A Disney-Style Valentine Story
When you think of Disney, you might picture magical memories, enchanting stories, and happily-ever-afters.
But did you know that Disney magic has also played a role in real-life love stories? With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to share a heartwarming tale straight from the pages of Disney history. This 1981 Eyes & Ears story captures the love of two cast members, Gene and Helen Hawk. Their romance blossomed over long-distance phone calls and found its first celebration at Disneyland. Read on for a Disney-style Valentine story filled with love, creativity, and a dash of pixie dust!
Thousands of couples will be celebrating Valentine’s Day with candy and flowers tomorrow, February 14. But there’s one couple who might decide to celebrate tonight eventhough it’s Friday the thirteenth. That’s because nine years ago today, Gene and Helen Hawk celebrated their “togetherness” with a visit to Disneyland.
Their romance began over the telephone. Gene was working at the Western Costume Company in Hollywood doing costumes for the Flip Wilson Show and Laugh-In after spending six years in the army as a musician and working in costuming in Chicago and Ohio. Part ofhis job including handling costume orders for schools and theatres across thecountry. Helen, on the other hand, was working in Baton Rouge, La., as Traffic Manager of WIBR Radio spending her evenings as the costumer for the Baton Rouge Little Theatre. As fate would have it, Helen called upon the Western Costume Company for her costumes on a regular basis. One day, Gene answered the phone. After two years of phone conversations they both realized they were single and began writing. After six months of letters and at the age of 40 (Helen added that life does begin at40), Helen quit her job and moved to California. They saw each other for the first time in the LA airport! To celebrate their getting together Gene took Helen to an early Valentine’s Day celebration atDisneyland on February 13, 1972. Helen went to work as Continuity Director for KHJ Radio and they began planning an October wedding. No such luck. Gene received a call offering him a position in the Walt Disney World costume division; they moved the wedding up to July and headed for Florida.
Gene began his Disney career as an Entertainment Costumer, putting together all the costumes for the “live” entertainment throughout the property, including special parades like America On Parade. He is now the Coordinator of Character Production and Re-Design and is also responsible for the costumes in our three photo studios and the coordination of the World Showcase Dolls.
Helen retired for six months to get settled in their new home then joined the Disney cast as a reservationist at CRO. She later transferred to Creative Services and most recently to Cast Communications as the department secretary.
Together they enjoy several hobbies, including: needlepoint, sewing, reupholstering, and just being together. Their “pride and joy” is a special needlepoint picture of the America On Parade logo which they completed themselves
As we celebrate Valentine’s Day, Gene and Helen’s story offers a fun glimpse into the personal side of Disney history. It’s a reminder that the people behind the scenes often have their own stories just as interesting as the ones they help create for guests. Sometimes, the magic of Disney extends far beyond the parks and into the everyday lives of those who make it all happen.