More Knott's Photos From Lou and Sue, circa 1975

I thought that today's scans were the last Knott's photos from Lou Perry and Sue B., but Sue has informed me that there are more! You might not see them for a while here on GDB, but it's always nice to know that there's another helping of Knott's pictures to come.

Like last time, all of these are from the old Ghost Town, of which I am so fond. On the surface it might seem like the Ghost Town was merely a collection of ramshackle old buildings, but there was some kind of magic in the way it was laid out, especially in the days when there were large old Eucalyptus trees here and there to add an "old California" flavor to the proceedings.

The wonderful full-size (but narrow-gauge) locomotives at Knott's were (and still are) a sight to see, rolling right past the Calico Mine Train building. 

We're looking north on School Road toward the fabulous Timber Mountain Log Ride...

... and here we get a better look at the Calico Saloon. Was there anything inside the "Calico Hotel", such as offices? Or maybe storage? Maybe even a "peek-in" or two?

Lou has adjusted the aperture so we can see the buildings on the west side of the street, including stores that sold candy and ice cream, but not Brussels sprouts.

First of all, why am I not wearing a red shirt and plaid pants? Sorry, ladies. The sign says "Ghost Town Town Hall", but I have no idea what went on in the Town Hall.

You know, I'm starting to truly realize just how little I know about Knott's Berry Farm, in spite of my deep and abiding love for the place. There's the Post Office, and the Wells Fargo building. And "Old Betsy" in the distance to our right, looking as broken-down as always. A broken-down old conveyance made entirely of wood (lower right) mostly looks like a stack of kindling.

Could you buy tickets for a ride on the Knott's stagecoach here? Or send a money order to your uncle in Wyoming? Please chime in!

As always, thanks to Lou and Sue for sharing these great photos of Knott's!

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EXTRA! EXTRA! David W. noticed that images 1 & 7 merged perfectly in Photoshop, and sent a jpeg along to prove it. It looks great! Thanks, David.

Happy Valentine's Day

For those of you expecting a typical "Snoozer Sunday"... it's Valentine's Day! I have never made a deal of it before, really, but for some reason I thought it would be fun to share some photos that are at least inspired by the idea of love and romance. So I delved into my boxes of vintage slides for some images that will hopefully bring a smile to your face.

First up is this photo from 1943, labeled "My sweetheart! Scott Ave. fish hatchery". Which means that the fetching Lady In Red is in Salt Lake City, Utah. Apparently this area is now the site of Ben Franklin Park and the Creekside Community Gardens but it was... home to the Scott Avenue fish hatchery. The hatchery was constructed so Salt Lake County could produce - rather than buy - trout eggs. The property on the north side of Scott Avenue was turned into another hatchery in 1938, ultimately making Scott Avenue one of the largest fish hatcheries in the state, capable of producing 300,000 fish annually. The fish hatched here were used to stock East Canyon, Big Cottonwood, Millcreek, Little Cottonwood, Mt. Dell, Holbrook and Parley’s. By 1978, the hatchery was idle and not producing any fish, so the state sold the land to developers.

Next is a photo of some newlyweds, sometime in the 1940s. The man is in uniform (maybe Chuck can help us with that?), and his bride looks radiant. I love the leafy, beautiful neighborhood, the old cars, the friend (or family member) beaming to the right... it's just a great picture.

More newlyweds! This time I think we are in the 1950s. We can see tables for the reception, I wonder if this was out behind a church? As is usually the case, I wish I knew more about these people. But they make a cute couple, I hope they had a long and happy life together. 

Happy Valentine's Day to YOU!

Jackson Hole, Wyoming

I always love a good vintage photo from any city in the USA; today I have two beauties from Jackson Hole, Wyoming, both from the 1950's. 

Let's start with this photo of the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar (at 25 North Cache Street), established in 1937. That sign is almost "Fremont Street" quality, with its cowboy and bucking bronc (outlined in neon). I'm always struck by those bare hills in the background, and assume that at one time (long ago) they were covered in trees, though I suppose I could be mistaken. Ooo-eee, look at that beautiful red and black automobile!

It's nice to know that the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar is still there, looking much the same as it did 60 years ago, only they don't have floor shows anymore apparently.

Next we're looking east on Broadway Avenue from a slide dated "7-11-53". It's fun to see those wonderful store (hotel, bar, cafe) fronts and signs, along with more fantastic '50s automobiles. Tourists are everywhere on this midsummer day.

And here's a current-day Google Maps image. The Wort Hotel is still there on the left, and things are not greatly changed, but I know I'd rather be there in 1953!

I hope you have enjoyed your visit to Jackson Hole, Wyoming.

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Here is JG's souvenir glass from the Cowboy Bar! Thanks JG!

A Pair From Tomorrowland

I suppose it's only natural that I have become just a little jaded about some vintage Disneyland photos. I look at so many of them! But then a picture like this first one (from October 1965) comes along and dazzles me with its color and energy and optimism. It reminds me of the feeling I would get looking at the old souvenir guidebooks for the first time, or when I first read "Disneyland: The First Quarter Century". It makes me love the park all over again.

Soak it all in. It's OK, I'll wait!

It's not every day you get to see a genuine Monorail zooming overhead. Unless you live in Seattle I suppose! But there's still nothing quite like the classic Mark II Monorail at Disneyland. Before I saw that this was from 1964, I wondered if this was the green Monorail, but of course that didn't come along until 1968. You knew that!

Two Beauties from November 1964

Hooray for 1964! Why? No particular reason, but without it we would have no 1965. Think about it. 

I am particularly taken with this wonderful (and "POSTCARD WORTHY") photo featuring the Disneyland Band seated at the bow of the Mark Twain, resplendent in their white, red, and gold uniforms as they play some song from yesteryear, including popular Disney songs. Vesey Walker himself leads the band, just as he had done since the park's opening in 1955. We can see a few people on the deck above enjoying themselves, don't you wish you were with them? Pay no attention to the French spy to the right.

Also from '64 (but not quite as postcard worthy) comes this photo of the yellow Monorail, waitin' at the station above the queue area for the Submarine Voyage. 

 

Frontierland & Fantasyland, 1956

Here's a nice pair of scans from 1956 (I believe). They're a little bit dark, but still very presentable. 

There's the be-antlered Davy Crockett Frontier Arcade, full of western-themed souvenirs, clothing, jewelry, leather goods, and everything else you can think of. Yes, even a few cyclotrons. "I didn't think you'd have these!". They were made of birch logs.

I lightened up the shadows for this closeup, with a selection of genuine vintage people. Some with cigarettes! The lady in the foreground is holding a 1955 guidebook, I've seen other photos with people still carrying those in 1956. FYI it only had artwork because there was nothing to photograph yet. There's another 1955 guidebook with photos ("Disneyland In Living Color"). Notice the Bonekraft store, "Hand Carved Bone". The perfect gift for your sweetheart.

I always love early photos of the Fantasyland Skyway Chalet, from before the newly-planted trees grew large enough to obscure most of the structure. There's so much charming detail, from the gingerbread trim to the painted decorations, and even the finials on top.

That kid (four? five?) with the Keppy Kap is fascinated by the Skyway gondolas coming and going.

Photos From Kathy J.!

Many months ago, I shared some 1962 photos of Disneyland that our friend Kathy J. found. Those were fun, and Kathy sent me some scans of other non-Disney photos that were in that same batch of black and white negatives. So I'm sharing those, finally (apologies to Kathy for the long wait).

We all recognize this familiar building! It's good old Grauman's Chinese Theater, on Hollywood Boulevard. One of the great Los Angeles movie palaces, and the site of many movie premieres. You can see some of the terrazzo stars inlaid into the sidewalk as part of Hollywood's "Walk of Fame". And a few tourists mill around looking at the hand and footprints of celebrities in the theatre's forecourt.

I have no idea where this flamingo pond is located. I thought it could be Busch Gardens in Van Nuys, but that can't be right - there's no buildings visible. Could this be the Busch Gardens in Tampa Bay? Those clouds and that flat horizon make me think of Florida.

Jack Benny's famous (and decrepit) Maxwell automobile was on display at Universal Studios. At least the sign says that it's Jack's. This car doesn't look that decrepit to me! Looking at publicity photos of Jack online, it appears that he rode more than a few different Maxwells over the years.

I have to assume that this backlot photo is also from Universal Studios, but there were several other lots that allowed tours, maybe this is Warners, or MGM, or Paramount. Does anybody know?

The last two photos are from Forest Lawn cemetery in Glendale - a surprisingly popular tourist destination. It's a lovely place with lots to look at, and many celebrities are interred there. The statue in this photo is called "The Republic", by Daniel Chester French, who is most famous for the sculpture of Lincoln at the Lincoln Memorial. It is a copy of a sculpture that originally appeared at the 1893 World Columbian Exposition in Chicago.

I can't find much about this sculpture, though one site calls it "Monument to Family". No artist is attributed. Chime in if you have any info!

MANY THANKS to Kathy J. for sharing more photos from her collection!

1960s vs 1980s

I happened to have two Tomorrowland slides taken from nearly the same location, looking in the same direction, allowing us a chance to see some of the changes that took place over two decades.

First up: sometime in the 1960's (the slide is undated)! The Carousel of Progress opened in July of 1967, so we can at least be certain that this is from after that date. Notice the folks walking down the exterior ramp after looking at the fantastic, large model of Progress City on the upper level of that building, while a few others linger to takin in the view. There's no doubt who sponsored that attraction! It must have been somewhat chilly, there's plenty of jackets and sweaters. 

The Tomorrowland Terrace is to our left. Wash your burger and fries down with an ice-cold Coke! The Peoplemover and Skyway both make cameos.

Next is another undated slide, but I am guessing it is from sometime in the 1980s. The most obvious change is the size of the trees near the Peoplemover track in the distance, and the palms near what was now the "America Sings" attraction are noticeably taller. Coca Cola needed to update their logo, and somebody had the genius idea of going from a circle to a square. He got a million-dollar bonus. 

Notice the Cast Member to our left; Tomorrowland had some pretty cool costumes at one time, but that red and yellow thing is kind of awful. We can see Rolly Crump's space age bandstand to the left, while people dine at the Space Place to our right.

EXTRA! EXTRA! GDB friend Mike Cozart has graciously shared images of artwork that he owns showing the concepts for costumes at the Tomorrowland Terrace. VERY COOL! Thank you, Mike!

The Jungle Cruise, 1960s

If it's Sunday, there's about a 50/50 chance that you're going to find Jungle Cruise photos on GDB. That doesn't mean that I dislike the Jungle Cruise, it's just that all photos tend to look the same. The boat did ride on a rail after all, so options were limited. Here's the "African Veldt" scene, added in 1964.

One of my favorite scenes has always been this elephant, happily splashing and playing in the beautiful waterfalls; I think part of me wished that I could sit right next to him and splash away myself!
 

Camera Club, June 1964

Today's "Anything Goes Saturday" offering consists of a set of photos taken by a random photographer at a beach (no idea where this beach is) who happened to catch what appears to be Camera Club activities. What's a Camera Club? Here's what the Photography Wiki says: Camera Clubs are generally formed by photographers wishing to share their experience with other photographers. Any number of related activities such as photographic outings to interesting locations, exhibitions, competitions and social activities are common. That's a good definition!

So, here we are, down by the shore; I suspect that this is the east coast, but it's just a hunch. You can see the large-format camera on a tripod, and a bevy of young lovelies posing in the shallows. The man to the left needs some Coppertone, he's looking pink.

Oh boy! They're running! I might even be so bold to say that they are frolicking. What a great day this turned out to be.

I thought I'd zoom in on the girls, strictly for tax purposes.

Maybe I need to get in on this photography thing. That young lady is certainly a beauty. Perhaps the woman taking the photo is Bunny Yeager, former pinup model turned pinup photographer; I know, it's unlikely, but a guy can dream, can't he?

Here's Ms. Yeager!

And just because it was in the group, here's one last photo, with no bathing beauties to be seen.