Souvenir Friday- Adventure Town New York Brochure

A vibrantly colored brochure for The Real Old West Adventure Town located in Alexandria Bay, New York. The site is in a major summer tourist location in the 1000 Islands area on the St. Lawrence seaway. I do not think the park lasted long as there is no mention of it any where on the web. The town of Alexandria Bay is the home to the Boldt Castle, an unfinished millionare's mansion that was being built in the early 1900s as well as the site of a large Pirates Day festival. The brochure itself extols the attractions of the park, especially the hold ups of the train and the stagecoaches. During this time period there were a large number of roadside attractions in New York state. The park even had an authentic brand. I would love to hear more about this park if any one has any memories.

Carnation Gardens Disneyland

A wonderful image from the same photographer from the last two days is this photo of the Disneyland band in their blue uniforms giving a concert at Carnation Gardens. You can tell it is Carnation as the kids are drinking Carnation milk!

The other picture is of Sleeping Beauty Castle. One of the most photographed icons (I think the Pirate Ship in Fantasyland is a close second!), this image still evokes in me a great nostalgia for the 1950s era theme park. Be sure to check out the Ice Cream vendor in the right hand corner and in the background are the Skyway towers.

Two Main Street Views

Continuing with the selection of slides from the same photographer are these two images of Main Street. The first is an iconic view of the Horse Drawn Trolley heading up towards the castle. The image screams the 1950s in Disneyland with the clothes worn and no one walking in the street.

The second image is of a rather deserted Town Square. I wish that the Disneyland of today was as un-crowded as seen in this photograph.

Three Views of the Jungle Cruise

Taken by the same photographer as yesterday's post are these three views of the Jungle Cruise. The first is the ferocious ape glowering in the bushes.

The second is a shot of the Water Buffalo in the river.

The last shot is from when the skipper points out some jungle foilage...there's some, and there's some and there's some!

Talking Drums at Disneyland

A nice close up view of two of the performers at the Indian Village dance circle. The two Native Americans who spoke through their drums and provided the music for the dancers. In the background is the beloved and lost Fort Wilderness.

The End of the Macy Slides

Though not really from the Macy's parade, these slides are from the same collection. I believe the beach shots are from New Jersey. The second shot with the beer drigible is very nice. I am not sure about the dancers, they may be from the Macy's parade. And the shot of the old car was just too much fun to show. Enjoy this mish mash on this final Sunday of Thanksgiving.

The Planters of Tomorrow

Today's image is a large format photo (11 by 14 inches) taken by Designs by Lilly. The shot is an artistic image from a low level showcasing the plants and planters in Tomorrowland with the Rocket to the Moon and the great lighting fixtures in the background. The photograph was purchased from the grandkid of the Taylor and Hulme magic company founder.

Souvenir Friday- Tinkerbell Bell

For today's souvenir from Disneyland is this figural Tinkerbell sitting on a bell. She has lace wings and a nice pose along with several flowers on the bell itself. She dates from the late 1950s and was made in Japan. One of several bells sold that features Tink.

Macy's Thanksgiving Parade 1949

The final four images of the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade from 1949. I really like the sign in the background for the Automat restaurant, a classic and unique New York food establishment. Many New Yorkers fondly remmember the Automat and the wonderful apple pie. For more information, see The Automat. The first image of the toy clown like balloon is kind of scary. I also like the last image with the clown moving away from the crowd.

More Macy Thanksgiving Parade

Two more shots from the Macy Thanksgiving Parade. The Howdy Doody balloon is amazing with the figural Howdy underneath the balloon as well as the crowd not looking at the float. Also the monkey float looks like it is deflating.

For Major is a nice shot of the crowd and the tall buildings.

And this is some sort of garden display showcasing Puerto Rico.

Look for some more NY slides tomorrow. And don't forget to tune into the Macy's Parade from NYC.

A Holiday Tradition

Well the Stuff From the Park crew decided to head east for Thanksgiving with this collection of slides. First stop is Greenwich Village in New York City so we can peruse some of the art on the sidewalks. What would look nice over the couch in the living room?

Wait, what is that crowd over there? Mr. Police Officer, what is this?

Oh I see, it is the annual Macy Thanksgiving Parade. And look at that balloon crocodile (or is it an alligator?)

Slides are undated but I believe from 1949 based upon the movie poster for All the King's Men. Look for more parade shots over the next two days.

More Knott's Berry Farm

Here are some more images of Knott's Berry Farm in the mid 1950s. This is the same couple as seen in yesterday's post and also a long time ago on this blog. I like the posing the couple did and the shots of the various parts of the Ghost Town. The first image is of the old red school house.

The next appears to be the first steam up for the day of old number 40 of the Knott's Railroad. I like how everyone is admiring the engine and the nice detailing on the engine.

The third shows the old volcano. The prospector in the back better move before the eruption hits him with lava and steaming water.

And the last shows the old Blacksmith shop. It definitely looks like it was a calmer, gentler time when these images were taken.

Laundry Day at Stuff From The Park

Sunday's at the Stuff From the Park world headquarters usually involve laundry. So for today, let's head over to Knott's Berry Farm to visit Wing Lee's Chinese Laundry.

Some of the signs are pretty bad reminding me of the Abercrombie and Fitch controversial T-Shirt for Wong's Laundry- Two Wongs will make it white! Of course while we are at Knott's, let's ride the train while our laundry is being washed.

Or we can hang out in the Indian Village area and watch how they wash their buffalo hides.

Or just hang out at one of the buildings on Knott's version of Main Street. I was thinking this was the outside of the "Wacky Shack" but it does not look like that location. Maybe Chris or Outside the Berm can place the location.

Frontierland Directions

Here are two directional signs found in Frontierland. One directs the guest into Frontierland, the other to Adventureland and the Jungle Rivers. In the second there is a hat for Major...one to wear to a job interview.

Souvenir Friday- Small World Ceramic Figurines

Today I showcase two great 1964 Small World Souvenirs. There is a set of these numbering at least 12. I managed to find these two, India and Cambodia, still in their original boxes. The figurines are small, measuring 2 inches in height. The figurines are nicely done, but the boxes are great. On each side is the same picture of Sleeping Beauty Castle. I also have a set of Dinosaurs in the same boxes with markings for the Primeval World.

More Early Rivers of America Photographs

Continuing the Frontierland trend are these two images of the Rivers of America. The first shows a very early image of one of the Mike Fink Keelboats rounding the bend. The landscaping and plants have not grown and do not cover much. Of course the area is much more lush with growth.

The second image is of the friendly Indian Village along the river. Check out Gorilla's Don't Blog for a great image of the village.

And speaking of the Major and his blog, he is celebrating his 500th post today. Jump on over there and congratulate him!

1958 Disneyland Visit Black and White Snapshots

A nice collection of three snapshots of an October 1958 trip to Disneyland. The photographer appears to have liked Frontierland. The first image is of the newly launched Columbia sitting in Fowler's Harbor. In the background is the large striped circus tent at Holidayland.

The second image is of the Mark Twain as taken from the highest point at Disneyland during this time period- Tom Sawyer's treehouse. The framing with the leaves is very dramatic.

The final image is of the Stagecoach in front of the boiling paintpots in the painted desert. If you look real close at the two ladies sitting on top of the stage coach it appears one is putting on her makeup.

Two Unusual Views of the Monorail

The first image was taken on the edge of Fantasyland and Tomorrowland where the Monorial track goes over the wild and wooly Motor Boat Cruise. Dated October 1959, the track had only been in existence less than a year.

The second view is dates Xmas 1967 and features Monorail red in station. The way the photograph is taken, it appears as if the sign appears right on top of the monorail. Also look at that line for the Submarine Voyage.

Back on the Web and it Makes Aunt Jemima Sing

Well after purchasing a new cpu and loading in all my software, I am back on the web. Today's photograph is of Aunt Jemima taking some time off from mixing up her pancake batter and flipping pancakes. She is out in front of the Disneyland Strawhatters belting out a few New Orleans tunes for the appreciative and young audience. Who knew Aunt Jemima could sing? And the tune must be lively as the two young girls are dancing up a storm.

Corrupt Operating System

Hello- due to my computer hanging out with unsavory types, I have a corrupt Operating System and maybe burnt out RAM. The computer is in the shop being rehabilitated and I am hopeful I will be able to start posting again. Thanks.

Pre-Opening Drawing Rocket to the Moon

One of the most beautiful and fascinating images of pre-opening art is this dual rendition of the Rocket to the Moon attraction. The queue cover looks like Mission Space in EPCOT, but just better. In many ways the designs for Tomorrowland still look futuristic and include elements WDI should think about putting into place. I have also never seen the interior rendering in any other published source.

The Fountains of Tomorrowland

This photo of pre-opening artwork of the Fountains of Tomorrowland is for Major Pepperidge. I too would have loved to see the fountains built and in operation. Especially with the large model of the molecule sitting in the middle of the fountain.

Overview of Tomorrowland Pre-Opening Art

This same image was used on the first set of pre-opening postcards.

Sleeping Beauty Castle Model

Heading off of Main Street is this image of the Sleeping Beauty Model. I like how the sky is artistically added.

October 1954 Map of Main Street

Part of the collection of images of Main Street models is this map of the stores on Main Street. One of the most interesting things to note is the 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea and Cartoon Museum in the Opera House. This reminds me of what was in the Opera House in Walt Disney World a couple of years ago.

Souvenir Friday-Knott's Berry Farm Glass Paperweight

A very early souvenir from Knott's Berry Farm is this glass paperweight. The graphic is the stagecoach and the title is Knott's Berrry Fram and Ghost Town Buena Park, Calif. A very heavy and cool souvenir from the early 1950's.

Opera House Model Photograph

Another of the Main Street model photographs. This one shows the Opera House. Reading the store fronts, there were some major changes in this area. The tobacco shop and a kids clothing store was going to be in this area where the bank is now located. A post office/stationary store is where the Mad Hatter is now located. And I do not see any sign of the Bank.