Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Opening Day Snapshots- Part 9

The final set of opening day snapshots from this collection. I did save the best for last. Although well known due to his name being on the Studio and also the park has his last name, Walt Disney was still not the celebrity he would become in later years. On opening day, he was quite famous and also very busy. The first image is marked on the back Helicopter landing with Governor Knight and Walt Disney. If I remember correctly, Walt stayed overnight prior to opening day.

The next image is of Walt and Governor Knight climbing off the cab of the train. This would have been at the start of the telecast as the first train arrives into the Main Street station.

The last two are of Walt, Governor Knight, Mrs. Knight and the owner of the horseless carriage. The first shows them driving by before the grand parade. I like that you can see a banner over the side street by the Red Wagon Inn and the costumed security guard.

The same group in the parade.

Walt does look very satisfied in these pictures.

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5 comments:

  1. Major Pepperidge7:30 AM

    Well, you really DID save the best for last! In fact, that final photo is my favorite, not only do you get Walt and the Governor, but I love the crowd watching, with the girls in their nice clothes looking entranced. What an amazing bunch! Is there an interesting story on how you found these?

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  2. The Viewliner Limited7:37 AM

    I truly historic series of photographs. I have appreciated them all. Thank you, Richard.

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  3. Katella Gate8:57 AM

    What an amazing car. The "front loader" seating was custom made for showing off Walt and the Governor. Does anybody know what make it is or what became of it?

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  4. Chris Jepsen9:10 AM

    Having watched the TV footage of opening day many times, it's fascinating to see some of these scenes from other angles. Thanks so much for sharing these!

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  5. Vintage Disneyland Tickets9:11 AM

    Excellent! Ditto Major on the last photo, WOW!!!! I can not thank you enough for sharing these amazing photos, truly a part of Disneyland history that has until now, only been seen by a few folks - THANK YOU!!!!!!

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