Scary Chipmunk, May 1961

"Mitch, call sanitation, we've got a rodent infestation over by Dumbo. Terminate with extreme prejudice!"

Aw, don't terminate those chipmunks until I've had a chance to have my picture taken. THEN you can kill them. The man to our right is holding a large bag from the Hallmark shop on Main Street... it looks like it is full. What could be in it?

Alice loves all creatures, be they caterpillars, cheshire cats, march hares, or destructive, disease-carrying chipmunks. Remember that one cartoon in which they gave Donald Duck the Plague? Sure, it was funny, but that's not the point. 

And now for something completely different.... a nuclear submarine gliding through a tropical lagoon, passing through a mysterious waterfall into a world of undersea mystery.

Milwaukee, Wisconsin - May 1953

For today's "Anything Goes Saturday" we're going to travel all the way to Milwaukee, aka "Brew Town" (or "Beer City", which I don't like as much - why not "Sudsville"?)! It's the biggest city in Wisconsin, and Mr. Wikipedia tells us that it is the 31st most-populated city in the U.S. I have relatives in Wisconsin (in the lovely town of Oconomowoc, which I love to say), so I have had the pleasure of spending some time in Milwaukee. 

I love this first photo, showing a parade marching down an unknown street; I looked and looked to see if I could do a "then and now" comparison, but no cigar. Knowing the GDB readers, they will have that nut cracked in minutes. I thought that the distant church spire (?) would help, but it didn't really. Anyway, being May, this might be a Memorial Day parade. I love the old-fashioned cops, the giant Schlitz billiard, and the roomy Avenue Bar. The kid in the yellow cap is around 70 years old now.

This photo affords us a nice elevated vantage point, looking toward Milwaukee's ornate City Hall. In 1895 it was the tallest habitable structure in the United States! The bell tower is 353 feet tall. I am happy to say that this building has recently been renovated, and is still standing proud today. It has so much history and character! I love all the old cars and trucks along the streets, and even the humble Huebsch Cleaners sign.

There's another bar, and another Schlitz sign! 

Casey Junior, November 1955

I haven't posted anything from 1955 for quite a while, but I recently acquired a small batch of slides from November of Disneyland's first year (or half year). Knowing what I know today, it would be amazing to walk around the early park, still so rough around the edges, but full of so much promise.

This is a neat photo of one of the Casey Jr. Circus Trains, glowing in the late afternoon sunlight against an already-darkening sky. The trestle that Casey is crossing is still only roughed out in wood; it wouldn't be long until the timbers would be disguised to look like stone bridges. To our extreme right we can see a bit of the tent that housed the short-lived Mickey Mouse Club Circus. In the foreground, we can see the (empty) pond in which the Pirate Ship sat.

Man, that trestle doesn't look very sturdy! Creosote-dipped poles supported with cross-braced lumber; this would never pass inspection today. I don't see any steel, which surprises me. Even though it doesn't look very high from down here, it might have given riders a little twinge of vertigo.

Last WDW slides from December, 1975

It's time to finish up a group of Walt Disney World slides from 1975. Six photos! It's a mini mega-post!!

The Skyway provides another look at the Grand Prix Raceway; I guess that large group of unused cars closest to us is a "backstage" area, hidden from guests by that segmented wall, but visible to us because we are cool. The WDW Autopia looks enormous, does anybody know if it is truly a lot bigger than the one at Disneyland? Notice Fantasyland in the distance, and the odd detail of seeing the Skyway continue in another direction - because Florida's Skyway made a dogleg when it got to Tomorrowland.

Space Mountain was still a new thing in 1975, and it was certainly worthy of a few photos. Like this one! Notice the WEDWay Peoplemover, which had only opened in July of '75. Wonder why that took so long to get up and running?

There's ol' Spacey again, though the photographer seems to be more interested in the angular, "Eyvind Earle" shrubs. 

I have always loved the "lifting body" (or "flying wing") design of WDW's Star Jets! It reminds me of the Space Shuttle.

The sign for the Peoplemover is interesting - "Presented by America's Investor-Owned Electric Companies".

And, to wrap things up, here are two photos of Cinderella Castle. It really looks massive from this angle. Isn't there a fancy "Dream Suite" inside? It's funny how those suites were publicized so much early on, with "ordinary" people occasionally winning a chance to experience them. Now I guess they are strictly for the wealthy and influential. 

Here's one final look at the castle, looking lovely.

Don't worry, there are more WDW photos to come!

More GDB Greatest Hits - Frontierland

Today I have gleaned a few extra nice vintage images from GDB's past, featuring FRONTIERLAND.

This 1958 photo of an Indian War Canoe is almost too good to be true. Originally posted in 2010, the low angle picture must have been taken from a neighboring (racing?) canoe.

The Stagecoach is just pulling out of the corral, and man, look at those little horses go! The top of the coach is infested with small children. Cougars and coyotes only manage to get the ones on the outside, allowing the others to survive the journey. This picture was first posted back in 2009.

And finally, there's a little Keelboat... the "Bertha Mae", scooting through the water along side our vessel, which I assume is the Columbia. I've said it before, and I'll say it again... I will always regret that I never rode the keelboats. 

Last of the Donruss Bubblegum Cards, 1965

Today I am posting the last seven bubblegum cards from the series of 66 produced by the Donruss company to celebrate Disneyland's "first fabulous decade". Sorry it took so long (well over a year, and a total of 10 posts)!  

Card #60: Peter Pan welcomes Disneyland visitors to Fantasyland. 

Remember when they used to use young ladies to play Peter? Just like the stage versions. Nowadays it seems like they use guys.

Card #61: Disneyland Astrojet enables guests to "pilot" their own jet though a fast-moving journey.

Their enabling has made me co-dependant.

Card #62: Indian war canoes transport Disneyland visitors down the Rivers of America in Frontierland.

When you think about it, canoes were the Segways of the Frontier.

Card #63: Disneyland tour guide points out exhibits and shops along Town Square and Main Street.

Tour Guide: "Do you see that thing under there?"

Puzzled guest: "Under where?"

Tour Guide: "Ha ha, you said 'underwear'!".

Card #64: Davy Crockett Fort marks entrance to Frontierland at Disneyland.

Davy Crockett Fort?? That's a new one to me. Whoever can confirm this information will win the hand of my fair daughter and a knighthood.

Card #65: Disneyland Mad Hatter's Tea Party features a merry whirl in spinning cups and twirling saucers.

Spinning and twirling and spinning and twirling and spinning and.... URP.

And finally... Card #66: Tomorrowland Autopia allows drivers some "Freeway" fun.

There is nothing more fun than a Southern California freeway.

Once upon a time I happened upon this higher-res version of the same photo (presumably a publicity photo) used in card #66. What a beauty!

I hope you have enjoyed looking at this entire set of Donruss bubblegum cards!

Castle and "It's a Small World", August 1969

From the earliest days, Walt Disney wanted his park to be beautiful. After the initial construction was finished, landscapers and gardeners went to great lengths to add plants and flowers to Disneyland; as we can see here! I love this colorful little flower bed, looking like part of a Monet painting! Are there any flower experts out there who can identity what kind of blossoms these are? 

Meanwhile, over by "It's a Small World", the topiaries attracted lots of attention (and still do). That giraffe needs some Miracle Gro! I wonder who designed these living sculptures? Their silhouettes "read" instantly, something that a trained artist (especially an animator) would be especially good at. 

Whoo-eee, it was busy that day!

She-Elk (not She-Hulk) and Paint Pots, August 1969

Those male elk are battling it out for the attention of those ladies nearby. Boys will be boys! Seconds after this photo was snapped, the switchblades came out. The best thing is that the females couldn't look less interested. I recently listened to a recording of the Mine Train spiel, and when I heard the sound of the fighting elk, I could just picture Disney sound man Jimmy MacDonald snorting into an empty water glass (something he did for other animals noises)!

The Devil's Paint Pots bubbled in bright primary colors. The hues should have changed with the times! Sea foam green; harvest gold; turquoise; avocado. Add a few throw pillows and some adorable drapes for a homey look. A garden gnome is optional.

Miscellaneous Amusement Parks, Florida 1968

The warmth and sunshine of Florida have made it a vacation destination for decades... all of Florida's  frozen neighbors love to head south and bask in the balmy weather. It's the perfect place to build amusement parks! 

This first photo from April 1968 shows a happy woman standing outside Busch Gardens in Tampa. I guess you can't pose with a giant beer bottle*, so a fiberglass Clydesdale horse will have to do. Hey, lady, can't you read the sign? If nobody follows the rules, it will be anarchy. 

I wonder if they ever served beer (free beer, by the way) at this Florida park, like they did in Van Nuys? I still remember men walking around with small metal buckets full of beer. It made me want some.

*Of course, you CAN pose with a giant beer bottle if you go to Duff Gardens! I am especially fond of Surly. "Take a picture, it'll last longer. GET OUTTA HERE!". Let's not forget about Tipsy and Queasy.

This next picture (from August, 1968) is from Cypress Gardens. Looking like a blue flower, this southern belle gets to literally sit and look pretty (and smile and wave) for passing boats. There's something so old-fashioned about the whole idea, I can't help but love it. Did the women consider it a fun job, or the most boring job ever? We'll never know. Where Cypress Gardens once stood, Legoland now reigns, though the botanical gardens are still there. 

Alright, I know this isn't a photo of an amusement park, but it IS an amusement! We see yet another smiling lady, posing next to a tram/train known as the "Overseas Railroad". I tried to find some info about the ORR, but what I found had nothing to do with this little ride. I wonder if it was a part of some other amusement park - the equivalent of Disneyland's trams? Or did it give folks a seaside tour of some Florida town? 

Main Street Station and Exit, 1956

I've set the wayback machine to 1956 - destination, DISNEYLAND. We can't go inside the park though. Sorry,  this wayback machine still needs work.

I love this first shot, with a beautiful view of a chain link fence. Just look at it! Strong, yet light and airy, and its sturdy construction will last for years and years. It's so affordable too (made in the U.S.A!). And need I mention that it is gluten-free? After seeing all of that chain link, I am happy enough... I don't even need to go inside the park.

I suppose the C.K. Holliday is nice too, if you like that sort of thing!

It's hard to be 100% positive, but it looks like the clock says 2:20 (I have trouble with telling time) - it must be late in the year, or the shadows wouldn't be so long already. I always love seeing those uncomfortable, inefficient (but wonderful) yellow passenger cars that were built at the Burbank studio shop. 

Going home already? What could they possibly have to do that's more important than spending more  time at Disneyland? The kid seems happy though, he is enjoying his (extra super-long) felt pennant. Maybe he will tack it to his bedroom wall when he gets home, thereby diminishing its collector value in years to come.