Disneyland Paper Placemats
When it comes to ephemera (items of collectible memorabilia, typically written or printed ones, that were originally expected to have only short-term usefulness or popularity), paper placemats are about as ephemerotious as you can get! They were, after all, designed to catch drips and spills and other indignities that I don't even want to think about. Today's examples were somehow preserved by heroes whose names are unknown to us.
First up is this placemat from the Disneyland Hotel "restaurants by Gourmet". I believe that this example could be from the 1960s or 1970s, but I can't find any info about how long the "Gourmet" name was used at the Hotel. I have shared two menus from what I assume was more than a single restaurant? Take a look HERE and HERE. In doing a bit of research, I found people selling framed examples for around $400. I promise you I didn't pay anything even close to that amount.
Next is this attractive placemat from Café Orléans (in New Orleans Square, naturally). I like the unusual die-cut shape on this one, and those graphics that make me think of those Robert Abel 7-Up commercials from the 1970s.
This next one is rather generic, but my understanding is that it is early (almost certainly from the 50s) and pretty scarce. There's a tiny bit of edge wear, but it's remarkable to think that this delicate paper item has somehow survived 60+ years.
And lastly, here's a placemat that was given to me long ago. I don't know anything about it other than the obvious Disneyland Hotel connection. But I do love me a Disneyland map, even a cartoony "fun map". The item has no date, but there's no Toontown, so that puts it before 1993. I generally give it an "early 90s" guesstimate. The placemat has a "Where's Mickey" challenge, and it isn't easy since so many cartoony people are wearing mouse ears, and the printing isn't that great. If you want to cheat and see where Mickey is, click HERE!
I will be out of town for the next four days (I think) in order to help a friend move some stuff from Utah back to LA. The good news is that it is around 100º in Utah, so that will be fun! I doubt I will have much time to chime in, which is a bummer, but there will be new posts for you every day, as usual! I'll talk to you all when I get back.
6 comments:
The Disneyland Hotel placemat was used at THE MONORAIL CAFE. A few years ago the original line art for this placemat came up for auction .
There’s a variation of the CAFE ORLEANS placemat that features the SaraLee sponsor logo.
Major-
The '1950's' place mat is really nice, with very interesting details seen in each image - missing only 'the dent'-!
Thanks, Major.
Find Waldo's Lawyers trying to find Mickey.
I agree, placemats are the epitome of paper ephemera. A good thing to collect.
I think my favorite today is the Cafe Orleans placemat; because of the different shape and the soft colors.
I also like the "generic" Disneyland placemat. The small illustrations are more detailed than most of the other spot illustrations we've seen.
Where's Mickey: I found Minnie and Donald rather quickly. But too many of the "cartoony people" look so much like Mickey that I gave it up as a lost cause. So I cheated and clicked on your link... I'm glad I did. Sheesh! Mickey doesn't really look like Mickey any more than a dozen other people.
Thanks for showing us some of your Disney placemats, Major. Enjoy your time toiling in the 100 degree heat. :-p
I like all of these, but my favorite is that third one, from the 1950s.
I do remember those 7-Up commercials from the 1970s....very groovy and psychedelic!
Major, I agree with you on the early nineties for that last one. We can see a hot air balloon (near It's A Small World) from the "Disney Afternoon Avenue" promotion, which was took place in 1991!
Thanks for sharing, Major! Be sure to stay hydrated during the next four days!
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