Frontierland In The Fitties
You've heard of "chocolatey goodness" (which also happens to be my rap name), well today's photos are chock full of 1950s goodness. Frontierland goodness, to be even more precise.
Westerns were the most popular genre in movies and TV at the time. Writers could explore thorny issues that might rankle viewers if presented in a contemporary setting. And who doesn't love a good shootout? It's possible that Disneyland guests might have seen a Stagecoach before, since they could be found at small amusement parks all over the country - and Knott's had their own just a few miles away. But the Disneyland version looks especially nice to my eyes! This coach is jam-packed, they had to use a greased crowbar to fit everyone on board. The Mark Twain and Fort Wilderness make special guest appearances here.
From a different batch comes this shot of the Indian Village when it was in its original location, right next to Adventureland - which explains the tropical(ish) plants visible just over that small berm. Of course the village soon moved to the area where Bear Country would eventually go. Two guests appear to be engaging in conversation with some of the Native American performers, I wish I knew what they were talking about. Probably molybdenum.
11 comments:
Major-
No wonder if conditions weren't just right those stagecoaches might take a tumble, being so fully-loaded up top. And as for those private conversations, I'm betting the guest closest to the camera is inquiring about the Native American's Coppertone tan...
Thanks, Major.
The cowpoke on the left must be the CM with the greased crowbar. He looks like he would enjoy that particular job. There's at least a dozen guests in/on that Stagecoach. That IS Castle Rock back there isn't it? It has genetically combined itself with the Mark Twain, like in the movie (original or remake) of "The Fly". It's hard to tell them apart.
While molybdenum was a common topic of conversation back then, it's much more likely that they were discussing Pork Bellies trading, and IPOs. There is not one, but two buffalo hides drying in the sun... like the papooses in Shiny Boy's village around the bend.
Nanook, I still say it was Pork Bellies and IPOs.
It's kind of rare to see a photo of a Stagecoach this close. Also kind of rare to see the Native American performers chatting with the guests. Thanks, Major.
"Why yes, I have been told before that I look like George Hamilton!"
It's great to see a shot of the first Indian Village! And we might be seeing a U.S. flag flying beyond that jungle vegetation. I'm assuming it's the one on the Main Street Train Station. Oh, or maybe Town Square! There's one in the first pic, too, flying over Fort Wilderness.
Thanks, Major!
My only real complaint about the first photo is that there isn’t enough dirt in the foreground.
It took me a minute to notice the third Native American performer seated in a the background of the second picture and beating a drum. I’ll bet he was laying down some sick beat like he was Buddy Rich.
TM!, there’s also a flag flying from the stern of the Mark Twain in the first photo. ‘Merica!
"How much do you bench?" I think is the conversation, clearly. That stagecoach is most definitely filled to capacity. If you look REALLY close you can see the little "fence" holding them in on the top. I had no idea they had to sit "Indian style" on the top and the only seats were the ones that only two people are sitting on...looks like another could be jammed into the middle. I agree with Walt that the "fun" is all on the top: due to the fear that you might be bounced off at any moment. Fear is fun as experienced on the Matterhorn where the fear is that you'll never stand up straight ever again. My back still hurts and that was years ago. I like all the dirt in it's authenticity, and wonder if it's decomposed granite, or just the sandy soil that the landowners left them... I'm wondering what tribe these Native Americans are from...You don't see many photos of the village in this location. I'm also wondering what the "wings" are on the teepees....something to keep them cool? Some investigation is needed. In "Indian Guides", we got beads instead of patches and such like the boy scouts. I really liked the beads a lot and still like them...and I think that is what George Hamilton is wearing there. "Beading" was a common "craft" back in elementary school if I remember...maybe it was to train us in hand eye coordination (?) or exercise our eyes? The "Hamilton" I would like to see on Broadway is one where they have musical numbers about tanning beds, Pepsodent, and chinchilla throws. I have a very funny George Hamilton story, but i'll save it for another time. Thanks Major!
Everyone waits to chat up Chief Shirtless, but ol’ Mr. Slacks won’t move on, presumably complementing his luxurious natural head-dress as far more impressive than Little-silly-feathers. “Well, actually I already have an agent, and I am busy later, but thanks”
MS
Stagecoach packing was assisted by large quantities of bear grease, but later shifted to molybdenum grease, so this conversation topic is quite appropriate.
https://www.graco.com/us/en/vehicle-service/solutions/articles/moly-grease-vs-lithium-whats-the-big-deal.html
Those rooftop seats sure look unstable, even if the horses are stable…
Aah, I got nothing…
Thanks Major!
JG
In the first pic - is it just me or does the Mark Twain look like it's sinking? Oh the humanity!!
Although considering how shallow the river is I guess it's not such a disaster after all. Cancel the Coast Guard rescue, just send the Tom Sawyer rafts...
Nanook, I have to wonder if the tipping of the Stagecoaches was due to overzealous drivers? Maybe the things were so top-heavy that tipping was inevitable.
JB, in some older photos you can see the big metal drum full of grease, but sadly not in today’s photo. Maybe that particular day was especially busy and they really wanted to max out capacity on the Stagecoach? I’ve never wanted to buy a single pork belly, so I just don’t get how they can be a major part of our economy. I’ve seen other photos of the Native Americans chatting with guests, but you’re right, we usually just see them dancing.
TokyoMagic!, maybe that IS George Hamilton?? I do like rare photos of the first Indian Village. The Flag is definitely on Main Street, but it could be from atop City Hall perhaps?
Chuck, I know what you mean, there aren’t enough photos of dirt in general, especially at Disneyland. It seems strange that the Indian in the background is drumming, did he just have to sit there and drum ALL the time? Disneyland has its share of Flags, but nowhere near as many as the Magic Kingdom once had.
Bu, somehow that little fence doesn’t inspire much confidence. Especially if you happen to be in the middle, away from it. You might have to depend on the grip of a 10 year-old near you. I wouldn’t like sitting up there much, even though the views would definitely be better. I’ve always assumed that they used decomposed granite at Disneyland, but don’t really know. You don’t want things to get too muddy when the occasional rain comes in. Apparently multiple tribes were represented at the Indian Village. I once had a cheap pair of souvenir beaded moccasins when I was a kid, I actually wore them and ruined them. I can’t wait for your George Hamilton story!
MS, I’ve seen Chief Shirtless in photos before, he must have been at the park for a few years in those early days. It is a little strange to see those guys chatting, with no family hanging around!
JG, I am old-school and will only use bear grease. Newfangled greases are only good in the hair of hoodlums! I’m imagining a Stagecoach tipping over and the people spilling everywhere - it wouldn’t be pretty.
Grant, hey, we know that they sometimes overloaded the Mark Twain to the point where it would start listing - at least they did that on opening day. I used to think it would be fun to swim in the river (when I was a kid), but now I think about that water and - no thanks.
I love photos of early Disneyland's Frontierland area, as it was: mostly dirt trails and very raw attractions. Like, as much time had passed from the actual events to Disneyland's opening as has past since Disneyland's opening to today. It was discovering that Disneyland had a truly wide open spaces experience like this long ago that led me to start digging into the history of the park, and really developing my love for it. Thanks for some great old photos from the early days!
No joke, that could be Nat Winecoff addressing his employee (who is damn handsome).
MS
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