Pin Pix

Today I thought I would delve once again into the legendary "Bag O' Pinbacks", a random assortment of pinback buttons, mostly oversized, that are stored in a magical Ziploc bag. You just never know what you'll find in there.

Silly rabbit, Trix are for kids! But, in 1976, General Mills let kids vote on whether he should be allowed to finally eat the fruit-flavored corn puffs, and depending on how they cast their ballot, they received a special button in the mail (these have clips on the back instead of potentially-deadly pins). Because most kids loved the Trix rabbit, they voted "Yes", so that button is by far the most common. But a few stinkers voted "No". Maybe they were worried about his health? Either way, the NO button is scarcer.

Most people know Sun-Maid raisins because of the famous red cardboard boxes with the beautiful Sun Maid herself, wholesome and good. But for a brief period the Raisin Wrangler took center stage. Raisins are a healthy snack, full of iron, potassium, copper, vitamin B6, and manganese. Not to mention fiber. The Wrangler looks sort of like a Jay Ward creation to me, but I could find no connection.

Here's one of my favorites, featuring the adorable mascot for the Minnesota Gas Company, "Minnegasco", with a blue flame in her headband instead of a feather. I just learned that Minnie was introduced in 1957, and she continued as a friendly representative up until sometime in the 1990s.

This large (4") pinback might have been worn by a Gimbels employee. It's undated, but I'd guess it is from the late 1960s. "Now... it's Gimbels". The design is modern, clean, and minimalist. Gimbels Department Store began way back in 1842. By 1930, there were 20 Gimbels locations, making it the largest department store chain in the world. But by the 1980s, profits were waning, and the last Gimbels store closed in 1987.

I always love a good lenticular pin, and this one advertising Pepsi Weather manages to convey the scorching heat of the summer sun... as you waggle the pin back and forth the rays of pin, red and yellow swirl around. One source lists this as being from 1966.

As a rule I don't collect political pinback buttons - it is an enormous category all its own, and while there is certainly a lot of historical interest, it's just not my thing. But there are exceptions of course. When George McGovern threw his hat into the Presidential race in 1972, his campaign produced a number of buttons with graphics that were much more modern and atypical of election paraphernalia, almost certainly attempting to connect with young voters.

 I'm afraid that it is my duty to inform you that there will be more PIN PIX to come!

Indian Village, 1950s

I have two nice Indian Village pix for you today, probably from 1956 or '57. They are scans from Kodachrome slides, but for some reason they have all acquired a warm color-cast, which is not the worst thing in the world. 

First up is this shot of the lovable Wigwasigamig, an ingenious birch bark structure that guests saw up first emerging from the tunnel that led to the Indian Village. As you can see, a Native American (one of the off-duty dancers?) stands by the doorway, I wonder if he could answer questions, or maybe even give guests a tour if they wanted? 

Next is this little curio/souvenir stand. It's hard to see individual items with much clarity, but there appears to be some kachina dolls, miniature teepees, feathers headdresses, and some things to the right that might be leather belts (?). And while I can't see any here, I'd imagine that there were rubber-tipped spears (with colorful feathers adorning them) and maybe a bow and arrow set too.

Two Leftuggies

Are today's photos "randos"? Or "leftuggies"? Well, according to the Encyclopedia Oxnardia, they are "leftuggies" ("residui" in Latin). There, that's settled! No more questions, I have a very busy schedule.

Today's first scan is from a stereo slide from August, 1969. It shows a busy Fantasyland, bustling with guests, and full of color and movement. Ketchup and mustard Skyway gondolas, and candy cane Pirate Ship sails. So much flavor! Skull Rock's commentary on the scene is curmudgeonly as always.

From one year earlier (yes, September of 1968) we have this portrait of four friends, enjoying a shady bench near the Plaza Pavillion. They look like they are running out of gas, the sugar in those Cokes will be just the thing. Meanwhile the fellow on the right looks like an extra from "My Fair Lady" (when Eliza was still selling flowers from a basket). Blimey!

Shoulda Been Rejects

Hoo boy, I have some real losers for you today. You probably know the drill by now; if this was any other day of the week, these would never make the cut. But it's a Snoozer Sunday, many people are busy doing things other than looking at GDB, and it's the perfect time for me to use up some bad scans.

On first glance, this first scan is a dark and jumbled mess. Maybe on second glance too. But if you stand on your head (or even somebody else's head), you can just see that we are in the Indian Village, or more precisely, right next to the Indian Village (a tiny bit north). This was an area that was off-limits to guests, so I can only assume that the photo was taken from a Keelboat. There's the wrapped body up on those poles, we've seen that before. In the foreground, it's kind of hard to make out what's going on. Lots of wooden poles, and what might be ears of corn drying. Behind those (to the left) is the circle of bison skulls.

This next one is from the lot of 1962 slides, many featuring a man's beloved wife. And you can see her, just barely, in a world dipped in ultramarine blue ink. She's in the Flower Market, holding her souvenir straw hat, but not a lot else stands out. I can't help wondering if the camera settings were off, maybe this could have turned out to be a really nice early-evening photo!

 

Vintage Cars

I recently scanned a bunch of random slides, selected for various reasons. Sometimes I liked the people in the image, sometimes the photo showed a fun location, or a particular scene that is lost to history. And sometimes I just liked an image because it had an old car that I thought was cool. Yes, a low bar, but it's the only one I have. Today's photos are part of the latter group.

This first one is undated, but certainly from the 1950s, and it shows a few classic beauties parked on the street in front of a rather impressive large house. The sign to the left indicates that this was probably the home of historical significance, though I have no idea why. I'll bet one of you knows though! As usual, I don't know anything about the cars either, but I love 'em.

Another undated slide, another unidentified location. It could be anywhere! Not the west coast, I'm guessing. This neighborhood consists of modest, cozy homes (post-war?), with only one newly-planted tree in sight. And another wonderful car that I can't ID.

Well, at least this one was dated and labeled - "Cape Cod, 1949". A boy poses with a customized flivver of some kind. Is it a Model T? It's been painted with cheerful colors and folk flowers. Maybe this truck was used for deliveries, but I'm guessing it was mostly there to attract tourist eyeballs.

I hope you have enjoyed todays Vintage Cars!

Veteran's Day

 Here's a fun photos featuring David W's Dad; you know, the guy who worked for the Good Humor ice cream company. Here he is, on a photo that is dated "May 1944". David's Dad had a cool (no pun intended) nickname: FROSTY! David says that his Dad's middle name is Deforest, and apparently "Frosty" is derived from that. Frosty (I'd like to think that he and I are on a friendly basis now) is posing with an alligator who was the camp mascot. His name was Oscar. I would not want an alligator, even a small alligator, to be that close to my face, but I guess it all worked out OK for Frosty.

Two late additions: David found the next two photos; he wrote, These were taken in the Apennine Mountains of Italy.  He served as a Rifleman in the 363rd Infantry Regiment, 91st Division in the Italian Campaign 1944-1945. So much for warm, sunny Italy. Where are the pretty girls on Vespas? Where are the large helpings of delicious food? If I were David's dad I would have asked to speak to the manager.

Here's Frosty heating up a tin cup, probably making himself a nice cup of coffee. Anything to stay warm! It's pretty amazing that David has these photos, they are real treasures. Thanks, David! 

In the interest of sharing, here is a photo of my Dad in 1973, when he was in Vietnam. He served in the Navy for 20 years, and in this picture he's receiving some sort of ribbon or medal, but the Admiral (?) is  blocking whatever it is. My dad received the Bronze Star, but he got that when he came home, and my family attended that ceremony. I'm proud of my Dad!

And finally, Sue went to visit her dad and  took this photo of him; as you can see, he is a veteran of the Korean War. Thank you for your service, Lou!

Tomorrowland, October 1967

What can I say homies? Today's photos are perfectly OK! Your blood pressure will remain within nominal parameters, and brain activity will show no unusual spikes on my patented "Brain-O-Meter™". Yessiree, these are suitable for grandmas and grandpas everywhere. 

Here's a familiar view, as seen from the "Sky Cars" (written on the slide); all of the usual stuff is in evidence, from the gray nuclear submarines (some with popped hatches to allow the smell of Old Spice to dissipate) to the Monorail station, to the Peoplemover (FOUR trains). Beyond is the Howard Johnson's, I need an upper-floor room so that I can see into the park. I'll just slip a crisp dollar bill (maybe two!) to the person at the check-in counter. Money talks! 

There's lots of rich, chunky smog in the air, just what every growing boy and girl needs. You can barely see the Anaheim Convention Center in the distance (behind that spotlight). The slides are dated "October 1967", so the New Tomorrowland had only been open 3+ months, which is pretty neat. Hey, bring those Rocket Jets back, Disney! You can paint them purple if you really need to. 

It's a Small World, April 1975

I always think it's kind of funny (or maybe sweet?) when I acquire a batch of slides, only to discover that 1/3 of the images were taken of "it's a small world" (all lower case, just for Bu). Certain people just love that attraction! An older gentleman took these photos, and this is "part one".

First up, he got a portrait of his wife standing in the plaza in front of IASW. It's 1975, and that man with the facial hair and red shirt might be a real hippie! 

Sometimes I think I've had enough photos of the façade of "it's a small world" to last a lifetime, but then I look at this one and by gum, I still love it.

Quoting the wonderful record album narrated by Winston Hibler, "We're greeted at first by a chorus of Scandinavian children, while young ice skaters whirl and glide. And up ahead, a squad of toy soldiers strikes up the band". 

We can see windmills in the distance, but... "Now near London Bridge, the English children sing to us". Maybe some Pink Floyd, or even the Sex Pistols?!

"Little Dutch boys and girls, sitting on tulips, click their wooden shoes gaily to the rhythm of the song".

"...And over there by the Leaning Tower of Pisa, we hear the future opera stars of Italy". Magnifico! 

Well, that'll do it for today, but there is a "part two" coming!

This is my last day out of town, I'll be back with you tomorrow. Thanks so much for your patience!

Tram, Monorail, and More! September 1971

I'm super happy to share some beautiful photos from Lou and Sue (providers of so many amazing photos!), both taken just outside the ticket booths and entry. The Monorail beam is overhead, and a parking lot tram waits for guests who are (mysteriously) already heading home. I don't understand it, maybe they left the water running in the bathtub? The Disneyland sign can be seen in the distance, as can the Grand Hotel.

I love this shot with the yellow Monorail heading our way. I hope the pilot toots the air horn! Just beyond that trashcan are the ticket booths, and a surprising number of people seem to be arriving at this late hour. Maybe they were locals hoping to catch the nightly fireworks. 

Thank you to Lou and Sue.

Hi folks, I'm still on my secret mission that definitely does not involve me wearing a tuxedo in Monaco, playing baccarat, romancing stunning women, and fighting thugs. I'll be back with you as usual on Thursday!

On The Mark Twain, March 1962

Here's another pair of photos featuring the wife (or girlfriend) of a very smitten photographer - she appears in almost all of the images from this 1962 batch. "Gosh, she's swell!". Our gal stood on the top deck of the Mark Twain as it made its way around the Rivers of America, and she gazed out at the sights of Frontierland. 

Say, what's with that crazy mountain? It has waterfalls all over! Some might even call them cascades. I'll call it Waterfall Mountain! No, no, that's not quite right. How about "Cascade Peak"? Yes, that's better. I'm unclear as to weather a pre-recorded spiel was played on the Mark Twain as early as 1962, or if guests were just supposed to observe and interpret for themselves. Not the worst way to go. The earliest spiel that I am aware of is from around 1969.

Well jeez, we've only moved a short distance from the first photo, but the photographer must have been taken with this composition. The Twain is almost done with its voyage, we can see the dock up ahead (and the masts of the Columbia, loading up with a cargo of guests).

Today is my first full day away from home (and away from my computer), so please forgive me for not responding to comments. I'll read everything when I return on Wednesday night, and we'll be back to "business as usual" on Thursday. THANKS!