Christmas in April!
Today's photos are from the 1956 holiday season; this first image was taken from the steps of Main Street Station, looking toward City Hall. At the bottom of the photo, carolers in Dickensian costumes attract a small crowd - they must have been singing some of the least popular Christmas songs (like "Silver Bells", man do I dislike that one). In the distance a lady appears to be wearing a choir robe, though it might just be an overcoat (!).
Here's a closer look at the simple plywood cutouts displayed in front of City Hall; the style resembles certain old Christmas card illustrations.
Say, that lady was wearing a choir robe! I guess you all owe me an apology for thinking that I am insane. I forgive you because it is almost Christmas (only eight and a half months to go). There are more singers - some of them appear to be children. I had a theory that the kid's voices were needed to replicate the squeaky sound of The Chipmunks, but it turns out that those rodents did not make the scene for another two years. Garlands adorn the Emporium, along with more plywood cutouts. I love the color and the general activity of Town Square in both of today's photos.
13 comments:
In the air there's a feeling of Christmas. Do you really dislike that song, Major?
That banner across Main St. appears to be welcoming somebody or something. We can only see "Muelle" and then the rest is cut off. Does anyone have an idea who or what that would have been?
HEY! I like "Silver Bells!"
You don't like children laughing, people passing,
meeting smile after smile? What kind of monster are you? I'll bet you don't really like Disneyland, either!
Note the original, unthemed trash cans. I love how dressed up everyone is - not a single woman in slacks. I particularly dig the heels on the young lady in the white dress in the bottom right of the second photo.
Darn you, Major! I'd just celebrated two full weeks without getting a Christmas song stuck in my head. (It seems to take longer every year.) You'll pay for that, and pay MIGHTILY!!
Normally, I'd sentence you to twelve minutes of "Who Let The Dogs Out" but I'm afraid this is an extreme case. Your penance lies here:
https://youtu.be/AdtpRR_6AmQ
TokyoMagic!, it is true, I really don't like that song! The banner must be for Mueller employees (Mueller manufactures plumbing fixtures and related products).
Steve DeGaetano, perhaps there is no logical explanantion, but even as a kid who loved Christmas music, I did not like "Silver Bells".
Chuck, what is so great about "people passing"? And I might be paranoid, but those laughing children seem to be laughing at ME. Why, those little...!! It is pretty fun to see how nicely people dressed for the park back then, as if it was a special occasion and not just "something to do".
Mark H. Besotted, the laugh's on you, I just won't click on that link! Oh, who am I kidding, I clicked on it. Give me Mickey Mouse Disco any day! It's so funny, the first thing I thought of when I heard those opening bars was the greatest television show of all time. Yes, I am referring to "C.H.I.P.S.".
I like "Silver Bells" and "The Lemon Drop Kid". But then, I'm as much a holiday/Christmas geek as I am a Disneyland one.
Great images of the activity on Town Square. It's one of the best places to sit down and relax in the afternoon and people watch as visitors come and go to the Park. Thanks, Major.
Major, as long as they use their turn signal and don't drive aggressively, I'm OK with people passing. Unless we're talking wind in an enclosed space.
My mother-in-law dressed her brood nicely for trips to WDW into the late '80s. I have a photo of my then-16-year-old wife in a nice dress next to the old EPCOT entrance fountain, with folks in shorts and t-shirts walking around in the background.
Major-
I suspect the reason you don't enjoy Silver Bells has to do with the restricted window for playing these tunes, coupled with a "playlist" of fewer than 30, or so, songs. Silver Bells is a 'good' Xmas song, just not a great one; it simply can't hold up.
The real tragedy of Christmas music is the almost total lacking of 'fun' or 'funny' Christmas songs - there are tons of 'em - and I'm not just referring to the Singing Dogs or Patsy & Elmo. Those songs have also been played to death.
Well - here's to the upcoming Christmas season, filled with non-traditional Christmas music.
We've just started playing Christmas music at the store. It's about time! Just 260 shopping days left!
@ Patrick Devlin-
Glad to hear you folks are ahead of the curve-!
K. Martinez, there’s just something about the SB melody that gets on my nerves. There’s no explaining it. Is Town Square STILL a good place to sit and relax?
Chuck, know that some people probably still dressed nicely at the parks (and still do), but it is definitely the minority.
Nanook, there are a surprisingly number of popular Christmas songs… I know from making 2 double CD collections for my sister. There were only a few duplicates (“Blue Christmas”, Elvis version, Dean Martin version, and so on). I personally don’t generally like the funny novelty songs, but understand that a lot of people do. I can just put on Nat King Cole’s Christmas tunes and be a happy camper. Bing Crosby too. Happy Holidays, everybody!
Patrick Devlin, I applaud you for bucking the trend of celebrating Halloween for a month and a half!
Nanook, the early bird gets the worm.
Major-
Substitute these lyrics to The Merry Christmas Song...
Chestnuts roasting and there is no fire
Sunburn ripping at your nose.
Tiny tots singing songs by a pool
And two boys playing with a hose.
Everybody knows, the burning sun along with smog
Helps to make the season hot.
At Christmas time it's supposed to be cold
But here in Hollywood it's not.
They say that Santa's on his way
But he will have to bring an air-conditioned sleigh.
And when his famous sleigh pulls into sight
He'll be surprised how hot it gets at night.
And so I'm offering this simple phrase
To kids from one to ninety-two.
Although it is hot
It's a wonderful thought
Merry Christmas to you-!
I miss Melissa...
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