Back on the Web and it Makes Aunt Jemima Sing

Well after purchasing a new cpu and loading in all my software, I am back on the web. Today's photograph is of Aunt Jemima taking some time off from mixing up her pancake batter and flipping pancakes. She is out in front of the Disneyland Strawhatters belting out a few New Orleans tunes for the appreciative and young audience. Who knew Aunt Jemima could sing? And the tune must be lively as the two young girls are dancing up a storm.

Corrupt Operating System

Hello- due to my computer hanging out with unsavory types, I have a corrupt Operating System and maybe burnt out RAM. The computer is in the shop being rehabilitated and I am hopeful I will be able to start posting again. Thanks.

Pre-Opening Drawing Rocket to the Moon

One of the most beautiful and fascinating images of pre-opening art is this dual rendition of the Rocket to the Moon attraction. The queue cover looks like Mission Space in EPCOT, but just better. In many ways the designs for Tomorrowland still look futuristic and include elements WDI should think about putting into place. I have also never seen the interior rendering in any other published source.

The Fountains of Tomorrowland

This photo of pre-opening artwork of the Fountains of Tomorrowland is for Major Pepperidge. I too would have loved to see the fountains built and in operation. Especially with the large model of the molecule sitting in the middle of the fountain.

Overview of Tomorrowland Pre-Opening Art

This same image was used on the first set of pre-opening postcards.

Sleeping Beauty Castle Model

Heading off of Main Street is this image of the Sleeping Beauty Model. I like how the sky is artistically added.

October 1954 Map of Main Street

Part of the collection of images of Main Street models is this map of the stores on Main Street. One of the most interesting things to note is the 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea and Cartoon Museum in the Opera House. This reminds me of what was in the Opera House in Walt Disney World a couple of years ago.

Souvenir Friday-Knott's Berry Farm Glass Paperweight

A very early souvenir from Knott's Berry Farm is this glass paperweight. The graphic is the stagecoach and the title is Knott's Berrry Fram and Ghost Town Buena Park, Calif. A very heavy and cool souvenir from the early 1950's.

Opera House Model Photograph

Another of the Main Street model photographs. This one shows the Opera House. Reading the store fronts, there were some major changes in this area. The tobacco shop and a kids clothing store was going to be in this area where the bank is now located. A post office/stationary store is where the Mad Hatter is now located. And I do not see any sign of the Bank.

Happy Halloween- Bushman Concept Art For Haunted Mansion

Happy Halloween all. Taking a quick break from the model photographs with a bewitching and early concept for the portrait gallery. The art is a brown tone print featuring a young Disneyland guest walking the hallway. It appears he feels he is being watched by the portraits. The artwork is signed Bushman and titled on the reverse portrait gallery. I would say this is one of the earliest renditions and designs for the Haunted Mansion dating to 1956. Not too soon after Bruce Bushman left WED and started to work on other parks for other companies.

Have a wonderful Halloween! May your trick or treat bags be filled with candy and your house not egged!

Two Sides of the Main Street Model

A single image showing two sides of the Main Street Model. It is amazing how the actual stores and buildings remained the same, with even the same sponsor and store name.

City Hall and Fire Department Model

A nice close up image of the City Hall and Fire Department model. This one also shows Walt's real apartment.

Town Square Pre-Opening Artwork

Vintage Disneyland publicity image showing the detailed model of Town Square filled with people. Some nice touches include the Mickey Mouse flag on the railroad station, a sweeper and a cub scout as figures. Also note the location of the gazebo band stand as well as statuary in the square.

Disneyland Pre-Opening Art Photograph

Starting a series of 1955 Disneyland publicity images showing art and models of the park. The first is the Main Street Station with Disneyland spelled out instead of the Mickey Mouse head topiary. The image is most likely a colored photo of the model.

Souvenir Friday- Disneyland Winnie The Pooh Fan Card

Today's souvenir is a newer piece than most of my collection. The front is a fan card that was handed out by the handlers of the Winnie the Pooh characters. The back however features the opening of the Walt Disney Story during Easter of 1973. Underneath is an advertisement for the new Bear Country (not Critter Country) featuring a graphic of Big Al. Even though not a fantastically rare piece, it does document the advertising and growth of Disneyland in the 1970s.

Walt Disney and the Monorail at the Disneyland Hotel 1961

Today's image is a press photograph of Walt Disney with one of his big toys, the Disney Alweg Monorail. The photograph was taken at the Disneyland Hotel during the opening ceremonies for the extension to the Hotel by the Monorail. I really like the Alweg logo on the door. The press release on the back reads: Let's Go to Disneyland! Standing on the new station platform at the Disneyland Hotel. Walt Disney makes it an open invitation to all, as he steps into the new Disneyland-Alweg monorail train for the initial trip on the 1961 expansion of the Monorail system. The new $2 million addisiotn to the system covers 2-1/2 miles, races out of Tomorrowland at speeds up to 45 mph, races along Harbor Boulevard, a major highway, curves west across the half mile parking area, crosses West Street to the Hotel and returns to Disneyland. New system will be open to the public on June 12.

The Land EPCOT Center 1982

Two early views of the Land Pavilion at EPCOT center in November 1982. Fondly remembered for the Kitchen Kaberet show featuring audio-animatronic food and kitchen items. The pavilion also featured a great and gentle ride through on flat bottom boats through a large green house showing the various parts of the earth.

A Couple of Random Images

For today just two random images. One shows the Chicken of the Sea Pirate Ship in a typical shot. What is nice is the lack of theming and landscape around the ship. The photo is circa December 1956.

The second image shows a street scene. The cute factor is the dad taking a picture of his daughter standing on the back of the trolley. The daughter is holding Mickey Mouse balloons and in front of dad appears to be a Christmas present. If you look closely, you will also see another lady taking a photograph of the scene.

More Japanese Deer Park Images

Here are some more photographs from the Japanese Deer Park in 1968. There was a whole bunch of images of the deer, but I only posted one. Enjoy.

Souvenir Friday- Disneyland Magic Slate 1964

A very unusual Magic Slate is this Disneyland one for 1964. I like the early rendition of the Haunted Mansion in the upper part of the slate along with the modern style tiki pole and Tiki Room bird. Some very cool graphics on this, rendered in a mid century modern illustration style.