Fantasyland, July 1958

It's time for some CLASSIC FANTASYLAND, brought to you by Pall Mall Cigarettes. "Wherever Particular People Congregate" (now that's a slogan!). When I think of Disneyland, I think of a flavorful Pall Mall. Doctor recommended, too. It's July, 1958. The kids are out of school, and we have to do something with the little devils. And they don't let kids into the OTB for some reason. 

This first picture is fascinating because it was taken before they replaced Sleeping Beauty Castle with that iconic giant head in the likeness of Bob Iger. Walk into his open mouth - if you dare. Man, his hair is always so perfect! Hey, real gold fillings?! Classy. Some people preferred the castle, but I don't even want to know those folks. Don't they know that Disneyland is never finished?? As is often the case, children are not plentiful - there might be one or two youngsters, but it's mostly grown adults.

Next, the Mad Tea Party ride; two CMs are hosing out the teacups, because... well, never mind. That stiff breeze (look at the sails on the Pirate Ship) will dry them out in no time. Check out the Pepperidge Palm! Some say it still lives, on a private estate in Palm Springs. 

I zoomed in because I wanted to see what that girl in the yellow dress was up to. Perhaps she's trying to imagine what it would be like to walk the plank. In a word, it would be "planky". I then noticed that Captain Guy, the pirate with the genuine wooden leg, is seated at the rail, drinking grog and singing sea shanties.

 

Two Snoozles, September 1968

Today's Snoozles™ aren't that bad compared to some, but they're a little boring. 

How about a closeup of faux flowers at the Flower Market? It's almost like looking into a tide pool full of anemones. A tide pool with a spinning wheel, right? That candelabra thingy is interesting, I wonder if that was for sale too? "I must have it! I'll give you one million dollars for it!". "I'm sorry sir, we don't care about money here in Disneyland". "Aw, sauerkraut". 

Next is this perfectly-OK shot of Sleeping Beauty Castle. The lamps in the foreground would have done wonders for a stereo photo, but this is a dang mono photo. Meanwhile, there's THE STAIN, but we can't see THE DENT.

Wildwood, New Jersey - 1955

For many years, I've had a small batch of slides, one of which bears the hand-written notation, "Wildwood, 1955". Wildwood, New Jersey, presumably. They are kind of fun! In this first one, we see crowds of people walking from a parking lot, ready to cross the tracks. They are drawn to the ocean like moths (moths who love the sea)! Howsabout that red taxi cab?

The moths are getting closer and closer to the shore. It's nice to get a look at what is presumably the little mining town of Wildwood. I had my doubts though, so I did a bit of research... 

... and found this scan of a C.C. Murphy Co. (or "Murphy's" if you are cool) postcard. It's a match!

The Boardwalk. Where visitors can find everything they need! Sunglasses? No problem! Saltwater taffy? Puh-leeze! Hot showers, hot dogs, and other hot things are also available. One fellow is carrying his inflatable water... thingy, with another partly visible next to him. 

This tram gizmo is the type of thing that you might find at many tourist destinations, so that guests will pockets full of cash can save their energy for spending. Only chumps walk! Look at those chumps, point at them and laugh! Boy the ocean sure looks far away here.

It wouldn't be a boardwalk without some classic seaside amusements. The Ferris Wheel is OK even if you've had too much to eat. Nice and gentle! That windmill hints at a miniature golf course. And I don't know what that ride to the extreme left is called, though I've seen them at carnivals. Don't go on that one! Overhead, three airplanes tow advertisements. The first banner reads: FEELING FINE? HAVING FUN? The second one is partly obscured: REMEMBER THOSE (*something*). And finally: SEND OR TAKE HOME DOUGLASS CANDIES.

Whaddaya know, Douglass Candies can still be found for sale at Wildwood By The Sea! I could only find this teensy jpeg, sorry. You've got an assortment of fudge, with or without nuts, vanilla fudge, peanut butter fudge, and whatever that mysterious orange stuff is.

And finally, a view of the beach itself, it looks like some of that early morning fog has burned off and it's going to be a swell day! Sorry about the weird color on these, they all had a grayish-cyan cast that was hard to eliminate.

I hope you have enjoyed your visit to Wildwood By The Sea!

Vintage Tomorrowland

Whoo-hoo! Tomorrowland. Or, when I'm in a hurry, T-land. Time is money. I just like classic Tomorrowland, OK??

First up (from August, 1961), our photographer was still in the Plaza, which is technically part of Main Street. But the view of THE FUTURE looks just fine from here. Dare we step in? The rows of flags from every US State ground us in reality and keep us from losing our minds. It's fun to note the similarities between mother and daughter to the left. The Clock of the World and the Moonliner beckon us forward, and a selection of fabulous attraction posters dazzles with bold mid-century graphics. There's a scarce Flying Saucers poster to the right, I wish I had one of those.

Next is this impressive view from a year earlier (August, 1960), with a crowded Yacht Bar dining area nearest to us (I love the flag with the coffee cup overhead!), then the blue Monorail swooping by, and the mighty Matterhorn, somehow looking especially stately here.

 

In The Plaza, April 1973

Here are two nice photos from The Plaza, enhanced by a beautiful Spring sky, blue with puffy white clouds. We'll start with this shot looking toward the castle, the Disneyland Band is in their red livery, and playing "Outa-Space" by Billy Preston. John Hench requested it! The trees and benches to our right are where the "Partners" statue now stands.

Just past the INA Carefree Corner on Main Street, our photographer looked to his/her right, to snap this picture of... well, I'm not sure what was so interesting. The Motorized Firetruck has chugged by, probably honking its olde-timey horn. We can just see Rolly Crump's swirling purple and yellow flower beds at the entrance to Tomorrowland, along with the yellow and white-roofed souvenir stand that used to be behind the Monsanto House of the Future. 
 

Train Station Adjacent, July 1963

Today's photos might be fun for some, boring for others. But I kind of like them, in spite of the fact that they are not super exciting! A mother and daughter pose in front of the Mickey floral portrait and Main Street Station (population: 53,000,000). The mass of pink flowers is quite pretty! Sadly there's no train at the station, but the Kalamazoo Handcar is always there.

What did I say about there being no train?? Moments later, a locomotive (the E.P. Ripley?) pulled in hauling the classic yellow cars. This one is the "Painted Desert", not only a Disneyland feature, but a real place that a Santa Fe train could take you. In style. 

Old Snapshots

I have two old snapshots (i.e. "photo prints") for you today, starting with this first example, a nice one taken inside the Penny Arcade. It's a rare view, but we only get the tiniest of glimpses at some of the vintage "games of skill", such as that mysterious thing with Uncle Sam to the left. Maybe you clutched two brass knobs, and Sam would determine whether you were true American? If not, a red lightbulb lit up, and you would be pummeled by passers-by. Through the draped doorway to our right, I think we are looking into the shop next door. 

Once again, I tried applying one of Photoshop's mysterious "Neural Filters", and it did sharpen up some details, increase the contrast, and reduce some of the grain.

Here's a lesser photo print, taken from the Skyway. The Junior Autopia is down below, but otherwise it's a whole lotta nothin'! Acres and acres of Wookie-less land. Amazing.

Yet More Bupix!

It's time for another selection of BUPIX, photos taken and shared with us by our friend Bu, who (as you probably know) was a cast member back in the 1980s. As usual, Bu was nice enough to provide some text to go along with the images. First up is this picture of pretty Kara, who we've seen before; Kara Pix: yes: She was a “top 4” Ambassador finalist in 1985 and a fellow GR Lead.   When the Guided Tour prices went up (I think from $4 to $7..) they thought that leads should follow TG’s on a complete tour to ensure guests were getting the quality that they were paying for.  We posed as guests: hence these photos.

The one of me in front of the Capitol model: I’m not sure if this was one of the commonly referred to as “Tour of Tears”… I think it was a random day and random time. I remember that white Swatch watch when Swatches first came to the US. $40 any style. I went through a lot of watches as I’d bump them on everything, and still do. I swapped out various Mickey watches in between the “cool” Swatches. Ray Bans in that style were very popular… maybe it was Top Gun or something… sunglasses at DL tended to not last long: lost, broken, etc.

My hair in the (next) photo was actually not even regulation: I’m sure if I was in costume, hair spray would have fixed some things. Visible chains on boys was also not allowed, but I suppose when wearing a suit, it’s not seen. Interesting factoid about the white shirt: I got that from the OLD OLD Banana Republic when it sold things like safari clothes and army surplus. It had an interesting drop shoulder. It wasn’t cheap: however I think now it looks that way!

In the Small World photo you can see the TG we were inspecting: don’t remember her name… Holly?  The TG’s were NOT fond of these inspection tours, and made poems about their anxiety around them.   We gave them a few chances after feedback if they didn’t “pass”.

This inspection program didn’t last long if I recall. I think in today’s world it would have be fraught with HR issues: there was a lot of subjectivity around what was “passable” and what wasn’t. In digging into my memory bank, I don’t have particularly good feelings around these tours.  It must have been Summer as the River stage is up, and the Columbia is out and about.

MANY THANKS to Bu for sharing his personal photos and memories!

Mega-Snoozles™

Boy oh boy, today's Snoozles are truly disgraceful, only a sociopath would share these on a public forum. But I spoke to the sociopath, and he was insistent! 

Here's a view of the shore in Frontierland, as seen from a river craft (the lowest level of the Mark Twain?). No wonder the photographer was so excited, they've spotted two female elk of the rare Cervus fiberglassius species. Magnificent! If they look a little guilty, it's because they were playing with matches.

Well.... gosh. If you like random trees and shrubs, then this one is for you I guess. To the left is a smooth-ish gray shape, perhaps the back of an American rhinoceros. 

A Pair From The 1950s

Stop whatever it is you are doing! Unless you are flying an airplane. It's Stu's Birthday today! And Sue B. has provided a vintage scan, just for Stu. It was a bit on the magenta side, and my color-correction turned out not-so-great, but it's still a fun picture. Two boys wait in front of the whitest cake ever made, it might even be producing its own light. It looks as if one boy's head is springing directly from the cake. "Er, no, I don't want any cake, thanks anyway". The other boy has his arms crossed as a tribute to his favorite professional wrestler.

OK, you may resume whatever you were doing. Though you should look at these two pictures. I'm not the boss of you, but there is such a thing as courtesy. Both of today's photos are from sometime in the 1950's - this first one shows a Skyway tower in the distance, and Rainbow Ridge is looking pretty good, so... 1956 or later, at any rate. Check out the wide open spaces and lack of crowds! It's like heaven. Was the Mine Train operating that day? We'll never know. 

Next, a nice view from out front, with the Disneyland Railroad's yellow passenger cars at rest; an employee in white coveralls makes sure no hobos are on board (it's for their own safety!). The E.P. Ripley looks great as always. I read that the Ripley was Walt's favorite locomotive, I wonder why? In the distance, a  souvenir stand, where you could buy the latest issue of The Disneyland News. And it would not be GDB if I didn't comment on the wonderful posters stapled to the fence near the Mickey floral portrait! Gimme that "Rocket to the Moon". 

Golden Horseshoe Revue, December 1976

I have a batch of slides with somewhat scarce views from the old Golden Horseshoe Revue. Cool! You'll see half of them today, and the other half in THE FUTURE. What about the third half? I'll never tell. 

Oh boy, scantily-clad dancers, 1890's style. I love a good can-can performance! This slide was partially damaged, which explains the cropping.

Here's Wally Boag, making a balloon animal for a little girl. Wally had been sent to Walt Disney World to perform at the Diamond Horseshoe Revue in 1971, but had returned to Disneyland by 1976.

The young girl is the daughter of our photographer, so that must have made things extra fun! I hope she had her balloon animal bronzed - it could still be on her mantle, gleaming under a spotlight.

7,000th Post!

Greetings and salutations to Junior Gorillas all over the world! Today marks the 7,000th post on GDB. For perspective, that's 653 posts more than 6,347! Makes ya think. Now that I am a famous blogger, I am used to hobnobbing with celebrities and fending off the paparazzi (two words: fake mustache). But I still have time for the little people.

I didn't have much of a plan for this occasion, so I decided to dig through some old boxes of previously-scanned slides and look for some better-than-average examples to share. It was hard to select which ones to use, and I admit that it's kind of a random batch. Sure, you've seen them before, but you've probably seen "Casablanca" more than once too. Anyhoo, sit back, relax, sip a frosty beverage, and enjoy the show.

First up is this very nice image taken from the Happiest Parking Lot On Urf, as a line of classic  automobiles makes its way into the park, beneath a picturesque sky (this one is dated January 5, 1957).  

Next is one that I've seen all over the interwebs. Facebook, Instagram, Gruntlog, you name it. We're right near the Monorail station at the Disneyland Hotel - two ladies (and one man?) seek shade on this presumably-hot September 1961 day while admiring the sleek yellow Monorail train. That yellow really pops against that blue sky.

This next one has always been one of my favorites, it's just a fantastic look at Main Street from the south end of the Plaza, with some great vintage people to add to the fun. The woman with the stylish hat appeared in one or two other photos, but this is the best example.

This next one is undated but certainly from the 1950s; it's a fascinating shot of a woman in a dazzling silver outfit, she represented the "Cole of California" shop on Main Street - they sold swimwear until the placed closed at the beginning of September, 1957. It seems clear that the dazzler is contrasting modern beachwear to grandma's old-fashioned wool atrocity. I'm wondering if the girl wearing that outfit was plucked from the crowd? It's also interesting that this is in the heart of Fantasyland, rather than in front of the Cole of California shop (which was next to Coca Cola Refreshment Corner).

We can't forget Adventureland! I love this wonderful "POSTCARD WORTHY" look at the load area for the Jungle Cruise (this is another from January 5, 1957). It really is astonishing to think that this area was just orange and walnut groves two years before this picture was taken.

I scanned several nice photos of the old Stagecoaches, but this one is ultimately my favorite. The be-whiskered driver looks like he's seen it all. Blazing sun, sandstorms, alkali watering holes, packs of hungry wolves, you name it. Nobody is sitting on the top level, maybe those guests were all picked off by giant vampire buzzards?

From September, 1961 we have this wonderful "you are there" shot from aboard the Nature's Wonderland Mine Train as it crossed the wooden trestle bridge. Below (out of frame to the right) was a group of bears, fishin', sleepin', and scratchin'. It looks like two guests (kids?) are inside the cab, while the Redshirt pilots the train from his seat on the tender. Love the purple ostrich plume on the souvenir hat! Too bad there are no pack mules crossing the natural arch bridge to the left.

This one is interesting to me, it must have been shortly after the Astro Jets were (was?) added to Tomorrowland (on March 24th, 1956). Notice that the central column has multicolored vertical stripes; I assume that this is how it looked "as delivered" (since this was an "off the shelf" attraction). Soon the stripes would be gone, replaced with a red and white checkerboard pattern that evoked early rocketry (and Tintin). 

I wasn't sure whether to reshare this scan, but ultimately decided that this Skyway view was worthwhile because of the miles and miles of undeveloped farmland just beyond the berm. And (incredibly) this was from March, 1958, Disneyland had already been around for nearly 3 years. Harbor Blvd. still appears relatively sleepy and free of motels and restaurants. There's just that lone gas station to the left. Note that the new Administration Building is under construction to the right.

I rescanned nearly 40 slides, but only 10 arbitrarily made the cut today. Perhaps I'll share the others at another time! Meanwhile, here's a rare 1957 photo taken aboard the blue Fantasyland Viewliner train as it was about to pass the pink Tomorrowland Viewliner train (somehow pink seems more "Fantasyland" to me). It's a great view of a short-lived attraction, the precursor to the Monorail.

That's it for today! I hope you enjoyed all 10 reruns. If you haven't seen them before, they're new to you! Thanks to everybody who reads GDB, and a special thanks to those who participate in the comments, and even those who sometimes email me with kind remarks. I still have over 1,000 slides that I have not scanned, so if all goes according to plan, you'll be stuck with me for a while longer.

Two From November 27, 1968

I have two nice scans from November 27th, 1968 for you today. It was Wednesday, the day before Thanksgiving! "Jason's Disneyland Almanac" tells us that the park was open from 10:00 AM until 6:00 PM, the day got up to a pleasant 71º. Sorry, no attendance numbers are available.

First up, we see the stately C.K. Holliday as it returns to Main Street Station, hopefully no dinosaurs snuck on board to wreak havoc on Anaheim later that evening. Could the man in the overalls be an employee? He doesn't look very official, and it doesn't seem like he should be standing on the platform. Seize him! "But who will take care of my grandchildren??". "They will become wards of Disneyland". Could be worse. I believe that the head to the extreme left is a Tour Guide. In the distance... Denny's!

Next is this pretty late-afternoon view in Tomorrowland, with Rolly Crump's stylish Central Ticket Booth right in front of us; it looks like it was designed to slot together as if made of pieces of card stock. The Carousel of Progress has its embedded lights on, which is cool. Overhead, a yellow Peoplemover is about to enter the building, where riders could preview the giant model of Progress City.

August 1961

Hooray, it's BIRTHDAY TIME! We can send our best wishes to KS on his special day. Sue B. has been scouring the internet for vintage birthday photos, to the point where they have become rare and valuable. In today's example, you can see a curly-haired boy blowing out the candles on his cake, while Gramps (?) holds him so that he doesn't fall and suffer an icing injury (happens all the time). Snoopy, or some other random dog, holds a red candle, which means something. BUT WHAT?

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When I've posted all the slides in a batch, but have two left over, you can usually count on them being mismatched. But it's OK! My socks are mismatched and they are just as comfy anyway. 

I rarely get very excited about Jungle Cruise photos, just because they tend to be views that we've all seen before. But this first scan is historic, if nothing else, because it shows a group of dancing headhunters as the celebrate something that has happened, or something that is going to happen. All of the were removed from the attraction in 2021 because they were deemed insensitive; I admit that they might not have aged that well over the past 70-ish years. The scenes that replaced these generally had rampaging monkeys, and they are fine, if not amazing.

Next is this a nice photo of the Mark II Monorail zipping along its beam as it returned to the park from a stop at the new station in front of the Disneyland Hotel (visible in the distance, as is the iconic Disneyland sign). Bubble dome! I guess the photo isn't that nice, but the subject matter is. Too bad the sky is so gray, but what can you do? I enjoy seeing a rare "Art of Animation" exhibit poster affixed to that Monorail pylon nearest to us.