HALLOWEEN

Happy Halloween, everybody! We made it. Some said it would never happen, but that might just be the voices in my head. Keeping with the spirit of the occasion ("spirit", man I crack myself up!), I have some vintage photos for your enjoyment. 

First is this scan from 1962, featuring five happy kids enjoying cookies and cake, getting sugared up so that they have plenty of energy walking door to door. It's impossible to know what the girl to the left is supposed to be without her mask. The boy next to her is dressed as "Rusty", the orphan boy whose best pal is Rin Tin Tin, who was way cooler than that lame Lassie. Then you have a classic skeleton, a Native American lass, and... maybe a clown? 

Next is this undated snapshot (but likely mid-1960s) photo of two terrifying trick-or-treaters. Well, the bunny isn't so terrifying, but some kids preferred to look cute rather than scary. I like the tiny top hat on the skeleton ghost, as befitting the occasion.

Here's a very young trick-or-treater, you know he got overwhelmed and started crying after visiting two houses. But we all have to start somewhere. Looking through my small collection of vintage Halloween slides, there is almost always a kid dressed as an Indian, it was definitely one of the staples of the day. I'm wondering if this was a character from a comic strip, but if so, I can't place him.

Next is this picture that might be from the 1970s (or earlier), it looks like kids were encouraged to wear their costumes to school, and this terrifying devil menaces us with his trident. I'm almost positive that I had a costume just like this, I can practically still feel the slippery (non-flammable?) acetate cloth and the sharp edges of the vacuum-formed mask.

And finally, here's a picture of my brother as Batman, and yours truly as Robin. We both wanted to be Batman, but the big brother won! It looks like he is wearing a store-bought costume, though it is very possible that only the mask was store-bought. I know that my mom made the Robin costume, I was very proud of it. Apparently we both insisted on wearing these costumes on an airplane trip from the east coast to California.

I hope that you all have a safe and fun Halloween!

The Spooky Manor, September 1983

GDB friend Sue B. sent along some scans of photos that her father (Lou Perry) took back in 1983, featuring the Haunted Mansion. If you compare them to yesterday's photos, there are no obvious changes (maybe HBG2 will disagree!), at least from the angles we are seeing (yes, yes, the trees are bigger, don't give me any guff!). I know that things like the exterior queue and some of the tombstones were moved around. By punk kids, I'll bet! With long hair, snapping their gum and saying bad words!

All of those people have no idea that behind that façade, ghosts, goblins, and Cannibalistic Humanoid Underground Dwellers all live together, sharing rent and taking turns cooking. Only the man with the light blue shirt has been on the ride, his hair has turned white from terror! 

Wait a minute, did I see a face looking out from one of the windows?? It's probably just my imagination. I thought that the face had three eyes, which is ridiculous.

It sure doesn't look like there was much of a line for the Mansion. It was a walk-on! Purplish-pink seems to have been a fashionable color in 1983 - I remember my velvet suit in that hue. So comfy. Hey, I saw that face again! But by the time I wrote about it, it was gone.

When I win the Lottery for the fourth time (what can I say, I have the knack), I will buy land and build a house that looks just like this one. Then I will invite all of you over for dinner. A Zinger will be offered for dessert, of course!

 THANK YOU, Lou and Sue!

The Ghostly Château, August 1970

Wulp, it's that time of year - HALLOWEENTIME! Where ghosts, goblins, and ninja turtles come out to frighten and amuse us. And because the BIG DAY is on Friday, it seemed like a good time to share two vintage photos of the exterior of Disneyland's Haunted Mansion. The attraction opened a year before (on August 12, 1969), so the place wasn't as cobwebbed as we might have liked, and the smell of decay was barely noticeable. 

There it is, behind a wrought-iron fence. Nice and pointy, too! No teenager is going to climb it without getting what he deserves. I've said it before, but I love the Anaheim mansion the best, it just does it for me. All of the beautiful details, the magnolia trees, the weathervane, and the manicured grounds - chef's kiss! Don't get me wrong, the Florida mansion is awesome, I just don't have the same visceral reaction to it. Your mileage may vary.

I'd haunt this mansion happily! 

Minnie and Minnie - November 24, 1956

I have two fun scans featuring one of the old "photo ops" that used to be near the Red Wagon Inn back in the 1950s. And as an added bonus, we have an exact date on these, November 24th, 1956. That was Thanksgiving weekend, though Turkey Day was Thursday, and the 24th was the Saturday after. Attendance was only16,314, and the park was open from 10 AM to 7 PM. The temperature got up to 89º! (Thanks to Jason's Disneyland Almanac, as always). 

Anyway, we have two cute little girls who posed as Minnie Mouse. I guess Minnie was portrayed as a baton twirler? She's high-stepping in white boots, not her usual footwear. 

Next, another girl (with laser-cut bangs) takes her turn. If the photographer was good, and the photo itself was trimmed appropriately, the picture would resemble an old Art Corner postcard.

Night Views, August 1970

Today's Snoozles (and they are Snoozles) are rare night shots. But... night shots are tough and very often flawed. Which is why they are shared on today's Snoozle Sunday. 

It's August, 1970, and it's safe to assume that it was a warm night ("Jason's Disneyland Almanac" shows us that night temperatures were typically in the mid-60s at their lowest during that month). I wonder if folks were lining up to watch the Summer fireworks? While this is how Main Street typically looks today, it's unusually crowded for 1970.

Speaking of fireworks! Several large chrysanthemum shells burst at once above the Emporium, this looks like the grand finale to me. I tend to keep a cool and calm exterior (as some of you know), but the sight of fireworks at Disneyland is still pretty thrilling! I love the loud "bang" followed by the echo, along with the other hisses and crackles of the display.

New York World's Fair, August 1964

I'm continuing a look at some scans from the 1964 New York World's Fair! 

First up is this nice view of the Du Pont pavilion. Du Pont (autocorrect, stop changing it to Du Pong!) created many wonders such as neoprene, nylon, teflon, mylar, lycra, Tyvek, and retsin. Well, OK, not retsin, but what if they had?? From the official NYWF guidebook: Show business and science are artfully combined in this big, circular pavilion. A musical revue called "Wonderful World of Chemistry," which was written and produced by the Broadway composer Michael Brown, is presented simultaneously in two theaters by two casts of performers. After the show is over, audiences watch a modern-day alchemist perform feats of wizardry through chemistry.

Here's a view, I'm not exactly sure where it was taken, but it shows visitors taking a break after walking for miles around the Fairgrounds. There's one of those cool Jaguar (?) strollers, I'm not sure if they were only found in the Transportation Zone, or if one could be had anywhere in the Fair.

Here's an unusual view from the IBM pavilion, looking down on the wretched souls waiting for their chance to sit in grandstand-style seats that were drawn up into the theater. An amusing 12-minute show, projected on 15 screens, shows how computers and the human mind solve problems in much the same way. Amusing? I thought it would be erotic!

Next is this nice view of the Johnson's Wax pavilion. Entirely made from the wax from old candles! Truly incredible. This pavilion, a great gold disk which seems to float 24 feet above the ground, is supported by its surrounding columns. It houses a 500-seat theater in which a documentary movie dramatizes the theme of brotherhood.

As you can see, the golden disc "floats" above the ground. Because of the candle wax. I'd explain it, but it is very scientific.

And finally, take a look at this pavilion for the Kingdom of Jordan, whose land is the seedbed of many civilizations and religions, is represented by one of the most striking buildings at the Fair. It is a multi-peaked-and-domed structure covered with gold mosaic and sparkling colored glass. The undulating roof surfaces swoop to the ground, forming Arabic arches: They shade the stained-glass windows that make up two sides of the building and walls with bas-reliefs that make up other sides. Inside the building diverse exhibits - including a scroll from the Dead Sea area - reflect some of the cultures that rose in this region of ancient Palestine.

Stay tuned for one more installment from this batch!

Beautiful 50s Views

While I love looking at photos of Disneyland from all eras (and especially the "Walt era"), I particularly love to see the park in those early days, when it felt smaller and more intimate, and there were still some rough edges that they hadn't had time to deal with. 

Both of today's slides are undated, but I'm sure that they are no later than the holiday season of 1956, and could be from late 1955. In this first one, a proud father poses while holding his daughter, with the EXIT gate (no turnstiles!) to our left, and Main Street Station looking grand. Simple Christmas garlands adorn the station. Notice that there are no attraction posters on display yet.  

Next is this very nice look at the Horse-Drawn Firetruck, or "Chemical Wagon", looking shiny and new. It's pulled by two small milk-white horses. If you look at Town Square behind the wagon, it looks pretty empty! Once again, simple garlands are about the only sign that it was Christmas, though there were painted plywood scenes of children singing carols (and so on) mounted to a few Main Street buildings. Based on a bit of research, my guess is that these pix are from December of 1955.

Town Square & The Plaza, June 1962

Here are two slide scans taken along Main Street beneath a cloudy, gray sky. Yes, it's that JUNE GLOOM that you are so sick of hearing me mention. I'll never stop, ha ha! 

This first photo is probably more or less what our guest would have seen after walking through the west tunnel beneath the train tracks. "I have an uncontrollable urge to roll a hoop with a stick and buy some penny candy!". Restrain yourself, sir.  I like the yellow, cream, and green colors on the Emporium (with some red highlights around the sign), tasteful and not beige as some websites claim. I would probably go up the steps to Main Street Station and ride the train around the park before doing anything else, though it is always hard to decide what to do first.

Next, we're in the Plaza, looking south, with the Castle behind us and the Coca Cola Refreshment Corner to the right. I don't like the looks of that gang of youths in light gray sweaters and jackets! "I think that's one of those gangs I've heard about, Brenda". Actually, considering that these are from June (theoretically), there are a lot of coats, it must have been fairly cool by SoCal standards. 

 

Character Parade, November 1968 - Part One

It's time for a good old-fashioned Disneyland parade! I can't say that I am a big fan of parades as a rule, but hey, it's Disneyland, and  they come with the territory. And this one was a charming, low-key affair, just the Disneyland Band, and some of our favorite characters. Not a float to be seen. 

Mickey Mouse himself leads the Disneyland Band; this was pre-disco, sadly, so there was no "Macho Duck", which we can all agree is the greatest song of all time (sorry, "Layla").  

Pluto the Pup trails the band, he likes to chase things. Passing trucks, mailmen, solar panel salesmen, Girl-scouts - you name it, he'll chase it. Rule #1: Don't mess with Mickey! Even in this slightly-out-of-focus shot you can sense his determination. 

Meanwhile, Goofy is having a great time; he might not even know that he's in a parade. Notice that he is crossing the border between two slurry colors, their differing salinity kept them from blending, just like when the Amazon flows into the Atlantic Ocean.

"The Jungle Book" had been released about a year before these photos were taken, and it was a huge hit, the ninth highest-grossing film of 1967 (behind "Thoroughly Modern Millie", but ahead of "Camelot"), so of course Baloo the Bear and King Louie participated in the parade. While adversaries in the movie, they were actually good friends in real life. Louie was godfather to Baloo's first son, Babalu, while Baloo was godfather to Louie's daughter Stacy.

Hey! There's a "part two", coming up whenever I remember to post those photos.

JG at Knott's Berry Farm

Long-time GDB pal JG graciously sent some of his personal photos (via email) from a trip to Knott's Berry Farm when he was a child, and he said I could share them with all of you!

As you can see, these are from September, 1965. JG is posing with Handsome Brady and Whiskey Bill. Bill is working on a jug, but he likes to take small sips to really enjoy the flavor. He's very cultured, even if he cusses a lot. I cuss a lot too, for dramatic effect. Looks like JG is wearing some Converse "Chuck Taylors", very stylish! I think I had pretty much the same buzzcut at that time.

Uh oh, I hope JG is just taking an impromptu bath, and not being cooked. I hate being cooked! I think there was a similar photo-op at Calico Ghost Town. In fact, I decided to look for one, take a look at a 1963 photo HERE!  

And finally, my favorite of the bunch, as JG poses in a magnificent feathered headdress, arms appropriately folded. I believe the gentleman was called "Chief Red Feather", and I seem to recall one of our readers (long ago) saying that the Chief would drive home at night in a Porsche. 

MANY THANKS to JG for sharing his personal photos!

Tomorrowland, 1970s

We're going to start things off with a colorful look at the entrance to the New Tomorrowland, which really was pretty new in the early 1970s. The Peoplemover was still under factory warranty. Lots of guests are heading into the Land of Tomorrow, it was probably just a standard busy Summer day. Overhead, three (no wait, FOUR) Peoplemover trains can  be seen on the overhead track, trundling along like bugs. As is often the case, I wish I could step into this picture!

Much further into the land, we'll find a beautiful turquoise lagoon, with nuclear submarines gliding quietly. Sure, they could rev their engines, but submarine captains are classy and prefer to run quiet and deep (well, not so deep here). Ah, long-gone attractions such as the Rocket Jets, the Skyway, and Carousel of Progress are sights for sore eyes.

SNOOZLES™

I think you will agree that today's photos are Snoozleriffic!

This first one really isn't that bad, as Snoozles go; it's from June, 1962, showing the Monsanto House of the Future. Plastic, eh? I like the way it looks! And once you've closed the door, you lock in freshness. That means you'll never age! The photo is even reasonably focused, but it has gone pretty dark in the shadow areas. 

Next - one of those pictures that looked pretty fun when I held the slide up to the light, only to discover that it is a Blurzle (slides can be both Blurzles and Snoozles). What a bummer! This must be Tom Sawyer Island, with its dirt path, but beyond that I'm a bit unsure. Where was our photographer standing? Was he partway up the steps to Tom's Treehouse? That would be my guess, though I am prepared to be wrong. 

The Magic Kingdom

I have a number of Magic Kingdom photos for you today, from two different batches. The first three are from July, 1974. 

First up is this "Souvenir Guidebook Worthy" photo from Adventureland, with a Summer crowd milling around Adventureland.  Maybe the folks walking toward us just watched the Tropical Serenade, (aka the Tiki Room). Where the birds sing words and the flowers croon! 

If the sun had cooperated, this next picture would also have qualified for "Souvenir Guidebook Worthy" status. But a rogue cloud has cast its evil shadow over the land! It's still a nice image though, Main Street USA is bustling like nobody's business. They must have gotten a deal on American flags (at Honest Fred's Flag City), nearly every building has one. Cinderella Castle looks suitably impressive here.

There had clearly been one of Florida's frequent downpours later in the day, but it was all over now. The wet street gives it a "movie set" feel,, and the buildings of Main Street look great in the glow of the late afternoon sunlight. I'm sure the humidity was top-notch.

These last two are from August, 1977; both show some of the Little Pigs (but not all three, as one of them was doing his own thing with his eccentric artist girlfriend). Below is what I imagine is the Piper Pig, because he's wearing sailor's duds, and sailors always play the fife. ALWAYS. The kids love him and need to touch him. The girl with the red hat might even be licking him. The price of fame.

Next is my favorite of the Li'l pigs, the Practical Pig. He told me that I can freeze lemon juice into ice cubes and then it will always be available when I need it. That's so darn practical! His eyebrows make him look stern, but it's just because he cares so much. 

I hope you have enjoyed today's Magic Kingdom photos!

Stagecoach Scene, 1955?

I have a very nice and early (possibly 1955) slide that was listed on eBay as being from Knott's Berry Farm. But you and I know better! 

As you can see, this is a great shot of a father and daughter on the back seat of a Disneyland Stagecoach. The afternoon lighting is warm and beautiful. Dad is holding his early-1955 guidebook (FOLDED) in his hand, though I have seen photos of those in the hands of guests in 1956 pictures. I suppose that sitting on that back seat would give one a different perspective on things, though I'd prefer to be facing frontwards if I had a choice. I guess we'll just have to ride twice in a row. Notice the Conestoga Wagon. 

Meanwhile, who is that fellow walking toward us? His coat (possibly from the Pendleton store) is awesome, and quite distinctive. 

It instantly reminded me of this scan that I shared a while ago - notice the man on horseback to the right. It has to be the same guy, don't you agree?

I wondered if he could be Owen Pope, who, along with his wife Dolly, was hired by Walt Disney in November 1951 to start putting together some livestock for his future park. They first lived in a trailer at the Studio where they raised and trained the first horses, and helped build wagons and coaches. During the construction of Disneyland, Disney gave them their choice of the houses being moved on the property, and they staked out a 10-acre site for the Pony Farm. Three days before the park opened, they moved to Disneyland but had to live in their trailer for a while until their house was ready. They were Disneyland’s only residents. The Popes continued with the company, running the Disneyland Pony Farm, and then moving to Florida in 1971 to start the Tri Circle D Ranch there. They retired in 1975. (From the D23 website).

I found this picture of Owen, and It is pretty clear that he is not the man in the plaid coat.

However, the excellent Disney History 101 website had this scan (presumably from a Disney publication) showing Owen and the assistant superintendent Day Sechler. Day happens to be wearing a string tie very much like the fellow in the plaid coat, which I admit is not exactly iron-clad proof that he is the same person. And due the different angle and facial expression I can't be certain that that photo shows Mr. Sechler. But I'm leaning towards "YES"! What do you think?

Horse Drawn Streetcar, October 1971

There are fans of the Main Street Vehicles (like me) - I just like knowing that they are there. And if you like the vehicles, such as the Horse Drawn Streetcar, you probably like the wonderful horses that pull the Streetcars! I mean, who doesn't like a nice horse? (Horses that bite, different story!). 

Here's a magnificent Belgian Draft Horse, I always thought horses were bottled, but I guess they are on tap too. Oh man, I'm hilarious! Send me money. This fellow is huge, and (from what I understand), plenty strong enough to pull the vehicle without much trouble. I'm not sure if it is ever OK for guests to interact with the horses - it's best to ask the driver, at least, but it often occurs to me that many young people (and even a lot of older folks) have never seen a live horse up close before.

I want to give him a carrot, or maybe a sugar cube (my understanding is that horses would not appreciate my Thermos full of Beef-a-roni - you learn something every day!). I recall a Disney News article decades ago that gave details about how pampered these animals are, and it made me glad to know it.

EXTRA! EXTRA! Our friend Bu emailed a recent photo from the Firehouse at Disneyland, in relation to yesterday's post. I got home too late to share it then, but I wanted you to see it, so you can take a look and compare it to the vintage photo from the other day. Here's what he said: …interesting how they covered up the buttons…they must still be there underneath that frame.  I like the buttons better.  Also interesting that they took out the sconce to the left: and just covered it up.  There’s other interesting forensics here: I’m glad to see most of the firehouse still intact! THANKS, BU!

A Pair From June 22, 1965

Here's two from June 22, 1965, starting with this first scan, from a slide that was damaged; I cropped off the bad parts, which is why it's nearly a square. Anyway, it's kind of a neat view because the two ladies are inside the Firehouse on Town Square! This is certainly the only photo that I have from this location. The big bell would wake up even the sleepiest fireman, or maybe even Walt Disney, who had his apartment upstairs (the little bell was for the dalmatian).

Next is this "not great" shot of two other ladies, buckling in for a terrifying ride aboard a rampaging flying elephant. I look forward to the long-awaited sequel to Dumbo, "Dumbo VS Godzilla". In 3D!