Here are two more photos from the lot of slides from April 1956. I've been posting them in no particular order, and this late-afternoon look at Town Square must have been taken just as our photographer was about to head home. The view is not terribly different from what you might see today... only some details have changed (no Wurlitzer store!). The "people watching" is fun though.
Now we're in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle, looking past part of the moat. A little boy is fascinated by the black swans, while his mom checks out the flowers. In the background you can see a tiny bit of construction going on, presumably part of the old Mine Train ride, which would open in about 3 months.
The second photograph is very interesting. It is not a viewpoint that is seen very often. it was also taken early in the park's history. I think what you see in the back is the construction of the Mine Train show building.
ReplyDeleteWow the Mine Train was that close to the Castle? Disorienting!
ReplyDeleteFor sure you can't get that view today.
You're right about the top pic for ppl watching Maj.
The little girl wouldn't be walking like that if she hadn't tried sitting on the cannon. Then again, what's that boy go in his hands? Hm...
Minnesota Fats is on the bench, a White Wing is doing his thing, a CIA op if walking beside the trolley and to our far left, a weary man leans on a trash can and wishes he only had a dime so he could ride the trolley across the square...
Neither Wurlitzer nor Wonderland Music are there anymore. I guess in 2011 we can't manage a classy music shop even for historic ambiance. That was the shop Sinatra was caught strolling out of in that recent pic of yours, Maj - it's the music shop! Say, you don't think... ;)
what a beautiful view of Main Street. the little girl's white dress is so telling of the formality observed in the early days of Disneyland. you dont often see little ones dressed up that fancy even on the most special of occasions these days
ReplyDeletei love the bridge image as well. it would have been so fun to see the Park way back in those days.
a very pleasant way to start the day! :-)
There is just something comforting about that picture of town square. From one frozen moment in time there is such an interesting collection of life.
ReplyDeleteAgree with Thufer. Very fun shot, that first one is.
ReplyDeleteThat little wire fence around the moat in the second shot does not seem like it would be too effective in keeping curious little boys from toppling in.... no way would that fly as a safety precaution today!
What Thufer said! As for pic #2, hell I want to jump in!
ReplyDeleteOCNative, yes, I think that might be the building that housed Rainbow Caverns.
ReplyDeleteChiana, it IS amazing how close they were. I had some early photos on this blog with a man portraying an indian in horseback confronting a stagecoach, and the castle walls are practically right behind him.
Nancy, you do still see little girls in their full princess getups, which is pretty cute!
Thufer, I know exactly what you mean.
Hannahx2, I think the fencing was more about keeping the swans in, not so much to keep little stinkers out.
Connie, don't try it, you'll break your monitor.
That first pic - what a fantastic rare early shot of the park. I will have to consult some aerials to orient myself.
ReplyDeleteooh! Love the view on the second photo!
ReplyDeleteAnother example of well-placed trees and landscaping, focusing your view on the forced perspective of the castle or other buildings and distracting you from what might be beyond.
ReplyDeleteSomeday, I am going to manage a trip where we just sit in Town Square for an hour or so. We did sit in Tomorrowland last time, right outside the Star Tours queue and that was a lot of fun, but Main Street has changed a lot less over the years, there would be a lot of memories there.
JG
JG, the only way I am ever going to spend an hour sitting in Town Square is if I get an annual pass (which is unlikely). Tickets cost too much to be able to relax that way, as much as I'd love to!
ReplyDeleteWell, sitting for an hour did feel like sacrilege, but our feet hurt and the kids were still in Space Mountain.
ReplyDeleteI was lucky, the last trip was a three day pass.
I still owe you a trip report.
JG