2 Nice Ones From the 1950s
I have a few photos that are very nice! Above average, I'd say. And what more could we want?
I really love this first view of the Mad Tea Party - it might be POSTCARD WORTHY. Grandma and Grandpa aren't interested in the wildly-spinning teacups, but you can see that Gramps is smiling while watching some loved ones (presumably the grandkids - many of the teacups contain children).
I can imagine the music (that "Teapot Song" or whatever it's called), and hear the laughter and shrieks of delight as the cups whirled around. The colors are wonderful too, from the deep blue of the sky to the warm hues on the "Mr. Toad" façade, to Grandma's teal dress. This is one of those pictures that makes me smile.
This second image is from a different lot, but is also from the 50s. It's a wonderful, busy shot of the Mark Twain as it came in for a landing. It is bedecked with flags and patriotic bunting, so perhaps this was around the 4th of July. It's fun to look at the crowd on board! The photo reminds me of images of old cruise ships (like the Queen Mary) arriving in port while the folks at the dock waited to greet their loved ones. Except these folks are waiting for their turn to take a trip around the Rivers of America.
26 comments:
Great pictures! That one guy on the boat looks like he is about to flip over the railing. He must be super tall. Is the railing that low on the top? I have never ridden on the Mark Twain, but I've been on all the other current rides. I always want to save one ride so that I can say that I have to go back to finish them all!
With several people looking from above, I wonder if the band was playing on the bow (wording?) of the Twain. There's a cool DL flag in that image, too.
Both of these are a treat, but I really like the first one, with the sharp edges of the Mad Tea Party fence and a glimpse of the Mr. Toad mural in which you can see the train headlight. Thanks, Major.
Both postcard worthy, but I agree, Andrew. The first one has got that certain quality about it. As you said M., Grandma's teal dress, those caps and the backround really make it special and full of old Disney goodness.
Thanks Major.
I do love that humongous lamp on the Mark Twain's mast.
JG, Thanks for that Star Trek tip. Will watch it this weekend. It's been a very long time since I've seen a TOS episode.
Two classic original attractions for our nostalgic pleasure. And, they are both still with us. I like it. "Well Ma, it looks like little Susy is about to serve her lunch an eviction notice!" "Oh, Pa!" Thanks Major, for today's cool pics.
That first pic would make a great ad - suggesting that grandma and grandpa should take the kids to Disneyland. My grandparents used to take me to Kiddieland, which wasn’t as nice as Disneyland, but it was close to home and lots of fun.
Both are nice, but I'm really loving the Mark Twain pic. Nicely framed. Thanks, Major.
Cotton Blossom, Cotton Blossom
Captain Andy's Floating Show!
Thrills and laughter
Concert after
Ev'rybody's sure to go!
Lou & Sue, We had a Kiddieland here in Tucson too. I think it was around from about '54 till the '70s. I'm sure it wasn't as grand as yours, but it had rides and popcorn and all that stuff. It wasn't too much fun in the summer with temps over 100, but there was Tucson Train and Hobby right across the street, with a really big swamp cooler.
Divajones48, the railing does look kind of low, I wonder if it has been raised at some point? Even the kid to the right of the big lamp seems to tower above the railing. I would say that I’m surprised that you’ve never been on the Mark Twain, but I didn’t ride the Columbia until fairly recently.
Andrew, it is very possible that the Disneyland Band was on the bow, a lot of people do seem to have their eyes pointed in that direction. I’d expect to be able to see the tops of their hats at least, but if they were still sitting, maybe not. Thanks for pointing out the Mr. Toad mural!
DrGoat, grandma’s cap is certainly unusual. Is it a hunter’s cap? Most ladies seemed to like those paper “bonnets”, or a nice wide-brimmed straw hat. And that humungous lamp… I assume that it is based on genuine historical steamboat lamps. Would a kerosene-powered lamp throw very much light at night?
DrGoat, I might just try to watch that episode tonight!
Jonathan, I think the Teacups would be up there among the “least-loved” rides for many people with motion sickness, but it’s hard to imagine Fantasyland without it. I wonder if every Disney park (the “Disneyland-style” parks I mean) have a Mad Tea Party ride?
Lou and Sue, I could see that first photo used as a Kodak ad. I’m sure Kiddieland was tons of fun, just because it wasn’t Disneyland didn’t mean that kids didn’t love it.
K. Martinez, considering how many photos of the Mark Twain we’ve seen, I’m always a little surprised when I find one that still gets my attention!
Melissa, I saw a revival of “Show Boat” in Chicago with Eddie Bracken as Cap’n Andy!
DrGoat, sometimes I look for random vintage amusement park slides on eBay, and there are plenty from small regional “Kiddieland”-style parks. Unfortunately it’s impossible to tell where most of them are. Now I’m imagining going down a metal slide on a 100-degree day, OUCH.
Both photos today have the "You-are-there" quality of the best shots.
I've always admired the medieval pavilion style of Old Fantasyland, very creative, attractive, and a lot of bang for the buck, including the scalloped rail that discourages sitting and climbing without being overly punitive.
I'm going with the Mark Twain pic as the top of the bill today, though. Something about the framing under the archway and expectant crowds. There is a feeling of restrained movement, right at that moment when the gate rolls back and the passengers disembark. The flags flapping in the breeze.
That might have been a kerosene lamp, but could also have been a carbide lamp. This article describes how carbide lamps were used for night navigation on riverboats.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carbide_lamp
Of course, wikipedia also describes how Santa Claus and Davy Crockett defeated the Martians at the Second Battle of Bull Run.
Dad had a carbide lamp that I think came from an old car, but no pellets left, so I never saw it in action.
This technology might have been too late for the Mark Twain era, I am not sure what date the paddle wheeler is set to emulate. Mike Cozart mentioned 1880 I think, for Frontierland in general.
Dr. Goat and Major, looking forward to your reaction to that Star Trek, it isn't a favorite of mine because of the sad ending, but it is a good story that makes you think, like all the best ST-TOS.
JG
Oh, the Tea Party photo is great; all those colors and patterns! Yes, Grandma's little cap is unusual but she wears it with panache. Such a crowded MT. When I ride, I run up to the top deck.
DrGoat, our Kiddieland was nothing fancy. It was like a glorified carnival, plus had a fun little rollercoaster. I loved getting cotton candy there, too. (Don't recall seeing or eating funnel cakes, back then, though.) I had at least one birthday party there, so maybe I'll find some pictures to share here.
My grandma and grandpa lived in the same "2 flat" in Chicago, with us. We lived upstairs and they lived downstairs. I really miss 'em and all the fun I had with them. Kiddieland brings back lots of happy memories with them - driving over there in their old (light brown) Ford Fairlane.
Sue
My grandparents took me to Disneyland (with my mom). I don't really remember what my grandfather thought of it, but I do remember my grandmother getting off of the Matterhorn and taking a Vallium.
Stu, you sure had a fun grandma...at least she was willing to try the Matterhorn.
Sue, the Chicago Kiddieland may have been small, but I would still say that it was the best-known park of its type.
These photos really hit the mark today! Outstanding. Once again I searched both photos but could not find me, my brother or parents. But I will say the girl in the green tea cup closest to the grandparent and with her back to us looks a lot like me in around 1958, 1959! But I don't recognize the girl to her left so it probably isn't. And those aren't my grandparents :)
Major, Grandma's cap sort of looks like a German WW2 ski/field cap.
Lou & Sue, sounds like your grandparents were a lot of fun. Good times indeed. I missed both my grandfathers. My grandfather on my Mom's side died 6 months after I was born. Mom said that they brought me in for him to hold every night and sing little Italian songs to put me to sleep. I'm sorry I didn't grow up with him. Mom said he was the life of the party. Played 4 or 5 musical instruments and was quite a guy. Dad's father died a year before I was born. My grandmother lived right next door and she was a hoot. Old country Italian. Nothing got by her.
Am really enjoying the grandparent stories!
Side note: There was a Hollywood Kiddieland IN Chicago, but I went to the Kiddieland in Melrose Park, Illinois - right next to Chicago.
Thanks, Andrew, for that link!
Another side note: Melrose Park is known for lots of mobster activity, over the years. Yes, everything you’ve heard about the old Chicagoland mobsters is true.
Major-
Maybe I should wait more often before adding my 'two cents-worth' of commentary. We have some beauties today...
-...it looks like little Susy is about to serve her lunch an eviction notice!
-Now I’m imagining going down a metal slide on a 100-degree day, OUCH. Not to fear, Major - each slide had integrated CW piping, maintaining cool rumpus rooms' for all.
-but I do remember my grandmother getting off of the Matterhorn and taking a Valium. A-hem... Stu29573, I'm guessing it's too late to party with your grandma-!
@ Melissa-
I feel like breaking out in song.
@ Andrew-
That Kiddieland certainly appears to have all the makings to be 'the swellest' among the junior amusement park set. Those of us lucky-enough to grow-up in Los Angeles at the right time (1945-1974), were able to experience Beverly Park. Built and operated by David Bradley, (of Bradley & Kaye Amusement Co.), his little park not so secretly inspired a certain 'other' gentleman with ideas for his own "amusement park" - uh, make that a Theme Park.... Disneyland. "Walt Disney spent more and more time at the park, spending hours discussing rides with Bradley, asking children what they liked most about their favorite rides".
Thanks, Major.
JG, considering that the “medieval fair” look was the result of a lack of money, I think it worked surprisingly well. I guess it was similar to the flat look of animated cells and the backgrounds from later, more-stylized movies. Carbide lamps, that must be what was used back in the day! I would have never thought of that. Thanks! I know Wikipedia gets a lot of knocks, but I think it’s a pretty great source in general, I use it a lot. I assume you can still buy carbide lamps for certain applications? Thought with today’s LEDs, maybe carbide lamps are obsolete. Even if 1880 is too early for carbide, I’m OK with them fudging minor details when it comes to only a decade or so.
Kathy! I have lots of Mad Tea Party slides, but that one stands out as especially nice. I wonder if Grandma went duck hunting with Gramps?
Lou and Sue, hey, I had to play at the local dump. Instead of rides we got to sit inside discarded refrigerators. And it was fun, too! No funnel cakes, but I once found part of an old donut. I’d love it if you find photos of your birthday at Kiddieland! Aw, you’re lucky you got to spend so much time with your grandparents. I was especially close to my G&G in California, but the ones in Minnesota, who I loved, were only seen once a year usually, and I was aware of the different kind of relationship that we had.
Stu29573, ha ha! My grandpa was the daredevil, we could always count on him to ride the Matterhorn with us.
Lou and Sue, it’s true, my grandma wouldn’t go near that ride.
Andrew, those pictures make me want to go RIGHT NOW!
Irene (hi, how are you!), I am hoping that we get to see you in your childhood days in one of my photos. Someday!
DrGoat, ha ha, Grandma is a badass. She could shoot a silver dollar at 200 yards. I was lucky in that 3 of my grandparents lived until I was in my 40s, so I really got to appreciate them once I was out of my bratty, clueless kid days. Even so, I wish I could talk to them now, I have a million things I’d love to ask them. I love the thought of your grandpa singing Italian songs to you when you were a baby, such a sweet thing. All of my Minnesota relatives played multiple instruments, after working on the farm all day and their big supper, they’d get together and play music on their porch. Sounds wonderful.
Lou and Sue, too many Kiddielands!! ;-)
Lou and Sue, gosh, what would mobsters do at Melrose Park? “It’d be a shame if anything happened to your picnic basket. A REAL shame!. If you pay us $5, we’ll act as protection for you!”.
Nanook, ah, I can just imagine going down one of those water-cooled slides! Not too cold though, that would be almost as bad as too hot. I’m still amazed that my grandparents never took me and my brother to Beverly Park. It wasn’t that far from their home, and we seemed to do almost every SoCal attraction within reasonable driving distance. I’m guessing it would have taken about 20 to 25 minutes to drive there, max. I asked my mom, and she thought we didn’t go, but then said she could just be forgetting too. Whenever I see that gigantic Beverly Center, I imagine the little rides that used to be on that site.
Major, I think I still have a carbide cannon somewhere in the shed. A little bit of carbide into the water chamber, wait a few seconds and let 'er rip.
Andrew, that is a cool Kiddieland! Love that old locomotive.
Disneyland’s Frontierland is a composite of many eras and a mixture of authentic 19th Century and TV Western Opera. But Disneyland’s Mark Twain is based in a 1850’s - 1860’s style. Stern wheelers were more common prior to the civil war - they could easily pull ashore ( BOW FIRST) into small river towns that had no long docks or levys and take on or unload small groups of passengers or freight And then back out and back into the river without ever having to tie up. One thing missing from the Mark Twain that a steamboat of its size would have had would be long swivel gangplanks and the from of the boat . Most had two of these gangplanks that were narrow but could be lowers to allow the boat to stay in deeper water but allow the gang plank to clear shallow water and a muddy bank. But I’ve heard story’s of passengers complaining they had to walk through water because the crew couldn’t get the boat close enough to shore.
After the Civil War side-wheelers became more prevalent as water towns built longer and bigger docks and landings to accommodate more freight and passenger traffic - it was in the 1870’s - 1880’s the riverboats had there Golden Epoch .... this was when riverboats became gigantic hotels and casinos and Packet companies (illegally) raced for speed fame. Like the Natchez and the Robert E.Lee. Railroads and riverboat fires eventually took the “steam” outta fancy passenger riverboat traffic .... but many freight companies were building and using steamboats into the 1920’s ..... even in the 1940’s there were a few still shipping small freight that had been in service since the late 1800’s!
In a Disney Davy Crockett episode a mat painting is used to show either New Orleans or St. Louis ( I cant recall ) and the riverboats all look like the Mark Twain ..... but I’m positive the TV used the designs being planned for Disneyland as a guide since riverboats during Davy Crockett’s time would not have looked like that.
In the 1955 blueprint packages for the Mark Twain there’s the set drawings for the Riverboat COTTONBLOSSOM from the movie Showboat — I’m not sure off hand what studio did that movie - but Disney obviously used some of its design as research for the Mark Twain .
WDW’s Admiral Joe Fowler was a copy of the Mark Twain and in 1973 the single stack Richard F. Irvine was added and it’s based on a Riverboat that was built and home based in St. Louis in the late 1860’s.... but I don’t have access to the name of the prototype boat right now.
WDW was originally going to have a “Mark Twain” and a copy of the Sailing Ship Columbia named THE LADY WASHINGTON ( after the ship that accompanied the REAL Columbia ) the real Lady Washington however was not the same size as the Columbia so it was in name only ) also when you hear that the Sailingship Columbia was the first American vessel to circumnavigate the globe , they fail to mention the LADY WASHINGTON was right behind her a few feet!!
The Molly Brown Riverboat sidewheeler at DL PARIS is based on a 1870’s prototype that traveled the Sacramento River.
DrGoat, my brother had one of those carbide cannons when he was a kid - it’s probably in a box somewhere. I remember the little metal tube of carbide stuff was called “bangsite”.
Mike Cozart, wow, so much information! Awesome! If you look at those old Mark Twain tickets, they depict a steamboat with a large gangplank raised into the air, ready to “land” on a shore and unload cargo and passengers. I wonder if Walt didn’t want it because it would obstruct views? Otherwise the “Twain” looks pretty darn authentic. Have you just picked up all this knowledge about riverboats, or are you particularly interested in the subject? I have a photo from the 1950s from Alaska, and there are quite a few steamboats resting next to a river, if it wasn’t in color you’d think that it could be from the turn of the last century. I always love it when I see a matte painting in Disney movies and TV shows; if you are interested in the subject, you HAVE to check out this blog: http://nzpetesmatteshot.blogspot.com. It is incredible. I liked the single-stack Richard F. Irvine just because it wasn’t a cookie-cutter copy of what was already done at Disneyland. As much as I like the classic Mark Twain, they could have done something a little different for the Admiral Joe Fowler. I guess it was a money-saving thing. Wow, I never knew about “The Lady Washington”! Thank you as always for such an amazing comment.
Major, in answer to your question earlier in the comments, every "Disneyland-style" park does have a "Mad Tea Party" type of ride. They are all themed to "tea cups" and "Alice in Wonderland," with the exception of Shanghai. Their ride is themed to Winnie the Pooh, and guests spin around in "honey pots." Incidentally, all versions of the ride have a roof over them, with the exception of Disneyland in Anaheim.
Both of these are super nice images, Major! I just missed out on commenting yesterday!
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