One-of-a-kind Santa Fe and Disneyland Railroad engineer’s cap, presented by Walt Disney to then-California Governor Goodwin Knight, and worn by Knight on the inaugural run of the E. P. Ripley train during Disneyland’s Opening Day on July 17, 1955. Fitted striped engineer’s cap bears a 3.5″ diameter Santa Fe & Disneyland patch on the front, and is accompanied by a 4 x 5 photo of Knight and Disney on the E. P. Ripley on opening day, with Knight wearing the cap, and also an 8 x 10 photo and Governor's card, each signed by Knight. The cap is in fine condition, with expected light wear.
On Sunday July 17, 1955, Disneyland opened its gates with an official dedication ceremony attended by 25,000 invited guests—an event witnessed across the nation by hundreds of thousands. Televised by ABC, the show began as the E. P. Ripley train made its first official trip along the Santa Fe Disneyland Railroad tracks; Mickey Mouse, Walt Disney, and California Governor Goodwin Knight led the way as the train’s engineers. Smiling ear-to-ear, wearing this history-laden hat, Knight stood by Disney as he offered his first words of welcome to the audience. The train ride was an instant favorite among all who visited the parks inception; it remains popular today. This cap—once displayed at the Disneyland Museum—is a whimsical piece of the park's history capturing the spirit of Walt Disney himself, who personally gifted this exceptional artifact.
