It's GDB pal Bu's birthday! And thanks to Sue B. (and her dad, Lou Perry), this has turned into a kind of mega-post. Or maybe a "mini-mega post"!
We'll start with this fun photo from Sue's collection (not a Lou and Sue image), from a vintage birthday party. The birthday boy appears to be named "Larry", and he is very particular about his hair, as Bu was in his Tour Guide days. That Ace comb was worn to a nub by the time he was 20! But it was all worth it. In the middle, a little boy looks displeased. "I wish it was MY birthday!". Sorry kid. Next to him, the little girl can barely see what's going on.
Next, Sue shared three photos from her father's collection, all dating from September, 1983, which is around the time Bu was working at the park. First we have this excellent picture of a trashcan. Oh, and a Horseless Carriage and the Matterhorn too.
Next, the Main Street Cinema, where we can juuust see that Harold Lloyd was among the stars to be seen inside, making this from before it was "all Mickey Mouse, all the time".
Here's a nice view from inside the Frontierland gate, looking out towards the Plaza. The lady in blue appears to be arguing with her friend, who worked as a basketball referee.
And I'm always happy to see the Swiss Family Treehouse. Let's go up to the top level and hopefully we will feel a nice tropical breeze!
And now for something completely different! Sue scanned a 1985 issue of the "Disneyland Line" employee newsletter; as you know (and can see), '85 was the park's 30th year.
As part of the celebration, one of those "great" television specials was fired, including celebrities such as Drew Barrymore and John Forsythe. There is also a mention of the "brand-new shooting arcade", as well as another Gibson Card Corner (Gibson had been a 1955 lessee, but were replaced by Hallmark eventually).
It's fun to see some familiar names, such as Dick Nunis and Ron Dominguez. I'd hoped that Fairuza Balk (from "Return to Oz") was in that upper right photo, but it's just a bunch of meddling kids! And look at that lucky toddler who became Disneyland's 250-millionth guest. He received a lifetime supply of mayonnaise.
I wonder if Bu knew Melissa Tyler, the Disneyland Ambassador for 1985? If he did, I hope she was one of the nice Ambassadors, and not the snooty sort.
Here's a mini-history of Town Square Christmas trees.
"Park News", I always get a kick out of the "Golden Ears", cast members who announced their retirement, sometimes after decades at the park. I hope that Thelma enjoyed traveling with her husband, and Don got his eldest son's house remodeled!
Cast Activities are fun, I don't know if the company still offers things like a basketball league, aerobics classes, or even a computer club (1983 is before many of us had any computer experience).
And finally, the back page classified ads. How about $295 a month to share an apartment? Or a '77 Toyota Celica for $2,995? Give blood too, what do you need 8 pints for anyway?
If you'd like, you can download a PDF of this Disneyland Line issue
HERE. Happy Birthday, Bu, and many thanks to Sue B. for providing all of these scans!