Souvenir Friday- CROW Awards

As you can tell one of the things I look for my collection is items given to cast members. These two certificates are given to the crazed Disneyland cast members who get up at 6 AM to paddle the canoes around the Rivers of America. I like that CROW is Canoe Racers of the World but also stands for crowing that the person got up at 6AM to paddle. Also this is one of the few uses of the B'rer animal graphics prior to the opening of Splash Mountain.

Hortie Van on Main Street

During July an auction was held for signs and banners that were once displayed in Disneyland. The items were from a decorating company located in Pasadena, Hortie Van. The company owned a great station wagon with the painted advertising on the side.

And here is a peak into the window display. It looks like they have a small castle in the window.

Posing with Tonto at Corriganville

Once a long time ago there stood a movie ranch located in the Simi Valley area. This movie ranch was filled with Fort Apache, Sherwood Forest and the Lone Rangers Cave. It was once owned by Ray "Crash" Corrigan a B movie Cowboy. On weekends it was open to the public as an amusement park. As can be seen one could pose with various Cowboy stars including this Native American dressed as the Lone Ranger's sidekick Tonto. I love the juxtaposition of the great checked gabardine shirt and slacks on the man and the skirt and plaid blouse with the fringed leather of the Native American. For more information on Corriganville check out B-Movie Westerns.

Some Drivers and A New Driver

Well I fixed the scanner problem by removing the original driver program and downloading the new driver. And to celebrate the success, here are two images of drivers at Knott's Berry Farm. This must have been one of the popular rides as I have seen other images of kids on these old cars. It looks like they are at the outside of the gates to the park.

Another kind of photographs I collect are kids with toys. I like the Christmas ones where the kid is literally swamped by toys and wrapping paper. This one is nice as I have not seen too many with Cecil the Sea Sick Serpent toys. This image is dedicated to my friend Bob and his wife Danielle who collect Cecil toys.

Scanner Problems

Please check back as I am having Scanner problems and will have to repair before I can scan the images I wanted to post today!

Some Sunday Snapshots

Taking the lead from Major Pepperidge and his Gorillas Don't Blog site, here is a smattering of snapshots. The first is a nice overhead view of the rafts at Tom Sawyer Island with construction at New Orleans Square in the background, along with the Disneyland Hotel Tower and the top of the Haunted Mansion. Compare this post with Major's post of today.

The next two snapshots were purchased together. The first is marked on the back Bonnie Disneyland Sept. 3, 1961. Bonnie appears to be wearing a costume for Main Street. Her shows are keds tennis shoes!

The second is probably Bonnie's mom posing on the Chicken of the Sea Tuna boat. She better hold on as the guy who is steering the ship appears to be taking a hard right.

Souvenir Friday on a Saturday-The Disneyland Magazine Summer July 1960

One of my main collecting interests currently is trying to complete a set of the Disneylander magazines. The magazines were a precursor to the current Disneyland Line. The Disneylander was published by the Disneyland Recreation Club for employees of Disneyland as well as the employees of the various lessees in the park. The magazine was published monthly and filled with great information about employees and stores in the park. This issue is the fifth anniversary issue published in July of 1960. Interior articles focus on each division of Disneyland including construction headed by Admiral Joe Fowler, Publicity, Operations, Merchandise and more.

Early Pirates of the Caribbean Press Photographs

Two 1967 Pirates of the Caribbean Press photographs. The first shows the pitched battle between the fort and the ship. Press release on the back reads: In the cross fire of cannonades between pirate ship and Caribbean port, this crew of Disneyland adventurers sail through "Pirates of the Caribbean" as grape shot and cannonballs land around them. The pirate captain on his bridge gives the signal for an eight gun salute. The scene is one of ten action-packed segments in the thoroughly realistic re-creation of buccaneer days.

The second image is of the serenading Pirates along with the howling dog and braying mule. The press release on the back reads: Pirate serenade- A merry buccaneer trio pauses at dockside for another chorus of "It's A Pirate Life For Me" as Disneylnad guests glide by in their adventurous journey with Pirates of the Caribbean, Frontierland's newest attraction. These three are among 119 Audio-Animatronic figures seen during the trip.

I like how Pirates was originally advertised as being part of Frontierland!

The blog will be silent tomorrow as I am off on a quick business trip. I will post souvenir Friday on Saturday.

Snapshots From the Collection

Today I am showing two different snapshots from my collection. Both were purchased without any other photos so I do not know the story or history of the photographers. The first is dated 1967 on the back and is a wonderful view of the Mark Twain from the docks on the back side of Tom Sawyer's Island. It appears the photographer read the Kodak Photo pamphlet on taking photo's in Disneyland by the way the foreground is placed to give the image depth.

The second image is of the Autopia. The photo is stamped on the back for being developed in 1956. Unfortunately the film is red, but the color manipulation gives it a classic old style photo look.

Miss Universe Contestants Visit Disneyland

In the 1950s and 1960's, the Miss Universe contest was held in Long Beach, California. One of the many trips the contestants made during the week prior to the contest was to Disneyland. I am guessing these photographs were taken in 1961 or 1962. The poses are very unusual but fun with the girls lifting Mickey, a photograph of a photographer and the Big Bad Wolf holding up a contestant. I believe that several holes in the ozone layer were created by the hair spray for the bouffant hair dos seen on the contestants.

A Kiss For Security

I have no idea what is going on here. Maybe it was kiss Disneyland Security and get in for free? Or maybe it was an employee event and the wives of the Security Officers were so happy, they spontaneously kissed their husbands? Or maybe it is Bastille day? I do know that the shoulder sleeve patch they are wearing is very rare and I would love to find one. Also the badge is a different badge than the style that was used for many years.

Sunday Mystery- Riverboat

This image was purchased with other Disneyland photographs from a Long Beach newspaper. At first glance it looks like Disneyland. But on a short glance, it is not Disneyland. The question then is where? Is it Freedomland or somewhere else. I do know that Mission Beach in San Diego had the Bahia Belle that was a river boat that would run through the area. I also believe there are/were boats in Newport Harbor and maybe even Long Beach. So where do you think this image was taken and where the boat ran?

Thanks to the genorisity of Sergeant Pepper, here is a scan of the postcard of the boat, the Princess that sailed from Ports of Call.

View of Disneyland From the Disneyland Hotel

Going through some photographs I purchased a year ago, I came across this nice aeriel view of Disneyland taken from the Disneyland Hotel. I do not believe this was taken from one of the towers, but from a flying helicopter over the Disneyland Hotel. However, I could be mistaken. I believe the image is late 1964 or early 1965. Construction can be seen in New Orleans Square and also behind the Haunted Mansion. Over in Fantasyland construction is taking place for It's A Small World. In the lower right corner is a nice overhead look at the Disneyland Hotel Miniature Golf Course. I am sure there is more in this image, class please discuss.

Souvenir Friday- Carnation Lands Ice Cream Shakes Brochure

Moving to Colorado has really decreased the amount of Disneyland and Disney related items I find when I am at Swap Meets and Antique Stores. However once in a while I do find some really great items. Last Sunday I was at the Colorado Springs swap meet and a seller I know has been cleaning out his barn of accumulated items. In the box I spied the words Tomorrowland and Frontierland and knew I had found a nice Disneyland item. The brochure was given away by Carnation Ice Cream and features floats and other Ice Cream desserts inspired by Disneyland. The brochure is dated 1959 and features some great graphics. I love brochures that tie merchandise or sales with Disneyland.

Submarine Voyage Construction 1/1/59

I do not find many commercial photographs of Disneyland, but this is a spectacular shot. In just five short months, this patch of dirt, concrete and rebar would be filled with water, sea creatures, mermaids, a giant sea monster and submarines. Right now the submarine pen and tunnel is just concrete and dirt. In the middle of the lagoon sits the construction office. The workers are taking a break for lunch. The photographer is still alive and I believe the owner of a company called Photomation in Anaheim.

Mark Twain Dock From the River

Here are two unusual views of the Mark Twain Dock taken from the Mark Twain. Behind the flags and the large elk mounts, Frontierland, Sleeping Beauty Castle and the majestic Matterhorn are in the background. The large mounts are now long gone, but the flags still wave. And if you look closely a rare 1890s Pickup truck can be seen in Frontierland! Those settlers were quite the inventors.

Welcome Douglas Families

Two more Douglas photographs. The first spotlights the large banner that hung over Main Street welcoming the Douglas company to their picnic and Day at Disneyland event. I believe this was the same day that Walt Disney and the Douglas Executives christened the new Rocket to the Moon ride under Douglas sponsorship.

The second image shows Mrs. Jean Douglas enjoying the Flying Saucers at night in her fancy dress gown.

And for those asking where the pictures came from, they were part of a large collection of Disneyland items that I bought about 2 years ago. The original owner worked for Douglas and obtained the images from the company when they were cleaning out their files.

Douglas Rocket to the Moon Ceremonies

Two more images from the Douglas Rocket to the Moon Ceremonies featuring Donald Douglas, Jr., Walt Disney, Joe Fowler and other dignitaries. The first shows Douglas and Walt discussing the ride.

The second is of the dignitaries on the stand. The space lady on the left has a wonderful head piece!

Rocket to The Moon Under Douglas Sponsorship 1961

The Rocket To the Moon was originally sponsored by TWA. In 1961, the sponsorship changed and Douglas Aerospace took over sponsorship. I believe these are from August 6th when the Flying Saucers Opened and Douglas took over as the sponsor. The first image is the Rocket Ship at night taken by the Douglas photographers and developed by them.

The next image shows the happy Douglas employees on the ride. In the crowd is the CEO of the company, Donald Douglas Jr. I hope the man smoking the pipe knows it was a non-smoking area with all that rocket fuel sitting under him.

The final image is of Walt speaking to Donald and other employees. The reactions of the employees run the gamut from amusement to intense concentration. I wonder what Walt is saying as he points out the lady's purse.

Civil War Dispatch Ride Freedomland

The final three slides are from the Civil War Dispatch ride in the South section of Freedomland. The premise of the ride was that you were a reporter in the 1860's and out riding in your wagon to get news stories. The ride as you can see was horse powered and you would ride by several camp scenes and then ride across the battlefield as cannons were firing. I think the last image (unfortunately blurry) is of the start of the battle and the cannon is firing.

Souvenir Friday-Freedomland!

Today I am showing a brochure, a flier, a bag and the Menu from the Brass Rail Steak House that was in Chicago. The graphics on the brochure remind me of some of the Pacific Ocean Park brochures done in the same time period. Tomorrow the finish of the Freedomland slides with a trip through the South.

Northwest Fur Trapper Ride Freedomland

Today's images are from the Northwest Fur Trapper Ride set in the location that would be Northern California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana and more. I am not sure how the ride flowed or what the scene set up was. I do know the ride was like going around the Rivers of America in a Keel Boat. The first image is of the ride vehicle, a flat bottom boat. Some amazing Disneyland like images in this group. I have posted a close up of the sign in front of the cabin which reads Pelts peddled here.

The Great Southwest Freedomland

Today's images are all from the Southwest Section of Freedomland. The biggest ride here was ore carts which was basically a lightly themed skyway ride. The photographer and his family did not ride this attraction, opting instead to ride the mules. Here are several shots of the Mule pack ride. In the background of the Indian Burial ground is one of the towers for the sky ride.

The last shot is of Fort Cavalry. I love the arrow directional sign on the tower. Also the souvenir shop seems to be fairly busy.

And for those enjoying these images, Jordan at the Perky Pickle blog is showing his collection of silk screened ride posters from Freedomland. Let me say they are amazing.

Chicago Fire and Midwest Farm

The first slide is from one of Freedomland's most famous and beloved attraction, the burning building from the Chicago Fire. The building was concrete and fitted with gas pipes which could be lit and burn. Similar to the burning cabin at Disneyland, but in this case it was interactive with kids assisting fire fighters and the crowd watching. It looked like it was a good show with lots of people watching.

The next image appears to be the most boring exhibit at Freedomland, the midwest farm where Elsie the Cow lived. Not very exciting and pretty open space. The only thing that redeemed this display was that most visitors were New York City residents and had probably never seen a farm or cows in pasture in their life. The train trestle in the background is the only clue this was in Freedomland.

Freedomland Transportation Rides

Today I am showing two different styles of transportation at Freedomland. Both appear to be stolen from Disneyland. The first is a Stagecoach ride through the wilderness and desert. The ride was sponsored by Wells Fargo and Company.

The next is the Santa Fe Railroad with similar cars and engine. In fact the engine is named the Chas Holliday and the cars are named after Southwestern cities. I do like the guy climbing the trestle through the bushes. He is either a friendly Freedomland employee retrieving a stuffed animal or a crazed train nut trying to get a closer image.

Requested Close Ups from Freedomland

I have received a couple requests for close ups of the Freedomland pics. I hope these help. The first is of the attraction poster that is seen on the fence in the front entrance image.

The other is of the sign seen out in front of the Fire Station.

Old New York and Chicago

The first image shows some of the street characters in Old New York. They look like extra's from The Gangs of New York film. The second image shows the Firehouse seen in Chicago. Chicago's main attraction was the burning of the town. The third image is of the steam boat The Canadian. As you can see the attractions were loosely based upon attractions seen at Disneyland. One of the reasons was that C.V. Wood was one of the main driving forces behind the design of the park.

Entrance to Freedomland and Old New York

Starting off the slide images of an August 1960 trip to Freedomland is the first sight visitors saw; the entrance to the park and the ticket booths. Posted on the entrance is what looks like an attraction poster. I have never seen an attraction poster from this park on the market.

The next image is of the two boys proudly wearing their Civil War era hats. During this time period the Civil War was having its Centenniel and the country went a little Civil War mad.

The next two images are from the streets on Old New York. I like the one with the small China Town in the background. Chicago was right next to Old New York where the train station was located which is in the background. I will show the menu from the steak restaurant shown in the top image.

Souvenir Friday- Freedomland Pre-Opening Brochure 1960

To start off a long posting series on the New York City amusement park Freedomland is this scan of the first two foldouts for the pre-opening brochure. The graphic design and original design art in this brochure is amazing. Look for more Freedomland posts throughout the week and maybe beyond.

Magic Mountain Rides 1972

More snapshots from Magic Mountain in 1972. What is so striking about the park is the emptiness and the wide open spaces of the park. Unlike so many amusement parks these days with rides twisting in and between each other. The rides do appear to be fun rides and the roller coaster built on the hill is pretty fun. I think it is still there and is the Gold Rusher. Unfortunately the cameral used to take the images causes a slight blurriness.

Magic Mountain Trolls and Wizard

Taking a quick road trip north up the 5 freeway brings you to scenic Valencia home to Magic Mountain. What started out as a small theme park has now morphed into a giant coaster park. It was once surrounded by nothing but fields and more fields and is now home to houses and strip malls. But back in 1972 they had their own costumed characters, furry trolls and the wizard who ran the place. The characters are almost as scary as the Fuji Folk seen at Japanese Deer Park.