This vintage photo from March 31, 1958, shows the opening ceremony for the Grand Canyon Diorama. Walt Disney and Santa Fe Railroad chairman Fred Gurley are shown presiding over the festivities held at the tunnel entrance located near the Tomorrowland station. A 96-year-old Hopi Indian chief, Chief Nevangnewa, blessed the trains on the diorama’s opening day; if the guy in white on the left of this photo is Chief Nevangnewa, he looks pretty good for 96!
Walt sure looks happy as the little Indian boy appears to be making marks in the dirt. Gurley looks a little stiff; maybe not the best dinner guest you'd want to invite over for your next party.
As the first train approaches the tunnel, the little Indian boy is left behind to wave. What a bummer. I came to Disneyland and all I got was this stupid stick.
See more vintage & current Grand Canyon Diorama photos on my Grand Canyon Diorama web page.
