A Pair of Instamatics, August 1970
My pal Mr. X found a small envelope with some photo negatives, and as he done several times before, he generously gave them to me. What a guy! Some of these images have already appeared from scans of photo prints, but it is always preferable to have the original negative.
Here's a group of musicians walking through New Orleans Square - we've seen this one way back in 2013. That photo print looks surprisingly good, but I'm very happy to have this transparency. In 2013 I speculated that this group is the Delta Street Ramblers, though it might be The Beatles during their late Dixieland phase (George's idea).
Not too far away was the Swiss Family Treehouse, the ultimate in arboreal living. Every amenity (as long as it can be made from bamboo and coconuts) is there! Have you ever imagined waking up as the sun rises over the ocean, while a monkey makes you breakfast? IMAGINE NO MORE. Book your reservation now!
13 comments:
Major-
What a difference a transparency makes-! I can now make-out the design on the top, and the red/white stripes on the dress portion of the little girl's outfit; and the lovely pattern on the gent's shorts, just behind her.
Thanks, Major.
Major, I think you're right about this being The Beatles. That's definitely Ringo playing the snare drum.
I was going to ask what those girls are doing walking down the street while the parade is going by. But this isn't a parade, is it. These are just musicians strolling through NOS, entertaining the guests.
Not sure about the monkey making my breakfast. I'd like to see his food handlers card first. And make sure he washes his little hands thoroughly, and often, because monkeys have a tendency to throw... well... you know... plush Pooh toys at unsuspecting guests.
Geez, looks like a non-stop line of guests touring the Robinson's mid-century split-level tree today. Good time to ride Pirates!
Thanks Major and Mr. X.
JB, tantrums, right? Monkeys have a tendency to throw tantrums?
There seems to be a line of people behind the musicians. Are they all in line for Pirates of the Caribbean? Cafe Orleans?
And I don't know if I've seen that sign before (second pic) directing the way to Pirate Al. Did he become Big Al, when Bear Country opened? Okay, I'm sure that's an abbreviation for alley, even though I have never seen that on a street sign before. I didn't know that the queue overflow area on the side of the POTC building, ever had a name.
Thank you, Major and Mr. "X"!
I see a glimpse of the notorious 5th Beatle behind the drummer. My mind can't wrap itself around a 6th Beatle but there he is. Half of him at least. And And that is one heck of a snare drum.
Nice pics Major. My sister and I loved that tree house back then.
Thanks.
Tokyo, it’s not widely known, but Pirate Al was first cousin to Trespassers Will. He later moved to Critter Country after retirement to be nearer to Piglet.
One of the best things about the Treehouse was how much was hidden from view, even though all out in the open. More cinematic transitions from level to level.
I’ve never had breakfast made by a monkey, but I have had tea picked by monkeys. Long story, but I hope they wore gloves.
Dad always loved the Dixieland music.
Thanks Major, worth the rescanning effort, to be sure.
Thanks Mr. X. The slides are a snippet of everyday activity back then. August was the high month of visitors to the Park....everything was operating...entertainment was spontaneous...and you just stood in line for an attraction or a sit-down restaurant. To think that one can plan their entire day online months in advance thru reservations was...well...unthinkable. KS
Nanook, yes, a lot of those little details that were blown out on the photo print show up nicely on the transparency! And it’s ALL ABOUT THE DETAILS.
JB, Ringo liked all sorts of music, but had a special fondness for Dixieland. “It’s really Gear!” he probably said. Yes, I think those girls are just following The Beatles the way girls always did. They like Paul’s trumpet playing especially. You make a good point about monkeys throwing “stuff”, I guess I’d have to insist that MY monkey wear protective gloves. And a hair net.
TokyoMagic!, I thought that monkeys threw caution to the wind. But what do I know? It’s hard to tell what those folks are waiting for. Maybe they want a mint julep. “Pirate Al” wears a seersucker suit and horn-rimmed glasses, and he wants to sell you a car stereo!
DrGoat, all of the “5th Beatles” should have gotten together to form their own group. BRILLIANT! Murray the K, me, Billy Preston, Eric Clapton… what a group!
JG, So many pirates, it’s hard to keep track of them all. And don’t they all want to be near Piglet? He had a certain magnetism, sort of like Andy Warhol. The treehouse was a real work of art, there was so much to love about it. Less so now, but I guess I’m glad we still have it rather than having it rudely removed. Tea picked by monkeys? That’s a new one! My dad loved Dixieland too, he had four or five “Dukes of Dixieland” albums that he played until they were worn.
KS, Mr. X has given me so many photos - hundreds, actually - but I keep hoping that he might find more in this drawer or that. The ones that he took back in the late ‘60s and into the ‘70s are really wonderful!
Stuff that monkeys throw (so far): monkeys throw Pooh plush toys, they throw tantrums (a lot!), and they throw caution to the wind.
Here are a few more: Monkeys throw parties (monkeys LOVE to throw parties!), they throw hissy fits (identically and precisely the same as a tantrum... but different), they throw up (too many green figs), and they throw down jamz (monkeys are heavily into hip-hop).
Even if monkeys wear gloves and hairnets, there's still the chance they'll spit in your food.
Always love Mr. X's pictures - thanks, Mr. X and Major.
Based on childhood entertainment, I really expected to have at least one monkey butler at this point in my life.
KS, I miss the way Disneyland was. As you described. Because we would spend a few days in Disneyland, on our family trips, I remember those days as being relaxing. The Park wasn’t crowded (we always went off-season), no long lines, lots of places to sit and enjoy live entertainment throughout the day. Interesting gift shops to browse through. I remember sometimes napping in our hotel room in the afternoon, so we could stay out late at night and enjoy the fireworks and nighttime atmosphere. I can’t describe my recent Disneyland or Disney World trips as relaxing.
JB, I am going to have to disagree with you. I have seen every episode of their TV series, and the Monkees were never into hip-hop.
Lou and Sue... I understand completely. Yes, there were busy days even back then, but not what appears to be a constant barrage of crowds. It was called "The Park' for the very reasons you described. To have a family of all ages enjoy a fun filled, spontaneous and relaxing day far away from the daily grind outside the berm. Mom, Dad and I would get our hands stamped and leave the Park for an early dinner and then return for the evening similar to your experience. Special times. KS
Post a Comment