Howsabout some more vintage Knott's Berry Farm? Put on your boysenberry-shaped hat and pull up a chair.
Have I seen this "Welcome to Ghost Town" sign before? Hmmm, if so I don't recall it. It's a giant book carved from a whole sequoia tree. That's my story, anyway! Walter Knott wants you to know that about the rugged people who settled the West. Without government! Down below is the gold mine, where you could pan for REAL GOLD; I believe that the Covered Wagon Camp would be behind us, and the statue of Seldom Seen Slim was nearby.
The burro-powered merry-go-round was located near Old MacDonald's Farm, and this girl is having the time of her life. She keeps her emotions in check, but trust me, inside she's giggling. The only way to improve matters is if she had a menthol cigarette and a vodka gimlet.
There she is again, with her not-dorky brother. I am so impressed with the way she hides her true feelings! Could she be part Vulcan? Handsome Brady and Whiskey Bill find her aloof manner to be amusing.
Major-
ReplyDelete'Sullen' seems to describe our emotionless lass. Poor dear.
Her "not-dorky" brother appears to be holding a Kodak Instamatic 404 camera - which places into doubt the date of the images - as this camera was first produced beginning in 1965. Discuss among yourselves.
Thanks, Major.
Major-
ReplyDeleteI'm also voting for not dorky's tee shirt to be from Camp Templed Hills, in Bellville, Ohio.
I don't have any more boysenberry-shaped hats. The neighbor's cat shredded the last one I had. I have no idea what that cat has against boysenberry-shaped hats. Maybe he hates all berry-shaped hats.
ReplyDeleteI don't remember seeing this sequoia-shaped book sign before either. I think it's AI generated. ;-p It's a nice clear photo; the photographer knew what he was doing.
I love the concept of the burro-powered merry-go-round. (I seem to be using a lot of hyphens today. I hope we don't run out!) It's one of the few actual carnival-type flat rides in the park at this time (I guess the other, ornate, merry-go-round was there?) I like how the burro-go-round is all rickety looking. I know that it was an actual old ride, but did they 'rough it up' and make it even more so?
I 'm not even sure if Vulcan Girl is awake. Not sure what is written on not-dorky brother's t-shirt. "Camp Tem[something] Hills"? Seeing the two prospectors, I'm reminded of how well they were crafted; life-like poses.
Nanook, Aha! "Camp Templed Hills"! That must be it. Regarding the '65 camera: Obviously this is a family of time travelers! That would also explain the zonked-out expression on Vulcan-Girl; suffering from the effects of time travel.
Nice Knott's pics today, Major. Not the usual sort of photos. Thanks.
Major, I could have sworn that you had posted a pic of that carved "book" some years ago. But I did a search of your blog and couldn't come up with the image I had in mind. Anyway, as you mentioned, it was located above the Pan for Gold attraction. The Steak House would have been directly behind the photographer.
ReplyDeleteThat carved book still exists today, and is on display inside the Western Trails museum. They even made a miniature version of it as a pin, for Knott's "100th" anniversary a few years ago.
That burro-powered merry-go-round was actually located inside Old MacDonald's Farm. It supposedly was already an antique at the time that Walter Knott acquired it. But who knows, it could have been brand new and built right there at Knott's, and that "antique" story was cooked up by Marty Sklar. Didn't he "moonlight" at times, for the "other Walter"? ;-)
I think those last two images are ads FOR Disneyland!
ReplyDelete(Side note: I am not making fun of Knott’s…I love Knott’s.)
Sue, that was truly funny. I love Knott's too, but I love a good joke even more.
ReplyDeleteThat girl reminds me of my niece who's middle aged now. I used to ask her if she was having a good time when we were at Disneyland. She always said yes. And she really did have a good time because she became a major Disney fan through the years. Some people don't show excitement on their face for some reason.
Thanks, Major.
P.S. I have that book as a pin from the Knott's 100 Years Pin celebration.
I love the book sign, makes me think of Fractured Fairy Tales. I take it Mr. Knott was a fan of limited government.
ReplyDeleteI’m trying to figure out the shade cover on the burro-go-round, sort of reed mats? Weirdest geometry.
Yes, I think the young lady suffers from “resting grump face”, of which I have been accused also. I’m having a good time, I swear by the Great Horn Spoon!
I love the old Knotts, thank you Major!
JG