Here's a pair of slide scans from April, 1974, starting with this interesting (and odd) photo taken from the old parking lot. I think the chain link fence flanked a walkway that prevented guests from getting squished as they trudged toward the ticket booths ("I don't trust those trams, Martha!"). Looking between Monorail pylons usually reveals ghosts, but there are none present, thankfully. In the distance, we see the Administration Building.
A friend of mine had worked at the park a few years before these pictures were taken, and he commented about this view: ... as I recall, the yellow building is the where Primeval World is, the Grand Canyon building is on the other side of the driveway where Harbor House is. The Administration building was on both sides of the Dioramas. But as I recall, the interviews for new hires were all done on the parking lot side of the structure. The park side of the building housed the costume department, some of the executive offices (Nunis's office would have been right on the corner, top floor, nearest the Opera House, and Disneyland University).
Next is a scan that might be a Snoozle™. It's certainly unconventional. Somebody was dining at the Tomorrowland Terrace (I believe) and decided to take a quick pic of those hanging flower pots. Or maybe they wanted the tippy-top of the Matterhorn? Or they are fans of blue patio umbrellas. Or "all of the above", which is the answer I like best.
Major-
ReplyDelete"Somebody was dining at the Tomorrowland Terrace (I believe)... I'm thinking that's the Plaza Inn. Also on-display: Hans & Otto-!
Thanks, Major.
Personally, I was thinking the second image was taken from the Plaza Pavilion, but who really knows for sure. It could have been taken from the expansive dining patio of the Welch's Grape Juice Bar. ;-)
ReplyDeleteThat chain link fence in the first pic is separating the employee (yes, I called them employees!) parking lot, from where the guests park. The fence was to keep the public from driving into that section. However, there was a small opening, allowing the employees to exit their section, into the general parking, and then exit out onto West St., if they so desired.
I like both of these pics. They are different! Thanks, Major!
It IS an odd choice for a photo. Maybe this was the photographer's first glimpse of the Matterhorn and he couldn't resist snapping a quick photo; you know, just in case the Matterhorn suddenly disappeared. At least he got a photo before it went pffft!
ReplyDeleteDefinitely not a Snoozle, Major. The focus and exposure are very nice, and there are too many interesting things in view... like: (and I know someone (hi, Nanook) will beat me to this) Hans & Fritz are scaling the Matterhorn! Dressed in their finest red shirts; which is interesting, given the fate of those wearing red shirts. I guess they didn't get the memo. I'm sure the climbers were what the photographer was aiming at.
Nanook, I'm pretty sure that's Fritz, not Otto. :-p
Interesting randos, Major. Thanks.
@ JB-
ReplyDeleteActually, it's Rich Chambers = Hans; and John Artherton = Otto. ('Fritz' spent all of his time in the Enchanted Tiki Room...)
Nanook and JB,
ReplyDeleteI'm pretty sure that's Fritz and Otto. And when they reached the very top of the mountain, they both yelled out, "Look, Ma...no Hans!"
^ Ohhhh, myyyyy.
ReplyDeleteI’m pretty sure TOKYOMAGIC is correct : that’s the western wall of the PLAZA PAVILION …. With its lattice overhang and plants … you can also see the silhouette of an ornate porch post : the Tiki Room Lani would be on the other side behind the photographer.
ReplyDeleteThis vantage point is pretty rare for vintage Disneyland images. A Omnibus is about to complete its loop of The Plaza and head down Main Street USA.
Mike, thanks for that confirmation.
ReplyDeleteWe can also see one of the palm trees from the entrance to Tomorrowland, between two of the blue umbrellas.
@ MIKE-
ReplyDeleteThat makes more sense. Thanks.
Nanook, oh, you mean the Plaza Inn in Disneyland? Yes, I suppose that would work too! ;-)
ReplyDeleteTokyoMagic!, we can be sure that the photo was taking near something starting with the word “Plaza”, and that’s all that matters. Welch’s Grape Juice Bar, Walt had another apartment there, but he got tired of the smell of grapes. Thank you for the information about the chain link fence (I never thought I’d say those words), and I’m glad they kept the public out. How I despise the public!
JB, Whenever I see a photo like the second one, I usually assume that there are climbers on the mountain (as Nanook pointed out), but for some reason I did not look for them this time. I was probably on LSD. Instead of red shirts, those climbers should have worn camo. “I think there are climbers on the Matterhorn!”. “Where?”. “Right there!” (conversation continues for ten minutes).
Nanook, Rich Chambers and John Artherton? Huh?
TokyoMagic!, your joke was so good that I am sending you a lifetime supply of my homemade possum jerky. (A lifetiime supply = two vacuum-sealed bags).
JB, are you actually George Takei??
Mike Cozart, I will split the lifetime supply of possum jerky between you and TokyoMagic! I guess if I’d actually spent any time using my brain (which is painful), I would have figured out that the picture could not have been taken from Tomorrowland, at any rate.
TokyoMagic!, it’s a conspiracy to make me look bad!
Nanook, and you’re part of the conspiracy too! I’m not crazy!
PYLONS!
ReplyDeleteWhat a strange picture. I remain grateful for it nonetheless. I guess the Matterhorn must be the objective. JB, I think you’re right, the photographer was overcome by emotion upon seeing the Horn That Matters and dissolved in a blubbering heap after taking the pic. “I’m really here! I’m really at Disneyland! Oh, the humanity” (in Dr. Smith's voice).
These show buildings obviously predated the current application of go-away green. I love that absolutely every expense was spared on the exteriors. Were these covered or subsumed into the current (rather nice) office building visible from the bus circle?
I’m in agreement with the consensus location of photo 2. I don’t blame the photographer, they probably noticed the climbers between bites of hamburger and rushed to get a pic before they vanished.
Thank you Major!
JG
I've been away for a while enjoying a long vacation and popped down in my chair this morning to catch up on things. The first picture is such a rarity taken from the camera's POV. And I guess you have had to have been an employee to appreciate it. TokyoMagic! summed up the lot correctly. There was a way to go directly out the lot to leave via West Street. You'd merge into the main alleyway along the pylons and be on your way. And your fiend's recollection is also spot-on. I wish you had an exact date for the picture. It was taken early in the morning and that brown Mercury Capri on the right side could very likely been mine. I preferred later shifts rather than opening but if only I could get a sharp view I could at least confirm it to be a '73. KS
ReplyDeleteAnd I'm sure your friend is not a fiend either! LOL
ReplyDeleteAnother reminder of why it was better as a parking lot…the Contrast! Miles of hot asphalt, then boom, Town Square. You literally step into a different, nicer world.
ReplyDeleteMS