Adventure Thru Inner Space Booklet
I just happened to scan today's VINTAGE PAPER EPHEMERA item for another purpose, but realized that it would be a fun thing to share with all of you. It's a booklet from Monsanto's Adventure Thru Inner Space - these were in bins in the entry area of the ride; because they were free, there are many thousands out in the wild, I've acquired half a dozen almost by accident. But that doesn't mean that they aren't great!
The cover is a colorful illustration, I assume that this was originally used as concept art for Monsanto's approval. I really enjoy the wild, abstract sky (representing fireworks?). We can also see the entry fountains to the right, and the Rocket Jets beneath the Peoplemover track.
There are two different ATIS booklets, this is the first one, with only artwork to convey some of what guests will see and experience. Notice that the cover could be detached and mailed as a postcard. The Mighty Microscope was thrilling to a small child, I feel like I could have watched this Atomobiles disappear into it for an hour if my parents had let me.
Riders were shrinkified, and entered a snowflake. At first the snowflakes appeared as familiar six-sided crystals, but (as we continued to shrink), they became massive walls of ice looming over us. Then we'd see H2O molecules (looking very much like "hidden Mickeys" before those were a thing) and finally, the pulsing nucleus of an atom. No... I dare not go on. I must return to realm of the molecule before I go on shrinking - forever!
As the snowflake melted and the molecules became more active, we slowly returned to our original size. Seeing the eyeball through our end of the microscope confirmed that we were "back on visual". Whew! The panel on the right shows an artist's concept of the finale of the ride, with some of Monsanto's products on display in an interesting "World's Fair" manner.
I believe that this artwork shows tableaus that were in illuminated "window boxes", with charming limited movement. I seem to recall the woman on horseback bouncing up and down!
Finally, how about some facts about Monsanto? If I could go back in time, I would have sent them a letter, in the hopes that they might send some rare item in appreciation! As with the front cover, the back could also be sent as a postcard...
... with this illustration showing an updated (new and improved?) Clock of the World. In the lower right, there is a code, I presume that "0567" means that these were printed in May of 1967. The ride debuted on August 5th of '67, but it makes sense that these would have been printed up in advance.
I scanned the newer ATIS booklet too, so stay tuned for that.
5 comments:
Major-
Boy, it's been a while since I've looked thru this brochure - it's like seeing an old friend again. (And now I'm going to be singing Miracles from Molecules the rest of the day...)
Thanks, Major.
OoOooh... Color! [JB's eyes go all wonky with kaleidoscopic patterns.] I too, like the abstract illustrations. I think it would be quite difficult to get the Rocket Jets to all get aligned like that. The Rockets looks great and futuristic and all, but I'm not sure they can even get arranged like that. It looks like a few kids are sporting Mouse Ears.
This is quite an impressive brochure, for being a freebie. Excellent artwork done in Disney fashion. Thanks, Major.
Major, you are right about the lady "bouncing" on the horse. I remember that! I also remember the landing gear of the airplane descending and retracting. I think the corn grew straight up out of the ground, in that other scene. And I believe the dog waved his magic wand in the bridal scene, but I can't recall what happened in the scene with the lady in the window. I want to say that her flowers in the window box swayed back and fourth, but maybe Mike can tell us for sure.
I love this item, but I don't remember them being available. I think I am too young. I wonder how long they were available? I was lucky to get mine as a child, because an older friend of mine had two of them and gave me one!
Thanks for sharing, Major!
In the 70’s the third image acted as inspiration for a multi level mural
Made from cut layers of acrylic. The mural
Was only visible from the PeopleMover along the wall that separated the MINIATURIZATION CONTROL room from the MIRACLES FROM MOLECULES room.
In the 70’s the third image acted as inspiration for a multi level mural
Made from cut layers of acrylic. The mural
Was only visible from the PeopleMover along the wall that separated the MINIATURIZATION CONTROL room from the MIRACLES FROM MOLECULES room.
Mike, I remember that! Was it there until the attraction was removed, or was it removed sooner? And are there any good photos of it out there?
Post a Comment