Vintage Souvenirs!

So... I recently scanned a bunch of random vintage paper items; only a few of them were Disneyland related, so you just never know what you're going to see! I have boxes full of stuff, and I might as well share it. Today I picked an eclectic bunch to post.

About 10 years ago I helped an elderly couple with their computer. AOL - there's the regular Internet, and then there's America Online. Oof. Anyway, when I was done, the man gave me a few items in appreciation, which was very nice. One of them was this envelope from legendary animator Bob Clampett - these folks were friendly with Bob, and he had visited their home several times.

As you probably know, Clampett came to prominence as an animator and director of some of the most vivid and looney Warner Bros. cartoons until he left that studio in 1946. After that he had much success with a puppet show called "Time for Beany", and a later animated show, "Beany and Cecil". I am very happy to have this humble piece of ephemera!

Keeping with the envelope theme, here's an example postmarked "September 26, 1960" - part of the postmark encourages us to "See the BELL SYSTEM exhibit at Disneyland". I wonder if this once contained a paycheck for an employee working at "America the Beautiful"?

And finally, here is a scan of a nicely illustrated envelope that contains a pre-written souvenir letter that one could send to the folks back home. In the lower right you can see the date "1950"; I would imagine that this item was sold for a number of years around then.

This letter was no quick note... it unfolds to nearly 23" in length, and is written in a fun, descriptive style that makes me wish I could be there. Which was the point! I'll include some larger scans so that you can read it for yourself.

Here's the first half of the letter - it makes for an entertaining read. I love the way it relates some of the history of the Berry Farm, and even gives a shout out to the good old U.S.A. I feel like Walter Knott had something to do with the content of this narrative. 

The Hangman's Tree, the Covered Wagon Show, the Silver Dollar Saloon, Sad Eye Joe... this letter has it all, including fun little doodles. As old as this souvenir is, examples can be had for just a few bucks today. I wonder if the letter was changed as new attractions were added to KBF? Notice the mention of the steam train, which debuted in 1952.

I hope you have enjoyed these vintage souvenirs! There will be more to come.