Frontierland River, August 1963

This first photo reminds me of the famous story told by Dick Nunis; as he and Walt Disney looked out over the Rivers of America, Mr. Nunis was concerned that things might have gotten a bit too congested out on the water, with the Mark Twain, the rafts, the canoes, and the Keel Boats. Then Walt said, "Look at that! Now that's a busy river!". At which point he decided that they needed yet another big boat... the Columbia. Here's that busy river with the beautiful Columbia, as well as a full raft and a canoe. I love the painterly reflections in the water.

And there's the "big boat" all by herself; Walt must have been proud of this impressive addition to his park.

Family Snapshot & Souvenir Photo

Today we're going to start with this wonderful family snapshot, courtesy of Greg C., who kindly emailed the scan to me. Pictured is his grandfather Bill, who is holding Greg's mother Debbie. Greg said that this was taken on the first day that Disneyland was open to the public (July 18, 1955) in front of the Silver Banjo BBQ restaurant. I can't help thinking about the many times I went the park with my grandparents - and I don't have a single photo as a keepsake. Greg C. is pretty lucky to have this memento! 

And just to round out today's post, I am throwing in this souvenir "Fun Photo" from the Art Corner. A brother and sister pose at the wheel of a faux Mark Twain; as is typical of these old Polaroids, the photo shows all manner of streaks and discoloration, which kind of adds to the charm as far as I'm concerned. And of course I love the paper frame/envelope that was provided!

Many thanks once again to Greg C., for sharing his precious family photo!

View From the Twain, 1957

The top deck of the Mark Twain provides a nice elevated vantage point; it seems that most people with cameras could not resist snapping as many photos as possible from up there. Many left the ride suffering from severe and painful Shutter Finger.

Here's one view, while still at the loading area; there's Rainbow Ridge to our left, and Casa de Fritos to our right. The castle is in the distance, while the Matterhorn-less Skyway can be seen in the distance. That ovoid grassy area is a nice oasis of green - long gone of course.

Looking a bit to the right of the first picture we can see the Golden Horseshoe building. It looks like it might be a chilly day, judging by the sweaters and overcoats... that ice cream vendor probably had slow sales. Notice the other two grassy parks (one to the left, one to the right)!

Cinderella's Castle 1957

Long before Cinderella's castle was in Orlando, she had a castle in Anaheim, as part of Storybook Land. Forced perspective made it look larger than it really was (or is, since it is still there). I like this first view (taken from Casey Jr.) showing the patchwork quilt flowers, the arched bridge, and Mr. Toad's Tudor-style home.

I'm sure there is not a single real stone in that wall, but it looks genuine!

Fun at the Kitchen Table

Hello, chums! Today's "Anything Goes Saturday" celebrates the humble kitchen table. Sort of. 

Nothing says "Happy Birthday, Son" like putting your eye out with a genuine Daisy BB gun! Some fun. Eye patches make men look dangerous, and everyone knows that women find men with missing pieces irresistible. I love the old-fashioned kitchen... I'm almost positive my mom had a formica table very much like that one when I was a kid. (Photos is from January 1960).

This next picture is from a completely different home, and is from October 1958. Thanks to the label in the slide, I know that the kid eating watermelon is named "Freddy". The open window and nearby fan show that it was a hot evening... grab some Pall Malls and have a smoke on the front porch (if the 'skeeters aren't too bad) after a big meal. A little elf (or devil?) sits on the windowsill to keep burglars away. If Freddy has done his homework, he can watch "Dragnet" or "Cheyenne" before bedtime.

On Board the Skyway!

The Skyway has been gone for almost 20 years, but I still miss it! That humble attraction was one that I would ride every time (unlike some other much-missed classics). 

Today's first photo (from 1966) is from inside one of the buckets as it approached the charming Fantasyland chalet. From this angle, it really does look like there is a considerable forest surrounding that alpine locale. If the gentleman looked down (instead of gazing dreamily into the distance) he would have seen Storybook Land and the Casey Jr. Circus Trains.

This next picture is from 1965, and this time we are in a bucket that is headed toward the Tomorrowland Skyway station. For some reason it is this less station that really sticks in my memory, in spite of the fact that it was pretty utilitarian in design compared to its Fantasyland cousin. Some of you may remember that tow-headed little girl from a Knott's photo I posted weeks ago!

Take a Ride at Knott's Berry Farm

In this first photo from Knott's Berry Farm (from sometime in the 1950's), we can see a conestoga wagon on the grass, with two guys possibly hitching up some white horses. Just to the left you can see a bit of what was an old water wagon. The flowering trees in the background (Leptospermum? Crepe Myrtle?) add a lovely touch of beauty to the scene. I wonder how long the conestoga wagons continued to run?

Fortunately you can still take a ride on the Berry Farm's stagecoach. Yet another thing to put on my "to do" list... the last time I was at Knott's, the line for the stagecoach was pretty long, and moved very slowly.

Leftuggies

It's time for another batch of "leftuggies"!

This first image is from a 35mm slide that was damaged. Still, I seem to never grow weary of views of the Moonliner or the Flight Circle, even when truncated. We get a pretty good look at the backstage area near Tomorrowland, including (just to the right of the rocket) the old Dominguez home that was used as the administration building for a number of years.

Next we have a scan of a souvenir slide. Not Pana-Vue or Tru-Tone or any of the other familiar brands. I like the soft colors!

How many pictures have we seen featuring the "Friendly Indian Village"? Too many, perhaps. One detail that I find interesting is the area barely visible through the trees (and past the train tracks)... it appears to have been a green grassy area at some point. Not sure I've ever noticed this before!

I hope you've enjoyed today's leftuggies!

New York World's Fair

It's been a little while since we've visited the World's Fair (because I am running out of slides)... so let's go there today!

Over at the Festival of Gas (get a better look at the building here) we can see past the lovely pond (filled with planters of bright flowers) into the "Festival '65" Restaurant. It offered "...regional American dishes, many prepared at the table". 

Here's an odd view of the "House of Japan", an annex of the Japan pavilion. I like the mash-up of traditional Japanese architecture with more a modern (almost Bauhaus) style. The "Awa Dance" folk dancers that performed inside were a popular feature of the Fair. 

A rare look inside the Japan pavilion shows a display of Ikebana - Japanese flower arranging. The one on the right looks like a creature from the planet Venus. As if you didn't know! I remember my mom playing around with Ikebana when I was a kid (bonsai too), it must have been a thing.

Night views are always a favorite of mine. This picture of the Mexico pavilion shows how the crowds did not disperse when it got dark. According to the souvenir guide, there was a cocktail lounge with "...south-of-the-border drinks and strolling musicians", but no restaurant. Where am I supposed to get sizzlin' fajitas? 

A Pair From August 15 1959

Here's a very nice photo showing Town Square and Main Street Station on a bright sunny day. Folks are milling around, or relaxing on benches, or heading up the steps to take the train around the park. Just above the train depot to the right... a kid has lost his yellow balloon.

Do they still have chairs out on that extended bow area of the Mark Twain? Maybe sitting there will have to be on my "to do" list, since I always head straight for the top level.