On with the photos... I think that this first photo featuring Main Street USA circa 1956 is pretty spectacular. I've even posted it a bit larger than usual for you. There's so much to enjoy; Main Street itself looks fantastic, you can really appreciate the incredible level of architectural detail that made Disneyland so unique. Each building is distinct and colorful, and yet it all feels unified. The Plaza Apartments are still there (soon to be the INA Carefree Corner), and notice the sign for the "Disney Artist Exhibit". Let's go and buy some original Disney artwork for a buck or two! The perfect American family is walking towards us; dad is in his tourist duds, but mom looks pretty sharp. The lady leaning against the lamp post is presumably the photographer's wife. I like her hat! Behind her, a security guard is making sure that horse doesn't do anything funny.
Now we are riding the Skyway in 1957, and dang! It's hard to take a clear photo from those moving buckets. Nevertheless, there's the Viewliner heading towards us (about to take a turn to cross the lake). It's hard to believe that this attraction was only there for 15 months. To the left is what I think is the Fantasyland Autopia (or is it the Junior Autopia?), and you can see part of the Motorboat Cruise waterways as well.
Now, on to another Skyway view, this time from March 1958. Our bucket is headed towards Tomorrowland; the metal support tower is perched atop Snow Mountain. You can just see the jutting roof of the Yacht Bar to our right, with the Autopia and Viewliner track to our left. And look at that empty field right next to the park - valuable real estate!
If we look at a detail, we can see some construction going on. I presume that it is the Administration building, which also contained the Grand Canyon Diorama.
And what the heck, I like that little gas station over there too!
Thanks as always to everyone who has stuck with this blog over the years. Hey guess what? I have't missed a day since my 1000th post on April 8th. Insane, I know. So I will be taking a few days off. Eat your vegetables, wear your mittens, say your prayers, and I'll see you all real soon!
These are some keen pics for the 1200th post!
ReplyDeleteMain Street USA looks incredible! The Viewliner shot from the buckets looks like a model railroad set, HO scale with lichen trees on sand hills.
We appreciate all the work that you put in every day, seeya soon!
I just knew Obama was a vintage DL fan! Enjoy your much deserved time off, Major...and thank you once again for doing what you do. It's a very special thing and it makes my day, everyday!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on 1200 Dave! I can't believe you have the stamina (and collection) to update daily...
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on the 1200th post! The blog is always a bright spot in my day. And 1200 posts down the line you're still coming up with brilliant photos like today's from the skyway! Thanks again.
ReplyDeleteGreat Main Street image- the hat lady is very chic! Congrats on the 1200th post! Have some good days off.
ReplyDeleteWhat a milestone. Congrats and thank you for the effort. Enjoy your time off...... grrrrrr but enjoy it none the less. Good job!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations!
ReplyDeleteThanks for all of the entertaining and educational vintage Disney photographs.
Congrats on the milestone.
ReplyDeleteI think the prominent white rectangle on the horizon of the shaky bucket shot (second image) might be the now demolished Anaheim Drive-In theater screen that once stood on Lemon Street.
It with built right after the park opened and hung around until the late eighties. If it is indeed the Anaheim, then it's the location where this sixties kid sat in the back of a '64 Chevy Chevelle 300 station wagon to see classics like Mary Poppins and the Jungle Book. We never missed a Disney release and saw lot's of not-so-classic there as well.
The Happiest Millionaire,
Blackbeard's Ghost, The Horse in the Gray Flannel Suit and Rascal.
Congradulations on your 1200th post!!! I enjoy you blog so much!
ReplyDeleteThanks for posting all the interesting iformation and vintage photographs!
Congrats on 1200! Your site is a highlight to my day
ReplyDeleteCan't wait for the next 1,200!! LOL!
ReplyDeleteGreat work Major, always consistent with the quality images and super commentary - Thanks for all your hard work. Hey, take a day off an VISIT THE PARK!!!
Great batch of images today. Thanks so much for it all.
ReplyDeleteThe construction would be for the Grand Canyon, but not the Administration Building. The Ad Building houses the Primeval World and didn't come along until 1966. The Grand Canyon is in a building that used to (still does?) have lockers, Cast Cutters and Cash Control.
Well first of all let me congratulate you on post # 1200. Truly an amazing feat.
ReplyDeleteNow that that is out of the way... What an ultimate shot of the Viewliner. WOW !!!
Without a doubt one of the top 5 pics of the Viewliner that I have ever seen. Remarkable!!!
You must know that all 1200 posts are very much appreciated by me and my family. Thanks for them all MAJOR... Richard.
Congrats on your 1200th post Major, and thanks for all of the great photos!
ReplyDeleteSpeaking of the President, is that a Secret Service agent in sunglasses and a tie that I see hiding on the tower in the upper left-hand corner of the fourth photo? :-)
Okay, okay - so it’s really just a guy in another bucket going in the other direction, but it threw me for a second! Who’s that guy in the shades, and what’s he doing there?!?!
Viewliner's beside himself hehe... and so am I! What a turn out and all so well deserved that I gotta pitch in another "congratulations!"
ReplyDeleteEasily among the finest Main St pics ever. Easily found its way right to my desktop!
Boy these Skyway pics really show how much has changed in these areas. Mostly for the better! But there are some charming features to be found there and it's full of promise to the imaginative eye - like Walt's.
Enjoy the richly deserved break and as always I'll be looking forwards to your return :)
After 1200 posts, David, you've built one of the most dependable blogs around. With guaranteed satisfaction on every viewing, you deserve the gratitude that comes with it. A fine job, sir!
ReplyDeleteApparently, Gorillas DO blog.
HOORAY!
ReplyDeleteA wonderful post for 1200! Thank you for a fabulously fantastic blog!
Have a great couple of days off. You have most definitely earned them!
I will await your return!!!
Thanks for all of your hard work on behalf of all of those (like me)who abandonned their posts (ha!) a long time ago.
ReplyDeleteDavid, many congratulations and thanks to you! it's a great thing you do for all of us, your loyal followers. you keep us smiling every day of the week :D
ReplyDeletei love the view from the far end of Main Street, which we dont see much of (last Halloween at WDW we had our pic taken looking toward Town Square rather than toward the Castle...its gorgeous with the fall yellow and orange banners on all of the shops along MS ;)
a gorgeous bright yellow sky bucket is perfect partner to my fave Monorail Yellow, and another rare photo of the Viewliner, which there are never enough of
funny thing, i was just wondering today whether the Viewliner ever had an official poster. i dont remember ever seeing one
have a great "vacation" and look forward to seeing you back here soon!
Nancy
That first picture is so classic. I love the little cardboard sign "Disney Artists".
ReplyDeleteThe gas station almost looks like it's a part of the Autopia.
Gorillas is the best place to go to learn about Disneyland history, see some of the rarest views of our favorite place on earth and be entertained at the same time. No Disney book can touch it. It is good therapy. I recommend viewing this blog once a day for a happier disposition.
This blog rules.
ReplyDeleteCongrats!
David: 1200, whow!! Wonderful blog and photos. Congrats!
ReplyDeleteThat gas station was on the corner of Harbor & Manchester (a Mimi's is there now). I used to zip out of the employee's parking lot, across Harbor, and into that station for gas. My car would fill up for $3.00. And, then out onto the freeway. Manchester was the south bound on-ramp back then.
I don't think that is actually the Anaheim Drive-in. It's a little to close. It would be more likely the Orange Drive-in (if at all it's a drive-in). Besides, isn't Lemon street much more North?
What's really amazing to me is that there is still a Howard Johnson's on the opposite corner. Some things DON'T change. Bless Google street view.
CoxPilot, you must get major sticker shock filling up these days! To fill up for $3. wow.
ReplyDeleteChiana: Back then, gas was only .25 cents per gallon, and and the most expensive meal at the Red Wagon Inn was $1.25. I made $50 a week, so it's all relative.
ReplyDeleteStill the first site I visit every day, the happiest way to start my day short of actually being at a Disney park.
ReplyDeleteThank you, I really do appreciate the smile you put on my face every morning.
Thanks for all the nice comments, folks! I'm busy preparing stuff for upcoming posts, so "stay tuned"...
ReplyDeleteWow, 1200, I can only aspire to your greatness.
ReplyDeleteA Big 1200 pats on the back for getting it all to the people. Keep up the great posts, your slide drawers must be overflowing.
ReplyDeleteCoxPilot-
ReplyDeleteYou might be right about the Anaheim. Our family also frequented the Orange as well, but it was to the southeast of the park near the intersection of State College and the 5 freeway. I think this view is to the north/northeast. Alas,I understand that both went the way of the wrecking ball after hanging on as swap meet lots long after their screens went dark.
Like so many others, I just want to thank you and say 'Good Job' for all your posts, photos, and great comments. This has become a 'must-see' on my everyday schedule, and there always seems to be something I wasn't aware of or had forgotten. All my highest regards, even if I'm not the President.
ReplyDeleteJiminny Christmas! That's quite an accomplishment!! Congrats.. and don't change a thing with the blog!!!
ReplyDeleteGosh Major, incredible response, you must be the blushingest blogmeister ever hehe
ReplyDeleteCoxPilot, thanks! That helps put it in perspective. :)
Congrats! Your blog is always a must stop and look forward to the next 1200!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! Here's to many more!
ReplyDeleteI'm late with this - but thanks! Your comments about the details in the photos are wonderful.
ReplyDelete