Firehouse Five at Piper's Opera House

The Firehouse Five (Plus Two) was a jazz combo made up of Disney studio employees and led by animator Ward Kimball. Ward was also a railfan, and visited Virginia City and the V&T Railroad several times. Here they are playing a concert at Piper's Opera House in Virginia City. Lucius Beebe and Charles Clegg are in the box being serenaded.

Date Uploaded: June 11, 2026

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Contributor: Taylor Hamby on Facebook

Source: Facebook: Taylor Hamby

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Source Caption: Witness Ward Kimball, the legendary Disney animator, seranading Beebe & Clegg at the historic Piper's Opera House in Virginia City, NV in the 1950s. He's the trombonist (and Virginia & Truckee Railroad Company enthusiast) for the Firehouse Five (Plus Two), a Dixieland Jazz outfit whose music you've heard if you've ever walked Main Street, USA in Disneyland. Ward Kimball and his wife, Betty (seen here in the striped ensemble) were frequent visitors to Virginia City ever since their honeymoon in the 1930s. Ward was the artist who brought to life the likenesses of Jiminy Cricket, the Cheshire Cat, Tweedle Dee & Tweedle Dum, amongst iconic others. He's also a major influence as to why Disneyland has a railroad. They even have an engine on the Disneyland RR named the "Ward Kimball". No wonder he and The Boys were friends.

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