Let me be your tourist guide as I show you one of the wonders of Los Angeles.
Carolwood Barn is a miniature barn used by Walt Disney as a machine shop while operating his miniature “live steam” Carolwood Pacific Railroad layout in the backyard of his home.
Walt Disney remembered having a barn on his family’s farm in Marceline, Missouri, where he would play. As a young kid, he wound try putting on a barnyard circus for his friends in the barn and would “charge” them money. The barn was always a source of magic and wonder to Walt.
In 1949, Walt Disney moved his family to 355 N. Carolwood Drive, Holmby Hills, north of Beverly Hills, California. And that’s how the barn got its name.
The Disney house was sold in 1997 to start the Disney Foundation and later the Museum. Diane Disney Miller, the eldest daughter asked the new owner if they could save the barn, and the new owner agreed.
In 1998, the barn was removed from the Carolwood property, piece by piece, each piece labeled and shipped down to Griffith Park, where it is now located.
On July 19, 1999, Diane dedicated the barn as a new place to learn more about her father. It is open on the 3rd Sunday of the month, admission is free, but donation is welcome. Old and young serve as volunteers.
Carol @ There's Always Thyme to Cook
September 19th, 2011
It looks like a magical place!
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genie
September 19th, 2011
Another wonderful and interesting post from you. I thought your last one was superb, but this one really touched my heart. My daddy was one of the engineers who worked on the design of WDWorld in Florida so Mr. Disney is very special to me. I spent lots of time there over the years. I love his barn and the story behind it. Your captures really brought the site to life for me. genie
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Kay Davies
September 19th, 2011
What a beautiful barn, Ebie. I’m glad it was savved.
— K
Kay, Alberta, Canada
An Unfittie’s Guide to Adventurous Travel
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Lady Fi
September 19th, 2011
What a gorgeous barn! Delightfully so.
Lady Fi´s last [type] ..A boatful of gold
Sallie (FullTime-Life)
September 19th, 2011
Thank you tour guide! This is something I’d never heard of. Glad that barn was saved, it is a beautiful one.
Sallie (FullTime-Life)´s last [type] ..LAST ROSES OF SUMMER
Carver
September 19th, 2011
Very interesting post and a charming barn.
Carver´s last [type] ..Our World Tuesday: Remains through the Ages
Sylvia Kirkwood
September 19th, 2011
Fascinating post, Ebie, as always! I love the barn and Griffith Park is a perfect place for it to be! Terrific captures as always! Have a lovely week!
Sylvia
Sylvia Kirkwood´s last [type] ..Our World Tuesday!!
aka Penelope
September 19th, 2011
This is a fascinating story of how Walt’s imagination was able to soar early on through the use of a simple red barn on his family’s property. And what a wonderful legacy of creativity he left his daughter and all of us, piece by piece over many decades.
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Eileen
September 19th, 2011
Ebie, what a nice story about Walt Disney and the barn. It is great that the barn was saved andit is now in a place for all to enjoy. Wonderful post and photos.
Carletta
September 19th, 2011
Such a lovely and quaint little barn!
Carletta´s last [type] ..Barn Charm
A wonderfully informative post Ebie – another side of Walt’s imagination I’m pleased to learn about.
EG Wow
September 19th, 2011
I’m glad they saved the barn. It has a history that makes it fun to see and hear about.
EG Wow´s last [type] ..Studio Tour/ Our World
Arija
September 19th, 2011
What a lovely way to commemorate one’s famous father, with a simple barn. Here in Australia we say”the most important part of of the house for a man is his shed”. Looks like the barn was that for Walt from his childhood onwards. A place where you can do your own thing is a great place to be.
A lovely post, thank you.
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SandyCarlson (USA)
September 19th, 2011
Disney was amazing, head to toe. Thanks for the tour!
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Rose
September 19th, 2011
This would be the perfect studio for me!
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Indrani
September 19th, 2011
This is interesting.
Great tour.
Indrani´s last [type] ..Wordless – 168
Mari
September 19th, 2011
What a great barn! Glad it was saved. I like the little details that are pictured too!
Mari´s last [type] ..September 19
betchai
September 19th, 2011
beautiful shots from different angles, Ebie, you don’t really let any beauty pass, you are there to share the beauty through your lens.
betchai´s last [type] ..Man and Nature
J Bar
September 19th, 2011
Beautiful things to see there.
J Bar´s last [type] ..Ultimo, Sydney Technical College
Elaine
September 19th, 2011
A delightful barn and beautiful cupola and weather vane.
Tanya
September 20th, 2011
that is a great barn, would walt disney have anything less?! very cool!!
Tanya´s last [type] ..Barn Charm Tuesday
Jill Wellington
September 20th, 2011
Thanks so much for sharing this interesting story and your lovely photos!
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Tricia
September 20th, 2011
Well, now, how cool is that!!! I love it & I love it & I love it! Thanks so much for that virtual tour & all the info on this beauty, Ebie… that’s so cool!
Thanks for joining =)
Tricia´s last [type] ..Barn Charm ♥51♥ – Almost A Year
Janis
September 20th, 2011
How very interesting…Walt was destined to be what he became. Glad the barn has been preserved for others to learn about this very creative man.
Janis´s last [type] ..Blog Award
Kim,USA
September 20th, 2011
Very informative Ebie. Thank you for this post. Happy Tuesday!
Barn Charm
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Judy
September 20th, 2011
I would love to have this barn.
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Larry D
September 20th, 2011
What a great barn!
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Jackie from Yorkshire
September 21st, 2011
I love those old red barns and I’m sure that one would be a magic and fascinating place to visit.
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Bruce
September 21st, 2011
Great looking barn and very well captured.