Two From the 1950s
There is always something a little bit special about old Disneyland slides from the first year or two of operation. While today's examples are undated, they are likely from 1956 (more on that in a minute).
I love this first photo of two women, one of whom is dropping a postcard (?) into one of the mailboxes on Main Street. Town Square is practically deserted; I'd guess that it was still early in the year, Christmas decor is no longer on the Emporium, but the lady to the left is prepared for a chilly evening.
This second scan is from a damaged slide, but we get a nice look at the Bertha Mae at rest near Fowler's Harbor. The Keelboats made their debut on Christmas day in 1955; I don't know if the park didn't operate this attraction in the off-season, or if it hadn't actually opened yet. Or what. But it's a swell photo anyway.
6 comments:
Major-
Some nice images from an early Disneyland. Always love seeing shots from Fowler's Harbor. As for that 1st image, I'm fairly confident the gal in the gray suit is actually mailing her taxes off to the IRS-!
Thanks, Major.
The lady on the right has a camera that is encased in a protective leather 'skin'. My dad always had his camera in one of those. When the camera is in use, the leather flap in front would hang down below the lens. Occasionally, if you were aiming the camera downward, part of that flap would get 'in frame' and partially spoil your picture. We have several views from the top of Seattle's Space Needle like that. My mom thought my dad got his thumb in front of the lens, but it was the leather flap. Do we know for sure that this lady is making a deposit, and not a withdrawal? ;-p
I was trying to discern what those designs are on the others lady's skirt. Fruit? Paisley designs? Sea Monkeys? Amoebas?
My, that IS a nice photo of the Bertha Mae! Is that a train tunnel in the upper left of the picture? Or maybe it's a building of some sort?
Splendiferous photos today, Major. Thanks.
@ JB-
"Is that a train tunnel in the upper left of the picture?"
Indeed it is... just look HERE where you can see it in its state 'of becoming'.
Nanook, you scared me! I was going to make that exact statement about the lady mailing her 1955 tax return, before reading your comment! "Great minds think alike" or "A rolling chicken gathers no moss before it's hatched." Or something like that.
Thanks for these early views of the park, Major!
Oh, seeing the Keel Boat reminded me of something! This Sunday on MeTV, the show will be featuring Garner Holt's personal collection. In the commercial, they show a Keel Boat, a Dumbo vehicle, and a 1978 Matterhorn bobsled.
Here's the episode description from the MeTV site: "Garner Holt is a designer and manufacturer of animatronic figures for medical, military, and entertainment uses; but in Garner’s case, his business is also very much his pleasure. He’s assembled a world-class personal collection of animatronics and other artifacts from Disney theme parks, and has invited Lisa and Collector’s Call to come on in and possibly hop on board! Among the spectacular pieces we’ll feature are a Dumbo vehicle from the aerial ride named after the cartoon elephant; a turtle from Disneyland’s original Submarine Voyage ride; a pirate-ship themed car from the Peter Pan attraction; and a toboggan-shaped Matterhorn ride vehicle. Garner also share some other pieces of vintage Disney park memorabilia, including a Disneyland Opening Day gold ticket for VIPs; and Adventure Thru Inner Space miniature; and more."
The show comes on Sunday, at 6:30 p.m., Pacific Standard Time, but check your local listings for the times in your area.....as they say.
I guess I forgot to mention the name of the show (but it is mentioned in the listing description). The show is "Collector's Call" and it's hosted by Blair Warner of the Eastland School for girls. Sadly, Tootie won't be making an appearance.
Post a Comment