To Annette Funicello C/O The Walt Disney Company, December 28, 2009 

Dear Ms. Funicello,

Disney and the Mickey Mouse Club played a significant role in the early shaping of a new cultural phenomenon…television. Everyday, like thousands of other children, I tuned in to watch the upbeat and spirited program. I was enamored with the Mouseketeers and star stuck by the magic of your bright smile and singing talent. Because I was a devotee (ears and all, six years old) I pleaded with my parents to take me to the then just opened Disneyland. So, in the summer of 1956, we made my dream-come-true trek to that otherworldly realm.

Already we were dizzy from the spinning cups from the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party and the flight of Dumbo over Fantasyland. But, we were astonished at the surprise announcement that Annette and Spin and Marty were signing autographs, a triple bonus treat. Real stars!!! My favs!!! I was an avid fan. Plus, I liked the club idea. When I put on my ears and sang the “M-I-C…” song along with you, my heart swelled with pride at the thought of being connected to something bigger, beyond my little self.

That day at Disneyland, there was a great jostle of excitement…a line up of kids eagerly anticipating the time when we each got to move onto the stage where you and Spin and Marty were signing autographs. When it was finally my turn, I stepped up to greet you and my dad stepped back to get a better photo of you and me. But, he stepped back too far and fell off the stage.

Just at the pivotal moment, when I wanted to make my greatest impression on you, my dad, having landed in the bushes, was flailing his arms and yelling, “Help! Help!” Disney personnel rushed to his aid. Fortunately, he was not hurt. However, I do not have what was to be the next picture in the sequence. It was going to be the one with just you and me together.

For over 50 years, I harbored my shame about this mortifying incident. Recently I had the images from that trip to Disneyland transferred from the 3-D Viewmaster reels to a CD so that I could view them on my computer and print them out. Revisiting these photographs, I was able to relive the experience and verify that I really had been on stage with you and Spin and Marty. 

At long last I have forgiven my dad’s embarrassing fumble. I realized that he was willing to do anything for me, taking that big step so that he could get the perfect shot, even if it didn’t always work out like he had hoped. It is wonderful to let go of something I have held fast for so many years as my “most embarrassing moment.” Now I remember this day with great happiness. 

Thank you for being such an important part of my young life and this enduring memory.

Best,

Judith Selby Lang

Five photographs of that momentous day were sent along with my letter.

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To Annette Funicello, January 6, 2010   

Dear Ms. Funicello,

In Forest Knolls all mail is delivered to the rural post office where every resident has a P.O. box. The post office is a hub of our community so when I opened your envelope and screamed with delight, there were several neighbor onlookers. They all were excited to see that you had autographed my pictures. There was much jubilation as we each recounted our fond memories of you and the Mickey Mouse Club.

Now some 54 years later, I have the autograph that I stood in line for that fateful day at Disneyland. All these years I have anticipated this moment. Thanks for making my dream come true.

Sincerely,

Judith Selby Lang

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In 1992, Funicello announced that she had been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.  She died of complications from the disease on April 8, 2013 at age 70.

We all harbor hopes and have unfulfilled dreams. Let this story of Annette and the autograph serve as an inspiration to take action.

Is there some tiny bit of mystery that needs to be solved? Now is the time…