The Press-Enteprise has a lovely story about Don Edgren, a key figure in the history of Disneyland’s major construction from the Matterhorn through to Tokyo Disneyland.
Construction
on the Matterhorn, which opened in 1959, required extensive research,
including lots of photos of the Swiss peak and scale models. Disney
people visited the real peak to get an upclose look. Engineers designed
a steel skeleton and the railway that carried visitors inside the
make-believe mountain.Special attention went into
replicating the Matterhorn’s distinctive peak, Edgren said, which the
Disney crew recreated with plaster. From top to bottom the ride stood
145 feet high — about 1 /100th the scale of the Matterhorn. Cranes
positioned steel beams into exact locations before they were welded
permanently in place.
Edgren was recently inducted into the Disney Legend hall of fame and deservedly so.
Don was my father in law, A great guy and the closest to a father I ever had. Due to some bizarre circumstanceswe we became unrelated. I think of him and his wonderful family often and pray for their forgiveness as I have forgiven them. I’m proud of Don getting this overly deserved award and send him my love and praise. Sincerely Dennis Wilson
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