A Pair From the 1950s

I've been scanning a group of faded 35mm slides - some were so washed out that they seemed destined to be future Snoozles. But thanks to Photoshop, many were restored to something approximating their former glory! Here are two of the nicer examples.

When I viewed this slide on my light table (so light that it wants to float away in a breeze), and didn't think much of it, but after a quick scan and the twiddling of a few knobs, we can now see that Black Bart is giving us the evil eye. He looks plum loco! I'm guessing that the fellow sitting next to him worked on the Mark Twain - he might be loco too.

I was especially happy with the way this slide looked after restoration - it's a wonderful shot of an ice cream vendor in the "dress whites" that you'd see in those early years, also worn by popcorn vendors and sweepers. I don't have my bearings, but if I had to guess, I'd say that the Castle is probably out of frame to our left, and the hilly area in the distance (behind the vendor) is roughly where Holiday Hill was. But I could be wrong. I wish I could figure out what that scaffolding was for in the background!

EXTRA! EXTRA!

The Mysterious Benefactor, friend of GDB (and all mankind) helped to ID the location of the Ice Cream Vendor photo, including photo evidence from Daveland (used with permission - see their origins HERE and HERE).

In my photo, you can just see a bit of a sign to the left of the vendor himself - it is not legible, but thanks to Dave's photo, we know it advertised the "Richfield Autopia of Fantasyland". 

In this next photo, you can see the location of the Ice Cream Vendor to the left, and the Monsanto House of the Future is right about where the scaffolding is located in my own scan (though construction is much farther along in Dave's photo):

MANY THANKS to the Mysterious Benefactor and to Dave DeCaro for their help!

 

Frontierland, August 1970

Here's a trio of perfectly nice photos from Frontierland, which would be called "Tomorrowland" if you'd been born in the Middle Ages. Think about it. 

The Mark Twain has taken on a full compliment of passengers, to be delivered upriver to the Soylent company (founded by General Amos Soylent) for a factory tour. I've heard that guests receive a snack and a juice box at the end of the tour (sort of like the cookie and soda you get after touring Walt's apartment), but can find no first-person accounts for some reason. Gosh it sounds like a hoot!

The Burning Settler's Cabin was living up to its name in 1970 - a few years before that dumb Energy Crisis ruined all our fun. As you can see, the cabin was surrounded by large, mature trees by 1970, which makes it look quite a bit smaller than it used to. But don't worry, those trees never grew larger than 5/8 scale. Stinky Sam is so relaxed, I really admire him.

This view of an elk was definitely not taken from one of the Mark Twain's upper levels - perhaps it was taken from a Keelboat? Impossible to say of course. You might see many critters along the River, including elk, meese, deer, and giant sloths.  

Disneyland Dogs - February 10, 1978

It's time for a fun trio of scans, courtesy of Sue B., from photos taken by her dad, Lou Perry! Lou was there on February 10, 1978. Thanks to "Jason's Disneyland Almanac", we know that February 10th was a Friday, the park was open from 10:00 AM until 6:00 PM, the temperature only got up to 61º, and (you wouldn't know it by looking at these), there was 1.7 inches of rain (maybe that was earlier in the morning, or later that night).

Folks who wanted to have their picture taken in the Carnation truck got an extra bonus, because Pluto was there, just waiting for the paparazzi. He played it smart, and the photographers were his friends rather than his adversaries, and they'd "look the other way" so as not to embarrass him in The Enquirer. He's gesturing to indicate that his eyes were still dilated from a visit to the Optometrist. 

Don't be scared! Just sit on down! This is all very normal.

Next, another Disney Dog - GOOFY! Though he is less dog-like and more of a funny-looking person. If you know what I mean. It looks like Goofy has pulled up a curb to sit next to a young fan - I love it when the characters take advantage of a situation and turn it into a bit of magic. This was over 45 years ago, but I wonder if that now-grown kid still remembers this encounter? With all of the bricks and wrought iron, I'm assuming that this was taken in New Orleans Square, perhaps over near the Haunted Mansion.

THANK YOU, Lou and Sue!

Special Guest Post: Knott's Berry Farm Locomotives - Part 2

It's time for Part Two in a series of Special Guest Posts from GDB friend Steve DeGaetano, featuring his collection of vintage postcards from Knott's Berry Farm. relating to the wonderful narrow-gauge locomotives. Part One was a banger, and this installment is equally great! As before,  Steve has done plenty of research to enrich our appreciation of these cards. Let's go!

Knott's 7: This next card is undated, but somehow seems newer than the previous card. Still wearing the fake stack and oil headlight, we are also treated to a good view of the long, red “cowcatcher” out in front. The combination baggage/passenger car right behind the Chief’s outstretched arm was converted from the parlor car Chama, and was then known as Calico. It has since been repainted a dark Pullman green with its original name. The caption is identical to the card #6.

Knott's 8: This is a nice overview of Calico Square. No. 40 is in the background, not quite in position to take water from the water tower. The tender carries about 700 gallons of fuel and 25,000 gallons of water. We have one of Bud Hurlbut’s little mine train tank engines in the foreground.

Knott's 9: Another wide shot of No. 41 in Calico Square. The D&RGW reclassified its “Class 70” locomotives to the “C-19” class in 1924 (“C” for “Consolidation”—the name for a 2-8-0 wheel configuration and “19” for 19,000 pounds of tractive effort, or pulling power). Both engines today wear the C-19 designations on their cabs.

Knott's 10: This lovely view of Calico Square features another view of No. 40. I’m not sure when Gold Nugget became Green River, but I much prefer the latter name, which Wikipedia states was in fact the engine’s original name when built in 1881. Dated by the postcard writer May 1977, we get a great view of the converted parlor car Chama, with the front baggage section having been added, here named Calico.

Knott's 11: This postcard features a photograph that appears to be from the early 1950s, but the card design and the barcode on the back is in the style of cards from the 2000s. Again, a nice portrait of No. 40, with the kids showing just how close you could once get to the engines. Note the curved handrail on the front of the engine, above the number plate.

Knott's 12: This is the first of two “vertical” postcards, one of each locomotive. This card featured No. 41 in the glossy black finish she wore when I first got to know her in 1980 (giving us a rough date period). This also represents the engine’s first steps towards a more authentic paint scheme, with accurate Rio Grande Southern tender lettering. While not authentic, I was nonetheless mesmerized by the brass boiler bands and handrails against the deep glossy black.

OK, that's the end of Part Two! Next Tuesday, you'll see the third and final installment of Steve's KBF postcards (plus a little bit extra). THANK YOU, Steve, for all of your hard work! I hope you all have enjoyed these as much as I have.

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EXTRA! EXTRA! GDB friend Pilsner Panther, who is crisp and refreshing (by all accounts) sent along a neat image of silent-film luminary Buster Keaton, in danger of being flattened by one of the locomotives at Knott's Berry Farm! I think that the Gold Nugget (ol' # 40) is bearing down on Buster, but it's hard to be sure. Steve D. will probably know! After a little research, I found a description that said: In 1956, legendary silent film comedian Buster Keaton visited Knott's Berry Farm in Buena Park, California, where he was photographed playfully recreating a classic railroad gag. Pictures show Keaton feigning to have his foot stuck in the railroad tracks of the Calico and Ghost Town Railroad, near Western Ave.

What a great photo of a great filmmaker/actor/genius! Thank you, Pilsner Panther.

Randos

Here's a couple of randos - I wasn't sure what to do with them, so why not post them together? This first scan is dated "December, 1980", and shows some sort of stage show, performed by a number of different Disney characters. I honestly don't know where this took place - at first I thought it could be the Videopolis stage, but that didn't exist in 1980. So I am relying on you, dear reader, to help me ID the location (my guess is that this won't take long)! The guy in the foreground did the old "pretends to yawn so he can put his arm around his date" move. A classic!

Next, it's more than a decade earlier (February, 1970), and Mickey is leading the Disneyland Band through the park. Would the "Alice" attraction be just out of frame to our right? Ralphie from "A Christmas Story" hopes that he can lead a marching band someday. Meanwhile, the tuba player knows that all eyes on are him.

Snoozles™

I have two Snoozles for you today, both a bit dark, though not a total loss. First up is a scan from April 1972, with what appears to be an "off the hip" shot of a Horse Drawn Streetcar. Am I crazy, or are there NO HORSES? That's a first. Were they standing nearby enjoying cigarettes? Guests are patiently waiting inside the streetcar, but four of them are going to have to get out and pull. It's not so much fun now, is it, chumps??

It's exactly one year later (down to the second), on April 1973, and we have a "too dark" photo of the Columbia as it glides mysteriously around the Rivers of America. "Mysteriously" because there are no sails - they're not even furled, they're just gone. Hey, there is a theme today! Maybe the horses took the sails? 

Knott's Berry Farm

I have three vintage scans from some Knott's Berry Farm slides for you today. Why the heck not? First  up is this pretty view, dated "September 1959", showing one of the beautiful narrow-gauge locomotives stopped at the depot/water tower in Calico Square. Old #40, the aka the "Gold Nugget", later renamed "Green River". I like the word "nugget" and need to work it into my daily conversations more often. Knott's looks beautiful with its many eucalyptus trees. It's fun to look at some details, such as the Indian gentleman waiting to take a photo with guests, or the arches of "El Camino Real". I wonder if the Calico Mine Ride was under construction out of frame to our left (it would open in November of 1960)? 

Next is this undated (likely from the late 1950s or early 1960s) picture of a lady checking out one of the tepees that I believe was located on the "island" (actually more of an isthmus) in the lake next to the Church of the Reflections. The size of that mosquito netting should tell you something about Buena Park.

And lastly, from the 1950s comes this photo of the other narrow gauge locomotive, #41, the "Red Cliff" (renamed "Walter K" in 2012). The unusual colors (yellow-gold, orange, and chocolate brown) are the same ones I wear every day to blend into my environment so that I am never attacked by lions. The lady with the red pants (to the right) is singing "The Trolley Song", just in case Cecil B. DeMille happened to be visiting Knott's that day  

Just FYI, I had today's post ready to go before I received Steve DeGaetano's Special Guest Posts about the Knott's locomotives!

Randos

I have two nice RANDOS for you today, starting with this swell view taken from the Skyway as our gondola approached the Tomorrowland terminal (date stamped "September, 1959"). I have a number of similar views, but there's always so much to look at, and it makes me miss the Skyway all over again. So... bittersweet. Beneath the nearest pale yellow gondola, there seems to be a lot of people heading toward the restrooms. When ya gotta go! There's a fire hydrant, easy to see. To the left, Tomorrowland Station, which was pretty new in '59; and of course the Autopia, a favorite of so many.

Next is this unusual photo taken from the middle of the Plaza (right near where the "Partners" statue is today), looking down Main Street toward the train station November 1968, not long after the sun had set. All the lights were on, and the sky took on various hues of pinks and violets. The warmth of the lights is somehow comforting, as if the shops and restaurants are more welcoming at that time of evening. A few brisk walkers have been reduced to blurs!

More From the Big Bag Of Pins

I have no idea how much the Junior Gorillas like looking at random old pinback buttons, but it is hopefully an entertaining diversion from the usual stuff on GDB. I'm still going through the "BIG BAG OF PINS", which is actually two bags, but I can't count that high. As a rule, all of these pins are 3" in diameter or larger. I have many "better" pins that I might get to eventually, but the random subjects are part of the fun. 

First up is this neat "3rd Mate" button for Pops Pirate Club. What is that? PPC was a children's radio show that aired on CBS for only three days back in June of 1932, sponsored by Wheat and Rice Puffs cereal. Three days! There was also a cool-sounding "dagger premium", apparently. I need more daggers in my life. Anyway, there were at least four pinback buttons given out - 1st Mate, 2nd Mate, 3rd Mate, and Coffee Mate. Just kidding, there was also "Captain". Weirdly, I see the 3rd Mate button fairly regularly, and the other three have only shown up on specialized auction sites. I'd love to get those!

Next is this button from Nevada's Centennial - not the State, but a town in Ohio! It had its 100th birthday in the summer of 1952. What is a "shave permit"? For some reason unexplained by science, many places around the country had "whiskeroos" and other similar contests in which the local men could show off their facial hair, with prizes awarded for things such as "Best Mustache", "Longest Beard", and "Smelliest Beard". OK I made that last one up. Aren't people crazy?

Oh, if only I'd seen a launch of one of the wonderful Space Shuttles! No such luck, though. But, almost as good, I have this pinback button so that I can lie that I DID see a launch. These were made in different colors for different launches, but I only have this one example.

Some people ❤️ New York, but I ❤️ Kmart! The once-ubiquitous store was a place where you could buy affordable goods of all kinds. To be honest, I didn't really go to Kmart that often, but I miss it now that it's gone (apparently there are still some Kmarts around, somewhere?). Don't miss out on that blue light special.

These next two items are not pinback buttons, but instead are "pocket mirrors", which were popular advertising giveaways years ago. You could find pocket mirrors for just about anything, from beer to Coca Cola, from farm equipment to political candidates, and so on. I only have a few pocket mirrors, while other collectors specialize in them and have hundreds. This first mirror is for "White Cat Union Suits" from the Cooper Underwear Co. in Kenosha, Wisconsin (I've been there! Kenosha, I mean). A union suit is a type of one-piece long underwear, most often associated with menswear in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. 

And finally, another pocket mirror, this one for The Travelers Insurance Company. I would guess that this item is from the early 1900s, though I don't know for sure. The color and lithography on this example look pretty dazzling, and it's fun to imagine that we are about to be flattened by a steam locomotive. Travelers Insurance is still around today, and some of you might recall their distinctive pavilion at the 1964 New York World's Fair.

I hope you have enjoyed today's pinback buttons and pocket mirrors!

Fantasyland, 1973

Here's a pair of pretty good Fantasyland views, circa 1973. Starting with this photo of Alice, the Walrus, the Mad Hatter, and the White Rabbit. The whole gang! They're walking past Alice's ride, which makes sense (as much as anything involving her story can make sense). It's like a mini parade, I wonder where they were all headed? A few kids had to approach the group - when are they ever going to have a chance like this again? "I like the part where you shrink and talk to the Caterpillar!".

Meanwhile, over at the Storybook Land Canal Boats, a guide tells everyone to keep their head, hands, arms and legs inside the boat at all times, or they'll regret it. There's something about the look on her face that lets them know she's not kidding. It looks like broad-brimmed hats were part of the costume at this point (though one CM is not wearing one), perhaps it was during the hot summer months. This is kind of an unusual angle, and I like the quality of light, with the warm sunlight contrasting with the cooler areas of shadow.