TCHS Alumni News - TC Arts Icon Ward Kimball Dies

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TC Arts Icon Ward Kimball Dies

Ward Kimball, artist and conductor on the RR of life.

Jul 09, 2002 -- Ward Kimball, one of Temple City's most famous residents and an icon of the animated film industry, has died at age 88.

One of Walt Disney's core group of animators known as the "nine old men," Kimball participated in the development of both Walt Disney Productions and the Temple City Schools.

At Disney, he was credited with the transformation of Mickey Mouse into his modern rounder, jollier personna. He crafted the lovable Jimminy Cricket for Pinocchio and won academy awards in 1956 (Man in Space) and 1969 (It's Tough to be a Bird).

During the 1940s and 50s, he contributed to the life of TC as a participant in community theatrical and musical events. Despite his fame, he was not above being the target of on-stage humor. The Kimball home was best known locally for the full scale railroad that lies perpendicular to Ardendale St.

Kimball wrote and directed a trilogy for the "Disneyland" television series. The programs, "Man in Space," "Man and the Moon," and "Mars and Beyond" are often credited with popularizing the concept of the government's space program during the 1950s.

The Firehouse Five Plus Two dixieland jazz band with Kimball on trombone was considered "our own" by TC residents of the 1950s. The group performed at many local events over the years, while earning national recognition for its joyful style.

Kimball is survived by his wife of 66 years, Betty; three children, John Kimball, Kelly Kimball and Chloe Lord; five grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Kelly, John and Chloe are all TCHS graduates.

(You can add your own memory of Ward Kimball in the Comments below. --Ed.)

Links

Firehouse Five Plus Two

CNN Obituary

Yahoo Obituary

Google Search on 'Ward Kimball'

Model Railroading Tribute

Search 'Ward Kimball' at Disney (Try the salad.)

Reader Comments

Discuss this article in the forums!


Rees Clark '60	Jul 09, 2002	Mill Creek WA
From a block away, the hiss began slowly, growing louder and deeper. Suddenly it would be punctuated by a powerful "Whump!" as the first burst of steam pushed against the piston of the Emma Nevada's drive wheel. Then another, and another. By the time I could run outside and down the length of the block, the engine was clearing the roundhouse, drawing the passenger car and caboose toward the station and on to the end of the line among the oaks and sycamores at Ardendale St. At age five or eight, to have a train to nowhere in one's neighborhood was magical. The rare opportunity to actually ride is a special memory shared by only a few. I hope the site can be preserved; the prospect of a row of monster houses is too dire to contemplate.


Rees Clark '60	Jul 09, 2002
In the 1940s and 1950s community talent shows were a mainstay of Temple City's Memoli Hall. (Memoli Hall was a wonderful old style auditorium on the Longden School grounds, long since replaced by a 'cafetorium' designed by a committee.) On one occasion, a complete orchestra gathered on stage conducted by Ward Kimball in full dress, swallowtail coat to play (I believe) the William Tell Overture. (What follows is totally predictable for an adult but totally dumbfounding if one is eight or so.) The overture began to play, and at the end of each major segment the triangle player would rise and lift his instrument, only to be waved off by Kimball. As the music rose to its final crescendo, the increasingly animated (pardon the word choice) Kimball raised his arms for the final rousing chord. Whereupon to our surprise but not to his own his suspenders gave way and his trousers fell to the floor, all to peals of laughter from the hundreds of people in the audience. The entire orchestra, in ostensible embarrassment, rushed from the stage into the wings. Kimball remained motionless while the exodus occurred, then slowly turned to the triangle player and flicked his baton downward. The tiny single note was lost in applause. It was only years later that I understood the moment. Ward Kimball was an internationally respected artist and musician who could have stood aloof. Instead he chose to participate in the musical life of our town and to give us the joy of laughter. Thank you, Mr. Kimball.


George Domogalla '61	Jul 10, 2002	Riverside
It's strange, having lived behind the Kimballs' house while in high school. I can still vividly hear that train whistle whenever we talk about them. Every Christmas, someone will mention the different methods the Kimballs would decorate their Christmas tree. I still have a record someplace of the "Fire House Five plus Two." And those parties they would have, when the whole neighborhood would have horseless carriages parked everywhere. Another era, another master has passed.


Marilyn Coghlan	Jul 11, 2002	South Pasadena, CA	Retired Court Transcriber
Living two doors from Kimballs on Ardendale and Sultana was much like living next door to a movie lot; trains, train station, train house, fire engine with "Spot" the dog. I can still hear the sound of the train whistle blowing, and to every child in the neighborhood, that was the magical signal we were welcome to come ride the Grizzley Flats Railroad. Horseless carriages, with wheels almost as thin as bicycle tires, too frail to go very far, rolled off of trailers, got cranked up, and putt-putted around our corner carrying their passengers bedecked in their finest attire of that era like they had been traveling for days. One time Ward and his railroad were featured on Dave Garroway's Wide, Wide World. The Firehouse Five Plus Two dixieland band was there, and for two days straight, from morning 'til night, they played "Casey Jones," while they rehearsed. We loved it and my dad got a lot of yard work done that weekend he was so revved up from the music, but what a lot of work for 15 minutes!!! Finally, just as the 15-minute segment started to air on Sunday afternoon, it started to rain. But that didn't keep Kelly, John and Chloe out of the swimming pool, as rehearsed and rehearsed. The Firehouse Five started playing, "Casey Jones," Ward blew the train whistle and started chugging from the train house toward Ardendale, and Betty, with her beautiful long, blonde ponytail, stood smiling and waving to him as he past their house. We Biblers opened all our windows and could hear live AND on TV "Casey Jones." Stereophonic!?! Now that was exciting! They say some things don't last forever, but the magic he brought into so many children's lives was very special and it has left us with VERY happy memories we will have forever. Thank you, Ward Kimball!


John Jenkins	Jul 11, 2002	Gavilan Hills, CA	Manager
We lived on Youngdale starting in 1953 and whenever we heard the train whistle or the "Whump" of the steam engines I can remember going over to Kimballs and riding back and forth for hours on the train of the day. The performance at Longden School that Rees speaks about must have been a hoot but that was before my day in that locale. Thanks for the memories!


Steve Dorsi	Jul 14, 2002	San Luis Obispo, CA	Attorney
A Class of '64 classmate of Chloe, I recall parties at the Kimballs' house. Ward always treated us like adults. I recall one time when he asks us if we wanted to see his Cadillac. We followed him in the dark to one of the rail town buildings where he asked us to wait. When the door opened, the tail light was flashing on the tail fin of a '50s Cad, in a recreated depiction of a macabre wreck. The work of an artist with time on his hands. In a strange way, we thought it was funny.


Carol Gillen Ferreira '64	Jul 15, 2002	West Hills, CA	Retired
Mr & Mrs Kimball were really neat! On my first visit to their home I was greeted by a full size coffin in the entry that swung open as you entered. Yes, there was a body too. Don't quite remember what it looked like. Chloe was in my art classes and was very talented. I remember how she always dressed in black and we considered her the orignal "BeatNick" way before and after anyone else.I hope she used her talent to carry on the Kimball dynasty. Condolences to Mrs. Kimball and her family.


Kathy Springer Hendricks 60'	Jul 28, 2002	Boulder City, NV	Secretary
Our family lived up on Sultana near Duarte Road (across the street from the Zernickow's) just close enough to hear the wonderous sounds of that magical train whistle coming from the Kimball's "back yard". If memory serves me correctly our scout troop was given a tour of their yard, and of course we got to see the train up close and personal. We were always very proud that the Fire House 5 Plus 2 was part of our neighborhood and belonged to Temple City. Looking back, I remember Mr. Kimball as being way ahead of his time, wearing his round glasses, suspenders and bright colors. He always seemed willing to help with school functions. Jiminy Cricket is my favorite and combined with the voice of Cliff Edwards singing "When You Wish Upon A Star", I'm a goner. Over the years I've often thought how lucky and grateful I was to have the Kimball's as neighbors. It's a honor to have the opportunity to say "Thank you Mr. Kimball for the wonderful memories." To Mrs. Kimball and family I send my heartfelt condolences.


Mike Kim 93'	Aug 16, 2002	Orange, CA	Accountant
I am truly sad to hear that Mr. Kimball passed away. I remember in kindergarten that we took a little field trip to his house. So many memories! Also, my cousins grew up on the corner of Sultana and Ardendale, so we used to go all the time! He was so nice to us, and I'm sure there were many times where we were pestering him! May he rest in peace, and my condolences to his family. He will be greatly missed.


Rocky Curtiss	Aug 28, 2002	Redlands, CA	Production Manager
Sneaking into the Kimball back yard was one of the joys of growing up in Temple City, even the times we were caught, because Betty Kimball was such a sweet person, and we were NEVER run off, but kindly told to "be careful." Having lost my own parents, both in 2000, it is another sad feeling to add to my emotions at this stage of my life.


Cheryl Kane Roe	Sep 01, 2002	East Bernstadt, KY	Attendance Clerk
My childhood home backed up to the Kimball property. The train barn was right next to my bedroom from 1962 thru 1971. The property was always a mystery to the neighborhood. Mr. Kimball would get the trains out on Saturday mornings and run them up the tracks. As an adult I can appreciate how patient the Kimballs were with the neighborhood children. As a city kid and now a country adult I also appreciate their property as a island of peace with lots of country charm. I am saddened by his passing.


Pat Widder	Sep 04, 2002	Ojai CA	Motorcycle Clothing Mfg
You have a good memory Cheryl. When Gary Digrado, Jim Callas, Larry Bennett and I would sneak into the Kimball's backyard to play on the trains, we always knew we could hop your fence if caught because your mom was so nice (we never had to). Do you remember the time you and I drank the rainwater off your roof? Funny how such trivial memories are retained. The Kimballs were wonderful people and I loved waking up on those special weekends to the train bells. We were too young to know at the time how talented Ward was.


Tom Alexander	Sep 05, 2002	Oceanview, Hawaii	Woodworker
Chloe Kimball was my close friend and classmate. When I saw Wards personal art in there home,it was completely different than Disney characters. They were adult and all had the element of surprise. My favorite expression by Ward was the painting of a 3-1/2 ft. long watermelon. I believe he had embellished it with watermelon seeds,but the melon had this 4" door mounted on the surface,around the middle area."That's Ward for ya",tempt the curiousity! Inside was a huge stuffed Japanese black Bettle! It looked like a very big ugly seed,after the shock! Another conversation piece was the medical school skeleton hanging in the hallway upright coffin. Cool! He loved people to have fun in his life. What an incrediable person he was. The world has lost a truly great man. I'm so glad to have known the Kimballs.


Alan Davis	Oct 18, 2002	Colorado
I met Ward Kimball in 1985. He was quite the character and it was really fun meeting him. His talent as an artist and his love of trains will always be remembered. It is great to see that his work for Disney will live on as a tribute to this extremely talented man!


Bruce Fletcher	Nov 13, 2002	Vista, Ca.	Engineer
Earlier this year I was thinking about the family Kimball and found gobs of stuff about Ward on the internet. The volume of material seemed endless and spanned continents. What a man. I knew him only a little but went to school with John and Chloe. This is the first news I have had that tells me they are well and for that I am greatful. I always had a soft spot for Chloe. I loved her individualism which I'm sure was spawned by being Ward's daughter. Dear Kimballs,I am sorry for your loss but I doubt if a better life could have been lived by anyone. And Chloe, if you read this, drop me an e-mail. I would love to hear from you.


Joe Mathis Sr.	Dec 28, 2002	Las Vegas, NV, 89101	Retired stagehand
Several times, I was privileged to speak with Ward in between sets (with Firehouse 5), at Turk Murphy's club in San Francisco. He also visited us at the Gaslighter Theater in San Jose, CA. We have collected everything (I think) that the Firehouse 5 recorded. I last spoke with him via phone about 2 years ago. We will always miss him and his great music.


Marcia Rudd Lyons	Jan 20, 2003	Santa Cruz, CA	retired
My father, Art Rudd, knew Ward Kimball when he was building his railroad. My parents would bring me and my sisters to his house to work on and ride the train. I have great memories of the Kimball's and their wonderfully excentric ways and house. We always looked forward to the great Xmas Cards too. I have now inherited them as my parents both have passed on, my Mom last may. I just gave my grandson the model my dad made of the Grizzley Flats RR Station for his RR collection. My sincere sympathy to the family in their loss.


Matt Berkebile	Jan 28, 2003	Johnstown PA
Read about your backyard railroad in walt disneys railroad story. Shame that you passed away, hopefully you will run into your long time buddy Walt in Heaven.


Pete Episcopo	Mar 01, 2003	Jackson, NJ	Producer/Media Director
I'd just like to express my gratitude for folks like Ward Kimball and their contributions to such a wonderful and lasting legacy of Disney animation, design, and entertainment. My deepest sympathy to the Kimball family in their loss. My son, Jordan, will be raised to know who Ward was and his special place in the Disney story.


Dale Burton	Mar 06, 2003	Tucson, Az.	Ret. Air Force
I grew up in Bakersfield, Ca. as will as my wife Wanda. While in grade school and high school, I remember Ward Kimball quite well when he was playing with the Fire House Five. That was one of my Favorite Dixie Land Bands even in grade school. I remember when thay played at the Lebec Hotel south of Bakersfield on the ridge route or 99 hiway then, and Disney Land as well. I stll have with me, some 78 rpm records that my mom bought me back in the late 40s and early 50s of the Jazz Band along with 8 LP records. I have often wondered what happen to the ones that made up that beautiful music they all played so well. I am 65 years old and both my wife and I are doing quite well. I am very thankful that I can always listen to this music as I have put it on tape to listen in our van. I was shocked when I loged on to this page and read anout Ward passing as it was the first I had heard. He will surley be missed by all of his contrubutions he has given to AMERICA.


Dale Burton	Mar 06, 2003	Tucson, Az.	Ret. Air Force
I have already written an article. I wanted to ask if anyone knew where I could purchase a video of the Fire House Five? It would be movies converted to video of some sort. Thanks very much. Dale Burton


Gerald Hunter	Mar 11, 2003	Torrance,Ca.	Postman
My family and I lived in the apts at 6805 Rosemead in the - early 80s,Try to imagine a young train nut reading a book or magazine and railroad noises coming from a nieghberhood miles away from any supposed tracks!This mystery was finally solved by a minor fracas in the nieghberhood that made me walk staight to the Kimballs house and nirvana!My brother the artist had me well versed in the details of the great animator/artist and it was a great experience to see the grizzley flats intact. I was much to shy to meet the Kimballs, But I was held in high esteem by my brother for the find!As A member of the Orange Empire Railroad Museum Thank you for the chance to preserve and display Emma Nevada along with the other priceless pieces from a pioneer in rail history.Lastly thanks for the childhood memories.


Heather Allen	Mar 23, 2003	Sierra Madre, CA
Oh my goodness...I was just watching the Oscars tonight and saw Ward's photo among the honored deceased in the memorial segment. I didn't realize he had passed away. (sniffle, sniffle) When I was about 12 years old I was an avid Disneyana fan. Our family suscribed to "The Disney Channel" and back then they aired the Disney Family Album show. I saw Mr. Kimball on the show and never forgot his face. Some time later, I was shopping in a grocery store in Arcadia, CA (very close to my home) and I RECOGNIZED HIM in one of the aisles! Well, I just about jumped out of my skin! I wanted to go up and talk to him but my mom was reticent to let me go because she wasn't sure it was him. At this time, I did not know that he lived in San Gabriel, CA. Well, I wrote to the Disney Channel and they forwarded my letter to Mr. Kimball. Lo and behold, a personal letter from Grizzly Flats R.R. arrived in the mail! Mr. Kimball assured me that I was probably right...it probably WAS him in the store. (THEN my mom believed me!) I received a nice signed letter from him, which I still have today. I'll always think of him when I pass Ardendale, which is about 20 minutes from my home. Rest in peace, Mr. Kimballl and thank you for inspiring a young Disney devotee. :-)


Melissa Nash Coury	Mar 24, 2003	New Haven, CT	appraiser
I had forgotten about Ward Kimball until I was watching the Oscars last night and saw his photo. He and my father were friends many, many years ago and we would visit him (and his railroad!) from our home in Sierra Madre. I've also looked in my albums and find I have a photo of Ward and my father in some kind of Chinese hats at the old Pony Express Museum in Arcadia, ca. 1954. Bill Harrah had bought the museum and was moving it to Reno. My parents were the appraisers and Ward had come by to visit. I noticed a message from Art Rudd's daughter. I know he was also a friend of my parents (Bob and Margaret Nash of Sierra Madre -- they had an antiques shop there from 1946 to 1956). Perhaps they knew him through Ward. I really don't remember. But seeing the picture of Ward on television last night bought back many great childhood memories. I wish I had known then just how important Ward was. I just thought he was a great adult who acted like a kid and my brother and I loved it. My condolences to his family.


Raul Moreno	Mar 24, 2003	Hollywood,ca	Voice Talent
I never met Ward,but have always been a fan if the work he did with Disney.My cat is named Figaro in honor of Disney cat of the same name.Over the years,I heard the stories of his great trains in his backyard and always hoped to visit.But that never came about.My good friend Leonard Maltin told me about his many times interviewing Ward and the wealth of information he was when it came to Disney.God Bless you,Ward.I am sure that Walt will be happy to see you.


Richard Young	Apr 08, 2003	Portland, OR	broker
As fan of all things Disney and of the Old West, living in Montebello, CA I was keenly aware of Ward's home and yard in San Gabriel,CA. I would have my folks drive me by hopeing to see more than just the old cattle car parked at the street end of the tracks and wondering what magic was in the old barn at the other end. In my 20th year I found a hard bound book a "1905 Railroad Atlas" Mustering some courage I drove to ward's home and rang the bell, Ward answered the door and I showed him the Atlas and ask if he would like it, He ask how much, and I told him all I wanted was to see his collection. He ask for my address and said he would contact me for the next "Steam UP". After a wait of several months I received a color postcard from the Grizzly Flats RR, which I still treasure.That Oct. I had my long awaited tour. I have great pictures and memories of that day, and Wards kindness. I will never forget Ward Kimball.


Joe Mathis	Jun 11, 2003	Las Vegas, Nevada	retired stagehand
I first saw Ward, with the Firehouse 5, at Santa Monica,circa 1960(?) sharing the stage with Pete Fountain and Red Nichols. Next, I met him at one of his Firehouse gigs at Turk Murphy's club on Clay Street, San Francisco.I saw him again when he stopped by the Gaslighter Theater in San Jose (where I was performing in melodrama)Whenever he was performing anywhere near us, we made sure to go and enjoy that happy time music. My wife and I became fans of Ward and the Firehouse 5. I believe we have most of their works on 33 rpm LP's, CD's and even a 78 rpm. The music and cartoon world lost a unique person with the passing of Ward. I am glad I had a chance to phone him in 2001 for a brief chat, especially to thank him and the FH5 for the hours of pleasure we still get from his music. We continue to miss him.


Annette Jackson	Mar 23, 2004	Petersburg, VA	Federal employee
Going to swim in Betty and Ward Kimball's pool was always a highlight of the summer. They were such wonderful people and so accepting of everyone.


David Large	Jun 06, 2004	Libby, Montana	retired
Ward, you were the last of your kind and you will be missed.........


Robert Butler	Aug 09, 2004	Cypress, Ca	Illustrator
As a diehard fan of the Firehouse Five Plus Two I was honored to visit with Ward, at his home, in 1994, 1995 and in 2000 and had many hilarious and informative conversations with him regarding the FH5+2 and his career at Disney. I was too young to ever see the FH5+2 and didn't learn of the band until the 1980's. When I purchased my first FH5+2 record that's all it took for me to be completely taken by his band. I really miss being able to call him up at anytime and chatting with him. He was kind enough to give me his permission to use the "Firehouse" name and we started the Firehouse Stompers Dixieland Jazz Band. FH5+2 alumni George Probert has guest starred with us several times. Ward WAS a genius!


Gary Lineback	Oct 14, 2004	Kennesaw, GA	Structural Engineer
Many were the times as young kids we would sneak over the fence and into the barn to climb on the steam engines. We would be so quiet. It was like sneaking into Disneyland at night with no one there. Glorious, it was. Sometimes Ward would catch us and......give us a tour, explaining this or that..... Does anyone know what is to become of the place and the engines and the cars...?


Harry Stottle	Mar 11, 2005	Baile Atha Cliath , Eire	Writer
I won't forget his music .


Mike French	Mar 30, 2005	Hampton, VA	Engineer / Pilot /Trombonist
Ward Kimball has been my folk hero since 1984 when I first heard of the Firehouse Five Plus Two and began buying all of their LP Records. I am also a trombone player and still enjoy playing the stereo and shadowing Ward on his trombone parts. I read every word on the record jackets many times and was fascinated by Ward's concept of dressing his players like firemen and riding to parades and events on his restored fire engines and playing Dixie Land Jazz. When I learned that Ward was also a lead Disney Animator, I began a total immersion study in videos and books on the works of this colorful era. Casey Jones, Lucifer, and the Crows in Dumbo plus Jimminy Cricket had Ward's masterfull style and creative genius written all over them. I am also a machinery restorer and in 1992 an antique fire engine followed me home. Motivitad by Ward's spirit, I got the pumper rig operational began using it in parades and local car shows. When a friend (Dressed as a fireman) was available to drive the truck in parades, this allowed me (also dressed like a Fireman)to play jazz trombone on the back of the fire engine, ala Ward. Almost there. A local Dixieland band was playing at my church's picnic and I brought the fire engine over to give rides to kids of all ages. Before lunch, I asked the the Dixieland Band to do a photo shoot and play a few songs on the back of the fire engine. Dream Fulfilled ! I began corresponding with Ward by snail mail in 1990 and he sent me back articles on the planned transition of his railroad equipment to the Orange Empire Railroad Museum. What an innovative planner and a generous person! In Jan 1999 a business trip found me in the Los Angeles area. I delayed my stay for two days to pay my respects to Ward and Betty in person (if possible) and see the Orange Empire Museum. Yes, I'm a train buff, too, but not a collector. I was excited when I found Ardendale Ave and Ward and Betty's home. Ward's train track layout was still in place which was a good sign. I went to the nearest McDonalds restaurant and called the Kimball residence. The line was busy so at least I wouldn't be waking up the household. I drove back to the Kimball's home and a white car that wasn't there earlier was now in the driveway. I realized a sighting may be possible. I had changed into a Mickey Mouse Shirt and a railroader's cap at the McDonalds and had a bunch of train info for Ward. I mustered my courage to knock on Ward's door. I soon was geeted by the Master, himself, and I introduced myself as the leader of his East Coast Fan Club. Ward explained that he had just driven Betty to a Garden Club meeting and asked me if I would like to see the Grizzly Flats backyard railroad. WOW, would I ever! I still can't believe to this day that Ward and I spent almost an hour and a half touring his Depot, Toy Store, Toy Train Shop, Firehouse, and Locomotive shelter. We talked about a wide variety of subjects and I just wished I had other friends to also enjoy such a mountain top experience. What a sharp and brilliant individual and a memory like a steel trap! I was equally impressed that Ward was as humble as he is great. What a fascinating link to a colorful past, and as I mentioned, Big Time Generous ! The last thing I wanted to do was wear out my welcome and I knew Ward needed to pick up Betty from her meeting. Before departing, I told Ward I was enroute to the Orange Empire Museum and looked forward to seeing his donations. I was walking on air as we shook hands and I wished Ward "ONWARD and UPWARD" as he signs a lot of his correspondence. He answered with EXCELSIOR!! After a visit to CHINO Airport (Yes, I love airplanes, too)the Orange Empire Railroad Museum was easy to locate and I talked with a few of the staff and curators about the museum and my visit with Master Ward. It was easy to tell that the OERM folks also hold Ward in highest esteem and always look forward to his visits and lectures. They were also a bit envious of the Quality Time that I spent with Ward at the his GFRR back yard layout. Paying my respects to Ward and visiting his back yard plus the Orange Empire Railroad Museum visit was absolute fulfillment of many dreams. My only regrets were not having met Ward sooner in life and missing the opportunity to help him with the establishment and operation of the GFRR and playing trombone along with the Fire House Five band. The Cup Runneth Over !! Thanks be to God for my Friend, Ward Kimball!! Sincerely and Much in Awe ! Mike French


Robert Butler	May 28, 2005	Cypress, Ca	Illustrator
IN RESPONSE TO DALE BURTON'S request for Firehouse Five Plus Two (FH5+2) VHS and DVD footage. There is the Snader Telescriptions on VHS and DVD with the FH5+2 in 1951 along with Red Nichols and Pete Daily. There is also the Disney's "Frank and Ollie" VHS and DVD about those two Disney animators who where two of Disney's NINE OLD MEN. The DVD has a bonus section with the FH5+2 performing "Panama" on the Steve Allen Show in 1962 along with priceless FH5+2 home movies. The documentary was made by Ted Thomas, Frank's son. There's more but I don't want to take up too much space. I can also let Dale know what happened to ALL of the ex FH5+2 alumni. FH5+2 soprano sax alumni George Probert has guest starred with us, as well as K.O.Eckland (FH5+2 pianist) and Don Kinch (FH5+2 cornet and tuba) might sit in with us at the Washington Ocean Shores Jazz Festival Nov. 2005. I'm not sure if Dale will get this message or how to direct this message to Dale. To contact me our Firehouse Stompers band's website is www.firehousestompers.com. I have nothing to do with selling that footage. I can simply tell Dale what all is out there and where to buy most of it as I did. All of their recorded material is on DVD as well. If anyone knows Dale could you please pass along this information? Robert Butler


JAMIE LIDDLE '98	Aug 09, 2005	RANCHO CUCAMONGA CA
NOT LONG AFTER COMING TO WORK AT THE MARIE CALLENDERS IN ARCADIA [ON BALDWIN AVE]I WAS INFORMED THAT "THE GUY WHO DREW JIMMINY CRICKET" WAS ONE OF THE REGULARS. BEING AN AVID DISNEY FAN I SAID TO MYSELF "THE NEXT TIME HE COMES IN HERE I'M GONNA GET HIS AUTOGRAPH" WELL THE NEXT TIME HE CAME IN [BLACK HAT, COKE BOTTLE BLACK RIM GLASSES AND ALL] I TOLD HIM EXACTALLY WHAT I HAD PROMISED MYSELF WORD FOR WORD & ASKED IF HE MINDED, HE DIDN'T SAY MUCH AND I WONDERED IF I HAD BOTHERD HIM, BUT AS I LOOKED DOWN AT THE PIECE OF EXTRA REGISTER PAPER[THAT I STILL HAVE] AND READ IT I KNEW I HADN'T 'CAUSE UNDER NEATH IS SIGNATURE HE HAD WRITTEN... [HIS AUTOGRAPH] GOD BLESS HIM AND HIS FAMILY.

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