Arto Monaco – Storytown – Old West Town study

Artist and theme park designer Arto Monaco was born November 15, 1913 at Elizabethtown, New York. In addition to doing a study for the train station, Arto also drew water color studies for Old West Town at Storytown USA Family Fun Park, Lake George, New York, now the Great Escape.

Arto Monaco was a 1937 graduate of the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, NY. After graduation, he worked in Hollywood for MGM, Paramount, Warner Brothers, and Disney Studios.

He enlisted in the army four years later and helped set up a German village for training soldiers in street fighting.

In the 1950’s, Arto set up a toy making business with his brother Jim Monaco.  Arto Monaco Toys made wooden and educational toys.

When his theme park “Land of Make Believe” located in Upper Jay, N.Y. closed in 1979, he continued designing toys and parks.

 

Old West Town study showing Drug store, General Merchandise, Bank, Saloon Dance Hall and Hotel.

Study is pen and ink on paper with watercolor wash. Signed by Arto Monaco in lower right corner.

 

Old West Town study showing Drug store, 1867 Penny Arcade and Bank building.

Study is pen and ink on paper with watercolor wash.  Signed by Arto Monaco to lower right of Circus poster on fence.

 

Old West Town study showing Penny Arcade, Jail, General Store, Music Hall, Barber and Dillons Warehouse.

Study is pen and ink on paper with watercolor wash. Signed by Arto Monaco in lower right corner.

 

edited by Tom Lynch, Collections Manager

contact: [email protected]

 

Source: The Charles R Wood Collection.

Warren County NY Historical Society.