Sunday, July 1, 2012

Buena Vista Street History: Elias & Co. Department Store, 2750 Buena Vista St.


Origins of name: The largest shopping location on Buena Vista Street, Elias & Co. pays tribute to Walt Disney's father, Elias Disney. (Walt Disney's middle name also was Elias.) Elias Disney was born in Ontario, Canada in 1859, and immigrated to California in 1878 during the Gold Rush. Eventually, Elias Disney settled with wife Flora in Chicago, where their youngest child, Walter Elias Disney, was born in 1901. Elias Disney named Walt after his friend, the Rev. Walter Parr of Chicago's St. Paul Congregational Church.
Fictional back story: Fittingly, Elias & Co. bills itself as "a name you know and trust!" Inside the opulent, art deco-style department store, customers can expect to find "fashions for her, fashions for him, toys for the kids, great gift ideas, friendly service and much, much more!"
Street address: No significance.
What it really sells: Apparel, watches, handbags, accessories, etc.

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