Here are two very pretty photographs taken from the Plaza, I think you'll like these! As the title of the post says, both are from April, 1974. Let's start with this POSTCARD WORTHY view looking toward the entrance to Tomorrowland, with two Peoplemover trains trundling past (I love the reflections). At first I thought that the water was part of the Castle moat, but in fact it was part of...
... the old Alpine Gardens area, formerly the home of the Monsanto House of the Future. The concrete walkways below were there back in 1958 when the House of the Future was originally built. I love that somebody had the bright idea of saving the pools and plants rather than tearing everything out and filling it with Moon dirt.
I hope you are enjoying the long holiday weekend!
Major-
ReplyDeletePost card-worthy, to be sure-!
Featured in the 2nd image just to the right of the umbrella on-the-right is a Kim Lighting 'traditional' path light, with a 'mushroom' hood, in verde green patina.
Thanks, Major.
Oh my, what a beautiful picture! A perfect melding of futurism and natural serenity; coexisting together. I'm keeping this one for sure!
ReplyDeleteAnother nice photo! Lots of greenery. Lots of color. Lots of things to look at. Maybe too many things to look at... with nothing specific to focus our attention on. But nice, just the same.
Pretty photos, Major. Thanks.
Both pics are really fine, but number 1 is definitely a postcard. I want to believe I’m in one of those people mover trains.
ReplyDeleteThanks Major, have a good holiday.
JG
Back when there were tranquil moments and areas just to soak up the beauty of the Park. #1 is a perfect example. KS
ReplyDeleteHappy Digestion Day!
ReplyDeleteNever consciously noted the “squirt fountains” in the lower right of the waterway in the first photo. Never knew they were there…and now I miss them.
Beautiful, tranquil spaces are underrated. They may not contribute an immediate bump to the bottom line, but they generate a different kind of capital that does have a long-term impact, and their loss or degradation has an eventual effect on the overall product…something that seems to be lost on the bean counters and brand miners.
As always, thanks, Major.
Perfect photo of the Tomorrowland entrance in it's 1974 glory. Such a pretty park. I can hear the "doo doo doo dooooooo" music now from the PeopleMover. I still search for a tiny remnant of ANYTHING Alpine Gardens, House of the Future, etc. There's gotta be something. Going down the rabbit hole: Alpine VILLAGE was a unique little German shopping center in Torrance off Harbor Freeway in the South Bay: LA. There were things there that you could not get anywhere else...and even had a WW2 German Artifacts/antique shop there. My dad would rather go here than Disneyland (Beer/Skirts in the Beer Garden). At the time it was one of the few places that had gummy bears in their market: along with many many other unique things- including German toys/etc. It was the German version of Danish Solvang: in a much smaller package. It had a little chapel too. Apparently, it all closed for good earlier this year...not sure if the big Octoberfest continued or continues...but that was a big drunken brawl back in my time in the South Bay. That souvenir stand in Alpine Gardens was a favorite of mine: not sure why: it was always pretty quite there for slow and contemplative shopping. My souvenir cash was slim, so each piece had to be completely considered and this venue offered the opportunity to take my time without the insanity of the Emporium or the Newsstand at the Main Gate. Beyond Alpine Gardens there are some sweet drinking fountains that are extensions of the Matterhorn....and over there too was the entrance to the ATT VIP lounge...it was just a door then, and I think it's just a door now...thanks for the Rabbit Hole Major, and hope everyone had a very nice Thanksgiving day!
ReplyDeleteThis is where I want to be! So jealous of everyone who got to experience Disneyland during this time...
ReplyDeleteThose little fountains in the first picture are a nice touch. I don't think I've ever seen them before.
ReplyDeleteUnique shots! Thank you Major for sharing them with us. I MISS this era. Lots of peaceful places and times in Disneyland.
ReplyDelete