Originally Posted By Manfried Bug Hurlbut, who designed Knott's Berry Farm's Calico Mine and Log Ride passed away yesterday. <a href="http://ocresort.ocregister.com/2011/01/06/knotts-berry-farm-icon-dies/66158/" target="_blank">http://ocresort.ocregister.com...s/66158/</a>
Originally Posted By brotherdave I'm very sad to hear of this news. He was truly a theme park pioneer and legend and created the centerpiece attractions that help to make Knott's Berry Farm what it became today. He also founded and owned Castle Park for many years after building the rides he did for Knott's.
Originally Posted By DlandDug BUD, not Bug. ALthough he would probably be anused. This is very sad news, indeed. Bud Hurlbut was one of the biggest names in themed attraction design and creation. He was also a living link to the earliest days of theme parks. I knew he was up in years, but didn't realize he was 93.
Originally Posted By brotherdave ^^^I'm sure "Bug" would be "anused"... :-D I'm sure it was only a typo by Manfried... Didn't Walt Disney consult with him during those early years??
Originally Posted By Manfried Whoops, I typed to fast. It is indeed Bud. I understand his real first name was Wendell too. Sorry Bud, I hope you are resting in peace.
Originally Posted By Dabob2 Yes, Walt and Bud knew each other and sort of consulted each other I think. The Mine and Log Rides were sort of the things that put KBF in the "big leagues" of theme parks (says someone old enough to remember the mine ride in its early days and the opening of the log ride).
Originally Posted By crapshoot <<Didn't Walt Disney consult with him during those early years??>> Walt was friends with both Walter Knott and Bud Hurlbut. It was common to find Disney wandering the streets of Ghost Town in the early 1950's in order to study how large crowds moved through the streets and how they reacted to pinch points, etc. Me and a friend spent a great day with Bud at his shop 5 years ago. We played with everything up in his office and he cranked up the 130 year old organ grinder's organ to hear a very familiar tune, The Harmonious Coppersmith. One tasty tidbit that Bud told us was how he attended the very first "BlueSky" meeting for a new Disneyland attraction being planned by Walt; today we call it Pirates of the Carribean. All I would like to say is that I am posthumously awarding Bud with the "He Who Dies With The Most Toys Wins" trophy. Sorry Bruce, but you didn't leave several 40' trailers filled with merry-go-rounds, band organs and other antique amusements.
