THE OBITUARY

Announcement: Karl Bacon RIP

Legendary amusement industry pioneer Karl Bacon passed away in California on Nov. 14, 2008. He was 98.

Born in Oakland, Maine in 1910, Bacon was an intelligent, kind-hearted individual who rose to fame thanks to a small machine shop in Mountain View, Calif. where he teamed up with Ed Morgan to create Arrow Development. In collaboration with Walt Disney, Arrow created many of the memorable attractions at Disneyland and the other Disney theme parks.

But Arrow's most important contribution was the impact the company made on the world of steel roller coasters. Bacon and Morgan revolutionized the industry with Disneyland's Matterhorn Bobsleds. Thanks to that ground-breaking ride, Arrow's innovative use of tubular track and soft polyurethane composite wheels allowed coasters do more than anyone ever thought possible. Bacon and Morgan went on to create a number of increasingly complex and daring coasters as well as other amusement rides such as the log flume, a reworked Steeplechase, Suspended Coaster and antique cars.

Bacon and Morgan were inducted into the “Hall of Fame Living Legends” by the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions in 1998.

Ed Morgan's son, Dana, remembers Bacon with fondness. "Karl and my dad were a great team. Working together, they changed the face of the amusement industry with ride systems they developed for Disney like the tubular rail track for the Matterhorn. Their later Corkscrew coasters, log flumes and other attractions were park staples. To remember and honor Karl, we attended a small gathering held with his family and friends at the Bacon residence."

THE REPLY

“I just read the article regarding Karl Bacon and Arrow Development. Yes, he was a wonderful man and very creative as I remember as a child. The article states that Karl Bacon and Ed Morgan were the two who started Arrow Development in 1946.

Unfortunately, that statement is misleading and untrue. In 1946, Arrow Development was started by FOUR men who previously worked together at Hendy Iron Works. Arrow Development was started by Bill Hardiman, Angus Anderson, Karl Bacon, and Ed Morgan. All four men were instrumental in the development of Arrow and designing and building the rides for Disneyland when it opened in 1955.

I remember being at Disneyland on the opening day while my father, Angus Anderson, and his Arrow Development partners were there to make sure that everything ran smoothly.

I find it disturbing that Ed and Karl took all the credit for starting Arrow Development and being instrumental in making the rides for Walt Disney when two other men played equally significant roles. Please contact me, if you would like a copy of the original newspapers articles regarding the development of Arrow and Disneyland.”

Carolyn Anderson Moyer