TLS, one page, 7.25 x 10, personal letterhead, September 8, 1966. Letter to Harvey Maxwell, author of the Lawn Bowler’s Guide. In full: “Many thanks for the copy of your book ‘The American Lawn Bowler’s Guide.’ I know I’m going to enjoy reading it and it may even improve my bowling. It’s no secret there is room for improvement. Anyway, whether or not I get any better at the game, I’m going to know how it’s done when I finish the book. I’ll look forward to seeing you at Smoke Tree.” Accompanied by a copy of Maxwell’s book (it’s unknown if this was the copy sent to Disney), an original vintage 14 x 11 photo of the participants in the 1966 Buck Hill Falls Mixed Open Doubles tournament, and a 1971 award, named the Disney Trophy, presented to Maxwell and his wife, for winning the April Triples at Laguna Beach. Letter, book, and photo rate fine condition (the letter is particularly clean and bright), and some light pitting and tarnish to award.
Ol’ Walt wasn’t joking when he told Maxwell his game needed help. One biographer noted that Disney’s main diversion from the studio was lawn bowling. “He wasn’t particularly good. Walt had never been good at sports and when an eighty-year-old bowler beat him, Walt advised him not to let it ‘go to our head’ since ‘everybody beats me’,” the author wrote.
Despite Disney’s assurance that he would see his friend at a lawn bowler’s game soon, it seems unlikely that came to fruition. Following x-rays in preparation for neck surgery, doctors discovered a large tumor on his left lung. His lung was removed and he was given six months to live. Disney died one month later, on December 15.
An out of the ordinary ensemble of items pertaining to the influential animator that directly relate to one of his few leisurely pursuits. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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