The Curious Tale of Disneyland's Forgotten Tobacco Shop

TLDRIn the early days of Disneyland, there was a tobacco shop on Main Street where guests could buy cigarettes, pipes, and cigars. This shop, which is now largely forgotten, reflects a time when smoking was more common and accepted. Despite Disney's anti-smoking stance, the company has had an interesting history with tobacco. The shop was operated by Henry Fennen Brock, a self-made entrepreneur with a fascinating life story. The tobacco shop no longer exists, but it serves as a reminder of Disneyland's unique and ever-evolving history.

Key insights

🚬The tobacco shop on Main Street in Disneyland was a reflection of the times when smoking was more common and socially acceptable.

💼The tobacco shop was operated by Henry Fennen Brock, a self-made entrepreneur with a fascinating background.

🏰Despite Disney's anti-smoking stance, the company has had an interesting and storied relationship with tobacco.

🌽The shop offers a glimpse into the early days of Main Street, which had a more diverse mix of commercial tenants.

🗝️The tobacco shop, although largely forgotten, is a reminder of Disneyland's unique and ever-evolving history.

Q&A

Why did Disneyland have a tobacco shop?

In the early days of Disneyland, smoking was more common and accepted. The tobacco shop provided guests with a place to buy cigarettes, pipes, and cigars.

Who operated the tobacco shop in Disneyland?

The tobacco shop was operated by Henry Fennen Brock, a self-made entrepreneur with a fascinating background.

What was Disney's stance on smoking?

Disney has historically been anti-smoking and has implemented strict rules against smoking in the parks. However, the company's history with tobacco is more nuanced.

What happened to the tobacco shop?

The tobacco shop no longer exists in Disneyland. Over time, smoking became less common and socially acceptable, leading to its closure.

Why is the tobacco shop largely forgotten?

The tobacco shop is largely forgotten because it did not have a major sponsor and was not extensively promoted. Additionally, the shop was not a focus of documentation or merchandise.

Timestamped Summary

00:02The tobacco shop on Main Street in Disneyland was a reflection of the times when smoking was more common and socially acceptable.

01:53The shop was operated by Henry Fennen Brock, a self-made entrepreneur with a fascinating background.

08:01Disney has historically been anti-smoking, but the company has had an interesting and storied relationship with tobacco.

10:59The tobacco shop no longer exists in Disneyland, but it serves as a reminder of Disneyland's unique and ever-evolving history.