Monday, September 28, 2015

Greatest Hits - Stagecoach!

Today I am revisiting two "classic" GDB images, featuring the wonderful Stagecoach! There was a lot of activity over in this part of Frontierland back in the 50's, including Pack Mules, the Mine Train, and the Conestoga Wagons; but I always love to get a good look at the Rainbow Mountain Stagecoach. which only lasted through to September, 1959 (closing, along with the Conestoga Wagons, as Nature's Wonderland began construction.

 This first view (first posted in 2010) is pretty neat; I'm sure that, these days, many folks would be surprised that this was a photo of Disneyland (though the spires of the castle give it away). Heck, I've seen photos of the Chicken of the Sea Pirate Ship on Facebook, with comments along the lines of "Was this at Disneyland?". The colors are wonderful, with a deep blue sky accenting the warmer tones of Rainbow Ridge, and of course, the cheerful red coach pulled by four ponies. The fearless driver sports a rather impressive gray beard! Note the people boarding their mules in the background.


This next one is from 1955 (and was originally posted in 2008). This driver reminds me of Harry Dean Stanton, and who is cooler than that? Nobody! Kids infest the top of the coach, while a girl (I originally thought she was a boy back in 2008!) waves to us, wearing an adorably goofy smile. I love that she is holding her souvenir pennant - I need to keep my eyes on eBay to see if one like that ever comes up for sale!


14 comments:

Nanook said...

Major-

Oh yeah, them's images of Disneyland - even without the spires from The Sleeping Beauty Castle peaking out above the Little Mining Town of Rainbow Ridge. And that certainly does resemble Harry Dean Stanton. (Perhaps in a former lifetime).

Thanks, Major.

TokyoMagic! said...

It's the Mud Wagon!!!!

Major Pepperidge said...

Nanooik, I know that YOU would know that these are Disneyland! But if you have ever looked at any of the vintage Disneyland Facebook pages, you’d realize that even fans of the park don’t necessarily know much about its history. It gives me an opportunity to feel very snooty and superior!

TokyoMagic! I know! When are you going to blog about it?

Matterhorn1959 said...

Note that Mr. Stanton is wearing his brass name badge.

K. Martinez said...

It's true. Unless it's a hardcore fan or blogger, many of the newer and younger Disneyland fans aren't aware of the details of Disneyland's history on the same level as those of us who went to Disneyland in those early years or have a full life time of park memories built up. Still, I'm amazed at some of the younger fans and their knowledge of the parks and different perspectives they provide which I appreciate.

I love the first image. The castle peaking behind the Rainbow Ridge is cool. Thanks, Major.

Nanook said...

Unfortunately human knowledge is an oddity. No matter the subject, knowing its history should be Job #1 when it comes to learning how things work today. With Disneyland it strikes me as extremely odd as the number of sources extolling its early history are literally all over the Internet. But, you can't twist folks arms.

Major - I can't wait to see you parading-around 'with your nose in the air' - just as portrayed in cartoons.

Monkey Cage Kurt said...

He does look like Harry Dean Stanton! Now I can’t get it out of my head, I keep waiting for the chestburster to come popping out of that kid next to him.

Monkey Cage Kurt said...

He’s just missing the dangling cigarette.

Monkey Cage Kurt said...

Oh hey, there’s a subtle detail here that I’ve never noticed on a stagecoach before. The leather strap attached to the break leaver is an early rendition of a break pedal. It’s clever and very simplistically constructed.

Major Pepperidge said...

Matterhorn1959, thanks for pointing out that detail! Oh how I wish I owned one of those badges. I know you have at least two.

K. Martinez, I guess that it just separates the casual fan who likes Disneyland from the more avid fans who want to know all about it, including every detail and bit of trivia. I know that when I listen to true Star Wars fans who know so much about the whole “extended universe”, my brain starts to shut down, even though I like Star Wars.

Nanook (sorry about calling you Nanooik earlier!), I know what you mean, but a person’s level of interest makes a big difference. I can’t expect a casual (normal?) fan to know about the Viewliner, even though I love that little train. It’s like when I’m out with my girlfriend, who is really into cars (!). Her: “Oh, there’s the new Audi!”. Me: “Uh huh (stifles yawn)”. It’s a nice car, but it doesn’t interest me, personally.

Monkey Cage Kurt, if I wasn’t so lazy, I would try to make an animated gif with a chest burster popping out! And I am actually surprised that the driver doesn’t have a cigarette, since I’ve seen photos of other drivers openly smoking at the park. I would have never noticed the leather strap on the brake pedal… somehow that giant lever looks like it should be pulled, not pushed? I have no idea, but it is still an interesting detail.

Nanook said...

Major-

Of course you're correct, but at Society's peril, me thinks.

I "discovered" GDB, not by actively searching-out Disneyland blogs, but thru a search for Disneyland attraction posters. - That's how I'd assume Disneyland 'fans' would discover things about its past.

Monkey Cage Kurt said...

Yeah, a cigarette would’ve sealed the deal; I would’ve believed he was the guy’s doppelganger for sure. I think I’ve seen those smoking Disneyland coach drivers in some of your GDB pics.

Star Wars eh? I love SW too. Sadly though, to me the Star Wars universe consists of only two films, and no more. As far as I’m concerned Han is still trapped in carbonite, and we’re all still wondering who thee “other” is. Maybe there will be three films come this December, but I am particularly picky.

Chuck said...

Wait - you're saying Disneyland has a history that goes back decades??!! Go on, Major - pull the other leg.

Next thing you'll be telling us is that Walt Disney was a real person...

K. Martinez said...

Major, I'm not sure what a true fan is, but there are definitely different levels of fandom. I love reading different viewpoints, especially from the newer or casual fan. They can provide a fresh outlook without pining for the way things were or being hindered by the past. What I don't care for is the fan who thinks their viewpoint is the ultimate truth on a subject. We all enjoy Disneyland on different levels and see it through different lens and filters. I don't think it makes one any truer a fan just because they know more on the subject or have had more exposure.

Nanook, I discovered GDB by accident. I don't remember how, but it never showed up on any search engine and then one day the blog appeared in one of my image searches. Being such an avid Disneyland fan I thought to myself: "How could I have missed this?" But I did.