By KAREN MADORIN
I recently wrote a column about Looney Tune cartoons and how they inadvertently influenced my life.
While researching, I stumbled down a rabbit hole filled with local connections that link this region to the creation of favorite animated characters, including Mickey, Bugs, Daffy and Porky.
Ellisites are familiar with the Disney farm east of Ellis. This land was homesteaded by Kepple Disney, Walt’s grandfather.
According to some references, while Walt’s dad Elias briefly farmed with his father, he met and married his wife before seeking opportunity in Chicago where Walt was born. Later, Walt’s family moved to a Missouri farm where the future animation entrepreneur’s creative interests led him to study at the Kansas City Art Institute (KCAI).
One thing led to another and Mickey Mouse evolved into more than a sketch on an art pad. Walt’s successful relocation to southern California where he joined other animators and technology visionaries created opportunities for artists seeking careers in the early part of the 20th century.
Walt moved to California, but Grandfather Kepple and Grandmother Mary Jane rest in Mount Hope Cemetery in Ellis. Cousins still live in the region.
Another sort of local boy, Missourian Fritz Freleng also attended KCAI where he also studied art.
Once he completed his courses, he followed animation’s lure to southern California where he went to work creating Looney Tune and Merrie Melody characters for Leon Schlesinger studios. He created Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck and Porky Pig and directed teams of animators to enliven American movie screens with these popular characters.
One team member was another KCAI classmate from Portis, Kansas, Melvin (Tubby) Miller. Once he moved to California to join Freleng’s animators, Miller changed the spelling of his last name to Millar to make it stand out.
Portis residents who attended school with Melvin Miller recall he filled margins of notebooks and textbooks with varied sketches. Sources indicate that while Millar worked on Bugs, Daffy and Porky cartoons, he was most drawn to Porky due to traits he and Porky shared.
Once Millar moved to SoCal, he didn’t forget where he came from and incorporated his prairie roots into animated films seen around the world.
One 1936 cartoon titled "Porky’s Pet" reveals a sign that says “When in Portis, Stop at Millar’s Manor.” In the toon "Bingo Crosbyana," Millar worked in two references to his hometown. One was a wine bottle labeled 90% Portis and another scene included a matchbox titled “Portis Match.”
If you watch "Porky’s Pet," "Porky in the North Woods" and Porky’s Road Race," look for further references to Portis, Kansas.
A road trip to this quaint town near the Solomon invites a visit to the commemorative monument that honors Millar’s contribution to Porky’s fame.
Though some speak disparagingly of Kansas’ flyover status, those who dig into its history and residents realize this state connects sung and unsung heroes who enrich American lives.
Porky Pig lovers can zero in on favorite Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies to discover references to Portis.
Perhaps some lucky bidder will pick up an old text book from the early 1900s at a Wolter’s Auction that has Millar’s sketches drawn in the margins.
Cemetery visitors can explore Mount Hope in Ellis and pay respects at Walt Disney’s pioneer grandparents’ grave sites overlooking Big Creek in Ellis.
Karen Madorin is a retired teacher, writer, photographer, outdoors lover, and sixth-generation Kansan.