Inside Walt Disney’s Life in Marceline

Walt Disney spent his boyhood years in Marceline, years he referred to as the best time of his life. Although the Disney family moved away in 1910, many of Walt's most beloved characters were inspired by his Marceline memories.


Beetle Bailey Statue University of Missouri Mort Walker

Cartoonist & University of Missouri Alumni Mort Walker is Born: September 3, 1923

Cartoonist Mort Walker, creator of Beetle Bailey, and loyal University of Missouri Alum was born on this day. Beetle Bailey’s Camp Swampy was modeled after Missouri’s Camp Crowder where Mort Walker had been stationed.  


Eugene Field

Eugene Field is Born in St. Louis: September 2, 1850

“The Children’s Poet,” Eugene Field was born on this day in St. Louis.  His boyhood home is now a the Eugene Field and Toy Museum at 634 South Broadway in St. Louis. 


Green screen and teleprompter

The Inventor of the Teleprompter is Born in St. Louis: August 14, 1919

Hubert "Hub" Schlafly was born in St. Louis. In 1950 he invented the teleprompter to help soap opera actors. It soon became the politician's best friend.


Actor & Kansas City Resident William Powell is Born: July 29, 1892

Legendary actor William Powell was born in Pennsylvania, though his family moved to Kansas City in 1907.


Molly Brown

Molly Brown is Born: July 18, 1867

Today is the birthday of a legendary Missourian—the "Unsinkable" Molly Brown.


William Lear

Inventor William Lear is Born Near Hannibal: June 26, 1902

William Powell Lear was born on this date near Hannibal.


Kathleen Turner

Kathleen Turner is Born in Springfield: June 19, 1954

The "Romancing the Stone" actress was born on this date in 1954.


Susan Blow illustration

“Mother of Kindergarten” Susan Blow is Born in Carondelet: June 7, 1843

Educator Susan Blow, credited with founding the first successful kindergarten program in the US was born on this date in Carondelet. 


William Duncan Vandiver

Willard Duncan Vandiver, Who Linked Missouri to the Phrase “Show Me,” Dies: May 30, 1932

William Duncan Vandiver, congressman from Missouri who is perhaps most known for saying "I'm from Missouri, you've got to show me," died on this date in 1932.