Cole Of California Swimsuits

 Source: Daveland Blog

1956 –1957

LOCATION

Main Street USA – Cole of California Swimsuits had a somewhat hidden location, around the bend from the busy Refreshment Corner. To find the shop, guests would walk the entire length of Main Street, turning left at the end. The swimwear shop faced the central hub, next to the seating area for the Plaza Pavilion.

EXPERIENCE

Details:

• Merchandise – Swimsuits and beach/pool accessories
• Unique Features – One of the only shops on the north side of the street with a flagpole on the roof

In the 1950s, Main Street USA sold clothing for every occasion and stage of life: baby clothes, t shirts, hats, and yes, even swimwear. Cole of California sold items from Fred Cole’s fashion line, so visitors could retire to their hotel pool wearing the latest gear.

CLOSURE

Though Walt initially allowed outside retailers into his park at the beginning, by the end of the 50s, he wanted total control of the park’s stores. The life span for most of the shops on Main Street was quite short anyway, but stores operated by outside companies closed even faster than average. Cole of California lasted about a year, before closing for Main Street’s first Mad Hatter location.

TRIVIA

Fred Cole, a silent-movie star and the creator of the Cole of California line, owned and operated the Main Street shop. Though the shop on Main Street only lasted a year, the brand still exists today.

The building still stands on Main Street, but its virtually invisible from the street. To see it, walk through the Refreshment Corner seating area all the way to the back; the façade is largely obstructed by trees and umbrellas unless you’re right next to it.