Disneyland Band at the Plaza Gardens, February, 1977

If you're like me, you've never liked the incessant, juvenile caterwauling of rock and roll and pop music. Give me a brass band any time (or an accordion as a last resort)! If it ain't John Philip Sousa, I don't want to hear it (was he the Taylor Swift of 19th Century?). I believe that the gentleman leading the band is Stan Freese, according to Wikipedia he started at Walt Disney World and transferred to Disneyland in the Spring of 1974. 

Here's a bit more info about Mr. Freese (not Mr. Freeze): As leader of the Disneyland Band, Freese modernized the band's repertoire, giving the musicians more variety. In 1983, Freese became a talent booking director at Disneyland—auditioning and hiring musicians and bands for work in the park and special events, as well as forming bands and musical acts based on operational needs. Freese continued as a talent booking director for most of the rest of his Disney career, except for temporary assignments. He also served as a show director and entertainment producer at both Disneyland and the Queen Mary (Disney operated the Queen Mary for a short period in the 1980s and 1990s). In 1990, Freese returned to leading the Disneyland Band for two years, until Art Dragon was selected as the new leader. Freese was also instrumental in forming Billy Hill and the Hillbillies, a fan-favorite bluegrass band that performed at Disneyland from 1987 to 2014. In 2001, Freese became the talent booker and show director for the Downtown Disney shopping complex at the Disneyland Resort, organizing the atmosphere entertainment program. Perhaps our friend Bu knew Stan Freese?

Two From June 1969

  Here's a pair from June, 1969 - one "different" view (but not that amazing), and one "OK" view. Let's start with the "different" photo, with two little girls quenching their thirst at two classic Disneyland water fountains (one is tall, one is short). The bags of C&H Sugar have been stolen by teenagers, I'm sorry to say. The girl with the blue jacket is all ready to do a spit-take when somebody tells a joke. It looks like we are right near the Haunted Mansion, though I as unsure if it is back there at the upper portion of the frame or not.

Next is this shot of Mr. Toad's palatial manor in Storybook Land. Toady really lived it up! Is the architectural style "Georgian"? Down by the water we can see Ratty's house, complete with a little rowboat. In the foreground is a little girl sporting mouse ears. 

IASW Snoozles™

I know, I know, Snoozles aren't that much fun. That's why they are relegated to Sundays, when you should be "at rest" (I'm always at rest!). These are from 1973, for those of you keeping a record. This first one is weirdly backlit, almost none of the famous façade is receiving direct sunlight. Which is why I think that the entire IASW building should be mounted to a gimbal that can tilt and rotate. I estimate that this should only cost about $100,000,000 dollars.  Meanwhile, notice that the ride operators are mostly former gondoliers from Venice.

Earlier in the day (?) the sun managed to light some of the building, as well as these topiaries, made from tapioca. Does anybody know of a precedent for fanciful topiaries like these? Did Tivoli Gardens in Denmark have some? 

 

Vintage Amusements

I love vintage amusement parks! You already know that, because you watch me on your high-tech spy cameras (on your monochrome green monitors from 1985). I'm waving hello to all of you right now. I'M NOT CRAZY! 

Today I want to share two fun slide scans, starting with this one dated "September, 1960". We're watching two fellows shooting out, perhaps over the affections of the saloon gal (?) who enjoys wandering into the line of fire. "Fiddle-dee-dee! Men are so silly!". You'd think that the people behind the gunfighter near the music hall might want to move too, but they'll take their chances. Sadly, I have no idea where this western park was located, there aren't any solid clues that helped me. I did search for "Long Horn Music Hall Saloon" (in various permutations), and had no luck. If I had to make a wild guess, I'd say that it could be near Jackson Hole, Wyoming, but I truly have no idea.

This next one is from August, 1964, and was labeled "Sutton, PA". Sutton is in the northwest region of Pennsylvania, about 80 miles northeast of Pittsburgh. You know, near Corsica and Brookville! The photo shows a local carnival or fair, with a classic tank ride (children loved to pretend to be General Patton!) and a miniature locomotive that has, unfortunately, caught on fire. You just know it's because of teenagers with long hair! In my professional opinion, it is not good to have your miniature train burst into flames. 

Late Afternoon Lagoon, 1973

Today's photos are a bit "different" - both were taken very late in the afternoon, imbuing each scene in warm light. And while views of the Monorail at the station and the Sub Lagoon are not rare, these angles are unusual at least.

This first photo was taken from a Peoplemover train, and we can see another one next to the yellow Monorail, just about to ascend that gradient. Even though there were some disadvantages to the Disneyland Peoplemover system (with the embedded wheels in the track), I did like that it enabled the attraction to go up and down "hills". There were points along the ride where guests were fairly high up, and also relatively low to the ground. Skyway gondolas glide back and forth, and the Disneyland Hotel can be seen in the distance.

This next one is somewhat similar, but I believe it was taken from a Monorail (there's a Peoplemover train overhead). A conga line of Submarines await patient (?) guests. If you look just to the right of the center of the image, there is something on a pole with a blue... thing, and a red thing. It reminds me of a semaphore.  I've never noticed it before, and wonder if it had a function, or was just for looks?

 

Last Parade Scans From 1980

Here are the last scans that mostly feature a parade from 1980. These are tiny transparencies mounted in a standard 2" X 2" slide mount, and the quality does suffer a bit, but they're still fun.

Normally there are four dancers onstage at the Golden Horseshoe Revue, but there are at least six participating in the parade. The stars and their understudies? 

I don't recognize these characters, but if you do, I'd love to know who they are! Miss Bianca from "The Rescuers" is to the left, I'm always happy to see her and/or Bernard. 

Br'er Bear and Br'er Fox were always fun to see around the park. I assume that we'll never see them again, which makes me a bit sad. Things change, whether I like it or not!

A pair of beautiful horses wear fancy rigs as they pull an unknown float - maybe on of the circus wagons seen in a previous post?

And finally, the one non-parade image in this entire batch! A familiar view of Monstro The Way-Out Whale. I was wondering what the colorful shapes were, just above his nose, and realized that it is Casey Junior, chugging down the track.

Park Entrance, April 1973

I have a pair of so-so photos from April 1973, from the area outside the main park. It's a bit weird that these two are the only Disneyland slides that were in the batch, leading me to suspect that there were others, but they were cherry-picked and sold separately. Why they missed these two is a mystery.

It looks like many folks are walking toward the ticket booths from the parking lot, presumably dropped off by a tram. April can be chilly, look at all the jackets and sweaters, and one babushka. I guess the crowd of people to our right are in line to buy tickets? Mama mia! Perhaps it was Spring Break?

Normally I would theorize that the seller did not recognize some of the slides as being from Disneyland, but it's pretty hard to ignore the giant smiling face of the floral Mickey portrait. Maybe they thought it was a portrait of Al Pacino? I definitely see a likeness. I don't know what those people to the left are up to, and I don't want to know. As always, I enjoy seeing the Santa Fe name (in this case it's on the train cars); Santa Fe would cease its sponsorship in September of 1974.

Town Square Views, December 12, 1969

Someday I'll have to visit Disneyland and never get any further than Town Square. There's plenty to keep one occupied for a full day! Sit on a bench. Look at merchandise in the Emporium. Go grab a bite to eat. Go the Bank of America (now the Disney Gallery), chat with the Omnibus driver (but don't ride it, because it will take you out of Town Square), check out the Firehouse, sit on a bench again, pet the Streetcar horses (only with permission), watch the trains come and go, see the Mr. Lincoln show... what more could you need?? Let those short-attention-span people go ride the rides in the rest of the park.

Meanwhile... hey, there's a Christmas tree!

That guy in the street isn't going to pass the Wurlitzer shop, and I love him for it. The park was pretty empty on a Friday, though of course most Cro-Magnons head toward the Castle immediately. To the right are giant Christmas presents that probably eventually held thousands of balloons, to be released during the big holiday parade. 

 

The Disney Look - PART TWO

Today I am sharing part two from a series of scans from our friend Sue B, who acquired a copy of a 1987 edition of a cast member grooming and costuming guide. I like to wear pajamas out in public, but you can't do that at Disneyland. Not even a track suit!

We left off in the middle of learning about the "dos" and "donts" of costuming (for hosts) . I love details such as hats needing to be worn "two fingers above the eyebrows". I have very slim fingers! You can't wear your mirrored aviator sunglasses, it makes people uneasy, especially when they ask you a question and you just stare at them silently, until they slink away in shame. Another mention of facial hair reminds me that we have seen vintage photos of some CMs with mustaches, usually in Frontierland (Stagecoach drivers and such).

Costume guidelines for the ladies! That orange jumpsuit makes the gal in the top photo look like she's ready to hop on the next space shuttle. All systems nominal! I think it's funny that the wearing of pins for the Red Cross, United Way, or Junior Achievement" are forbidden.Who would wear those, anyway? Apparently women can't shave their heads - yes, this is1987, and they'd had to deal with the punk era. Most of the rules seem pretty easy to follow, although I do like a nice wig once in a while.

Wow, they've thought of everything. Blushers! Eye makeup! Lipstick! Perfume (and deodorant)! Fingernails and jewelry! And so on. Skirt length, wouldn't that be the responsibility of the costume department? A lot of the other info seems essentially the same as for men. That lady with the 3D glasses must be from "Captain EO", I suppose this must have been an incredibly popular attraction when it was new (it had debuted in 1986)? 

Even more general costume guidelines; again, most rules are essentially the same as the ones for men. Looking at the pretty balloon vendor in the bottom photo, I believe that she may have appeared in a similar photo with Bu?

Oh, here we go! The Man telling me that my long golden Fontleroy curls are not acceptable! Who's that guy in the first photo? Did they have an on-site barber? Please cut out and memorize the diagram at the bottom for the next time you go to Supercuts.

Do you want a taper? It can be high, medium, or low. What more could you possibly want? Based on a recent park visit, these standards are no longer in use! 

That's it for part two! Stay tuned for part three. THANK YOU, Lou and Sue!

Snoozles™

I have a pair of "not that bad" Snoozles for you today, starting with this 1973 photo of a young woman posing in front of It's a Small World, sponsored by the Bonk of America. BONK. I'm struggling to think of anything to say about this just-fine picture!

This next one was mixed in with a bunch of random slides - I'm proud to say that a dork like me immediately recognized it as a photo of the Columbia sailing ship! There were no other Disneyland slides in the box, which makes me suspect that the seller had picked out the obvious examples and sold them separately. I forgive him.

Will I return from my trip to Utah today? WHO KNOWS!

Mystery Amusement Parks

I have some random photos of unknown fairs and/or amusement parks for you today, starting with this 1960s photo of what seems to be a parking lot fair; we can just see a sign indicating a mall where you can "shop in COMFORT". Those palm trees look very SoCal to me, but it could be Florida, or even Hawaii. There's a Trabant ride, manufactured by Chance Rides. Often seen at fairs and traveling carnivals, their design consists of a giant wheel which tilts at a steep angle, fluctuates in a wavelike manner, and spins at various speeds. There is a motor underneath the ride that makes both of these rides raise up and down. 

A little bit to the right, we can just see a corner of a classic Shakey's Pizza Parlor sign. 

Like this one! One website said that these original neon signs with the lantern on top are very rare today.

Next is this photo from August, 1971. I'm guessing that this is a county or state fair, it definitely seems to be placed on what appears to be the local Fairgrounds. There's a Paratrooper ride in the lower right, and what I think is an "Astro Wheel" in the distance. I have no idea what that spiral thing is to the left. It's too bad that the focus is a bit soft (the picture was presumably taken from a Ferris Wheel), some details are not discernible, though I am intrigued by the sign for "Dante's Inferno".

And finally, from June, 1961 comes another photo from what must have been a temporary fair - we're in the midst of baseball fields. From our Ferris Wheel vantage point, we're looking down upon a Tilt-a-Whirl, a very small miniature train, and classic Chair-O-Plane swings.

It's day 3 of my trip, I could be anywhere between Utah and California at this point!

Monorail, March 1983

Oh yeah, it's the sleek Mark III Monorail, right after it got a coat of Simonize car polish. You know what they say: "Monorail wise - SIMONIZE". Both of today's scans are from 1983, which is typically a bit later than what I tend to share, but they are great nevertheless.

Let's start with this shot of the Green Monorail, or "Big Greenie" as I like to call it. Bubble dome! I realize that it doesn't look very green, but it was a sort of "olive" tint (I'm sure General Motors would come up with a much more poetic name for the hue, like “Zombie Green”), and the warm afternoon sunlight did funny things. 

Next is this Skyway view looking down on the Sub Load queue, and the Monorail queue. It's a busy day for March - just a regular Saturday, perhaps? Or maybe it was St. Patrick's Day. Just two years after these photos were taken, the Mark III Monorail trains were phased out one by one, stripped to the chassis, and rebuilt as Mark V trains.

I'm still out of town... thanks for checking in!

Disneyland Paper Placemats

When it comes to ephemera (items of collectible memorabilia, typically written or printed ones, that were originally expected to have only short-term usefulness or popularity), paper placemats are about as ephemerotious as you can get! They were, after all, designed to catch drips and spills and other indignities that I don't even want to think about. Today's examples were somehow preserved by heroes whose names are unknown to us.

First up is this placemat from the Disneyland Hotel "restaurants by Gourmet". I believe that this example could be from the 1960s or 1970s, but I can't find any info about how long the "Gourmet" name was used at the Hotel. I have shared two menus from what I assume was more than a single restaurant? Take a look HERE and HERE.  In doing a bit of research, I found people selling framed examples for around $400. I promise you I didn't pay anything even close to that amount.

Next is this attractive placemat from Café Orléans (in New Orleans Square, naturally). I like the unusual die-cut shape on this one, and those graphics that make me think of those Robert Abel 7-Up commercials from the 1970s.

This next one is rather generic, but my understanding is that it is early (almost certainly from the 50s) and pretty scarce. There's a tiny bit of edge wear, but it's remarkable to think that this delicate paper item has somehow survived 60+ years.

And lastly, here's a placemat that was given to me long ago. I don't know anything about it other than the obvious Disneyland Hotel connection. But I do love me a Disneyland map, even a cartoony "fun map". The item has no date, but there's no Toontown, so that puts it before 1993. I generally give it an "early 90s" guesstimate. The placemat has a "Where's Mickey" challenge, and it isn't easy since so many cartoony people are wearing mouse ears, and the printing isn't that great. If you want to cheat and see where Mickey is, click HERE!

I will be out of town for the next four days (I think) in order to help a friend move some stuff from Utah back to LA. The good news is that it is around 100º in Utah, so that will be fun! I doubt I will have much time to chime in, which is a bummer, but there will be new posts for you every day, as usual! I'll talk to you all when I get back.

More Frontierland Scans

I have another selection of Frontierland scans for you, courtesy of the Mysterious Benefactor! Four of these are "rafty", but not "ratty". 

While most of us went to school aboard river rafts, the kids in this picture had probably never been on a raft before. Some fun, and they're not going to school either! It might be my imagination, but the girl to the left is already showing signs of scurvy. 

This young lad has the same haircut as I do! Though his mom has to use a smaller cereal bowl as a guide. He's peering down into the depths, imagining that he sees the shadow of a huge leviathan gliding below.

So much for the photographer keeping a low profile, everybody is on to him. The girl with the red skirt is sick of being followed by the paparazzi, and can you blame her? I love her Farrah Fawcett hair.

This one is "souvenir guide book worthy", it's colorful and well-composed. The raft doesn't appear to be moving, but we're supposed to think that the raft pilot is indicating nearby points of interest ("Yonder is a nest of cottonmouths!"). But they don't fool me! The boy with the yellow hat in the lower left looks like he's stepped out of a Norman Rockwell painting.

One of these photos is not like the others! I decided to add this last view just to confuse the FBI. "What is he doing now? Call the Director, pronto!". We've moved to Fort Wilderness on Tom Sawyer Island; these two kids are having way too much fun. It's a good thing they're not on my lawn, because I'd give them an earful!

THANK YOU, Mysterious Benefactor!

Amity Island, Universal Studios

I admit that today's post is kind of an odd one; I decided to scan 15 (or so) old Universal Studios slides, and discovered that a third of them featured the shark-infested New England beach town of Amity Island. Is that a good thing or a bad thing? Can it be both? Anyway, I decided to post all of them together to purge them from my system. 

These first three are from February of 1988. We are in our Glamour Tram, and we can see Amity Harbor off to the right, along with a fisherman's dock, where old salts bought Dockers brand shoes and pants. Comfortable, but nice enough for dinner with friends! As often happens at Universal Studios, the surprise is a bit spoiled by the fact that you can see the tram in front of us being terrorized by a giant shark. Luckily, the tram hostess has implanted a post-hypnotic suggestion that will make us forget everything (and sometimes makes us believe that we are chickens).

Gosh, what a pleasant little harbor! I'm sure nothing bad has ever happened here. Many years ago, I met up with friends for dinner at Universal Citywalk, way up the hill above this scene. Getting there a little early, I parked in the massive parking structure, and from the top level I could see the harbor in the distance. Every minute or so, I would watch that boat with the fisherman get pulled underwater in a fountain of magenta "blood", and I could even hear his agonized screams. Then the tram would move on, and the boat would reset for the next performance. It was kind of fun.

We survived the shark attack (for some reason there are no photos of that exciting event), but as we rounded the bend we can look back to see the shark. He's not worried about the cops coming or anything. Which is pretty cool.

It's time for CELEBRITY CONFESSIONS. Well, OK, I'm not a celebrity, but I have to confess that I mis-dated these scans as being from 1969, which is stupid because the Jaws attraction (and even the movie) did not exist in 1969. So perhaps my fat fingers were supposed to type "1989"? Weirdly, I can't find the original slides now. Yes, I agree, it's a conspiracy, if you want to send me money, you can.

ANYWAY, It's interesting to see how this scene had changed in just a few years;  now the fisherman (Quint's brother Skyler) is facing toward us; if I recall correctly he would be pulled backwards into the water, which doesn't make a lot of sense, but at that moment we all believed we were chickens so it's OK. I've always enjoyed the famous billboard with the pretty girl saying, "Eek! Shark!". Didn't Amity double as Cabot Cove from "Murder, She Wrote"?

What in blazes?!? If I'd known there was a giant shark with foam-rubber teeth who can hop on his tail, I would have never gone on this tram tour. Somebody will be hearing from my attorney. Could it be YOU??

And now, as the sun sets into the west (hula music playing for some reason), let's all wave a fond farewell to Bruce "Sharky" Carcharadon (of the Long Island Carcharadons). I'm going to miss that guy!

A Pair From 1957

What could be better than photos of Disneyland in the 50s? NOTHING, that's what. Our photographer seems to have been on the steps of Main Street Station looking out toward Town Square. Say, that building over there is mighty impressive! It must be important - maybe the donut shop? Oh wait, the sign says "City Hall". Do they serve donuts too? I've always wanted to go up into the cupola so that I could look out one of those oculus windows. It must have been a warm day, one woman is partaking of a water fountain, while other guests wait for their ice cream treats.

I like the little "bouquet" of women (OK, one's a girl) in pale pink, daffodil-yellow, and robin's egg blue.

The only other scan that I have from this batch is a look at the Devil's Paint Pots in the Rainbow Desert (this is pre-Nature's Wonderland, remember). Bloop! Man, that bubbling mud looks delicious, and I brought a big spoon. I'm going to hop off the train and hope that nobody notices.