More CM Hijinks From Ken S.

It's time for another selection of photo scans from Ken S.! It's always so fun to see these slices of life from the lucky people who got to work at the park in those golden days. And Ken has kindly supplied some commentary to go with the photos, so sit back and enjoy!

Last week, I had the opportunity to talk with a former CM over the phone.  It's been 45 years since we spoke but it was just like picking up where we left off.  He was one of my leads, or as we called them, Foreman back then, the Jungle Cruise and Canoes in particular.  Retired teacher now and living about 100 miles away near Eugene.  After all the pleasantries with him and confirming who we knew and where they are these days, he shared that he's a cancer survivor and has Parkenson's.  But known as The Bear, he is still strong and teaches wrestling, something he has been very successful at, not to mention history. He had a great career and has written a book of his life which, among many chance encounters, includes meeting the Beatles in London at a party, and sadly, being in the middle of a mass school shooting years ago which was national news. Life is not always the laughs we have here but it is the laughter that keeps us going.

Afterwards, it reminded me again of the passage of time in these pictures.  It sure flies by...almost like a bucket of cold water in your face.

You know, even with the low cost of employee meals of those days, we always 'shook-down' a CM for loose change now and then.  George and John...standing center and right were such cut-ups, I wouldn't have been surprised they would have announced their engagement.  Those two fed off of each other and the rest of us were along for the ride.  Greg, on the left, got a research PhD, and is still doing his thing at the Vanderbilt Medical Center.  Alex, who lost his money...became quite successful in finance in the Bay Area despite the brain damage incurred here.

Otherwise, I found myself a non-conformist now and then.  Like the time I was captured sitting on the stairs while taking a break from the JC.  This picture was sent to me only a couple years ago by a former CM.  I had no idea of it being taken.  Now who is that young guy in the picture?  This friend is now the president of the Order of the Red Handkerchief.  He nominated me for the club...originally consisting of former Mine Train operators in good standing of which I am one...and is the oldest alumni club at Disneyland.  I am forever grateful to be with those from that era.

And of course, when it came time for the Oreos, I'd have to find some use for them!

Again, the break area was where we would relax and always seemed to fool the food vending machines in getting something free out of them.  One day, the word got out that the machine was unlocked. We accelerated our breaks to get there before everything was gone.  Ozzie, on the left, was one of my favorite partners.  We'd always encounter someone from Foods and do a zany thing or two.  Until then, I always wondered what I'd look like with long, straight hair. LOL.  Sadly, I have no idea the whereabouts of Ozzie these days. Met my future wife in that break area.

But, really, all the guys stayed because of the Disney girls...well, that and all the after-hour parties of course!  Here's a group of them taken late at night in Pirates.  A 'bevy of beauties'...then and now.  One was a summer girlfriend.  Who could fault me for that?

Here are three late additions to today's post, featuring Ken's friend Bob ... a before and after shot just for fun...   Bob must have broken a steering paddle.  Something that happened now and then.

And an early morning shot after a canoe practice...

Bob was a licensed private aircraft instructor during his time at Disney with dreams of being a commercial pilot.  As they say, dreams can come true...and they did... flying 737s and 757s with a couple carriers prior to mandatory retirement.  

THANKS SO MUCH to Ken S. for more photos and great commentary. There are more pix to come from him!