Saturday, November 07, 2009

Indians in Frontierland, February 1960

Frontierland used to feel a lot more frontierish back when there were gunfights, a saloon show, dead settlers, and real live Indians!

Disneyland generally had a surprisingly respectful attitude towards American Indians, who were mostly seen as go-to bad guys in a zillion TV westerns. The Dance Circle allowed average folks to learn a little something during their visit, and judging by the crowds, they enjoyed the experience.

In this first shot, the early-birds had arrived for the prime seats. Depending on who you were, a prime seat was either right up front, or in the shade.


I'll bet that on a hot day, that circle was a giant frying pan! A little butter, some shallots, some white wine... what were we talking about again?


I wonder if this photo was taken from a handy bench? If you're like me, you might like to sit a spell and do a bit of people watching while your feet get a break. Alert! Alert! Hat with giant feather! Alert!

4 comments:

TokyoMagic! said...

And a new Cascade Peak in that last pic....it looks almost like the Matterhorn!

Chiana_Chat said...

Tink I'll join ya. Hm this 1960 Coke tastes better than our 2009 - oh that's right, it's the real thing with sugar not high fructose corn syrup. Two hats I think that is Maj: one on the lady parading fearlessly by in front with a black feather and one white feather on the red hat on the guy in line for the canoes behind her.

Despite the unfortunate exposure issues the top one still has some nice you-are-there-ness doesn't it? Neat design on the feathered face and the dance circle too. The gentleman narrating, singing or calling the dance (Chief?) is dressed far more subtly than the silk-shirted gentleman I've seen in many other pics. Ame fellow, in a casual mood? Like the green weave thimble hat.

The fort and Cascade peak look so neat in that pic. :)

Chiana_Chat said...

ps it occurs to me that the red hat with white feather, from its shape, may possibly be a swiss themed hat from a shop somewhere nearer the then-recent Matterhorn. :)

Unknown said...

SO stinkin' cool! Nice post!!