Tom Corless

Continuing our detailed coverage of the names behind the windows on down Main Street U.S.A. from Part I, we’re still heading down the western side of the street, about half-way up towards the castle. Right after Cecil Robinson’s name is:

JACK LINDQUIST

Jack Lindquist’s window reads Peterson Travel Agency / Reservations by Cable Anywhere in the World / Passages Boarded By Sea & Rail / “Exclusive Representatives for the Titanic” / Jack Lindquist, Purser

Lindquist started as the advertising manager at Disneyland in 1955, was named Vice President of Marketing for both Disneyland and Walt Disney World in 1971, and became President of Disneyland in October 1990. He retired in 1993, and was named a Disney Legend the following year.

As a former child actor who appeared as an extra in the “Our Gang” series and danced in the Lucille Ball film, “Best Foot Forward,” in 1955 Jack Lindquist was hired by Walt Disney as Disneyland’s first advertising manager. He was originally working in an LA-based advertising firm for corporate client at Disneyland. One day Jack had a meeting at the Park and fell in love with the place. He was working there the very next month. Jack was eventually involved in nearly every aspect of Disneyland including marketing the original “E tickets.”

In 1955, while working for a Los Angeles advertising firm as a consultant to one of the original Disneyland corporate participants, Jack had a meeting at the Park prior to its opening and “fell in love with the place.” One month later, he was working there.

He continued to move through the Disney ranks and later he set the course for marketing Walt Disney World, and in 1972, was named vice president of marketing for Disneyland and Walt Disney World. In 1976, he was named vice president of marketing for Walt Disney Attractions, and in 1982, was promoted to executive vice president of marketing and entertainment for all of the Company’s outdoor recreation activities.

Jack went on to set up the Marketing Division for Tokyo Disneyland, and a executive vice president of creative marketing concepts for Walt Disney Attractions he developed promotional and entertainment ideas for Disneyland, Walt Disney World, Tokyo Disneyland and Disneyland Paris. During his 38 years with the company, Jack was responsible for a number of classic Disney projects including, Walt Disney’s Magic Kingdom Club, Disney Dollars, the Disneyland Pigskin Classic, the Ambassador Program and Grad Nites. He was also one of the big supporters for Disney’s California Adventure.

After Jack’s window comes a window honoring Dave Gengenbach, Bob Gurr, George McGinnis, and Bill Watkins. Their window reads: The Big Wheel Co. / “One-of-a-Kind” / Unicycles – Horseless Carriages / Dave Gengenbach, Bob Gurr, George McGinnis, Bill Watkins.

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