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SFD 353: Sent by McKim
05/23/2026
SFD 353: Sent by McKim
Travel through Disneyland history with postcards, park memories, and the artistry of Disney Legend Sam McKim. This episode begins with a colorful 1960 multi-view postcard featuring Sleeping Beauty Castle, the Mark Twain, the Jungle Cruise, the Monorail, and Submarine Voyage—capturing the excitement of Disneyland during one of its most ambitious eras of expansion. Along the way, we uncover the story behind the postcard’s unusual dual cancels and trace a summer day in the park filled with long hours, warm weather, and over 22,000 guests. The history segment shines a spotlight on Sam McKim, one of the most influential artists in Disney theme park history. From early concept art for Frontierland and Rivers of America to attraction posters, souvenir Fun Maps, and designs for the 1964 New York World’s Fair, McKim’s artwork helped define the visual identity of Disneyland and beyond. His career stretched from Disneyland’s opening years to EPCOT and Euro Disney, leaving a legacy still visible throughout the parks today. The second postcard visits Carefree Corner in 1963, offering a glimpse into a quieter but personal side of Disneyland history as guests registered for travel assistance and souvenirs in the park’s official information center. The episode continues exploring McKim’s later Imagineering work, including contributions to Haunted Mansion, Hall of Presidents, and Disney park cartography. Finally, an incoming postcard featuring a Bruce Lee stamp and motivational quote ties Disney inspiration to creativity and action, while also leading to a fascinating look at Disneyland attendance differences between a busy spring Saturday and Easter Sunday in 1963. From Main Street windows to souvenir maps and vintage mail, this episode celebrates the artists and guests who helped preserve Disneyland’s magic one postcard at a time. Below are some of the regulars on Art Throw Down, Follow all of them on Instagram anyway for great art and postcards in your Instagram feed: Hipstadufus, luluvision, jlynch9923, greenmosspaper, georgemailsart, state_of_the_funyun, RussRomano2021
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