Der Mighty Matterhorn, May 1960
It must have been quite a thing to see Disneyland's Matterhorn for the first time; we're so used to it now, after more than 60 years, but in these May 1960 images it was less than a year old.
I sure miss the sensation of gliding above the crowd (or "riffraff" as I like to think of them), through the fresh, brisk Anaheim air (is that the scent of pine I detect??), all the while taking in spectacular aerial views of Disneyland. It's not heaven, but it's the next best thing. In this first image, our photographer tried to include as much of the massive mountain as possible, but that meant cropping out part of the gondolas. Sacrifices had to be made.
I love this beautiful view looking back toward Tomorrowland from inside one of the Matterhorn's nostrils. Somehow Walt knew that in the future we'd all be traveling by submarine. Two sailors (direct from Long Beach Naval Station) don't need that ride. "We've lived it", they exclaim. We can also see Astro Jets and itty-bitty cars, and a Monorail-less track.
The mother in the green gondola is making an "Oooooh!" Shirley Temple expression.
15 comments:
Major-
"I sure miss the sensation of gliding above the crowd..."
Personally, I prefer ... the unique sensation of shrinking-!
That 2nd shot is a doozy. It really draws you right into Tomorrowland with all of its sights, sounds, and smells. (I wonder if Kay Bell and the Spacemen will be performing at the Space Bar later in the evening-?)
Thanks, Major.
I bet I’m not the only one* who sometimes counts the gondolas [besides counting trash cans]....and that second image is a winner, I’d say. (* I’m lookin JB and JG)
Great pictures of the Horn that Matters. Thanks, Major.
Sue
^
* I’m looking AT JB and JG.
Hey, the top of the Matterhorn is missing! I bet Fritz and Otto are up there, just out of sight. Or maybe Tinker Bell... Or the Yeti. I guess we'll never know. Thanks a lot, Photographer! }:-(
Just kidding; this is a nice picture. Thanks a lot, Photographer! :-)
(But still no Fudgie.)
In the second photo, there's quite a contrast between the colorful Tomorrowland scene, and the outside of the park, which looks rather uncolorful... and thick enough to spread on a slice of bread.
The piece of the Matterhorn's nostril really adds depth and interest to this photo.
"The mother in the green gondola is making an "Oooooh!" Shirley Temple expression." And the lady in the blue gondola, behind her, is making a "Don't point that camera at me!" expression.
Sue, you can't be looking at me... I don't have a webcam! (And I count 4 trashcans in the 2nd photo.)
Thanks for the Skyway ride, Major.
I still remember the shock many years ago when someone referred to this mighty mountain as a "building." I never spoke to them again. In fact, I think I'll call them up right now, just to hang up on them! That'll show 'em!
There was a LOT going on in Tomorrowland back then, and it invited you to be part of all of it! Alas, here we sit 63 years in the future wondering where it all went wrong. Of course I DO have this personal communication device/ tiny computer, so that's cool...
What was I talking about again? Oh yeah...
Have a great day, guys!
The tip of Fudgie's tail is just visible at bottom frame. Fudgie and the left turn after clearing the lift meant that there were three spots to ogle the backside of water in mid-1960: Matterhorn, Jungle Cruise, Cascade Peak. You know Walt and backsides...
As the last photo is cropped, it looks like the celebrated Skyway attraction poster --"See Disneyland From the Air!". The only poster to feature a ride (the Air Boats) which never operated in the park.
Nanook, if only they combined the sensation of gliding above the crowd - WHILE SHRINKING. This is known as “theme park gold”. I do especially love that 2nd photo, though it makes me miss the Tomorrowland that used to be.
Sue, sometimes you just have to count stuff! I remember when we would have to stop at a train crossing and I would try to count all of the cars being pulled, but it always turned out to be too many and I would lose my place (usually around 7 because I can’t count very high).
Sue, I just thought you were being folksy!
JB, Walt knew that if he built the Matterhorn without a top, he could save thousands of dollars. “Nobody looks up there, it strains their necks! *cough cough*” he said. I love seeing views where we can look out into rural Anaheim when it was still covered in farmland - all of it gone today of course. Why grow food when you can build a strip mall? From this high vantage point I am surprised that we can’t see more trashcans.
Stu29573, not many people know that the Matterhorn is technically a “boat”. I’d explain it, but it is very technical. But when the tsunami hits, I’ll be high and dry on the Matterhorn! There are still good things in Tomorrowland, but I admit that I wish it was cooler - it’s pretty hard to surpass the 1967 iteration.
Stefano, oh yeah, I see Fudgie! He’s not quite as defined as he has been in some photos, but he’s definitely there. He reminds me of the pilot whales at Marineland (“Bubbles” - or was it “Corky”?). As a kid who watched endless Looney Tunes on TV, I was always a little puzzled by Disney cartoons. They just weren’t as funny!
Sue, I can count up to six trash cans in photo 2. I’m puzzled by the odd structures back by the DLRR station. They look like lemonade stands. Any thoughts?
One lone trash can there, another is exactly framed by the Skyway Tower opening, and the rest are free-range across the pavement, little silver R2-D2 prototypes, near the Space Bar (where they sell keyboards), another by the Rocket Jets, one by the olive pick lights, and the last down near the boys in blue.
And a few pylons for good measure.
Thanks Major, fine classic views today!
JG
I too am always counting things...however, as an ex dancer/musician/singer/actor/model/waiter/focus-puller I can only count up to 8. In fact, counts start at 5, and only go to 8. Generally the number before 5 is either "uh" or "and uh" or "a" pronounced as a soft "uh". "(uh) five, six, seven, eight..." Unless it's Sondheim, and God speed to you if it is. Back to the Matterhorn: yes, I agree, this had to have been a sight visible for miles on a clear day with no obstructions of the modern world...only things like the Cosmic Age Lodge, and the Frontier Motel. The Frontier Motel still exists on Harbor, and the Stovall hotels are indeed still around: it's just called "JW Marriott", and a few other properties with a Best Western still with the Stovall name attached. I also enjoy seeing the big bag of not too much along Harbor Blvd. Especially the agriculture, which even in my time there, was all about Orange County in spurts...especially south. I've spoken of the last surviving 50's orange grove just a few blocks up from the House of Mouse. If you drive around the 50's era neighborhoods of Anaheim, it seems that everyone has citrus trees in their yards and I am very jealous. The smell of groves in blossom and in fruit is something that everyone should experience. Tomorrowland station: very much intact in 2023, and with some good urban archeology, I suppose you can still find a thing or two...or perhaps a plant or two. I never noticed the very strict "swimming pool" type wall containing the Subs before. I do like the rocky shore better, but maybe the subs had to make some cash first. You used to see all types of Servicemen around Disneyland...in big gaggles...they traveled in packs it seemed. Those in uniform got in for a discount, but I think too...the base had more deeply discounted tickets available. I'm sure someone knows. Military guys and nuns...they used to roam the planet known as Disneyland. Thanks Major!
@ JG-
"I’m puzzled by the odd structures back by the DLRR station".
Those are 'covered' benches. LOOK HERE; HERE; AND HERE.
Nanook, thanks. I don't recall ever noticing those before.
It's a great spot to sit a bit and enjoy that view, too bad they are all gone now. Fewer and fewer places in the Park now to just sit and enjoy the view.
OK, have to run off and buy a light saber, or one of those bubble generators and place my mobile order for a Dole Whip.
JG
JG, hmmm, I’m not sure what those things are either. Could they be benches? If so I don’t recall seeing them before (meanwhile they’ve probably appeared in 100 photos). I will never be able to see those particular trashcans without thinking that they are the husks of decommissioned R2 units!
Bu, whatever the opposite of a dancer is, that’s me! I pity any woman I have ever danced with, I don’t know how they managed to not burst out laughing. That being said, I’ve seen plenty of bad dancers who are just having a great time, so I am probably just being too self-conscious. My dream is to go back in time and stay at the Cosmic Lodge, and to wake up bright and early to see the morning sun hitting the Matterhorn. Well, that’s one of my dreams anyway. It’s a real bummer that at least this part of O.C. is so developed that one would never know that it used to be all about orchards and farms. And I agree, the scent of citrus blossoms is one of the best, my grandma had over 40 citrus trees in her big yard, and I can’t smell orange blossoms without flashing back to her home. Very early Disneyland flyers advertise special rates for military personnel and clergy!
Nanook, well there you go, there are certainly photos featuring those benches, though many of them have the shades/awnings straight-on so that they kind of vanish, if you know what I mean.
JG, I have a great idea for a new toy to sell at Disneyland. Instead of bubbles, these toys ooze an oily, smelly liquid that drips on the ground. That's all it does. Look for them SOON!
It looks like the family from September 11th made a complete round trip on the Skyway. Good for them! I don't think I ever did that. Maybe on my next - oh, never mind.
Bu, yes - there's a military discount available at the gate, but you get an even better deal if you buy in advance at the base. You save even more money by not going at all. But then you miss out on meeting the most interesting people.
Has Disneyland ever served a sundae that looks like the Matterhorn? And if not, then WHY?
Also, a photo of a beautiful Disneyland souvenir. I've seen it priced at over $1,000, making the slogan on the packaging -- "Save Your Pennies for Disneyland" -- all the more poignant:
https://cz.pinterest.com/pin/349873464779121140/
It's enough to make one buy more lottery tickets.
The MATTERHORN SUDAE : scoops of vanilla ice cream with marshmallow topping and coconut…. Early versions came with a paper Swiss flag …. Later ones no flag at all .
Ofcouse the MATTERHORN MACAROON is wildly popular today.
Post a Comment