![Monsanto "House of the Future" Outdoor Living Area, (c. July, 1966)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1590769892532-74JUGCTKR9L0H9E0ID12/981E2BA0-3CE9-49A1-98D5-12C9791C22CC.jpeg)
Monsanto "House of the Future" Outdoor Living Area, (c. July, 1966)
Behind Monsanto’s Plastic’s Home of the Future, stood Anaheim’s own towering man-made mountain - the Matterhorn!
![The Monsanto "House of the Future" Backyard of the Future, (March, 1967)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1590042421921-JUV5021WGBOBNKQ2TFDF/EEA91691-681B-442C-8709-5ED5488750D6.jpeg)
The Monsanto "House of the Future" Backyard of the Future, (March, 1967)
Just near the Back Stairs Exit, sits the Backyard of the Future, featuring Outdoor Living Area Equipment - fountains (pictured right). These Pottery Planting Units were provided by Architectural Pottery (then, located at 2020 South Robertson BLVD. Los Angeles, California).
![“Sources For The Outdoor Living Area Equipment”](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1597292860927-J7CBTJJ0QTU8LGEXHVVZ/EC37A4AD-962C-4A2E-8A19-3EC8B5E0A16A.jpeg)
“Sources For The Outdoor Living Area Equipment”
Please note Architectural Pottery a company started to market the designs of some students attending the California School of Art.
![The Monsanto "House of the Future" Backyard of the Future, (August, 1962)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1609145304322-99U98MUHYL06GY7TD0B3/1F5C6B4F-CEE3-43A7-AE15-82DEF438BA6B.jpeg)
The Monsanto "House of the Future" Backyard of the Future, (August, 1962)
Just behind the Monsanto Plastic’s Home of the Future were a few colorful and futuristic “Sculpted Playthings.” You may recall this the ‘Backyard of the Future’ or the ‘Playground Equipment of the Future.’ These particular large, colorful, and abstract “Sculpted Playthings” (manufactured by Play Sculptures Division, Creative Playthings, Inc.) were sure to stimulate your children to creative unstructured play!
![The Monsanto "House of the Future" Backyard of the Future Sculpted Playthings, (August, 1962)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1654919182995-VQDZGIMO58AYPHIGZLDO/9549B0D4-7D71-4391-BBF9-664C48062539.jpeg)
The Monsanto "House of the Future" Backyard of the Future Sculpted Playthings, (August, 1962)
![The Monsanto "House of the Future" Backyard of the Future Sculpted Playthings.](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1666466158924-TD8D4YQ99PCGWMDRJ1EZ/736BF845-3790-4A12-AF5C-C13C936450F0.jpeg)
The Monsanto "House of the Future" Backyard of the Future Sculpted Playthings.
![The Monsanto "House of the Future" Backyard of the Future, (August, 1962)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1604538705759-ILTBOGMPEGLO8YS1JBG5/0B9B6843-13C8-4AE2-A529-81703051C4D6.jpeg)
The Monsanto "House of the Future" Backyard of the Future, (August, 1962)
Geospace Dome Shelters were manufactured by Filtered Rosin Products (a division of Monsanto Chemical Company). These shelters provided just the right amount of shade from the suns rays, and the right amount of breathability for outdoor shade plants to inhabit them. The Dining Table Chairs and Ottoman were manufactured by Troy Sunshade Company (of Troy, Ohio) - the same company that manufactured those fanned chairs that once furnished the patio of the Chicken Plantation Restaurant along the Rivers of America. After all these years, much of Troy Sunshade Company’s furniture is still highly sought after by collectors.
Years later (by 1987), “the original striped patio structure, where Monsanto distributed literature that proclaimed a plastic future,” still functioned nearby its original location, “as a Fantasyland Souvenir Stand.” [The House of the Future 1987 : A Disney Retrospective, prepared by Walt Disney Imagineering, September of 1987]
![The Monsanto "House of the Future" Backyard of the Future.](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1666466668041-P6Q2GZMG3TG4VL9E1M4L/2FA35EA7-CDCD-41AB-B7F0-7CE9C643C7DF.jpeg)
The Monsanto "House of the Future" Backyard of the Future.
![468EF764-29FC-4E26-A669-4F1098F2C54B.jpeg](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1604538676209-BRN4ONU2LT7OZ64YKBMQ/468EF764-29FC-4E26-A669-4F1098F2C54B.jpeg)
![096F04E2-1C03-4EEE-93BE-390176F3A57F.jpeg](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1604538681399-R9GIVGLMCHQA1L626K1R/096F04E2-1C03-4EEE-93BE-390176F3A57F.jpeg)
![6501611C-E136-40A1-AF70-4855C394E558.jpeg](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1604538689026-GKGQ19HH18K5X2CJZ8T8/6501611C-E136-40A1-AF70-4855C394E558.jpeg)
![C24F15CC-887A-4C8A-86F4-C312D836B679.jpeg](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1604538690667-FLCVKIPGWAXZMGK3S2PI/C24F15CC-887A-4C8A-86F4-C312D836B679.jpeg)
![B1422364-DF4A-4E42-ACB4-C22C6280E4EB.jpeg](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1604538696287-D9UCOKO883XW8IH3YWDX/B1422364-DF4A-4E42-ACB4-C22C6280E4EB.jpeg)
![WED Enterprises, Inc. Board of Directors Meeting Proposal, December 19, 1966.](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1652416800522-SFWWM8JWG7CA9CB07F9D/7513D0DE-FC53-4C7F-9416-FD439B2B5D34.jpeg)
WED Enterprises, Inc. Board of Directors Meeting Proposal, December 19, 1966.
A WED Enterprises meeting held four days after Walt’s passing would address the Monsanto contract. During 1967, Tomorrowland received a major overhaul, and redesigns would include another Monsanto-sponsored attraction - Adventure Thru Inner Space! Monsanto’s House of the Future was now ten years old. This new experience would also mean two Monsanto-sponsored attractions in Tomorrowland.
By then, the attraction was also somewhat outdated, as many of its furnishings and appliances were household names. In addition, their had been some cost to repairing the warping and discoloration (as result of sun-damage). Still, one of the last elements of old Tomorrowland would outlive the original land for one year. Then, in December of 1967, the house was demolished. “When it was time to demolish it, the wrecking ball simply bounced off the plastic, necessitating that the entire House be taken apart by hand, saw, and crowbar, piece by plastic piece,” according to “Disneyland: Then, Now, and Forever,” by Bruce Gordon and Tim O’Day. “After two weeks of pounding, torching, drilling, and cutting, the House of the Future finally gave way and it was carried off in little broken pieces.” The House of the Future was now a “thing of the past”! From 1957 to 1967 over 20 million guests had visited one of Tomorrowland’s most iconic exhibits - MONSANTO’S PLASTICS HOME OF THE FUTURE!
![Monsanto Company was a Disneyland Participant and thus “part of the Disneyland story according to this “Disneyland ‘67” Excerpt.](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1638256123674-IA4XGYP1HLRSLC7WL4OA/9BC01AAF-59C4-4023-95ED-A6F8274072AC.jpeg)
Monsanto Company was a Disneyland Participant and thus “part of the Disneyland story according to this “Disneyland ‘67” Excerpt.
![(1967)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1615603698219-UPJJCBUWKO63BYQZHG2Y/95F6FE63-23FB-4D99-BBEB-FDF383449EBB.jpeg)
(1967)
The House of the Future may be partially obscured by a few trees, but it was still readily visible from the PeopleMover in 1967!
![“WE KNOW!!! - A LITTLE SECRET ABOUT THE FATE OF THE HOUSE OF THE FUTURE”](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1591513381951-FDKO8WSPPOJ3AZYQV8S7/C83D0EC0-EA9E-4B2E-A81B-2FF45D0B22E9.jpeg)
“WE KNOW!!! - A LITTLE SECRET ABOUT THE FATE OF THE HOUSE OF THE FUTURE”
The structure was removed during a two-week demolition which occurred in 1967, but the story doesn’t end there. According to Charles Phoenix’ Addicted to Americana, with Kathy Kikkert (page 29) : “After one of my early slide shows, a guy came up and said ‘My Family’s been in the garbage business for years, and my Grandpa was contracted to haul the House of the Future away.’ Years later, we met again by chance and he said, ‘I never told you the end of the story. My grandfather dumped it in the Orinda landfill in Brea.’ That means that the House of the Future is still there, since the whole thing was made of plastic. I say we all get our shovels and dig the ol’ dream home up.” So, if these claims are true, Charles may have stumbled upon the fate and final resting place of Monsanto Plastics House of the Future!
Charles visited Disneyland quite a few times during the 1960s, and he has quite a few anecdotes and personal musings to share with all of us. These were recorded in his published tribute to iconic American destinations of the 1950s and 1960s - “Charles Phoenix’ Addicted to Americana, with Kathy Kikkert” which can be found HERE.
Not all of the decorative and functional elements were disposed of. For instance the “Sculpted Playthings” (manufactured by Play Sculptures Division, Creative Playthings, Inc.) ended up being salvaged by Phil Bauer (Disneyland Public Relations ; Illustrations Department). With the help of some members of the Public Relations Department, they found their way into his backyard for the entertainment of his two children (as well as the neighborhood children) for many years.
![Monsanto’s Plastics Home of the Future does have a legacy. The gardens around the site of the former attraction became the Alpine Gardens , offering a peaceful respite from the crowds, a place to find refreshment, and meet with friends and favori](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b3d7f804eddec6e826be0c9/1649048732125-1VMYX9CHC14XZIL9YCYF/000D198B-0F2B-4ADC-BEC3-CB9FDB0F3FD7.jpeg)
Monsanto’s Plastics Home of the Future does have a legacy. The gardens around the site of the former attraction became the Alpine Gardens, offering a peaceful respite from the crowds, a place to find refreshment, and meet with friends and favorite Walt Disney characters! A portion of the foundation still exists today, the “visual intrusion” disguised and repainted green in Pixie Hollow.
In 1987, commemorative pins (LE 1000) were produced with the brochure “The House of the Future 1987 : A Disney Retrospective,” created by both David Mumford and Bruce Gordon of Walt Disney Imagineering, in honor of the Monsanto House of the Future’s demolition (20 years prior). “To this day, though, ‘park eulogists’ can still uncover evidence of its existence : the walkways, reflecting pools, and even the sixteen-foot square column that supported the central utility core, all still stand in their original location just off Main Street.” These magical relics from the “future year of 1987” have been visible in recent decades, as they are safely tucked within Pixie Hollow.