Just two weeks after Walt Disney died in 1966, Beverly Butrum was inspired to get a job at Disneyland, and she liked it so much, she stayed until 2003. From the grand opening of The Disney Gallery on this day in 1987 until her retirement, Butrum was a staple of the Gallery and had her own following of guests who considered her a “must-see” attraction. She recalls, “Guests were thrilled over the chance to learn more about Disney and to honor the Disney artists.” In fact, one of the things she loved best was the chance to hear the guests’ appreciation for those artists and Imagineers who developed the world’s most beloved characters and attractions. Both Butrum and the Disney Gallery played host over the years to many of the greatest Disney Legends for signings and special events. With her longtime working knowledge of the park and her enthusiasm for the Company, Butrum was right at home amongst the artwork, models, and artifacts from Disney’s history. Until Walt Disney’s death, the Disney Gallery space had been planned as an apartment for Walt and his brother Roy for those times when they would stay at Disneyland. And although those plans never became a reality, if you look at the ornate wrought iron railings on the balcony, you can still see the initials of WD and RD. As Butrum explains, “People were always excited to find out that the old site for the Gallery was intended as the private apartment that Walt had chosen to use with his family one day. That bit of history seemed to help the guests connect with Walt, the creative genius, who had had such a big impact on our lives and who had died much too young.”
