September 3, 1910 – Imagineer and Disney Legend Yale Gracey is Born
“Whenever we needed a special effect, we went to Yale.” – John Hench, Imagineer and Disney Legend
On September 3, 1910, Yale Gracey was born in Shanghai, China. Gracey was the son of an American consul, and attended an English boarding school before moving to the United States to study at the Art Center School of Design. Gracey began his career at the Disney Studios in 1939, working as a layout artist on Pinocchio and Fantasia, as well as for several short films. During his lunch hour, Gracey would work on gadgets and models, some of which caught Walt Disney’s attention; Gracey was then offered a position in WED Enterprises to create attractions and special effects for Disneyland. He began work at WED as a research and development designer, creating several illusions that are still well-known and loved today, including the “grim, grinning ghosts” in the Haunted Mansion. Gracey also worked extensively on the attractions for the 1964-1965 World’s Fair, including the Carousel of Progress. Gracey retired in 1975 after 36 years of work with the company, but continued to serve as a consultant for new attractions at Walt Disney World. He passed away on September 5, 1983. In 1999, Gracey was honored as a Disney Legend for his work as an Imagineer.
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