Macy's Thanksgiving Parade 1949

The final four images of the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade from 1949. I really like the sign in the background for the Automat restaurant, a classic and unique New York food establishment. Many New Yorkers fondly remmember the Automat and the wonderful apple pie. For more information, see The Automat. The first image of the toy clown like balloon is kind of scary. I also like the last image with the clown moving away from the crowd.

More Macy Thanksgiving Parade

Two more shots from the Macy Thanksgiving Parade. The Howdy Doody balloon is amazing with the figural Howdy underneath the balloon as well as the crowd not looking at the float. Also the monkey float looks like it is deflating.

For Major is a nice shot of the crowd and the tall buildings.

And this is some sort of garden display showcasing Puerto Rico.

Look for some more NY slides tomorrow. And don't forget to tune into the Macy's Parade from NYC.

A Holiday Tradition

Well the Stuff From the Park crew decided to head east for Thanksgiving with this collection of slides. First stop is Greenwich Village in New York City so we can peruse some of the art on the sidewalks. What would look nice over the couch in the living room?

Wait, what is that crowd over there? Mr. Police Officer, what is this?

Oh I see, it is the annual Macy Thanksgiving Parade. And look at that balloon crocodile (or is it an alligator?)

Slides are undated but I believe from 1949 based upon the movie poster for All the King's Men. Look for more parade shots over the next two days.

More Knott's Berry Farm

Here are some more images of Knott's Berry Farm in the mid 1950s. This is the same couple as seen in yesterday's post and also a long time ago on this blog. I like the posing the couple did and the shots of the various parts of the Ghost Town. The first image is of the old red school house.

The next appears to be the first steam up for the day of old number 40 of the Knott's Railroad. I like how everyone is admiring the engine and the nice detailing on the engine.

The third shows the old volcano. The prospector in the back better move before the eruption hits him with lava and steaming water.

And the last shows the old Blacksmith shop. It definitely looks like it was a calmer, gentler time when these images were taken.

Laundry Day at Stuff From The Park

Sunday's at the Stuff From the Park world headquarters usually involve laundry. So for today, let's head over to Knott's Berry Farm to visit Wing Lee's Chinese Laundry.

Some of the signs are pretty bad reminding me of the Abercrombie and Fitch controversial T-Shirt for Wong's Laundry- Two Wongs will make it white! Of course while we are at Knott's, let's ride the train while our laundry is being washed.

Or we can hang out in the Indian Village area and watch how they wash their buffalo hides.

Or just hang out at one of the buildings on Knott's version of Main Street. I was thinking this was the outside of the "Wacky Shack" but it does not look like that location. Maybe Chris or Outside the Berm can place the location.

Frontierland Directions

Here are two directional signs found in Frontierland. One directs the guest into Frontierland, the other to Adventureland and the Jungle Rivers. In the second there is a hat for Major...one to wear to a job interview.

Souvenir Friday- Small World Ceramic Figurines

Today I showcase two great 1964 Small World Souvenirs. There is a set of these numbering at least 12. I managed to find these two, India and Cambodia, still in their original boxes. The figurines are small, measuring 2 inches in height. The figurines are nicely done, but the boxes are great. On each side is the same picture of Sleeping Beauty Castle. I also have a set of Dinosaurs in the same boxes with markings for the Primeval World.

More Early Rivers of America Photographs

Continuing the Frontierland trend are these two images of the Rivers of America. The first shows a very early image of one of the Mike Fink Keelboats rounding the bend. The landscaping and plants have not grown and do not cover much. Of course the area is much more lush with growth.

The second image is of the friendly Indian Village along the river. Check out Gorilla's Don't Blog for a great image of the village.

And speaking of the Major and his blog, he is celebrating his 500th post today. Jump on over there and congratulate him!

1958 Disneyland Visit Black and White Snapshots

A nice collection of three snapshots of an October 1958 trip to Disneyland. The photographer appears to have liked Frontierland. The first image is of the newly launched Columbia sitting in Fowler's Harbor. In the background is the large striped circus tent at Holidayland.

The second image is of the Mark Twain as taken from the highest point at Disneyland during this time period- Tom Sawyer's treehouse. The framing with the leaves is very dramatic.

The final image is of the Stagecoach in front of the boiling paintpots in the painted desert. If you look real close at the two ladies sitting on top of the stage coach it appears one is putting on her makeup.

Two Unusual Views of the Monorail

The first image was taken on the edge of Fantasyland and Tomorrowland where the Monorial track goes over the wild and wooly Motor Boat Cruise. Dated October 1959, the track had only been in existence less than a year.

The second view is dates Xmas 1967 and features Monorail red in station. The way the photograph is taken, it appears as if the sign appears right on top of the monorail. Also look at that line for the Submarine Voyage.

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.