It is interesting that one of the Indian dancers is a child of about five years old...labor laws must have been lax in the 50's, to say the least! Do you think he actually pulled down a salary?
Eventually the Indians left Disneyland, I'm not sure if it was because of waning interest on the part of the guests, or if the dancers themselves were unhappy.
Probably a bit of both. Still, it's fun to see these photos and remember how the whole country was once crazy about anything to do with the American west.
I like the crowd, I have that Mickey Mouse Club T shirt...
ReplyDeleteThat has to be one of the best Indian Village shots I have seen - thanks for posting!
ReplyDeleteI can't say for sure, but at least SOME of the indians stuck around, and found new roles at DL, and eventually WDW.
ReplyDeleteOne of the Original dancers, a gentleman named Ron Heminger, started with DL in Dec. '55, and eventually made his way to WDW.
He spent the majority of his career in Custodial management.
I worked for him in '95-'96, at EPCOT, and had the pleasure of being at DL for the 40th anniversary and saw him, along with Dick Nunis.
In case anyone cares.
Scott
This is my grandma Rose Clifford on the right and the little boy is my uncle Mike. My aunt Cheryl also danced but I haven't seen any photos of her yet! Thanks so much for posting.
ReplyDeleteIn regards to Uncle Mike's salary ... lol he danced for tips apparently! But he did get to ride the rides after work so don't feel too bad for him.
ReplyDelete