1964 New York World's Fair, October 1964

I woke up in a cold sweat and knew that I had to share some photos from the 1964/65 New York World's Fair! 

From the undulating roof of the Eastman Kodak pavilion comes this look toward the Pepsi/UNICEF pavilion, featuring Walt Disney's "it's a small world". And there's the Tower of the Four winds! We know that Rolly Crump was disappointed with the bulked-up Tower, but from here it looks very graceful, in my opinion. Cheer up, Rolly! You did good! Near the middle of the photo is the Better Living Center, and to the left of that (the low round roofs) was the Schaefer Center, where you could enjoy a crisp cold glass of Schaefer beer. 

The Solar Fountain was a surprisingly popular photo subject. A central dome supports a 30-foot high column of water while a starburst circles around the dome. Wobbling jets of water surrounding the dome simulate the sun's gases.

You know it, you love it, it's the Unisphere! Symbol of the New York World's Fair 1964/1965 is this 12-story-high stainless steel model of the earth designed, built and presented to the Fair by United States Steel. Dedicated to "Peace through Understanding," the Unisphere will remain on its site when the Fair is over, as a permanent gift to the City of New York for the improved Flushing Meadow Park that will be created on the fairgrounds. It is located at the Fountain of the Continents, near the center of the Fair. Seen from the edge of the pool, it shows the world as it appears from 6,000 miles in space. I don't know, it looks more like 5,000 miles to me.

Whoa, the gloom overtook the Fair! As you can see from that sign, this is the Lowenbrau Gardens. The brewers of Lowenbrau, a Bavarian beer, have reconstructed an open-air Bavarian-style restaurant set in a village square. The square is surrounded by five buildings, including a bell tower and gate. Three of the buildings are service areas for the restaurant. Every now and again Lowenbrau's brewery wagon, drawn by four massive horses, can be seen in the street outside, or traveling about the fairgrounds.

I hope you have enjoyed today's visit to the New York World's Fair!

Mine Train, December 12, 1969

Hey hey! No, we're not the Monkees, it's JBs birthday. Now he is officially old enough to operate a forklift under the sea. I'm very proud. Sue B. has found some fun vintage birthday pix to share on this important occasion.

Let's start with this teenager's party pic; there might be 16 candles on that mysterious green cake (obviously a delicious spinach cake). The girl in dark blue is very fond of the lad, is she a nice sister? Cigarettes, matches, and an ashtray are on the table, there's plenty for everyone. The girl in the Colts sweatshirt can't fool me, she's an elf visiting from Lothlórien. 

Next... well, this is an odd one. the people in the window are smiling at us as if we are on exhibit in a zoo. One of the women handed me a book titled "To Serve Man", I can't wait to read it. Why is there a box of "Scotkins" in the bird bath? And who is Scotkins?

There are certain Disneyland subjects that I never get tired of. The Autopia! The Tomorrowland Spaceman! Trashcans! Holiday Hill! Etcetera. The old Mine Train (Through Nature's Wonderland) is another. And so, my homies, I am happy to present you with this first scan, circa 1969. There's the load area for the Pack Mules, and beyond that, a Mine Train passing the little town of Rainbow Ridge as it begins its journey through the wilderness. 

This is an unusual angle, and I was pretty puzzled as to where the photographer was standing, but, to nobody's surprise, they were aboard the Mark Twain (well, OK, it could have been the Columbia), returning to the dock; this scene would have been visible off to the east. I'm kind of surprised that I don't have any other similar views in all of my thousands of slides.

Let's zoom in a little bit, just because. Seeing pictures like this make me miss the old Mine Train more than ever. Hey look, a trashcan in the lower left corner! For mule... stuff?

Next is this nice "you are there" photo taken from a Mine Train car as the train returned to the load area. 

New Orleans Square, August 1970

New Orleans Square officially opened on June 24th, 1966, to much acclaim, even though its first major attraction, "Pirates of the Caribbean", would not open until nine months later (on March 18th, 1967). Nevertheless, visitors were delighted by the winding streets and architectural details, and the charming shops.

Here are some neat pictures of New Orleans Square from the summer of 1970. It's astonishing to see it looking so devoid of people, especially at the height of the vacation season. In the distance is the Rivers of America. I believe the shop to the left (with the oval sign) is Mlle. Antoinette's Parfumerie,  and to the right, Cristal d'Orleans (the sign is mostly obscured), and beyond that, Lafitte's Silver Shop. Notice the sign for Royal Street, which angles off to the right.

Next, this is Royal Street, I believe - again, nearly empty! You can see the famous etched-glass sign for Club 33, and beyond that, the Blue Bayou; there's also the gold-leafed sign for "Le Gourmet" to the right.

And finally, here's a photo of the "One of a Kind" shop. Wouldn't you love to be able to walk in and see what stuff they had for sale??

Two From July 1961

I have a couple of good scans for you today, starting with this nice portrait of a brother and sister in Tomorrowland. Walt's personal Autopia car can just be seen to the left, while wondrous souvenirs we sold beneath those conical shades. Perhaps the girls ribboned hat was purchased mere moments earlier at the table to the right of the boy! 

Next is this fairly-standard view from a Skyway gondola. It might be a standard view, but we can't get anything like it today, so I appreciate photos like this!

ADDENDUM: I received an email from Rob, and he had a question regarding a restaurant that used to be near the park:

I have fond memories of a breakfast restaurant in Anaheim that served huge portions. I remember a pound of bacon to a side order, a dozen eggs to an order and a quart of tomato juice in a huge glass. This was back in the '80s when we would go to Disneyland and I remember looking forward to going to this restaurant several times through the '80s. 

I don't think it's around anymore but since I saw your email associated with motels in the area during the same time. I thought perhaps you'd remember the name of the restaurant.

As I told Rob, I never stayed in any of the motels or ate at any of the nearby restaurants, so perhaps one of you knows the place that he is thinking of.

Stuff From the Box

It's time for more STUFF FROM THE BOX! While I have shared photos of other stuff, my last SFTB post was around six months ago. I'm delving into a "new" box, though I've actually shared some of the items inside it before (some rejiggering was done)  and there's only about 15 items that were not photographed.  So we won't spend much time with the Richmond Club Mixture (pipe tobacco?) collection. 

Most (but not all) of those 15 items are souvenir rings - a popular premium from around the 1930s up to the 1950s or 60s. This first ring seems to be a generic (but nice) cowboy item, with a fellow on a rearing bronc. The design is very similar to a ring given away in conjunction with the Billy West Club - Billy West was a 1940s comic character. However, that ring, while almost identical, has the words "Billy West Club" under the horse's front hooves. So this one remains something of a mystery.

Not a ring! Instead, this tiny pin advertising the Sealtest Safety Club. Sealtest was a producer of dairy products. Cheese! Cottage cheese! Cream cheese! Other cheeses! Sorry, I'm choking under pressure. I'm sure I bought this on a whim at some collector show, I found myself picking up oddball items like this for a while.

Next is this little stamped-tin badge from Gorton's Seafoods. I tend to like these little badges, though I have to wonder who wore these. Little boys who loved fish sticks, I guess. Maybe Mickey Mantle wore one. You can't prove that he didn't!

Back to rings! Ranger Rick's Nature Club. No, it's not a "clothing optional" resort, Ranger Rick was a character made popular by the National Wildlife Federation in a magazine started in 1967 called Ranger Rick's Nature Magazine. Ranger Rick is a raccoon that serves as the park ranger and leader of Deep Green Wood. He was first portrayed extinguishing a forest fire in the first issue. He and his friends have many adventures together... and always look for new ways to help preserve the environment. We love you, Ranger Rick!

And finally, here's a Tom Mix Sterling Silver signature ring, given out by Ralston in 1942. Famous for their pet chows, Ralston also manufactured breakfast cereals, especially of the whole-grain variety. It's hard to tell here, but the panel with the signature is in fact a shiny silver color, supposedly plated in the precious metal (call me skeptical). Of course, Tom Hezekiah (really!) Mix was one of the biggest cowboy stars of early cinema.

Stay tuned for more STUFF FROM THE BOX! I'll try not to wait another six months.

A Pair From June, 1969

Here's a pair of pretty OK pictures from the summer of 1969. Soon I was to stow away on Apollo 11, but you won't find that in any of the history books. 

Wouldn't it be cool if elephants really could fly? There are obvious drawbacks, but the "pros" outweigh the "cons". It appears to have been a busy (and June-gloomy) day, there are sweaters aplenty. Of course the pictures could have been taken months earlier, but I'm afraid that I am offering no refunds. The man in the foreground is disappointed to discover that all he has left is two "A" coupons and one "B" coupon. "But I really wanted to go on the Jungle Cruise!" (tears in his eyes).

Over in Frontierland, somebody took this photo of the entry to Aunt Jemima's Kitchen. I confess that I would have never thought to take such a photo. I'd take boring pictures of the Matterhorn and Mark Twain! A mom and her two sons leave the restaurant, full of pancakes and syrup, refreshed and ready to go!

Blurzles

Just when I think I've used up all of my Blurzles, I manage to find a few more. Life is funny that way. This first example is from July 1958, with a nice-but-standard view from the Skyway, looking down on Fantasyland and all of the familiar attractions. The Skyway Chalet looks surprisingly big, but it would seem to shrink as the trees around it grew bigger and bigger. Speaking of big, that hill to the left always impresses me, it's an in-the-park berm (50 feet high?) that separates Fantasyland and Frontierland. On the other side, the Rainbow Caverns Mine Train chugged along through alkali deserts and cactus forests. 

Just three months later (October 1958), another blurry photo shows crowds in the Plaza migrating toward the castle. It almost looks like the Omnibus isn't operating, but it's possible that the people to the left are just about to board. In less than a year, the Matterhorn would stand where that low hillside is (visible above that man's straw hat).

Vintage Amusements

I love photos of vintage amusements! This can include anything from beach boardwalks, carnivals, World's Fairs, you name it. I have two examples for you today, starting with this July 1964 photo of two young girls in an exciting (needs verification) speedboat ride at some unknown fair (everything looks very temporary). The boat is barely making a ripple, but it does appear to be in motion. Luckily, going around and around in a circle is enough for most children. At what age do they outgrow such inanities? That being said, I still enjoy the occasional ride on a carousel, which is as cycloidal as you can get.

Here's a photo of a classic "Shoot the Chutes" ride, from a slide that was unlabeled (though dated "August, 1958"). Looking up "Shoot the Chutes", I discovered that this is a photo from Riverview Park in Chicago, which existed from 1904 (my birth year) until 1967. So... after going down the chute, did the boats somehow coast all the way back to a load area? Were trained carp used to tow them back? Enquiring minds want to know.

Here's a photo that I scrounged from the Internet, I haven't found another Shoot the Chutes ride with those distinctive decorative scrolls (or whatever you might call them), so I'm pretty confident that about the Riverview Park ID. It's cool to find photos from extinct amusement parks, but I'd prefer that the park was still around. Apparently the land was sold and used for a number of purposes, including a shopping center, a high school, and dental equipment manufacturer. Spit, please!

Nice Randos

Before you do one thing, including taking a breath, let's be sure to wish Nanook a very happy birthday! Sue B. has done her Sue B. thing and provided some scans of vintage birthday pix just for fun. These black and white snapshots are undated, but could be from the late 1950s or early 1960s, I think. This must be the birthday boy, posing in front of a large cake, and a table ready for lots of other kids. Those wizard hats mean that there will be lots of magical spells cast, which is a scary thought. Notice the poster with the donkey, who is ready to have a tail pinned to him! 

Whew, not a single yucky girl to be seen! You know they'd just want to talk about dolls and dresses. Boys can talk about cowboys and burping. And isn't that better, ultimately? The photo was taken before the bottles of beer were served (ice-cold from a nearby fridge), that's when the party really got going. Thank you, Sue B. for sharing these scans!

Randos! Like the proverbial box of chocolates, you never know what you're going to get. But it's usually interesting.

Today's first scan is from May, 1973, and it's a very nice shot from the final scene in the Carousel of Progress. It's the 21st Century! Nobody's wearing a silver lamé, so you're just going to have to take my word for it. Father has grown old and gray, but mother is still quite the tomater!  Progress City glows on the horizon outside the window - I told Walt he should call it "Sparkletown", but he didn't listen. Just four months after this photo was taken, the Carousel of Progress closed, though it reopened in Florida in 1975.

Next, something completely different. We've been hurtled back to the 1950s by a Time Wedgie. Luckily, we're still in Disneyland, so there's no problemo! The Red Wagon Inn beckons with its elegant Victorian (?) architecture and its quality cuisine. I have two vintage menus from this place, so I can tell you that you had some pretty nice options. Prime rib; grilled halibut; veal cutlet; pork chops; sirloin steak; spaghetti with meat sauce; and more! The park looks as neat and clean as can be, there are plenty of benches for those who need to rest, and beds full of flowers provide a touch of color and beauty.

What's Your Beef, Stu?

Looking in my "Lou and Sue" folder, I found that I still had some scans from Sue's cousin Stu, who loved Disneyland almost as much as Lou did. These photos are from March, 1992. Thirty three years ago counts as "vintage", right? 

First up is this nice Skyway (?) view looking down on the Mad Tea Party in a surprisingly-lush Fantasyland. The MTP's turntable is painted in very 1980s hues of lilac and pink (never mind that it was no longer the 80s). I realize that I always thought of the teacups as being "giant", when clearly the intent was that we'd been shrinkified by sipping from the "drink me" bottle, just like on the nearby Alice in Wonderland ride. D'oh.

Continuing on our Skyway journey, we are approaching Storybook Land, with the charming little train station below us, and some of the "crazy quilt" landscape beyond that. Cinderella's castle resembles (somewhat) Mary Blair's concept paintings from that film. Incredibly, even at this distance we can see the pumpkin coach on the roadway!

Here's a very nice photo of the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, with a runaway mine train careening around the bend in our direction. The T-rex skelton jutting from the sandstone was supposedly repurposed from the skeleton that was seen from the Mine Train Through Nature's Wonderland, though I am skeptical. I'm guessing it's entirely new, but am prepared to be corrected!

BTMRR was not new in 1992 (in fact, it was now 13 years old), but it's easy to see why Stu took multiple pictures of it. The rock work is really impressive, and he caught that runaway train at just the right moment.

And finally, there's Stu, the man himself, about to float over Duckburg in a hot air balloon (?).  I guess Launchpad McQuack's "Seaduck" was getting an oil change? I'm trying to figure out where this photo tableau would have been - I don't really recognize the building partly visible to the right. Maybe this was at the Disney Studios? Huey, Dewey, and Louie aren't telling.

MANY THANKS to Lou, Sue, and STU!