Walter Knott, Knott's Berry Farm

Walter Knott, Knott's Berry Farm, My Personal Story
By Chris MacDonald

In 1977, my father interviewed Walter Knott's daughter, Marion, for newspaper and magazine cover stories on her role in helping develop Buena Park's Knott's Berry Farm into one of the nation's greatest theme parks. My dad has loved Knott's since he first saw the ghost town in 1954. Not long thereafter, Walt Disney, a big fan of Knott's, told the Knott family upon the opening of Disneyland that there will be enough business for both of us.” Indeed there was as millions visit both each year. The two parks are different and Knott's has a unique Old West feel with its 75-year-old Ghost Town. As Marion proudly told my pop, Disneyland offers Fantasyland and Tomorrowland but we offer nostalgia and roots and the best homemade chicken and berry jam anywhere!”

On Oct. 3, 1977, my father wrote Walter about his personal interviews with Marion and how sorry he was not to run into him on the farm. One of the major gifts you have presented everyone is ‘Happiness.' And once you get a dose of it, it's contagious indeed. From the moment anyone walks into your farm, he or she is met with a magical force. Problems are forgotten, prejudices are put aside and life becomes more pleasant. These good times carry over long after the visitor returns home.

The spirit of Knott's reminds people of our country's heritage as well as the present. It shows how a struggling farmer overcame endless hurdles to make an invaluable contribution to society. Your farm has influenced the lives of millions—giving them renewed hope in their personal worlds. It also reminds us that America always has been a land of opportunity for those who combine curiosity, confidence, creativity, enthusiasm and hard work to make dreams come true. Thanks for doing your part in helping the world be a better place!”

On Oct. 5, 1977, Walter Knott wrote my dad a letter. Thank you for your nice letter. Everyone likes to have their work appreciated and I'm especially pleased you would take the time to write and express your feelings. When we started, we intended that the things we built would be authentic and entertaining and we've done many things to make it educational as well. In recreating important events in our history, we have tried to capture something of the spirit of the people who lived during those times. Letters such as yours make us feel we must be on the right track. I am taking the liberty of mailing you a picture of myself with Independence Hall in the background. Independence Hall is very special to me and still remains my favorite of all the things we have done here. Best wishes, Walter Knott.”

Book review: "Walter Knott & Family—Knott's Berry Farm" by Mike Heywood

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