Winter fun with Walt and Mickey

I found this really cool, no pun intended, photo of Walt recently. It took me awhile, but I've also found the story behind the image.


In his early days, Walt Disney had the time to partake in wintertime fun. Numerous photos exist of Walt and his wife Lillian engaged in winter activities, including tobogganing, ice-skating and skiing.

This photo was taken at Lake Arrowhead on January 19, 1933. Walt Disney has just presented the little girl, Mildred Chanter, with a Mickey Mouse doll created by seamstress Carolyn "Charlotte" Clark. Mildred won a "Mickey Mouse" snowman building contest. Judging by the looks of her snow sculpture, I'd say she deserved to win!

Turns out the contest wasn't a spur of the moment idea. The contest was part of a Mickey Mouse Club Mid-Winter get together. According to the December 31, 1932 Hamilton Daily News:

"...the Mid-Winter Snow Carnival, dedicated to Mickey Mouse...is to be held January 14 in the Arrowhead mountains. The affair will be under auspices of the Mickey Mouse clubs and 50,000 children are expected to attend."

During the 1930s, literally tens of thousands of children across America were members of the theater Mickey Mouse Club. At one point, Mouse Club members outnumbered the combined memberships of the Boy Scouts and Girl Guides. The Clubs held various special events for their members, including picnics, parades, contests and even a national convention.

I'm not sure how many children actually attended the Arrowhead Carnival, but judging by the expression on little Mildred Chanter's face, at least one attendee went away happy.