Along the Rivers of America

One of my favorite images is of the Mark Twain going by while standing next to the Rivers of America. First up is a unique image of New Orleans Square. Unfortunately the shadows are long and the slide is dark.

A postcard worthy image of the Mark Twain as seen from Tom Sawyer's Island.

I wonder what has happened to the home movies shot on the camera in this photograph? And what fantastic purchases is hiding in the bag?

This image was included in the grouping, but I believe it is from a different trip and definitely a different person. The subject does sport quite a look.

Tomorrowland 1969

Today we take a look at Tomorrowland in 1969. First up, let's stop by the Coke Corner to become refreshed and get a smile.

Now to Tomorrowland. First up is Submarine Voyage, Monorail and Peoplemover. I love how the yellow of the Monorail matches the yellow of the Peoplemover.

A long view from the Skyway with the twisty and turny track of the Peoplemover and Monorail. In the background are the spires of the joyful It's A Small World.

Last image for today shows the crowded scene at the Tomorrowland Autopia, hat shop and Skyway.

Vintage Grad Nite Photographs

I love finding Grad Nite photographs. The images always show the wonderful fashion of the time, especially the suits and dresses. First up is an image of two girls going stag posing with Captain Hook. This one is from 1978 when flowered prairie style dresses were in fashion.

In three years, fashion has changed. Although floral is still in, it is with a larger print and pant suits appear. As for the young man, I have two words Napoleon Dynamite!

Interesting Photographs from February 1977

A nice selection of photographs dated February 12, 1977. The obsessive fan snapped some shots that remind me of the images now seen on the Disney chat sites. First up is a nice image of the Adventureland Bazaar. I wonder what cool tiki and jungle themed items are for sale.

Next up is a nice shot of the exit for Nature's Wonderland. Comparing similar shots when the attraction opened, the trees have really grown in 16 years.

A nice unusual image of a long line waiting to ride Mission to Mars. What is unusual is the attraction usually did not have long lines.

Looking a bit closer, one can see some nice posters and advertising on the construction wall. The wall advertises the new attraction being built next door, Space Mountain.

The last shot is one featuring the actual construction for Space Mountain. I believe this shot was taken from the second floor of the America Sings building. If you look at the lower part of the photo, you can see some of the advertising on the wall.

Marc Davis Pirates Part II

Two more publicity stills from the opening of Pirates of the Caribbean featuring the art of Marc Davis. I found these on E-Bay along with one of the first Pirates souvenir books. First up is a piece of art I have not seen before, a Pirate making sure his loot is packed up and carried away.

The next image is from Daveland's favorite scene, the Hat thief.

Marc Davis Pirates Part I

Quick post today featuring vintage publicity stills of Marc Davis drawings for Pirates of the Caribbean. The stills feature some tableaux I do not recognize seeing before. My favorite two are the large pirate and girl and the dog pulling on the pirate. Check tomorrow for another set of stills.

Souvenir Friday- Disneyland Hotel Monorail Sign

Today's collectible for the Souvenir Friday is a sign that once hung at the Disneyland Hotel. During the 1960's a guest of the hotel could pay 75 cents and get to ride the sleek Monorail from the Hotel through Disneyland and back. The sign is self framed and painted on a piece of Masonite. (The sign is currently hanging on my wall in the Dining area which is themed to Tomorrowland.)

Finding and owning a sign like this is great, but it is better to find a vintage photograph featuring the sign. Check out the upper right hand corner of this lovely Christmas image (the ladies are decorating the Disneyland Hotel with mistletoe.)

Something for Wally Boag and Aristocats Fans

I have just finished reading Wally Boag's excellent and informative autobiography Wally Boag Clown Prince of Disneyland and thought I would show these three behind the scenes photographs from Aristocats. Wally was recruited to portray the lawyer when he was "assisted" up the stairs by Edgar the Butler. Edgar was portrayed by Dal McKennon. First up is an image of the main players including Woolie Reitherman and animator John Lounsboury along with Wally Boag and Dal McKennon.

Next up are the two action shots. The first is of Edgar falling down the stairs while carrying the butler (the large backpack thing is meant to portray a body on the back.)

The last one shows the butler resisting the assistance of Edgar.

For those interested in the Wally Boag book it can be ordered from Wally Boag available in a deluxe version or regular version. I do recommend it for some behind the scenes Disneyland history.

Disneyland in Soft Focus

Several weeks ago, I posted a group of images that were from a photographer taking a class and experimenting with focus and composition. Here are more pictures in a similar vein. I purchased these many years ago, when I was just starting to collect Disneyland items. They were in a group of photographs that included extreme close ups of flowers and other objects. I have always enjoyed the soft focus of the scenes and my favorite is the first one, Monstro in close up.

This photo is a close second to the Monstro picture as she is a very pretty Snow White.

The last shot is a nice image of a busy Main Street. The focus is nice. I wonder if the student received a passing grade?

Disneyland in Black and White Second Round

Some more images in glorious black and white from 1957. First up is a vicious hippo attack from the Jungle River Cruise.

Next up is a shot of the Mark Twain with the New Orleans style cast iron railing and fencing.

Finishing up today with two nice images from the Canal boat on Storybook Land.

Disneyland in Black and White 1957

Three interesting views from Disneyland in 1957. First up is a nice shot of the back of the Peter Pan Pirate ship restaurant with the Chicken of the Sea Mermaid logo.

Next up is a view of Casey Junior with the fairly new Storybook Canal boats area. I believe this was taken from the Skyway.

Final shot is of the living desert in Frontierland. The buttes and rock designs were quite the attraction. I believe this was taken from the Santa Fe and Disneyland railroad.

A Child Visits Disneyland 1968 Part II

Two nice action images of the Tea Cup Party ride. In the first the photographer almost missed his subject.

The last image is from the same family, but is from a trip one year earlier...on everyone's favorite singing attraction.

A Child's Trip to Disneyland 1968

Most of us who collect and obsess over Disneyland and Disney have done so for many years. I can trace my passion back to trips to Disneyland as a kid over many years. This young lady had a nice trip in 1968 with her Mom, Dad and an Aunt. First up is the obligatory photo at the Mickey Mouse floral. This is the only image with Dad,as I believe he was the main photographer.

Next up is a pose against the berm, just inside the tunnels by the Opera House with her mom and aunt.

Of course the favorite place to visit is Fantasyland. First up is the Dumbo ride. The ride is definitely colorful in the shot, Mom is tres chic in her white sunglasses and the young girl is so excited!

Of course the young girl wanted to ride the carousel. Dad almost missed her by snapping too quickly.

Souvenir Friday- Knott's Berry Farm Ghost Town Building

A great Knott's Berry Farm souvenir from the 1950s is this neat modeling set of the buildings located in the Ghost Town. The envelope is pretty generic, being the envelope used for the Knott's Berry Farm souvenir guides of the time period. The set reminds me of the Lone Ranger town a kid could collect from the backs of cereal boxes and create a large town. There were also other paper modeling sets sold or given away as premiums during this time. I know some of you out there are very creative and good at modeling, but if I tried to assemble the buildings, it would be a disaster. If any of you want to try your hand at assembling the buildings, let me know and I will send you the scans...

Six Flags Over Georgia

Two quick images from Six Flags Over Georgia circa early 1970s. First up is a nice fun foto with a unique way of putting the guest into the ride. It works really well and is convincing with just the head of the guest showing. I like the cartoon design of the car.

The next image is from the fantastic Okefenokee Swamp ride. This is from the second version of the ride with better animated figures.