Q: A few years ago, we took the steam train tour. At the end of the tour, our guide who was wonderful, did a flip chart talk. In the flip chart was a section on Greenfield Village. Why was Greenfield Village so important to Walt that of all the places he visited, this was special enough to be mentioned. I live about a twenty minute ride from Greenfield Village.
Nicholas, Wyandotte, Michigan
A: Walt Disney first visited the Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village in 1940, and again eight years later. He was always fascinated by anything mechanical, so he spent a lot of time in the museum examining engines and old cars. But it was in the village that he found historic means of transportation, including a steamboat that traveled around an island, along with old homes, businesses, and even a carousel. No doubt when he left, he had visions of an entertainment venue he could create which would transport guests into a bygone era.