A few hidden Easter eggs in Disney Parks are actually subtle references to a secret, almost clandestine community that only knows the elite.
The bronze sculpture that Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse depicts in Disney World's Magic Kingdom contains a small detail about Walt's tie: the letters S, T and R.
These initials are a small nod to Smoke Tree Ranch, a notorious private and exclusive real estate and clave in Palm Springs where Disney and his wife, Lillian, were old winter residents – or 'settlers' as they would call themselves.
Interestingly, Disney has even sold his first Smoke Tree Ranch -House to finance Disneyland's establishment and requested investments from his neighbors there, including Donald Gilmore of Upjohn Company.
As a thank you, a Upjohn pharmacy in the style of the turn of the century, a direct reference to Smoke Tree Ranch, found its place in Disneyland's Main Street, a further proof of the influence of this secret community.
A world of the image of Palm Springs, driven by celebrities, still offers a look in a bygone era, a 'Western Fantasy Land' as described by the local broker Marc Sanders.
Instead of vast mansions and well-kept lawns, the 400-hectare farm has unpaved roads, modest houses and a clear wild west ambiance.
“It's a kind of mystery within it,” Sanders told the Wall Street Journal, who emphasizes the mysticism that surrounds this secret harbor.
A bronze statue in Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom has a hidden secret that reveals the connection of the park with an exclusive community
Smoke Tree is AA World away from the image of Palm Spring, driven by celebrities, because the exclusive enclave offers a look in a gone era
Smoke Tree Ranch dates from the early 1900s and evokes the palm springs from a century ago, before Hollywood A-Listers such as Elvis and Sinatra transformed the area.
With about 100 houses clustered around a clubhouse, stables and a small hotel, the Ranch street lamps, manicured lawns and even mailboxes, which contributes to the remote charm.
Despite his modest appearance, Smoke Tree Ranch has long attracted some of the America's richest families, mainly captains of the industry instead of celebrities.
Walt Disney, a frequent visitor to Palm Springs, owned two houses on the ranch and even gave the construction of Disney Hall, a common gathering space.
President Eisenhower also visited the Ranch, which further confirmed the connection with influential individuals.
Among the current residents are Martha F. Ford, former main owner of the Detroit Lions, and her son William Clay Ford Jr., executive chairman of Ford Motor, as well as Sally Gerber Phinny, heir of Gerber Products.
Former Marvel Enterprises CEO Eric Ellenbogen, who bought the oldest house on the Ranch in 2021, describes it as' an amazing, somewhat wasp-you relikwie, but incredibly beautiful. It is Palm Springs as it once existed, but it doesn't work anymore. '
Houses on Smoke Tree Ranch rarely come on the market and often change ownership of the market between friends and neighbors.
Walt Disney, a frequent visitor to Palm Springs, owned two houses on the ranch and even ordered Disney Hall, a common gathering space
Disney even sold his smoke tree to help finance Disneyland, and asked for investments by neighbors such as Donald Gilmore from Upjohn. As a thank you, a Upjohn pharmacy appeared in the style of the century in the turn of the century, referring to smoking tree, in the main street of Disneyland, with the influence of the community.
While public archives indicate prices between $ 1 million and $ 4.4 million for recent sales, rumors suggest that off-market deals reach even higher amounts.
With only a small part of the ranch open for hotel guests, invitations for private dinners and lunches are very coveted.
Exclusivity told the local broker Gary Johns de Wall Street Journal: 'The general public in Palm Springs, many of them do not even know that it is there. That's how it is monitored. '
Smoke Tree Ranch, founded in the mid-1920s, was originally developed by Pasadena-Kea-Keagle Lewis McLaughlin Blankenhorn and later sold to Oilman Fred Markham and his wife, Maziebelle.
The Markhams sold a lot to rich friends and created a winter retreat for families with old money.
The ranch later became a cooperative, but many of the original rules persist. Houses are houses in one floor, Ranch style painted in desert tones, and non-native plants and lawns are prohibited.
Cowboys lead nocturnal singalongs around a bonfire and a ranch newsletter, smoke signals, keeps residents informed of community events.
The attraction of Smoke Tree Ranch lies in its unique mix of rustic charm, natural beauty and anonymity.
Displayed: Disney enjoys smoking tree farm with a lasso in his hand
Residents enjoy horse riding, swimming, lawn bowling and tennis, all within a remote and private environment.
The Ranch offered prominent figures a place to escape from the public eye and to embrace a simpler lifestyle.
This desire for privacy continues to exist today, where many residents are reluctant to publicly discuss the ranch.
William Kopelk, founder of Palm Springs Modernism Week, explains: 'It is really a protected environment and has been for decades. People can go there and be anonymous. They can throw their other personality or life or reputation and just enjoy nature there. '
Although some rules are relaxed over time – swimming pools are now allowed, for example – the ranch maintains its dedication to retain its unique character.
Janet Markham, the granddaughter of Markhams, emphasizes the importance of maintaining the Western guest farm of the Ranch.
“I'm a bit on a campaign to encourage everyone to wear Western clothing whenever they want, and not just waiting for a Western night,” she told the Wall Street Journal.
Among the current residents are Martha Ford, former main owner of the Detroit Lions, and her son William Clay Ford Jr., executive chairman of Ford Motor, as well as Sally Gerber Phinny, heir of Gerber Products.
While public registers indicate prices between $ 1 million and $ 4.4 million for recent sales, rumors suggest that off-market deals reach even higher amounts
The houses themselves reflect the modest elegance of the ranch.
“There is no extravagance, there is no beautification,” broker Gary Johns told the Wall Street Journal.
'You don't see any house to set up an exhibition of surplus or wealth. It is understanding that rich people live there, but the houses are very, very modest. '
Nowadays, the ranch continues to offer a refuge for those who are looking for privacy, natural beauty and a connection with a won era.
