Here are two neat photos from Frontierland, circa 1956!
Let's start with this view of an unfinished Tom Sawyer Island; the Island opened to the public on June 16, 1956, so I would imagine that this was at least two or three months before that. Notice the crude wooden bridge over the mill stream (though there is no stream yet). The mill itself already looks like it has been there for 100 years. I wonder how they aged the wood so convincingly? Tachyons?
Zooming in on the western shore of the island, we can see plenty of lumber and construction going on. In the water there is what appears to be an unfinished raft, possibly being used to ferry supplies over from the mainland. In the distance, I believe that we can see Fort Wilderness underneath lots of scaffolding. Does anybody have an idea what that large ramp into the water was for?
Also, look at the shore in the distance, it's a mess!
You can see some workers, possibly preparing to work on the pipes for the water that would turn the mill's wheel. To the right are the unfinished steps that would lead up to Tom's Treehouse.
Meanwhile, over at the entrance to Frontierland, we see moms, dads, and kids heading into the 19th century. I love the clothes. The Mark Twain can just be discerned through the haze.
Major-
ReplyDelete"Tachyons", you say-? I was thinking just using Black tea, Vinegar, some steel: steel wool or rusty nails, and a brush. You'd be surprised at the results. Hey - just like the Mill-! Love these old, and pre-opening TSI views.
Thanks, Major.
Major, the logs that were used to build Fort Wilderness were sent floating across the river from the "mainland" and then hoisted up that ramp onto the island. There is a good close-up photo of it in the book, "Disneyland: The First Quarter Century"
ReplyDeleteWell, that blows my theory. I was almost certain it was a tachyon accelerator.
ReplyDeleteI sincerely love the outfit of the woman in the white beret in the second photo. There is something about that mid-century look that I can't quite put my finger on that I really like. I wish hats would come back with formal wear for women (says the guy who's never worn a skirt, heels, or beret at Disneyland).
Nanook, I thought it might be some extreme form of “pickling” - possibly using an acid that is a little more aggressive than vinegar? Don’t know. Also, if you add a bit of vodka to black tea, rusty nails, and vinegar, you’ll have a refreshing cocktail.
ReplyDeleteTokyoMagic!, I probably haven’t looked at my copy of that book for at least 10 years! Maybe I need to dig it out. I still remember buying it at the park and carrying it with me for much of the day.
Chuck, tachyon accelerators only work if you reverse the polarity. I agree, the mid-century look is very appealing in general; think of all the press that “Mad Men” received over the clothing. Why aren’t you thinking of it??
Love the chimney on the Old Mill!
ReplyDeleteWhy is all that freshly dug up earth piled up so high to the north of the Rivers of America? One pile looks like a volcanic cone.
Ken, it was an exceptionally clear day. You're actually seeing the volcano at Knott's Berry Farm.
ReplyDeleteOutstanding! So many nice details. Those two massive date palms in the distance seem out of place. Puzzling.
ReplyDeleteFor your next aged wood project, Major, be sure to mix red pine and cedar - then, after aging, sandblast the heck out of 'em! Give it a try on your next western town.
I wonder if the Mark Twain had a narration during this time. It would be interesting to know what was pointed out as the passengers aboard the Mark Twain cruised along the rivers of construction.
ReplyDelete@Chuck, Wow! On a clear day you really can see forever. And here I thought it was Disneyland's attempt at an outdoor Primeval World along the railroad tracks
@ Chuck-
ReplyDeleteSo, if you haven't worn "... a skirt, heels or beret at Disneyland", just where have you worn them-? I'm telling you, the "whistles" you'll receive...
K. Martinez, it is an Indian burial mound!
ReplyDeleteChuck, oh if only that was true...
outsidetheberm, I agree, and wondered if those palms were relocated to Adventureland? They bear a strong resemblance to the famous Dominguez Palm. I will build my western town as soon as I finish my German Expressionist house!
K. Martinez, that's a good question, though I doubt we'll ever know. However, during the construction of the Haunted Mansion the spiel made reference to what was going on over there' I think that happened for Big Thunder Mountain RR as well.
Nanook, wah waaaaah....
Ken, perhaps that pile of dirt on the mainland was for the construction of the tunnels that led to the Indian Village?
ReplyDeleteKen, Ooops, I just realized that would be too far north for the Indian Village tunnel!
ReplyDeleteMajor, I remember those references about Haunted Mansion and Big Thunder Mountain. That's why I was curious as to how they would explain away the TSI construction. But then I got to wondering if the Mark Twain even had a narration back in the 1950's.
ReplyDeleteTokyoMagic!, I was thinking the same thing too at first, but yes, it's to far north. Perhaps Major is correct and it's an Indian burial mound. I guess the Indian Village had a very high turnover rate.