Sub Rehab, February 1964

When you have a Submarine attraction, it's going to have to be spiffed up once in a while. It's one of Newton's laws. I remember being disappointed to find that the Subs were closed during one visit oh-so-long ago, but was fascinated by the spectacle of the drained lagoon! I tried taking my own photos, but it was night, and I was too dumb to realize that my Magic Cube flash wouldn't light the entire lagoon.

Here are two totally boss photos (plus a couple of details) of one such rehab in 1964. The water filters out so much color (leaving only blue-green), it is surprising to see the rocks and "corals" painted a fairly vivid reddish orange. Coverall-wearing workers are polishing the giant clams and oiling the treasure chest that opened when it was full of bubbles. The temporary, wheelbarrow-friendly ramp allowed easy access to the floor of the lagoon.


Judging from the empty peach baskets, the workers enjoyed their fair share of peaches! Or maybe those containers held new, shiny shells, corals and seaweed.


This second angle faces the entrance to the "show building", where the attraction became a dark ride. That's the part I would have loved to walk through. Or better yet, get a snorkel and some fins and swim through!


What could be in those big metal drums? Paint? Adhesive? Waterproofing? Yoo-Hoo? Along the dock are many smaller paint cans. No wonder the Submarine Voyage was such an expensive ride to maintain, it was a huge job!