This Day in History- I love learning about the tributes that Disney implements in honor of the incredible men and women who are instrumental in the park’s creation! While it is no longer active, the first Magic Kingdom riverboat was named after Admiral Joe Fowler, the head of construction and the General Manager of Disneyland. Born July 9, 1894, Joe had an impressive career with the Navy which began when he graduated second in his class at the U.S. Naval Academy in 1917. He earned a master’s degree in naval architecture in
1921 from MIT and went on to design and build aircraft carriers during both wars, including the U.S.S. Lexington & the U.S.S. Saratoga, the two largest carriers during that time. During WW2, Joe was also in charge of the West Coast shipyards. Joe had a successful and long-lasting Navy career, retiring at 35 years as a rear admiral.
A few years after his retirement, Joe was appointed by President Truman as civilian director of the Federal Supply Management Agency, to help cut back costs. His contributions earned him congressional praise. It was at the age of 60, that Joe met Walt and soon began a 25-year career with Walt Disney Productions! Joe wore many hats with the company as head of construction for both parks, general manager of Disneyland, technical advisor for the film 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, senior vice president for Walt Disney Productions, chairman of the WED Enterprises (now Walt Disney Imagineering) board, and construction director for Disney’s Buena Vista Construction Company in Florida. WOW…impressive for anyone, let alone a “senior citizen!” Joe officially retired in 1978 at the young age of 85.
Joe passed away in Orlando, Florida on December 3, 1993 at the age of 99. He was an extraordinary man with a “Can do” (and did) attitude. Next time you board the Admiral Joe Fowler ferryboat towards Magic Kingdom Park, take a moment to remember his great accomplishments and one of his great legacy’s before you. ❤️Tara
