Thanks to the endearingly confused efforts of a young cartoon fan in 1964, we have the following charming sequence of letters to enjoy. The fan in question — Wendy — fancied acquiring some pictures of Woody Woodpecker and the character’s creator, and so attempted to ask him directly. Indeed the request reached Walter Lantz, but not without a brief detour due to a case of mistaken identity.

Transcripts follow.

(Source: Paul Anderson’s Disney History Institute.)

Transcripts

Letter One

March 7, 1964 Dear Walt Disney, I watch Woodywood Pecker every week and see you on it. I like it very much and so do my younger sisters. Would you please send me a picture of you and some of the characters. Thank-you very much. Well, I guess I’ll go and watch Bugs Bunny. From one of your true fans, Wendy

Letter Two

WALT DISNEY April 6, 1964 Dear Wendy – Even though Donald Duck, Mickey Mouse, Pluto, Ludwig Von Drake and the rest of our characters aren’t related to Woody Woodpecker, I’m glad to know you like him because he belongs to my good friend Walter Lantz. And I know Mr. Lantz will appreciate knowing you are a fan of Woody Woodpecker. I am enclosing the autographed picture of me and a couple of my friends which you asked for….and I’m sending your note on to Woody Woodpecker. Perhaps you will get a picture from him, too. Many thanks for your letter…and all best wishes. Sincerely, (Signed, ‘Walt’)

Letter Three

WALT DISNEY April 6, 1964 Dear Walter – As you can see by the enclosed….I get blamed for everything that happens in Hollywood! However, this time it’s obvious this little girl has her Walters crossed — although I don’t know how the hell Bugs Bunny got in the act. All best – (Signed, ‘Walt’) Mr. Walter Lantz

Walter Lantz Productions Inc

861 Seward

Hollywood, California

Letter Four

Walter Lantz

PRODUCTIONS INC 8 April 1964 DEAR WENDY: WALT DISNEY, A PERSONAL FRIEND OF MINE, SENT ME YOUR LETTER REQUESTING A PHOTO OF WOODY. IT’S NICE TO KNOW THAT YOU LIKE WOODY WOODPECKER AND YOU ARE ENJOYING OUR TELEVISION SHOW. SINCERELY, Walter Lantz