Sea World, 1959-2004

Scope and content:

Series II is arranged alphabetically. Most of the files in this series seem to have been collected by Anne Millay, but the distinction is less clear than in the Wet 'n Wild series so all the files have been arranged together.

Correspondence and Memoranda mainly hold letters of thanks from visitors to the park and drawings by children. Individual correspondence files are mostly exchanges with Sea World executives; Ron Harper's file includes color positives of him at his desk. Christopher Merritt wrote about the founding of Sea World, and his correspondence includes copies of photographs.

Magic Mountain Files hold brochures, memorabilia, news clippings and correspondence that document Sea World Inc.'s short-lived involvement in the theme park. Memorabilia that has no specific park identification is held in its own subseries.

News Clippings cover all aspects of the founding of Sea World including collecting specimens, their arrival, death or release to the wild, events, employees' accidents, information about San Diego in general and Mission Bay in particular that would affect business in the area, stock prices, appointments, annual reports, famous visitors, social events attended by George and Anne Millay, opening new parks and related displays e.g., a travelling dead whale in 1969.

Parks at Ohio, Orlando and San Diego each have their own subseries that include photographs many of which are held in the press kits as they are mainly promotional images created by Sea World. Of particular interest are images of construction, George Millay, the staff at sea collecting specimens, and Walt Disney visiting San Diego. Subject Files are arranged in alphabetical order and include information about the Sea Maids, equipment, Board of Directors meetings, George Millay's resignation and the sales of Sea World. Employee newsletters, advertising materials, financial information and reports may all be found here. The Investment Assessment includes information about Magic Mountain. News and Magazine advertisements include advertisements for a variety of products, which used images from Sea World.

Contents

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