1964 World’s Fair with Imagineer Marty Sklar

I wish I could say I remember the 1964 World’s Fair, but alas I wasn’t quite even a glimmer in my parents eye then. I do feel like I’m acquainted with the project based on everything I’ve read about it and the four Disney created shows that eventually made their way back to Disneyland. Still, I’m learning new stuff all the time, like in this interview with Imagineering Legend Marty Sklar that focuses on the event.

For instance, I didn’t know that Bob Gurr had designed the internals for the fair’s Mr. Lincoln figure.

Gurr was the man responsible for creating ride vehicles at Disneyland — no easy feat, since Disneyland was the world’s first theme park and Gurr had no template to work from.

“Bob actually designed the mechanics for the Lincoln figure,” Sklar said, “which was a huge challenge, because at the time, things hadn’t been miniaturized to the point that they are today.”

I can’t wait for part two.