Rural 'dreaming trees' and home-schooling created the origins of Walt Disney

J.R.R. Tolkien in The Lord of the Rings, Norman McLean in A River Runs Through It and many other well-known writers have been inspired by the lush natural trees and animals of the countryside as the source of their creative inspiration.
Walt Disney was no different.

Walt was born in the big city of Chicago.
However, his father Elias chose to avoid raising his children in the unsafe big city and chose to raise them in the countryside, which later became a major source of Walt.

The family moved to a farm in Marcellin, Missouri, and Walt loved it so much that he and his sister Ruth followed their mother everywhere and helped her with her work.

"Picnics in the nearby woods and close contact with animals such as badgers and foxes led to a rich love of nature that remained with him throughout his life" (from Disney Chronicles 1901-2001).

Father Elias and mother Flora

Young Walt and his sister Ruth, Chicago.

In particular, the large boxwood willow tree, known as the 'Dreaming Tree', was Walt's favorite place to spend time with young Ruth, whom he was responsible for looking after.

His parents were completely unaware of Walt's artistic talents, but his aunt, Margaret, recognized his talent and gave him a drawing book and pencils.

Walt often sketched under these trees and others.
Walt later said, "This place was the cradle of creativity!"

Walt and his brother Roy in front of the "Dreaming Tree"

Walt did not attend school until Ruth reached school age, during which time she was educated by her mother.

The origins of Disney, which now attracts billions of people all over the world, can be traced back to the rich countryside and family education, especially by his Aunt Margaret, who never lost interest in children.

With his mother Flora and sister Ruth in Marcellin." The children are reminiscent of "Tom Sawyer" and show a different resilience from their Chicago days.

Marcellin station in 1915. It shows the source of the Western River Railway.

The town of Marcellin. The same atmosphere of Disneyland's Main Street can be felt.

Today, many children today live in the concrete of the city.
Most of their free time is taken up by the world of games, and I am very worried about their future.
I hope that all children will be given the opportunity to experience nature as much as possible.