Random Photographs

Three random photographs with the only connection is they were purchased from the same dealer. First up is the obligatory image of the Pirate Ship. It does show a nice detail of the entrance and walkway to the restaurant.

The second image is of the entrance to Adventureland. I really like the decorating touch of the paddles hanging down from the sign. Also it appears the subject of the photo is ready to take a cruise.

Last image is not Disneyland, but rather the Mesker Zoo in Evansville, Indiana. Written on the reverse is: Me & Fannie at Mesker Zoo- on the monkey boat. It (the pool) was dry & we walked out & climbed aboard.

Fort Wilderness and a Couple of Other Photos

First up is a nice photo taken from the inside of Fort Wilderness on Tom Sawyer's Island. What is cool is that the boy with the feathered hat is holding one of the Tom Sawyer's Island maps. Back of photo is dated 1968.

Next is an image of the entire family with Main Street station in the background. This shot is taken from inside the park, not at the usual front entrance and Mickey topiary.

Finally a mystery photo featuring two of the kids. This image is dated 1963. I do not know the location, but I really do like the carved wooden Indian. He is very cartoony and I wish I could see the rest of the signage as the font is in a fun cartoon style.

Saludos Amigos 1963

Over the years, Disneyland has tried various events and special days to increase attendance. Some have worked wonderfully and others have not been as successful. Given the demographics of Southern California, Mexican Festivals have always done well. This publicity photo shows an early incarnation with nice lamppost plaques reading Saludos Amigos. The back of the photograph has a 1963 date written on the back, maybe Jason can track down the exact date. I like the dueling Mariachis as well as the crowd in the background with lots of sunglasses.

Souvenir Friday- 1965 Sixth Annual Dixieland at Disneyland

The 1965 version of the Dixieland at Disneyland event had a different twist to the parade of bands. Instead of using the Mark Twain and the rafts for the band parade, Disneyland used a Tailgate Ramble down Main Street. The bands were preceded by the Southern California Hot Jazz Society marching band. I assume that the main bands rode parade floats or vehicles. The first two images are of the souvenir program.

Interior with location for each band as well as list of band members.

Disneyland advertised the event on the back of the gate flyers.

Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone. What is better to do on Thanksgiving then to go to Disneyland with your family. These images show some of the fun that could be had at Disneyland in the 1960's. First off is Main Street at Town Square Plaza with quite a crowd and lots of families hanging out.

Next up is Sleeping Beauty Castle with even more families enjoying each others company.

But the best thing to do is to ride Dumbo as a family. (Note that Dumbo has the hinged ears and the Picture Spot sign has the cool silhoute of a guest with a camera.)

Save Coney Island

When I began collecting items from Disneyland, I pretty much focused on the Disney theme parks. However I quickly began to look at the previous history of amusement parks. Of course the Granddad of all US parks is Coney Island in New York so I began to collect postcards, paper and photographs from Coney Island. I have also visited Coney twice and would love to go back. However, recent developments have threatened the unique nature of Coney Island. With an ocean front location, developers have started to purchase property and are now pushing plans to build multi story condo's on sites that were once amusement areas. A grassroots group has been created to save the unique ambience of Coney Island. If you are interested in finding out more about the plans for Coney, check out Save Coney Island. To show you the classic age of Coney Island, here are five linen postcards. First up is what is called a large letter card. Within each letter is an image from Coney Island (with the exception of the letter N which features fly fishing!)

Next up are three images showing Steeplechase park with the Ferris Wheel and coaster in the background.

A scarce view of the Kiddie Park with the carousel and coaster.

1958 In Color Snapshot

A nice little set of photographs for today. The photos are all snapshots that unfortunately had faded out. With a little photo shop magic, I have corrected the color to approximate the original images. First off I will begin with a great image of the advertising banner over Main Street. And for those who watch the drinking fountains, check out the middle of the photo.

Another nice shot is the exterior of the newly opened Alice In Wonderland attraction.

Of course the photographer had to take an image of the Pirate Ship in Fantasyland.

While over Casey Jr. a nice image of the Cinderella Castle. Check out the backstage buildings in the upper left hand corner.

The new Grand Canyon diorama with the reason no flash photography is allowed when taking a picture of the diorama.

A rare interior image of Rainbow Caverns. I believe in the background is the bridal veil falls.

Playing at Polaroid 1983

More photographs from the employee at the Camera Shop sponsored by Polaroid. Of course the images are Polaroid film. First off is a shot of one of my favorite places in Disneyland when I was growing up. My brothers and I would visit the Penny Arcade, play the games, and watch the old crank movies for a penny.

Also an image of every one's favorite attraction, the Peoplemover.

Since most of the employees are fairly young, hi-jinks would ensue while working. I do not know what is going on in this image...maybe something about the way that guests would change into the Victorian clothing as seen hanging on racks to the right.

A comment on the required cleanliness of the park.

Working at Polaroid 1983

I do not find much photographs from cast members as most of the employees are too busy working to take photographs. However, if you work for the Camera Shop on Main Street, you are around camera's all the time. In 1983 the Camera Shop was sponsored by Polaroid, so this cast member took several Polaroids. First up is the sign on the building. The 1980's rainbow color sign for Polaroid is very evocative of the era.

It appears the employees gathered together to take a group photograph. A couple of quick snapshot of the cast members gathering to have the picture snapped.

Not quite ready, a quick snapshot before the official image.

The group photograph, can you spot the hidden Mickey?

Hippo Boats, Jeeps and More at Lion Country Safari 1971

I love looking at Irvine when it was rather bare and undeveloped. One of the best ways is to find images from Lion Country Safari. These shots are dated 1971 and feature more than just animals seen from a car. First up is a fun paddle boat in the shape of a river horse, the Hippopotamus.

Another attraction for the kids was driving a safari jeep. There is a similar ride at Legoland in Carlsbad.

Of course there is a scenic pond, and with a pond comes ducks and a place to pose for a family photograph.

A closer look shows the Afritheater in the background and the girl is eating one of the all day, gargantuan lollipop. (This photo is for you Major.)

The last image is of the petting zoo area with buildings of the African Village in the background.

Souvenir Friday-Dixieland at Disneyland 1964 Plus More

Let me start off by posting a scan of the poster from the Second Annual Dixieland at Disneyland event. This is a scan of the poster that was once hanging in the barn at Ward Kimball's (thanks Chris!)

Next up is the program from the Fifth Annual Dixieland at Disneyland event. Check out the groups performing as well as the production crew. I would love to have seen the scenic design by Roland Crump. (And I am looking for programs from the 1st Annual as well as the Third and Fourth....)

A nice addition to this is the ticket signed by Kid Ory. Kid Ory was one of the best and earliest trombone players in Jazz. He started a band in New Orleans in 1912 and continued playing Dixieland for the rest of his life.

Spring Fling 1972- More Photo's

First off thanks to Disneyland Nomenclature for pulling information from a Disneyland Line so I can correct that the Spring Fling was a separately ticketed event. The advertising with the Pinto was in place to entice visitor's to purchase Spring Fling tickets. Now on to the photographs with more of the family posing. First off is my favorite thinking and quiet spot in Disneyland, the Snow White Wishing Well Grotto. You just have to love the fashion in 1972, check out those sunglasses.

I also like this image, not for the view but for the crowd in the background and for the girl's pants.

Finally just an image of a scene, this one from the Jungle Cruise featuring the native uprising.

On a final note, a couple of exciting new blogs have started up. First off Mike Cozart has created three blogs: Tomorrowlounge featuring Tomorrowland with an emphasis on costuming, Disney Park Attraction Posters featuring attraction posters and Mike Cozart Design&Model featuring his models with in process photographs. The other new blog is by Paul Anderson and features Disney history, the blog is the Disney History Institute. If you have time, check them out, they are listed on my blog roll on the right hand side.

Spring Fling 1972

In 1972 Disneyland had a special event to increase attendance during the slow spring months. The event was called the Spring Fling. This lucky family attended the event and posed with many of the characters. It appears Disneyland was not that crowded as there are few people in the background. First off is an image of the two young girls posing with every one's favorite corporate symbol, Mickey Mouse.

They also posed with Mickey's better half Minnie. I don't like the yellow dress she has picked out to wear.

A character I always enjoy seeing is Snow White. I wonder where her friends the Seven Dwarves are at?

One of the prizes that a lucky guest could win by attending Spring Fling was a 1972 Ford Pinto. The car was so popular the Big Bad Wolf had to protect the car from people trying to hot wire the car. Other prizes included a movie camera set and a full ski set.