Chemical Wagon and Castle, June 1956
From a stereo slide, here's a nice early photo of the Chemical Wagon. Love that kid with the oversized Keppy Kap on his noggin. What chemical was in that wagon, anyway? Rumor has it that it was lysergic acid diethylamide, but I hate rumors, so you didn't hear it from me.
I believe that if you were able to pan just a teeny bit further to the left, you'd see the bandstand. Which explains why there are lots of people in the background, possibly listening to the Disneyland band.
From the same series of images, I thought I might as well show the followup photo. Look at all the people lining up to ride the wagon! Back in those days it seems that people were a lot more interested in experiencing the charms of Main Street. Now it's a place to buy some souvenirs, or a street to walk through as quickly as possible so that you can get to the rides.
3 comments:
Looking at the first picture, there's a sign between the lady in the black bouse and the girl in white. Is that a "you are here" map of Disneyland? I've been going to the park regularly since I was 5 years old in 1965 and I never remember seeing one. Did the park ever have them? Were they removed when the gate books got more sophisiticated with hand-held maps?
Thanks - Katella Gate
In answer to the question above: Yes, the sign you see is a directional sign/map for Fantasyland. In 1956 each land had a directional layout for each land placed in a prominent spot - hard as it is to believe today, people didn't know where attractions were in those days. For example, we know the Main Street directional sign/map was placed between the fire house and Town Hall. They are rare to catch in photos as they were only there for a few months.
Yeah, and look at that SHORT line at the snack cart. Don't see THAT much anymore.
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