Disneyland Hotel Check-In Magazine, 1967 (Part Two)

Happy Leap Day! Today's post features the last seven pages of a Disneyland Hotel Check-In Magazine (presumably you saw part one!), scanned and shared by Sue B. The magazine is part of her Dad's collection. 

Sometimes the ads in these Disney magazines can be almost as fun as the articles. The ad for Delco Energizer batteries isn't that inspiring, but it's cool to see the ad for L.A. Airways, with transportation via helicopter from LAX to Disneyland and back. How much would one of those flights cost today?? My guess - over forty dollars (Australian).

Avis tries harder, each customer received a beautiful golden retriever puppy with each car rental. Meanwhile, The Gray Line offered sight-seeing tours aboard their buses going all the way back to the earliest Disneyland days.

This issue had a lot of coverage related to the big All Star baseball game that was being played in Anaheim (the players all stayed at the Disneyland Hotel - did Jack Wrather let them stay there for free just for the publicity? As most of you know, the only sport I really follow is rhythmic gymnastics, so I am not familiar with many of the names listed. But I know who Gene Autry is! He sang "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer". 

I enjoy the ad for the Disneyland Hotel, presented as an elegant getaway for couples in a romantic mood. And I also enjoy the blurb about the royal family of Monaco, who were pictured on the cover. My favorite part: Only disappointment: that Princess Grace was indisposed and unable to accompany them. Can you picture Princess Grace in Disneyland? I can't!

Basketball fans need not despair - the American Basketball Association also met at the Hotel, along with the announcement of the Anaheim Amigos. The... Anaheim Amigos?? Well I'll be darned. I love the photo at the bottom with "team trainer Artie Funair", flanked by two wholesome cuties.

It's nothing but sports, sports, and more sports in this issue of Check-In Magazine, including golf, best played on a course while the sprinklers are going. And let's not forget the Continental Football League's Orange County Ramblers. Did they drive to their games in Rambler station wagons?

And finally, it's nice to see Marcia Miner, "Miss Disneyland" for 1967, and the hostess of the famous episode of "The Wonderful World of Disney" featuring "Pirates of the Caribbean", the New Tomorrowland, and more. And I love the ads for Movieland Wax Museum - the wax figures look more lifelike than the real thing. Because of Botox. ZING! Got 'em! I showed those Hollywood phonies! I miss peaceful and beautiful Japanese Deer Park too.

Well, that's it for this issue of Disneyland Hotel Check-In magazine! Many thanks to Sue B. for taking the time to scan this whole magazine for us, I hope you had fun reading it.

Scenes From January, 1977

Let's all wish our friend Dean Finder a very Happy Birthday! As is often the case, Sue B. sent along a vintage birthday scan (not a Lou and Sue photo) for our viewing pleasure. I like the old-fashioned decor; a water heater in the kitchen seems unusual. And those drapes! I need a suit made out of that fabric. 

It's not just Dean's birthday either; Sue's father, Lou Perry turns 95 today! Incredible. And she sent along this great picture of Lou, she says that this photo was taken during his honeymoon in Florida - a mere 25 years old at the time. Happy Birthday to Lou!

Two late additions: Sue B. and some relatives from out of town celebrated Lou's birthday a few days early; here he is enjoying his cupcake. Thanks for these fun photos of a great guy, Sue!

I have a small batch of slides dated "January, 1977" - for some reason, views from the late 1970s are not common. I'm thinking that slide film was falling out of favor, based on zero research or evidence. But my Magic 8 Ball™ confirmed my theory! ("You may rely on it"). 

First up is this nice shot of the ticket booths and Main Street Station on what appears to have been a chilly and breezy day. Every scrap of Christmas decor is gone, pretty impressive. Of course in those days the decorations consisted of a few wreaths, some garlands, and that's about it.

I wonder if the clock is accurate? It sure looks like later in the afternoon than 1:20, but then again, it was January, and the days are short.

A local high school band marches through Town Square and on their way up Main Street. Everyone gets to bundle up except for the baton twirler, who must suffer for her art.

Stay tuned for more from January, 1977!

More Scans From Keith Schad

Due to technical issues, it's been a little while since we've looked at some of Keith Schad's family photo of Disneyland. But I had The Fonz give my computer a thump, and everything works great now, so I'm back in business. All of these are from the 1958 batch taken by Keith's wife's Great Grandpa!

Oh boy, this one is great, just look at all those wonderful Autopia vehicles (as seen from a train at Tomorrowland Station). I'm assuming they are Mark IVs since the photo is from 1958 - from what I've read, the first four iterations of Autopia vehicles are visually identical. The Mark V vehicles came along in 1959, easily identifiable by the "eyebrows" and headlights.

Another photo from Tomorrowland Station shows a stretch of mostly-empty track, but with the nice view of Holiday Hill in the distance. 

Next is a photo with the Yacht Bar, looking deserted, and the Skyway, with no people in any of the gondolas. Where is everybody? I'm assuming the Skyway was down for maintenance, because as far as I can tell it's the afternoon, and you'd think that the ride would be up and running.

SO... that was the last of the 1958 Disneyland slides, but there was one Knott's Berry Farm image that snuck in there. I'm including it just for fun; look at all of the colorful clothing. And the upper balcony of the Calico Saloon shows plenty of folks who wanted a nice view of Calico Square. Love the eucalyptus trees!

 There are more scans from Keith from his 1971(ish) batch, so stay tuned for those. THANK YOU, Keith Schad!

Kids In Disneyland, March 1963

Oh man, I'm getting a little weary of having so many "too dark" slides - but I just have to get them out of the way! Today's aren't even from the dreaded 1974 batch; these are from 1963. 

Some of you will recognize the two be-sweatered kids (if you can discern them in the dark shadows) as they frolic with their pal Pluto (Pluto is everyone's pal!). He's just had his shots, so he's a little grouchy, but, being a pro, he doesn't let it show when kids are around. You can see two of the Little Pigs in the background as well. Way in the distance is the Disneyland Hotel. I like the way they surrounded trees with a ring of benches, plenty of seating for everyone, though only a few get shade.

You'd be surprised to learn that the kid at the wheel has been driving a real truck for several years. But things were different in 1963! The Carnation truck looks great here; the boy to our right is impatiently cooling his heels. "Come on, give somebody else a turn!". But they are very comfortable right where they are.

SNOOZLES™

Today's Snoozles are well-lit, and reasonably crisp and clear; they're just a little lacking in excitement. Looking at them, you might think that they are from 1955 or '56, but they are from 1960. Maybe it was Winter, and that's why the Mickey floral portrait is devoid of blossoms. But if so, why is Main Street Station festooned with red, white, and blue bunting? Festooned, I say! Pop quiz: how many objects from Kalamazoo can you see in this photo? 

It's not quite 10 o'clock in the morning, perhaps the park hasn't even opened yet (though there are a few people up on the platform). Population 21 million? The lines are going to be looooonnnng! 

Universal Studios, August 1966

I love me some vintage Universal Studios! Today is "part two" of a small batch of scans from 1966. 

The Upper Lot had this scene that was very popular with shutterbugs, featuring a miniature ocean and several vessels, including that Destroyer and the sailing ship. Were they ever used in TV or movies? Notice the artificial rain pouring off of the roof to the right. Just beyond the green hill you can almost see Hollywood through the smog.

While I have been to Universal Studios many times, I don't recall ever seeing an actual famous person walking around. These kids have found Bob Hastings, who was one of the stars of "McHale's Navy", which had ended its run a few months before this picture was taken. 

Here he is as Lieutenant Elroy Carpenter with future Disney star Joe Flynn, People Magazine's "Sexiest Man Alive" in 1967. 

I can only assume that this is part of the European Street; the structure with the red tiles on the roof throws me - is this supposed to be Northern Italy? It looks rather severe, but a few throw pillows and some curtains will make you feel like you've been transported across the Atlantic.

The next two images are fun, featuring our photo family as they pose with... er... Doctor Jekyll? I know that Frankenstein's monster and the Phantom of the Opera would often be seen with fans, but I don't recall seeing this fellow before. 

Some light strangulation is always good for a laugh at Universal Studios!

Two Beauties From September, 1964

Happy Friday everybody! I have a pair of beauties for you as a way to kick-start your weekend - get it going on a positive note. You're welcome.

Let's start right out front, a small child is all alone, probably smoking a cigarette. Don't worry, it's only a little cigarette! She is drawn to those posters, which demonstrates the power of good graphics. I covet that Flying Saucer poster so much, it's not even funny. Well, it might be a little funny. In front of Main Street Station is the venerable E.P. Ripley. Sure, it was only built nine years earlier, but it was still venerable. And don't those yellow passenger cars look great? Who cares if you couldn't see out of those tiny windows very well? It looks like it was a beautiful September afternoon (nearly four o'clock, if you can believe the chronometer on the station). 

Next is an exciting view of Tomorrowland as our Skyway gondola is launched into the pristine Anaheim sky. The guy right in the center of the picture is all by himself because he spits a lot when he talks. Sort of like Sylvester the cat. The red three-car Monorail ("Li'l Stubby") charms us as it zooms by in the distance. Let's take a closer look at what's going on below, shall we?

A sailor appears to be with his Best Gal. He is relieved that he was tall enough to ride the Submarine Voyage (that's what those two arched metal dealies helped ascertain). Screechy the Eagle ignores us, but he's always grouchy. I love the wonderful mid-century vibe of 1960s Tomorrowland!

 

Carnation Ice Cream Parlor Menu

Hooray for vintage Disneyland ephemera, my most-favoratest thing in the world. Yes, even more than My Little Pony. Today I have a nice menu from the Carnation Ice Cream Parlor, on the corner of West Center Street and Main Street. This is an actual, full-sized menu. "What else would it be?", I hear you say. Well, for years, Carnation gave out small souvenir menus, tri-fold paper items that could be mailed, postcard-style, to friends and family, and these are fairly plentiful. This was clearly an attempt to reduce the theft of these full-sized menus, and it probably worked. Nevertheless, whoever took this one did a great job! It's in very good condition; it has a tiny 1955 copyright in the lower left - sorry that my watermark obscures much of it - though I believe that they updated the menus (mostly the prices) for years and did not change that date every time.

Oh boy, let's see what treats we can get! Not just ice cream, but sandwiches and salads, burgers, soup, chili and beans, pies and cakes - something for everyone. I like that they made ice cream treats themed to each of the five lands. The Santa Fe Express sounds pretty great! Or a Castle Special - FIVE scoops of ice cream, ye gods. As a kid I might have ordered a T.W.A. Rocket Ship Special just because of the cool name. Or maybe a Martian Sundae. What can I say, there isn't a loser in the bunch. Which one would YOU choose?

Post-1959 menus added a Mammoth Matterhorn Mountain  ("One of the world's largest sundaes"), so we know that this is at least pre-1959. 

On the back is a history of the Carnation Company, including a mention of Elbridge Amos Stuart, and a description of the wholesome products that they made, along with a few details about their corporate operations.
 

I have at least three additional variations of Carnation menus, but I'm not sure they are different enough to interest the average fan. Or even readers of this blog.

Adventureland, April 1974

Oh man, this batch of "too-dark" 1974 photos has got to end. IT GOTS TO! But not yet, I'm sorry to say. Today we are in Adventureland, which admittedly feels a little bit more appropriate with some dark and mysterious shadows. What might be lurking there? Queen snakes? Rare Oxnard tigers? (It's been a while since I have mentioned my beloved Oxnard). Those big animals with the things (you know what I mean). 

Anyway, we're behind a groovy woman who is entering Adventureland while wearing a leather coat, so you know she could cut you if you gave her any trouble. She's wearing an eyepatch, but not because she needs it, but because it looks badass. It's sort of like when Sylvester Stallone wears glasses so that we know he's an intellectual. Folks to the left are waiting to see The Enchanted Tiki Room, with Uti guarding in her outrigger canoe above the entrance. 

I always enjoy "candid" views from inside Adventureland, they aren't that common. If this one wasn't so dark, you would be able to see the Tiki Room again, with the Tahitian Terrace to the right of it. To the left, the Bazaar, full of wonderful things. 

Disneyland Hotel Check-In Magazine, 1967 (Part One)

GDB friend Sue B. kindly scanned an issue of the Disneyland Hotel's CHECK-IN Magazine, from September/October, 1967. I personally own perhaps two issues of CHECK-IN, and knew very little about it. Don Ballard, expert and historian on all things relating to the Disneyland Hotel, said on his blog: It ran from about 1965 until around 1973, exact dates unknown. It contained so many articles, details and photographs from this period at the Disneyland Hotel. I used my copies (about 50 different issues) for many key pieces of information in my first book on the Hotel.

As you can see, Prince Rainer of Monaco is enjoying his deluxe suite with his children, Prince Albert and Princess Caroline. 

Like many other Disney magazines from that era (Disney News and Vacationland for example), the ads are half the fun. Why yes, I will relive the days of the 49'ers at Knott's Berry Farm! No parking fee or admission fee to the grounds, hard to believe.

This ad fascinates me, I've never heard of The Fire Station Night Club & Inn. California's #1 speakeasy! I thought that the #1 speakeasy was Stinky Joe's, but what do I know? The Fire Station sounds like it was quite a scene, sort of Shakey's Pizza Parlors crossed with Farrell's Ice Cream Parlors crossed with... well, I don't know. A parlor with a little more energy. The band sure looks like The Firehouse Five Plus Two. Every Wednesday Night is NEW YEAR'S EVE!

Next is an article about the baseball players who stayed at the Disneyland Hotel for the All-Star game, which was played in Anaheim. I'm afraid my knowledge of baseball is pretty limited, I don't recognize any of these fellows. But I remember Dick Enberg (interviewing Jim Fregosi in the first image)!

Hey, Carl Yastrzemski, I know him. I'm not completely hopeless! They misspelled his name, which is always fun. Those of you who recognize other players are welcome to chime in.

Disneyland lessee Global Van Lines has an ad; and we get an article about some of the fans who showed up to see baseball royalty while the guys stayed at the Disneyland Hotel.

This is the end of the first of two posts, I'll share the remainder soon. THANK YOU, Lou and Sue!

1950s Frontierland Views

There's just something about the Frontierland of the 1950s... those early days when you could still tell that the area had been carved out of Orange County groves, with scrubby little trees and barely-planted hillsides. It was awesome! Today I have two nice views from those days.

From the upper deck of the Mark Twain we get this nice view looking out toward the entrance (or is it the exit?), with the Golden Horseshoe and the Pendleton store to our right, and the miniature horse corral and shooting gallery to the left. It's so strange to see that grassy area right in the middle of the avenue! 

I zoomed in for a better look; my favorite detail is the mother with her two young girls, to the right. They are all in pink!

Next is this unusual angle of a Stagecoach - again, seen from the steamboat. The Stagecoach didn't travel along this waterfront pathway for very long. As you can see, there are two other coaches in front of it - maybe the one mostly out of frame is one of the Yellowstone Coaches.

SNOOZLES™

It's time for more SNOOZLES™ - slides that maybe shoulda stayed in bed. First up is this Canoe-level view of Cascade Peak, from July, 1960. If you're taking pictures, you're not paddling! And even though this is not a great image, it's sort of interesting to see the peak from this low vantage point. It would be fun to get much closer to the waterfalls, perhaps there was a good reason why they didn't?

Next is a shot from August, 1962, another unusual view, but flawed. We're inside a Monorail, and below is a lot of dirt, presumably the early stages of some additions to Frontierland/New Orleans Square. And in the distance is another blurry Monorail, heading toward the Disneyland Hotel station!

Concrete Pals, Knott's Berry Farm

I realized that I had a Knott's Berry Farm theme going in my folder of Knott's scans. Concrete pals! It might not be the most exciting blog post ever, but this way I get to use them all up in one go. 

There are two of the pals (from April 1958) - Handsome Brady and Whisky Bill. They are pleased to meet those gals. Handsome Brady has a sack that might be full of unwashed underwear, or maybe it is gold dust from his successful week of panning. Whisky Bill doesn't look as dissolute as one might expect with a name like that, in fact he looks downright respectable.

Next it's January, 1961, and a mom and her kid are posing. The kid is gnawing on a big lollipop, while mom laughs at one of Handsome Brady's naughty jokes. Only a little naughty, don't worry.

Now it is September 1962, and the boys have met their match in these two ladies! The gals are not shy, to put it mildly. The woman with the yellow shirt admires Whisky Bill's luxurious whiskers, and I could swear he is blushing.

The boys are without companionship (not counting each other of course), possibly because they haven't taken their once-a-month bath yet. It costs 50 cents at the saloon, which is pretty expensive.

The boys are just fine, but sometimes you just want to be in the company of some classy ladies. In this May, 1958 photo, we meet Marilyn and Cecilia. A pair of saloon gals with hearts of gold! They don't mind the occasional bawdy remark, but don't go too far! Marilyn has no interest in that ice cream cone, it's covered in that guy's spit after all. Yuck. Even the kid from Deliverance (to the left) is disgusted by the idea.

Just two months later (July 1958), we see another photo of Marilyn and Cecilia, with a greenhorn from back east. He's getting pretty handsy, Cecilia is this close to slapping him! "That might be acceptable behavior in St. Louis, but not in the Ghost Town!". 

And finally, from September 1962 comes this photo of two men who might have had too many bottles of Doctor Mal de Mer's elixir. It's good for what ails you, but MAN, it packs a punch. Don't worry, in about five minutes they will both be sleeping like babies. And when they wake up, they are going to regret ever being born.

I hope you have enjoyed visiting some Concrete Pals!

NOTE: I already have more of these rascals to share.