Main Street, September 1959
It's time for a visit to Main Street USA, circa 1959. As you can see, this photo has some cool details, particularly that red sign strung across Main Street, touting the 6 fabulous additions to Fantasyland and Tomorrowland. In addition, there are masonite signs hung every 50 feet or so, each with beautiful artwork for each new attraction. Oh, how I wish I had one of those! In the foreground, a ferocious kid brandishes his souvenir spear at us; you might think that he picked it up at Tiki's Tropical Imports, but we will see in a future post that he probably got it at Frontierland's Trading Post. I'll let you decide, when that day comes! 
Another shot, a bit further up the street. There's the Gibson Greeting Cards store, and a stroller to torture Daveland. Mom's carrying an armload of bags, who knows what wonders they contain? 
12 comments:
These are darling :)
Spear boy looks so happy. Because he's in Disneyland? Because the Matterhorn has arrived? Because of the spear? Because he can get away with wearing flaming red shirt, blue sox and a pair of shoes exactly like the ones I have on now? Because Harold Lloyd is playing at the Cinema? Because of the Motorboat Cruise? Perhaps. But mostly, it's the happy water he's just slurped from the fountain.
Pic #2 reminds the observant people peeper that Disneyland isn't just for the family in the foreground. Nope. Behind them, Roger the Steelworker finally got a day off and is also having a fine time strolling down Main Street, picking up something in the bag in his hand and taking in the sights.
At least it’s not a double-wide stroller!
Of all the pictures I have seen of Main Street, this one tops the list. Great kid and Great banners.
Oh that first one is screaming "Before & After" :-) Are you sure its from 1959? lol...
2nd picture, the black dress lady has some wicked cats-eye sun-glasses! And stroller lady has a sharp outfit for a new mom, you wont find that today, trust me...
Chiana, I noticed Roger too, nice to see there were "loners" even back then!
The Elgin clock that can be seen on the right side of Main St. in both photos is still missing! Last time I was at the park, I asked the guy in the glass blowers shop and he said it was sent out for repairs, but he said it almost like he made it up, as if maybe he was tired of being asked about it. When I asked him how long it had been gone, he said a couple days, but it's been at least 4 weeks! I asked in City Hall since there actually happened to be NO line. They didn't even know that it was missing!
A happy child, a sunny day, banners, flowers... and my eyes go straight to a drinking fountain.
What's wrong with me?
Hey kid, move over! You're blocking our view of the sack of sugar.
LD
lol...the water fountain that captivates so much attention. what a pretty picture of Main Street as well. i love a sunny day
bring on the signage....i would so be snapping away ;)
its the first time i have ever heard of Glacier Grotto. is it still there?
Nancy, Glacier Grotto was the part of the Matterhorn that the Skyway went through. The space is still there, but nothing passes through it since the Skyway closed in '94.
TokyoMagic, I'm glad you answered Nancy's question, because I was thinking "Glacier Grotto??". Did I mention it somewhere? :-)
It was listed as one of the new attractions on that banner over Main St.
I do miss getting to ride through there on the Skyway....remember how after 1978, you could see one of the Abominable Snowmen figures from the Skyway?
Me too TokyoMagic, I remember the glimpse of that Abominable figure and its roar and the screaming of riders and waterfalls and... hard to believe you can't do that anymore what a bummer. I don't think there was much to 'Glacier Grotto' in the early years but then it's awesome enough they built that mountain then. It is a good remodel given the situation, although a bit more view would be nice. But all its forms, original, remodel and post-Skyway remodel were/are really cool in different ways. :)
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