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Stephen Danks Lodwick Collection, 1964-2002

 

Summary

Creator:
Lodwick, Stephen Danks, 1947-2002
Abstract:
This collection contains the personal and professional papers of Stephen Danks Lodwick, a theme park ride designer. Original artwork and ride concept designs for parks such as Islands of Adventure, Universal Studios, and the Paramount Parks can be found here as well as a collection of Disney publications and art books Lodwick collected when he worked on interactive areas for various Disney theme parks. Also included are publications, maps, and memorabilia that Lodwick collected pertaining to the famous highway, Route 66.
Extent:
5.5 Linear Feet 6 Boxes, 5 Flat Files
Language:
English
Preferred citation:

Stephen Danks Lodwick Collection, Special Collections and University Archives, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida.

Background

Scope and content:

This collection contains two series that highlight Lodwick's professional work as well as his personal interests.

Series I: Attraction Design, 1964-2002, contains original and printed artwork, sketches, drawings, computer created designs, color palates, publicity designs, company papers, and related publications. This series highlights the design process that Lodwick embarked upon for each ride he designed including his research notes, reference publications, design concept drawings, storyboards, advertising, final design models and production of the actual ride.

Series II: Research and Personal Interests, 1982-2001, contains artwork, correspondence, memorabilia, and a collection of publications pertaining to the famous highway, Route 66. A self portrait, personal photos, and early model work can also be found here as well as brochures and pamphlets of the many preservation and architectural societies in which Lodwick was a member.

Biographical / historical:

Stephen Danks Lodwick was an illustrator and designer of themed entertainment environments. Lodwick operated his own design studio under the name of Mighty Scenic, Inc. He created conceptual, character, and marketing art designs as well as special effects and animated displays for rides, entertainment areas, and exhibits. Clients included Paramount Parks, Landmark Entertainment Group, Walt Disney Engineering, Universal Creative, MCA Recreation Group, for projects in theme parks of Universal Studios Florida in Orlando, Universal Studios Islands of Adventure in Orlando, Florida and Paramount's King's Island in King's Island, Ohio. Lodwick's particular projects included the Funtastic World of Hanna-Barbera post-show interactive area, and rides such as E.T.'s Adventure, Jaws, and Earthquake at Universal Studios Florida, Toon Lagoon, Seuss Landing, and Dudley Do Right's Ripsaw Falls Log Flume Ride at Universal Studios Islands of Adventure, and Nickelodeon Central in Paramount's King's Island in Ohio. Mr. Lodwick passed away in 2002 in Jacksonville, Florida at the age of 55, leaving behind a son, daughter, grandson and three siblings.

Acquisition information:
This collection was donated to Special Collections and University Archives at the University of Central Florida by the family of Stephen Danks Lodwick in 2003 (CFM2003_02).
Processing information:

Collection processed by April Karlene Anderson; finding aid prepared by April Karlene Anderson and Ryan Groves.

All papers and artwork have been removed from either folders or binders have been moved to acid free folders and boxes. Some more fragile artwork has been placed in protective plastic sleeves to prevent any further damage. Paperclips and some staples have been removed and post-it notes have either been removed or repositioned to the edge of a page. Some materials have water damage and were freeze dried in August 2006.

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Access and use

Restrictions:

The entire collection is open for research.

Terms of access:

Unpublished records are protected by copyright. Permission to publish quote or reproduce must be secured from the repository and the copyright holder.

Preferred citation:

Stephen Danks Lodwick Collection, Special Collections and University Archives, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida.

Location of this collection:
John C. Hitt Library
12701 Pegasus Drive, Building 2
Orlando
FL
32816-8030
USA