Storybook Land 1956

We've seen plenty of photos of Storybook Land over the years, but in my opinion today's examples are particularly beautiful. The warm light of the setting sun adds a romantic glow to the scenes, and what can I say, they are just pretty pix. 

First up is this Skyway view, with Cinderella's Castle (or is it just "Cinderella Castle"?) on top of its stony mountain. Casey Junior is chugging by; we can see some of the outbuildings to the left of the castle, part of the pony farm I suppose? At the bottom of the frame, Toad Hall sits on the end of that island. A twisted tree trunk looks like it was actually the root system of a small tree that was stuck in the ground upside-down. 

This next view was taken from a Canal Boat, with a nice composition featuring another Casey Jr. train, with Cindy's Castle again. And Toad Hall, much closer!

 

Knott's Berry Farm Souvenir Slides

I got to the end of one box containing vintage Knott's Berry Farm slides (don't worry, there's more), and found a series of souvenir slides - the kind a visitor might buy at the gift shop next to the chicken restaurant. As a rule I avoid souvenir slides, but these were old enough to have a certain charm. Of the dozen, I scanned the three that I thought were the most interesting.

Inside the Saloon, the bartender sizes us up. Greenhorn? Trail-hardened cowpoke? Yellow-bellied rustler? Frontier priest? Humorous signs make the bar look like a theme restaurant on La Brea Avenue. The "No Whiskey Sold to..." sign is probably historically accurate, unfortunately. Hopefully you wanted boysenberry punch, because that's all they served. Well, maybe root beer too.

If you walked out of the Saloon and glanced to the right (northward), this is a scene you might see, with the beautiful narrow-gauge Ghost Town and Calico Railroad. Marilyn and Cecila relax in the shade to our right (they look pretty lifelike here!). This photo seems to predate the addition of the Calico Mine Ride.

Here's an unusual night view, streets apparently freshly hosed down for the evening. I believe this is looking west on Main Street, we can just see the Livery Stable in the distance.