Visitors line up to enter the birthplace of Walt Disney at the corner of North Tripp Avenue and West Palmer Street in Chicago’s Hermosa neighborhood on Oct. 15, 2023, during Open House Chicago. Disney was born on the home’s second floor in 1901 and lived there until his family moved to Missouri in 1906. CHICAGO — In Chicago’s Hermosa neighborhood, a modest two-story home sits on North Tripp Avenue.
Elias Disney, Walt’s father, purchased the property at 2156 N. Tripp Ave. in 1891. The following year he got a permit to build the two-story wood cottage for $800, and Flora, Walt’s mother, crafted the architectural plans. In early 1893, the couple and their two sons, Herbert and Raymond, moved in. Their third son, Roy, was born soon after. In a second-floor bedroom, Walter Elias Disney was born on Dec. 5, 1901.
There’s also a colorized photo of Walt and his younger sister, Ruth, at the home in 1905 inside the parlor. “All the innovations that were debuted there, including the first Ferris wheel, Cracker Jacks, Wrigley’s Juicy Fruit gum, a machine that would wash the dishes, elevators, typewriters and more,” Frachey said. “Did they sit in this parlor and read the book called ‘The Wizard of Oz’?”The tour then went through the family’s dining room and kitchen, which included items such as a washboard, a butter churn and a rug beater.