Bengal Tigers at Japanese Village?

One of the attractions at Japanese Village and Deer Park was a pack of performing Bengal Tigers. The question mark is why tigers in Japan? As far as I know, tigers are not native to Japan. Of course, tigers were a big draw in the 1960s and 1970s. I do like this picture with the nice Japanese theme.

Hostesses at Deer Pavilion at Japanese Village

Another view of the Japanese Village and Deer Park show Japanese American hostesses feeding the deer. The deer were one of the main draws to the theme park. Visitors could feed the deer as seen in this photograph.

Hostesses at Dove Pavilion Japanese Village and Deer Park

One of the more interesting attractions was the large dove pavilion at Japanese Village and Deer Park. The hostesses are local Issei and Nissei who wore the traditional Kimono of Japan. The pools have a great slatted seat design and the lovely hoop roosts for the doves.

Jungle River Cruise 1958

Two snapshots of the Jungle River Cruise in 1958. First up is the outrigger with sails that was docked across from the Jungle River Navigation Company docks. A quick and easy way to provide some nice theming and color to the start of the ride.

The second image is of Schweitzer Falls named after the famous explorer Albert Falls. This shows how much water used to flow across the falls. It made for a nice scene and felt cool with more water than is currently used for the falls.

Souvenir Friday- Plans for Storyland Zoo in North Platte, Nebraska

In the late 1950s up to the mid-1970s many service groups in communities spread throughout the United States developed Storyland theme parks for the young citizens of their community. In North Platte Nebraska, the Rotary club was working on a Storyland Zoo that would also feature some of the railroad heritage. This was late for the development of this type of park and it appears that the zoo was never constructed. The souvenir is an architectural story board featuring Jack and the Beanstalk and also the trains to be part of the zoo. The design and art is beautiful and I wish they had finished the park.

The Lion and Jungle Cruise Natives 1958

The Jungle Cruise natives are celebrating the success of the hunt and a fresh lion. This scene has been changed and made less graphic with the dead lion hanging from poles.

Red Wagon Inn With Bare Landscaping

From November 1958, this black and white picture shows a bare landscaped Red Wagon Inn on the Plaza. There are very few guests waiting to eat so it must not be dinner or lunchtime.

Fantasyland Thanksgiving 1958

Two views of Fantasyland from Thanksgiving 1958. First up is the requisite photograph of Sleeping Beauty Castle with many guests. I do like the Mickey Mouse shaped balloon the older guest is holding. Note that the Christmas decorations are halfway up.

The second image is from the Skyway and shows the recently opened Alice In Wonderland attraction. The track has such a great winding design and I have always liked the look of the Caterpillar cars. Note the construction fence for the Matterhorn and that a male is operating the attraction.

Enjoying the Koi Fish With Topo Gigio

One of the main elements at the Japanese Village and Deer Park was the koi fish. Three kids are enjoying the swirling color of the koi fish. One lucky kid is holding her Topo Gigio doll.

Souvenir Friday- Square Metal Compact

A lovely souvenir that evokes the time period of the early 1960s is this lovely compact. Many a young lady would carry a compact to touch up her make up as needed throughout the day and evening. This is a nice square compact that probably would hold blush or powder. The design is etched on the front of the compact and features Sleeping Beauty's Castle surrounded by clouds.

here is the back of the compact.

I think the best part of the compact is the lovely box in pink and blue. This definitely catches my eye with a cartoony drawing of the castle surrounded by rays and stars.

The final image shows both the box and the compact.

Performing Bear at Japanese Village and Deer Park

In addition to performing dolphins, the theme park had performing sun bears. Sun bears are found in Southeast Asia and have a distinct skull and are the smallest bears. The bear is performing upside down gymnastics on a great high bar. Note the exit sign is bilingual and in Japanese characters as well as the woodblock print posters in the window of the faux house.

Geisha and Dining at Japanese Village and Deer Park

Another souvenir slide showing part of the Japanese Village and Deer Park theme park. In the foreground, a Geisha girl in her kimono and parasol poses for the photographer surrounded by black swans and peacocks. In the background, park patrons enjoy a meal of teriyaki beef and chicken yakitori on the outside terrace. I do not believe that sushi was available, but it might have been. I am sure some kids tried the exotic Japanese foods, but more probably ate hamburgers (maybe with a grilled pineapple on top!) or hot dogs.

Flying Dolphins at Japanese Village and Deer Park, Buena Park California

A quiet competitor for tourist and local visitors was the Japanese Village and Deer Park located in Buena Park. California. The park featured a herd of deer imported from Nara Japan as well as other Japanese cultural exhibits and shows. Also included was a trained dolphin show similar to those featured at Marineland and Sea World. Although as seen in this picture the show had a distinctly Japanese theme, although the handlers look like typical Southern California surfers wearing kimonos. The image was a souvenir image published by Mike Roberts.

Final Two 1956 Images in Red

The last two images of the 1956 trip that have unfortunately turned red. The first image is just kind of meh showing the castle with a crowd in front. The guests are very dapper.

And here is the image in red...

The last image shows the condition that photographs are found. As you can see, the photograph was wet at one time and this photo has disintegrated.

Two Views Of Storybook Land 1956

Two views of Cinderella's castle on the hill in Storybook Land. First up is an aerial view most likely from the Skyway. You can see the meandering track for Casey Junior and the front of one of the canal boats. This attraction was brand new when this set of photographs were taken.

The second view is most likely from the Skyway as well...just a little bit further towards to Tomorrowland. The photographer must have been entranced by this vision of a castle on the mountain.

Here are both scans of the original red photographs.

Casey Jones Jr. Railraod Entrance 1956

A fun view of the entrance to Casey Junior. I love the signage with the full name of the train, note the cute little sign under the arch reading To The Tracks. These little signs were seen in stations during the early 1900s. The young girl in the dress is striking quite a pose.

Once again the original red scan.

Riding King Arthur's Carousel 1956

A nice picture of King Arthur's Carousel. It appears Dad is riding jingles with all the bells.

And here is the original scan of the red photograph.

Heading Out on the Dusty Trail 1956

Leaving the loading area for the Pack Mules to head out on the dusty trails of Frontierland. Our trail boss looks the part wearing his black hat, Levi Jacket and pants astride his mule. In the background is a rarely seen homestead of the Rainbow Ridge. A Conestoga Wagon is parked in the background.

Once again the original red image...

Pack Mule Ride Loading Area 1956

A nice you are there on the back of a mule image of the loading area for the Pack Mule attraction. The background shows a bit of the town of Rainbow Ridge and a nice bridge over the attraction. The attraction hosts costumes look like ones they would wear at home on the ranch, with nice straw cowboy hats.

And for those following this series, the original image in red.

Souvenir Friday- Tiki Statue From Adventureland

I always enjoy finding a souvenir that falls into two of my collecting interests. This lovely statue made by Coco Joe's in Hawaii was once sold at the Adventureland Bazaar. A guest could watch the Enchanted Tiki Room and purchase a tiki to take home. Based upon the price sticker, I would say it is circa late 1960s. The addition of flowers is very nice and adds a touch of color.

Dapper Family at Frontierland 1956

This image shows a nicely dressed 1956 family entering Frontierland. The day looks like it may have been on the cool side as the family is wearing sweaters. The young boy in the foreground does not seem to care because he is a rebel! Note that he is carrying a straw...in years to come he may graduate to a soda cup!

Here is the family in lovely red!

Fantasyland From The Fantasyland Skyway Station 1956

A now lost view is this great image of Fantasyland from the steps to the Fantasyland Skyway station. Due to construction of the new Star Wars themed attractions, this low hill will be re-sculpted and the station removed. Some nice parts of the image include the Casey Junior ticket booth and station, the original location of Dumbo and the Mad Hatter Tea Party and the back of the Skyway grand opening sign at the foot of the steps.

And as usual, your view of the red snapshot.