Main Street, November 1959

I am proud to present four excellent 1959 photos, featuring Main Street USA! These were taken by Lou Perry, and are graciously shared with us by his daughter Sue B.

This first one is a nice look at Town Square as seen from the top of the steps at Main Street Station. The park is so uncrowded! It's late afternoon, and in November that probably means 4:30. The brand-new Matterhorn peeks up over the Wurlitzer building, and a bit of an Omnibus can be seen in the lower right.

The sun has continued to sink in the west, and now most of Main Street is in shadow. I'm kind of surprised that the exterior lights haven't been turned on already, but photos can make it look darker than it appeared to the eye. Looking at the buildings, I am always impressed with the level of architectural detail that Walt lavished on Main Street even though he was cash-strapped.

There's the old Firehouse - by now the popcorn lights have been turned on! I don't see any signs of life in the upper windows, so Walt Disney probably wasn't spending the night. I always enjoy a look at the Bekins wagon.

And finally, here's stately City Hall. More impressive architectural details! It would be very pleasant to sit on one of those chairs by the front door and watch the world pass by as the sky darkened and the air got chilly (I hope your brought a sweater).

There will be more Main Street '59 photos coming up, courtesy of Lou and Sue!

Where's the Water? December 1958

Back in December (or thereabouts) of 1958, the Rivers of America was (were?) drained for reasons unknown. Some say it has to do with strange lights seen over Anaheim - triangular red shapes that pulsed and moved erratically - a few people claimed that they emitted a hypnotic hum. There were mysterious burn marks in the Disneyland parking lot - at least they appeared charred; they were ice cold, in fact. Workers in the parking lot experienced several lost hours of memory. But I'm sure it was nothing! Weather balloons, probably.

Those poor ducks can't believe their beady little eyes... "Wha' happen?", they said, quackily. You can see that the track for the large boats rests on concrete piers, one of which has been knocked out of place somehow (probably an enraged duck). 

It's interesting to see the Mark Twain at rest near where the Keel Boats were sometimes berthed. Since it rests on the bottom of its hull, the lady is practically eye-level with the 2nd deck (boiler deck?). Presumably the bit of shiny red-brown painted wood is part of the Columbia (to the left)? That ship debuted in June of '58, so it seems strange that it was out of commission already. Perhaps the river was only empty for a few days.

SBC, 1950's

If a person (let's call this fellow a totally random name, like... Major Pfeffernusse) happens to own a lot of vintage Disneyland slides, he is just going to have to deal with scores (or hundreds) of photos of Sleeping Beauty Castle. It's a great burden, but Pfeffernusse is up to the challenge. Don't call him a hero! Just send him cold hard cash. Or better yet, send it to me, I'll make sure it gets to him. Yeah, that's it.

First up is this image from sometime in the 50's. Pre-Matterhorn, at least, because that overgrown patch of land to our right is where the 150-foot tall Swiss mountain would eventually be hatched. It's funny, Disneyland's castle is regularly criticized for being small, but it doesn't look so small here. Everything's relative!

The swans in the moat were so popular, I am almost surprised that the old brochures and guidebooks didn't list them as an attraction. Not many people know that the swans had their own chamber inside the castle, it's where they spent the night. Each bird got a canopy bed, free Wi-Fi (Walt was ahead of his time), and a complimentary mint on their silk pillow. You know it's true!

River Pix, 1996

I'm working my way through a whole bunch of nice Frontierland photos taken by Mr. X, mostly featuring the river and its many charms. It's almost as if he knew there would be big changes in a few decades.

One thing that doesn't change is the presence of ducks. Imagine being a duck at Disneyland! Sometimes lucky guests will see a mama and her ducklings strolling by, probably on their way to ride Space Mountain.

Here's a nice picture of a Keelboat as it was passing Cascade Peak. That vessel is full, you couldn't cram more people on board with a shoehorn. There's the usual CM piloting the Keelboat (at the stern), but there are two freeloading CMs relaxing up front. That's the way to make a paycheck!

And speaking of Cascade Peak, here it is again; this time we have a Davy Crockett Explorer Canoe, with its full compliment of 20 guests, plus 2 CMs to keep them from founding on the rocks or being eaten by snapping turtles the size of Edsels. 

Thanks to Mr. X for these pretty photos of Frontierland!

Kids In Fantasyland, July 1976

It's dusk in Fantasyland, and three kids have been shoehorned into a single Dumbo vehicle for a spin. Note how, when the elephants were at rest, they were lower than the ground level, making it easy for guests (even pint-sized guests) to step into their own personal Dumbo. The Skyway Chalet is in the background, but I don't see any gondolas, so perhaps that ride was out of order.

Earlier in the day, some of the same kids met Gideon the cat, a goofy rascal from "Pinocchio". I wonder if they actually recognized the character, or if they were just happy to see this fuzzy fellow? The lady in the background has learned that making raspberry noises into a cardboard tube amplifies the effect considerably.

Frontierland Views, September 1966

It's time for a couple of so-so slide scans, circa '66. (I am submitting today's post for the 2020 Alliteration Awards).

First up is this look at the Golden Horseshoe Saloon (beneath the bluest sky ever), where you can get a sarsaparilla in a dirty glass, and watch a hilarious show featuring music, beautiful gals, and some rootin' tootin' comedy. It's nice to see that fancy sign above the entrance, replacing the low-budget printed banner that was there for years.

Next is this view from one of Frontierland's big boats, looking down at one of the park's many popcorn wagons. My friend Mr. X recently went to Disneyland and said that the popcorn carts were filthy, which was disheartening to hear (he worked as a popcorn vendor back in the early 70's). But in 1966 they were still sparkling clean, so fear not, man buying popcorn! Look at the light crowds, it would have been a lovely day to be there.

Chambersburg, Pennsylvania

When I used to buy boxes of random slides, half the fun was that first go-through to find the interesting photos, or photos that make me want to learn more about them.

Like this first one, that was helpfully labeled "Chambersburg". Undated, but possibly late 1950's? Chambersburg is a historic town in southern Pennsylvania. This first photo shows the Franklin County Courthouse, built in 1865 after the original courthouse was burnt by Confederate troops in 1864 - they reused columns that had survived from the older building. 100 years later the courthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places. By golly.

Here's a relatively contemporary photo of the courthouse, looking spruced up and nice. Apparently in February of last year, the building to the left was torn down as part of an "improvement project" for the courthouse area that includes "...the construction of a modern judicial center... and an administration building... as well as renovations to the Old Courthouse". Well, if you say so.

Another photo from Chambersburg is from February, 1964, and is looking south on North Main Street. Maybe it will rain? I love those old brick buildings, probably some of them were well over 100 years old by '64. To the extreme right (almost out of frame) is the Central Presbyterian Church, and the building with the white faux columns is the National Bank of Chambersburg (now a visitors center). To our left is Newberry Department Store. Way in the distance is the steeple of the Reformed Zion Church (completed in 1813).

Here's a Google Maps street view screen grab; the memorial fountain was dedicated in 1878, and a bronze soldier, facing South (symbolically guarding against future invasions) was added by veteran's groups (he's on the other side, hidden by the fountain from this angle).

Here's a recent photo of the former National Bank of Chambersburg. The sign commemorates the Confederate Council; on June 26th, 1863, Lieutenant General Ambrose Hill met with General Robert E. Lee, though to this day nobody knows what  they said to one another. Maybe they talked about gum.

Here's a vintage view looking south on North Main Street. I guess some holiday was being celebrated, but I have no idea which one.

Another vintage view, a little further south; in my photo you can see some of these same signs, such as Glick Shoes and Huntsberrys. "Tobeys" (whatever that was) is on the right side of the street, while in my 1964 photos it has a sign on the left side of the street. Proof of alien interference.

I hope you have enjoyed your visit to Chambersburg, PA!
_________________________

EXTRA! EXTRA! Here is an artist's rendering of the new structures.

Monstro and Storybook Land, May 1961

It's time for some very nice vintage Fantasyland pix (circa 1961) - nothing super extraordinary, but just some good solid classic Disneyland, with nice color and composition.

Here's a formal portrait of Monstro the Whale, his skin glistening in the sunlight because he moisturizes with shea butter and aloe. Baby soft! It's part of his nighttime routine. 1961 is when they experimented with loud belching noises played (every 15 seconds) through a speaker placed on the roof of his mouth. Some say that Walt Disney himself recorded the belches, but I think that is just fan theory. 

Notice the man posing next to Monstro's eye. Was it his wife's idea to take the picture, or did he want it himself?

I really like this angle looking westward, with a wonderful view of the Storybook Land canal boats (there's "Wendy"), along with a very busy Fantasyland. The color and general feeling of energy comes through.

I'm not sure I have noticed that the little lighthouse had yellow and red lamps in the lantern room. Paper lanterns can be seen in the distance, you know those looked pretty at night. I'm wondering what was in that wooden bin... extra seat cushions? And there's a fire extinguisher handy just in case.

Disneyland Hotel Construction, September 1977

Yessiree, it's time for more photos from Lou Perry, with thanks to his daughter Sue. B who has graciously shared so many pictures with us. Today we have three from 1977, featuring the Disneyland Hotel. 

First up is this view of the Marina Tower - there is a lovely marina on the other side, complete with boats that guests could take out on the water. There was also a sandy beach and a "tidal pool" for wading. It's now called the Fantasy Tower (*snore*). 

A whole new tower was under construction; it would open on July 1st. 1978 and would be named the "Bonita" tower (after Jack Wrather's wife). It is 13 stories tall, the tallest building in Anaheim at the time. It's now known as the Frontier Tower.

And finally, there's the Sierra Tower to our right, the first "tower" building, added in 1962 (and expanded in 1966). Doing a little research, I was not aware that it was renamed the "Dreams Tower" in 1977; now it is the "Adventure Tower".

THANK YOU, Lou and Sue!

River Belle Terrace Kitchen, May 1978

We've already seen hundreds of wonderful vintage images from the collection of scans generously donated by the Mysterious Benefactor; among my favorites are the many photographs taken in the restaurants, behind the counters and in the kitchens, where the average guest was never allowed to wander. Today I'll share five from the River Belle Terrace, circa 1978!

A hardworking CM is taking breakfast (?) orders. What is that strange implement in his hand? Where are the computers? Notice the Carnation milk cartons and whipped cream, they were still going strong in '78. You know what sounds good? PANCAKES! Did they serve them all day long at the Terrace?

"So you want me to alternate layers of waffles and pancakes until the stack is eight inches tall?". Yes. That is what I want. With a side of bacon.

That poor woman is waving her money around desperately, but you know what? Disneyland doesn't care about her money! They care about giving her friendly service and quality food.  All they require is a sincere "thank you".

"I want a Jumbo Jack, two tacos, and curly fries". "Ma'am, this isn't Jack in the Box". "Well then I'll have a Big Mac, a Filet o' Fish, and a diet Coke". (CM's hat flies off)

It looks to me like this lady is putting the finishing touches on some Mickey pancakes, while the woman in line is wishing she'd ordered those instead of the bowl of plain steamed groats (extra watery). It's a lesson for all of us, isn't it? 

MANY THANKS to the Mysterious Benefactor! There are more River Belle Terrace photos to come.