Things From the Gate- Two Wonderful Ways to Visit Disneyland 1961

In 1961, Disneyland switched to another design for the ticket brochures. The brochure ia a tri-fold and fold down into nice little brochure. Luckily for collectors, Disneyland actually numbered and dated these in code. However, I do not know if they skip numbered as I am still trying to complete the numbers. First up are two brochures that are identical with the exception of the number and the number printed. The first one is number 4 and had 175M printed, with a date of 5/61. (The code is found on the middle panel in the lower right hand corner.) I do not know if there are number 1, 2 or 3 in existence.

This brochure is numbered 5, also dated 5/61 but with a number of 200M printed.

Bell Telephone Sounds of America

A week ago or so, Tim from Vintage Disneyland Tickets posted this 1961 TV Guide with information and article about the Bell Telephone Hour The Sounds of America TV Special. This is a nice tie in of a die cut standee that would have been placed at Bell Telephone Centers and other shops to promote the special. The special was a musical set in Disneyland and the dancers, singers and actors ride the train around the park.

Tune in tomorrow for some publicity stills from the special as well. Tim- if you still need a copy of the video, I have one as well.

Souvenir Friday- Nash Brochure

When Disneyland was still under construction, Western Printing and lithography offered the sponsors a brochure to put their name and advertising on to promote Disneyland and their affiliation with Disneyland. This example is for Nash Automobiles. The brochures are very colorful and one of the earliest examples of a park map. I have TWA, Bluebird shoes, Kaiser appliances and this Nash example.

For Chris, here is a close up of the material Claude Coates is holding in the photograph I posted yesterday.

And also a close up of the squid model itself.

Squid and Misbehaving Cast Member

I believe the first photograph is for the squid seen in 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. I know they did put a squid in the 20K exhibit, so this may be the planning for that. Either way it is a cool photo of the model shop employees. Can anyone identify the employees?

Next up is an image from what I believe is a Spring Fling skit. Hopefully Jason from Disneyland Nomenclature is done unpacking his house and can chime in with the cast members history. The scene looks like something out of a comedy about working in an office.

A Trip Back to the Chicago Rail Fair- Part 2

The rest of the snapshots and souvenir pictures from the Chicago Rail Fair. First up is a smaller replica of a fantastic roadside attraction- the Paul Bunyan from Brainerd, Minnesota. The exhibit was sponsored by the Chicago and North Western Railroad.

A closer snapshot of the exhibit.

Another roadside exhibit is the Bok Tower located in Lake Wales, Florida. I wonder if the tower did sing?

Another snapshot view. I wonder why the person purchased the souvenir images?

A final image of Yellowstone and a geyser. This may be where the idea for Nature's Wonderland was germinated.

A Trip Back to the Chicago Rail Fair Part 1

I found some more images from the 1949 Chicago Rail Fair. These are a mixture of small snapshots as well as souvenir photographs. The theming of the exhibits was quite extensive and evocative of the original source material. First up is the Fred Harvey exhibit in the Santa Fe area. I like the machine age modern Pullman sign.

A closer look at the exhibit, based upon Adobe buildings found in New Mexico and Arizona.

In the background is the large stadium where the Wheels a Rolling pageant and parade was held.

A couple shots of the entrance to the Santa Fe exhibit.

A close up shot with a giant Kachina and entrance sign. I wonder where they are now?

Things From the Gate- 1960 Ticket Brochure

I believe Tim over at Vintage Disneyland Tickets may have posted this a while ago, but I am posting this to maintain consistency. This is a kind of generic ticket brochure without any date or operating hour admissions. I do like it as it actually shows a ticket booth and also many of the little drawings of the attractions.

Freedomland and A Banana Split

Looking throughout the collection, I found some more Freedomland items. The patch was worn by the equivalent of Disneyland Tour Guides. My understanding is the Freedomland Hosts would escort the VIPs throughout the park, as well as answer questions from guests. The card is the employee ID for the host.

The next image is of Drooper from the Banana Splits at Coney Island in Cincinnati Ohio. On the right hand side you can see Huckleberry Hound. One of the girls does not look happy about having to pose with the costumed character.

Tomorrowland Souvenir Slides- Mixed Pack

This pack of slides had two different types of film stock. The first has maintained the color beautifully and the last two had turned red. The last two are marked Eastman Color. First up is the entrance to Tomorrowland with the Ice Cream vendor and Avenue of Flags.

Looking very much like a postcard is this view of the Autopia ride. I love all the visual clutter in the background.

A view of Mr. and Ms. Space Men. (First up is my attempt at color correction and then the actual slide itself.)

Finally a shot of the Rocket To the Moon through the trees.

Souvenir Friday-Tuna Coin and Gem Society

Two souvenirs for you today. First up is a Chicken of the Sea Pirate Ship coin. The coin was given away at Grocery Stores as part of Tuna Celebration days to promote the opening of Disneyland and the Tuna Pirate Ship. Although I would think the coin would not be difficult to find, I have seen very few throughout the years.

To add color to this post, a great water based decal for the Walt Disney Studios Gem and Mineral Society. A true time capsule of the 1950s when many people became rock hounds and would drive for miles out to the desert to find unusual rocks, gems and minerals.

Fantasyland Souvenir Slides

From a Sawyer's set of four, three slides that I could somewhat save. The first slide is of Sleeping Beauty Castle, but it was so maroon it could not be corrected. However, the other three slides could be corrected somewhat. First up is a nice view of the Caterpillar ride vehicle.

Next are two shots of Storybook Land. This one is marked dusk so the slide is dark to begin with.

This one is titled Cinderella's Castle. I love the Casey Junior coming from under the tunnel.

New Orleans Square Souvenir Slide Set

I recently rediscovered my collection of souvenir slide sets (see yesterdays post) and am planning to post a bunch over the next couple of weeks. First up was the Swiss Family Treehouse, now it is New Orleans Square. Put on the Mardi Gras music and enjoy these early images of New Orleans in California. First up is the Dixieland band.

A nice view from the Blue Bayou. I like that you can see the Pirates of the Caribbean track.

One of my favorite shops when I was a kid...I was into antiques at that time in my life as well.

Great view of a quiet place I still try to visit every time I am at Disneyland.

Great view showing the Mark Twain and the nice iron work.

Swiss Family Tree House Souvenir Slides

I have not come across many Swiss Family Tree House slides. But this set of slides was available for purchase from the Main Street Camera Shop. Some very nice shots of the tree...cue the Swisskapolka and relive this attraction.
First up is the sign that greeted you at the entrance:

A nice overall view of the tree, look at the size of it!

The ingenious water system rigged by the Robinson clan.

The interior sitting room with the details that made the walk up the stairs worth the exercise.

(Like most of the souvenir slides, these had turned a nice magenta.)
For those in Southern California, Don Ballard the author of the Disneyland Hotel book will be giving a talk at the Glendora Public Library on May 24, 2010 at 7:00 PM. The talk will be a full multi-media presentation on the history of the hotel and the Wrathers. If I was in Southern California, I would be there.