Slow Burn – One Year: 1955 – The Crockett Craze

Intro

In this episode of Slow Burn, titled “One Year: 1955 – The Crockett Craze,” the podcast explores the transformative impact of the Davy Crockett craze on American culture. From the rise of Walt Disney Studios to the opening of Disneyland, this episode delves into the phenomenon that captivated children and adults alike in 1955.

Main Takeaways

The Rise of Davy Crockett

• Davy Crockett became the most famous man in America in 1955, sparking a craze that swept the nation.
• Children and adults embraced the Davy Crockett craze, wearing coonskin caps and singing along to the theme song.
• The demand for Davy Crockett merchandise soared, generating $100 million in just three months.
• The TV show, Walt Disney’s Disneyland, featured Davy Crockett and played a pivotal role in fueling the craze.

Walt Disney and Disneyland

• Walt Disney Studios faced financial struggles in the late 1940s and early 1950s.
• Disney found a new purpose and obsession with miniature trains, which inspired his vision for a grand amusement park.
• Disneyland’s location in Anaheim was strategically chosen to capitalize on the suburban explosion and population growth in Orange County.
• The TV show, Walt Disney’s Disneyland, premiered in 1954 and served as a platform to advertise the upcoming amusement park.

The Opening of Disneyland

• Disneyland opened in 1955 with a live broadcast that captured the excitement and showcased the park’s beauty.
• Despite numerous issues on opening day, including ride breakdowns and a gas leak, the park enchanted viewers at home.
• Fess Parker’s portrayal of Davy Crockett on horseback added to the park’s draw and thrilled audiences.
• Television played a crucial role in saving Walt Disney’s dream project, as it generated revenue and captured the hearts of viewers.

The Decline of the Davy Crockett Craze

• The Davy Crockett craze began to decline due to intellectual backlash and critique of historical inaccuracies.
• The demise of the craze was marked by the decline in sales of coonskin caps and the waning popularity of the Davy Crockett song.
• Disney revived the show with two more episodes, but they did not perform as well as the originals.
• The end of the craze did not dampen Walt Disney’s success, as he had already achieved more than he had hoped for from Davy Crockett.

Summary

The Rise of Davy Crockett

In 1955, the Davy Crockett craze took America by storm, transforming American culture and inspiring millions of kids to imitate what they saw on TV. The TV show, Walt Disney’s Disneyland, played a pivotal role in fueling the craze, with each episode featuring one of Disneyland’s distinct worlds. Davy Crockett became a symbol of American exceptionalism and the self-made man, capturing the hearts of children and adults alike.

Walt Disney and Disneyland

Walt Disney’s vision for Disneyland was born out of his passion for miniature trains and his desire to create a modern theme park. The location of Disneyland in Anaheim was a strategic bet on the suburban explosion and population growth in Orange County. The TV show, Walt Disney’s Disneyland, served as a platform to advertise the upcoming amusement park and secure the necessary funding. Walt Disney’s dedication and creativity paved the way for the realization of his dream project.

The Opening of Disneyland

Despite numerous issues on opening day, Disneyland captivated viewers at home with its beauty and excitement. The live broadcast of the park’s opening showcased the magic of Disneyland and solidified its place in American culture. Fess Parker’s portrayal of Davy Crockett on horseback added to the park’s draw and thrilled audiences. Television played a crucial role in saving Walt Disney’s dream project, as it generated revenue and captured the hearts of viewers.

The Decline of the Davy Crockett Craze

The Davy Crockett craze began to decline as critics pointed out historical inaccuracies and intellectual backlash grew. Sales of coonskin caps plummeted, and the Davy Crockett song lost its popularity. Disney’s attempts to revive the show with additional episodes fell short of the original success. However, the end of the craze did not diminish Walt Disney’s achievements, as he had already gained more than he had hoped for from Davy Crockett.

Conclusion

The Davy Crockett craze of 1955 left an indelible mark on American culture. It showcased the power of television in shaping popular trends and cemented Walt Disney’s position as a visionary. While the craze was short-lived, its impact on American society and the success of Disneyland cannot be understated. The rise and fall of Davy Crockett exemplify the mysterious nature of cultural phenomena and the ever-changing tastes of the public.