Thursday, May 31, 2012

Two Unrelated Photographs

Two fun but unrelated photographs. First up is a nice image of a model hanging out in Fantasyland. I love the pin up look with the short shorts and the bullet bra. I have featured this model in prior posts. The back of the photo is stamped Please credit Jacques Delanger.

Next up is an image of the Firehouse Five Plus 2 on screen. The caption on the reverse of the photograph reads: Look at him step...Van Johnson dances the Charleston to the strains of Dixieland Jazz by the famed Firehouse Five Plus Two in Metro-Goldwyn-Mayers's "Grounds for Marriage." Co-starred with him is Kathryn Grayson but here Paula Drew steps out the Charleston with the star. The comedy was directed by Robert Z. Leonard and produced by Samuel Marx.

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

South Seas Island POP Postcards

My favorite area and ride at Pacific Ocean Park was found on the South Seas Island at the edge of the pier. The Mystery Train ride rivaled the Nature's Wonderland Mine Train as well as the Calico Mine Train. I would like to find interior images of the ride. The first postcard features the line and loading area of the train ride.

A closer view of the load area. I like the carved Tiki poles in front of the A-Frame structure.

Final image is an artist rendering of one of the big show pieces in the ride, a ride through the interior of a volcano. I doubt that this was as impressive as this concept art, but it still sounds fabulous.

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

More Pacific Ocean Park Postcards

Three more souvenir postcards from Pacific Ocean Park in Santa Monica, California. First up is a nice view of the Sea Serpent roller coaster. This coaster was a hold over from the time when the pier was known as the Ocean Park pier. I believe the coaster required a seperate ticket to ride it.

Next up is the Diving Bell ride. Many visitors have fond memories of this attraction and the visual excitement. The bell popping to the surface is quite a scene with the bubbles and water.

Final image shows the Skyway ride. The theme of the ride was pure genius, mimicking diving bells. The ride over the ocean must have been thrilling.

Monday, May 28, 2012

Pacific Ocean Park Postcards

Three of my favorite POP postcards. First up is an aerial view of the pier and park. This is a modern print made from an old negative. It is a nice view of the park showing the layout of many of the rides and various lands.

Next up is a nice view of the entrance. This view shows why Pacific Ocean Park was not as successful as Disneyland. The entrance is barren and kind of run down looking.

Final image is another view of the entrance in an earlier time. The iconic seahorse structure always catches my eye. Several of the souvenir plates, the pennant and t-shirts use the same logo.

Friday, May 25, 2012

Souvenir Friday- Hills Brother's Coffee House Menu

One of my favorite menu's from Disneyland is from the Hills Brother's Coffee House. I like the art on the front representing the location on Main Street, the easy menu of drinks and sandwiches, the history of Hill's Brothers Coffee company and then a map of Disneyland with the location of the restaurant prominently marked.

Thursday, May 24, 2012

its a small world part 2

Continuing with the look at its a small world, here are the interior images. Just sing along and it will be just like the ride. I believe the photographer bent the rules and used his flash!

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

it's a small world part 1

Today and Tomorrow I will be showcasing a set of slides featuring it's a small world. First up is the exterior with a great view of the original sign and color. I love the space ship lights.

Next up is a view of the lovely facade from one of the boats.

Final image for today is the sign and building at night.

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Saxophones, Yellow Monorail and a Treehouse

An eclectic mix of images. First up is the Keystone Kops saxophone band playing on Main Street. I have always enjoyed the Keystone Kops style and love to hear this quartet playing in front of City Hall.

Next up is a view of Tomorrowland with everyone oblivious to the Yellow Monorail.

Final image is from Tom Sawyer's Island with the Tom's Treehouse in the background. A rare view of the Exit Only sign.

Monday, May 21, 2012

More Classic Views of Disneyland

More classic views of Disneyland. First up is a nice view of the Tuna Boat with the nice Chicken of the Sea Mermaid masthead. Overhead the Skyway is operating with a nice blue bucket. Check out all the families posing in the image.

Next up is a view of the Mark Twain passing by Tom Sawyer's Island. Note the nice look of the Mill and a Keelboat in the background.

Next up is Main Street with the Carnation Cafe, Flower Market, and the Upjohn Pharmacy in all their glory. Notice the lack of merchandising displays on Main Street.

Final image is an interesting vantage of the Matterhorn taken from Sleeping Beauty Castle drawbridge. The banners in the foreground add interest and you can even see Snow White in her grotto.

Friday, May 18, 2012

Souvenir Friday- Two Bracelets in A Similar Vein

Today's souvenirs are two charm bracelets made in Western Germany and use similar design. One is a link bracelet and the other is a more traditional style charm bracelets. The shields with different designs really make the bracelets different than other souvenir bracelets. I would date these around 1958 based upon the Columbia graphic on one of the shields. I am sure the Tinkerbell fans will enjoy her design on the bracelets.

Thursday, May 17, 2012

Three Classic Disneyland Photographs

These three photographs represent to me some of the classic look of Disneyland. First up are two images from the Jungle Cruise. Although the modern launches are nicely themed, I still miss the striped canopies and white look of the old launches. I also enjoy that some of the guests themed their clothing for the cruise.

Next a nice view of the dock as the launch our photographer is riding moves into the dark jungles. Make sure you wave goodbye to those waiting on the dock.

The last image is still in Adventureland and features a classic Tour Guide posing with a guest. I like the display of Indian brass at the Adventureland Bazaar and the themed waste baskets.

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Frontierland Views from Tom Sawyer's Island

Three nice images of Frontierland from Tom Sawyer's Island in 1962. First up are two views of Cascade Peak area from the back of the island. The first shows the little town of Rainbow Ridge in the background and the Indian Canoes in the foreground.

Next up is a photo heading the other way with the Three Sisters falls. In 7 years, the flora has really grown and the area does appear to be a wilderness.

Last image is taken from one of the landing docks for the rafts. I love the red lantern in the foreground to frame the shot. In the background are construction walls for New Orleans Square with attraction posters up on the wall.

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Fantasyland 1962

Three views of Fantasyland from October 1962. First up is a shot of Sleeping Beauty Castle standing guard as the entrance to this section of the park. As one of the most photographed parts of the park, the Castle looks awful nice in this image with all the folks in front of the attraction.

Next up is a you are riding the Carrousel image with the two youngster dressed dapper for all you Dapper Days fans.

Last image is of Mad Hatter. I like the look of the girl walking by...why is this guy blocking my way? I need to get to Peter Pan!

Monday, May 14, 2012

Storybook Land

Three images from Story Book Land. First up is an image of Pinnochio's village with the Matterhorn in the background.

Next up an image of the Cinderella's castle in the sky.

Final image is of my favorite place- Toad Hall.

Saturday, May 12, 2012

Snapshots from New York World's Fair 1964

A group of 4 interesting snapshots from the World's Fair in 1964 at New York. First up is a shot of the Unisphere through the Court of Nations.

Next up is a shot taken from the roof of the Kodak Pavilion with the Brass Rail on the left and the Pepsi Cola it's a small world attraction on the right.

Next up is a shot of the Fair from the train station.

Final image is the Unisphere off in the distance. One thing that surprises me about this fair is the amount of plants and greenery seen in the photographs.

Friday, May 11, 2012

Souvenir Friday- Creating a Fairyland by Randal J. Metz and Tony Jonick

Today's Souvenir Friday is a little different. This is a modern book on the history of one of the classic theme parks with the theme of Fairy Tales. Published by Running Rabbit press and sponsored by the Lake Merritt Breakfast Club. The history is very thorough and well illustrated. If you are a fan of this style of park, this is a history to own with behind the scenes and construction images.

I could not find the book online and I believe it is only available from Children's Fairyland in Oakland. (I received my copy for the use of one of my images in the book.) It is a book worth searching for to read the history. Here are some images from Fairyland that I posted back in 2009.