Disneyland Closure Photo Nov 1963 JFK Kennedy Assassination Harbor Gate Security For Sale

Disneyland Closure Photo Nov 1963 JFK Kennedy Assassination Harbor Gate Security Disneyland Closure Photo Nov 1963 JFK Kennedy Assassination Harbor Gate Security

Historic Disneyland Treasures from Saturday's Toys presents... an historic 8" x 10" Disneyland image... photographed in 1963 and professionally printed on satin finish Fujicolor Crystal Archive Paper in 2007; as created from the vintage snapshot belonging to the original owner (castle watermarks shown in listing are not present on actual photograph).

On Friday, November 22, 1963, President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas, Texas.  As the country was in a state of shock following that tragic event, businesses throughout the land found themselves faced with a decision as to whether it was in the best interest of their employees and their customers to remain open for business on the following day.  As Walt Disney was on a cross-country trip to survey possible land acquisition for the "Florida Project" (later known as Walt Disney World), Walt learned of JFK's death only when his company plane stopped for refueling before their return to California.

In Walt's absence, the determination was made to close Disneyland on Saturday, November 23; the first unscheduled park closure in Disneyland history.

Pictured here at Disneyland's Harbor Blvd service entry gate to the park's backstage areas (originally known as the "Harbor Gate"; later commonly referenced as "Harbor House"), Security Officer Jack Kehoe (1918 - 2012) is pictured on duty at the gate on November 23.  Notably, newspapers from the Los Angeles Herald-Examiner and the Los Angeles Times displayed the bold headlines:  "JOHNSON AT HELM AS U.S. MOURNS KENNEDY" and "ASSASSIN NAMED."  In addition, as prepared by the Disneyland sign shop, a special sign was installed for use on one day only: "Disneyland Will Be Closed Saturday, Nov. 23."  This remains the only known photograph of Disneyland's Harbor Blvd. security gate on that fateful day.  The image was originally photographed by two visiting tourists from Australia who were disappointed to arrive and discover the park's unexpected closure.  After spending a few moments at the security gate, they decided to present this historic photograph to Mr. Kehoe following their visit.  

Of particular note, the original guardhouse sign for the backstage "Disneyland Service Entrance" is partially seen above the guard shack... already weather-beaten and worn after only a few years in service.

Having begun his employment at Disneyland as one of the early security officers hired by Burns Detective Agency, and then later employed directly by Disneyland when the park took over security management, Jack Kehoe was among the key insiders to witness Walt Disney's personal management of the park and the traditions that Walt inspired in the cast members, both during his lifetime and for the generations to come.

This backstage entrance was the key point of entry for celebrities and VIP's arriving to visit the park or to perform at Disneyland.  Among those Jack recalled personally clearing for entrance through the Harbor Gate were Roy & Edna Disney, Ron & Diane Disney Miller, Bob & Sharon Disney Brown and of course, Walt Disney himself.  In later years, Jack acknowledged that he hadn't kept up with popular music of the day. When he initially refused entry to an entertainer who wasn't listed with on the approved guest list for the day, he found himself face to face with a rather frustrated performer by the name of Elton John. 

Photo is 8" x 10"; with Saturday's Toys gold seal of authenticity on reverse of photo.  This is an unused print from the earlier version of the photograph that was offered as a signed limited edition of ten prints.  This image was printed at the same time, though only ten were offered in the signed, limited edition version as released for purchase.  Various castle watermarks not included on actual photograph.

Worthy of the finest Disneyland archive or museum collection

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Saturday’s Toys and Collectibleswas founded in 1994 by Southern California author and media historian, Dave Mason. Soon after 's launch the following year, Saturday's Toys was among the first online specialists to strategize in embracing this rapidly developing technology. Having delivered over 15,000 coveted treasures since that time, Saturday's Toys is pleased to partner with researchers andcollectors throughout the globe.

Today, online offerings of archival keepsakes are presented in celebration of the times that allow for family, friends and neighbors to join in memorable gatherings that nurture the strong connections that bind a community together. These treasures are affectionately represented by"Saturday's Toys." In that light we present our adopted motto (with a nod to the Sherman Brothers): "Oh, let's go fly a kite!"

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