Souvenir Friday- December Days At Disneyland 1956

A very early cast member item featuring information about the second Holiday season at Disneyland. Sent out prior to the start of the season with reminders about decorations, entertainment, parties, and other tips. A couple of my favorite are about spirits at Disneyland and that there was ongoing discussion regarding being open on Christmas. Checking Jason's almanac, Disneyland was open on Christmas from 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

Small Pleasures to Be Found at Freedomland

Not only did Freedomland have some exciting rides such as the Tornado and the San Francisco Earthquake, there were many smaller pleasures. One that captivated the photographer were the many characters seen throughout the park. This gentleman from Old New York is keeping the crowd entertained. I believe he is trying to convince the guests to vote for the mayor, or he is surrendering to the Constable.

Next up is a scene from the petting zoo that surrounded the Borden Elsie the Cow Boudoir. I feel sorry for the poor goat who is not receiving any attention. I also like the fabric of the shorts on the girl on the left with cool mid-century style kitties.

Constable and Undertaker

Sounding like a law firm, today's post celebrates two of the characters once found at Freedomland. First up is the Constable making the rounds in Old New York. He seems to be a popular fellow and not too many criminals are running away from him.

The next image is of another jolly fellow. The Undertaker as seen in the Old Southwest section of the park. He is posing in front of the Borden Elsie the Cow Boudoir. The Undertaker would give away business cards to those guests who would dare to ask for one.

The Mayor and Wife of Freedomland

Populating the theme park of Freedomland were various characters. Two of the most colorful were the mayor of Old New York and his saucy wife. Both dressed in finery of the 1890s, the two would put on a show at the entrance to entertain the visiting guests. Based upon these photographs, they managed to draw quite a crowd. Of course, the German band may also have helped in the number of satisfied guests.

Freedomland By Train

Two images from the Santa Fe Railroad at Freedomland. Yes, Santa Fe was a sponsor for both Disneyland and Freedomland trains. The first image is from the elevated station showing Old New York and Old Chicago. The detail and theming of the buildings is nice. I really like the painted advertising on the building for the Portrait Studio.

Next up is a you are there blurry image of the interior of the Santa Fe Railroad. I believe the image is blurry due to the motion of the train. Very nice detailing on the cars. I believe the cars were built specifically for Freedomland, similar to the train coaches at Disneyland.

Souvenir Friday- Disneyland Recreation Club News September 1956

A very nice and early cast member publication is this Disneyland Recreation Club News. Only dated with the month of September, but based upon the opening of the INA Carefree Corner, the news dates to 1956. A very early template for the Disneylander magazine that would start publishing in 1957. Be sure to read the article on Mineral Hall and also the piece on Ed Ettinger.

Disneyland Photographs

Clearing the end of the group of Disneyland slides I have been posting the last several weeks with some random photographs. First up is a nice view of the Snow White grotto statues. This is still one of my favorite places to visit for quiet reflection and to make a wish.

Next is a nice colorful view of the Old Mill on Tom Sawyer's Island. The little set details on the mill add to the scene.

Last image is of the set detail for Sleeping Beauty Castle Moat, a lovely swan. The swans add a nice kinetic attraction to the water feature.

Skipper Jeff Finds the Lost Safari

Finishing the Jungle Cruise trip with my friend Skipper Jeff. First image is of the African Veldt with the pack of lions and the vultures looking for a free handout. This scene has been updated but the essence of the scene remains the same.

Next up is one of my favorite scenes, the trapped lost safari. The laughing hyenas and the upset rhinoceros who has "treed" the safari. The poor porter will get the point in the end. Luckily Skipper Jeff has found the lost safari and they may be saved.

A Pack of Pachyderms On the Jungle Cruise

Skipper Jeff must have really sold the unique picture opportunity of the elephant bathing pool. Some fun shots including little squirt being protected from a Crocodile by his mom. He best be careful as the Crocodile may be after him for a little snack.

Next up is a nice photograph of the large group of pachyderms enjoying the water. It looks like they are loading their trunks to cool down the passengers.

Last image is of the happiest elephant enjoying her bath. It looks like she has been in there for years as she is all wrinkled.

Jungle River Cruise With Skipper Jeff

The next series of Disneyland photographs feature one of my favorite attractions, the Jungle River Cruise. We are going to be on the boat piloted by my good friend Skipper Jeff. First up is a shot of the scenic outrigger at the start of the ride. At this time (circa late 1960s), the boat was very brightly colored. Wave goodbye to all the folks on the dock.

Luckily for us, Skipper Jeff is an experienced skipper and can get us through head hunter country, which by the way is a dangerous place to be headed. Check out the Hokey Pokey dance moves.

Souvenir Friday- Disneyland Merchandise News

A very fragile and ephemeral item is this newsletter sent to Disneyland Lessees regarding the merchandise in their stores. Dating to August 10, 1957 the newsletter details the popularity of postcards, attendance projections, procedures in regards to pricing and type of merchandise, how to draw a crowd (now to find a photograph of the giant stein in the Emporium window) and the Fall schedule for Disneyland. The other goal is to locate more of these early newsletters.

Old Chicago Aflame at Freedomland

Here the fire department has responded to the fire alarm that Old Chicago is burning. The building was a concrete structure with gas lines feeding the flames. The firefighters would ask guests to assist in pumping the water to put out the flames. Of course the fire would be doused and the crowd would applaud.

Fantastic Fun at Freedomland

Continuing with images from Freedomland the photographer has another fun shot of the German band playing Old New York. The crowd seems very entertained by the band.

Next image shows the excitement found in Old Chicago area of the park when the fire department responds to a call. Old Chicago would burn once again on a daily schedule.

Entrance to Freedomland

A newly acquired collection of slides from Freedomland in June of 1960 will be highlighted over the next several days. Freedomland was located in the Bronx in New York City and was designed to mimic the United States. The park was in the shape of the United States with different sections of the park featuring attractions relevant to the area. The photographer starts with the crowd entering the park in Old New York. Check out the gentleman in the middle holding a Freedomland guide book.

Sponsored by Schaeffer's Beer is this German band entertaining the crowd. I like the reflection in the large Tuba.

Matterhorn Memories

As most of you know, my favorite attraction at Disneyland is the Matterhorn bobsleds. I have always enjoyed the thrilling ride down the snowy mountain, through icy caverns, and to the chilling splash at the end of the ride. As I started to delve into the history of Disneyland, I was more impressed by the Matterhorn and the technology of the ride. Being the first tubular steel roller coaster, the individual bobsleds sped down the track mimicking the forces felt on a true bobsled ride. The ride also included early block braking to maintain the separation of the vehicles. The first image is of the Bobsled from the Fantasyland/it's a small world side.

The next picture is a nice portrait of the mountain. I miss the Skyway ride through the mountain.

The last picture is dark but shows a you are there view of riding the bobsleds inside the mountain. Not too many photographers dared to take a picture while on the bobsled.

Souvenir Friday- Cast Mamber Information Sheet 1957

Given to cast members in 1957 to help answer the many questions guests may have in regards to Disneyland. Based upon the note on the front, I believe this was distributed with the 1957 Disneyland Guidebook. Some interesting information is found in this little brochure especially the break down of the tickets. Also note that City Hall was mainly for Press Relations, not Guest Relations.

Sailing Ship Columbia

Built and launched by Disneyland and Todd Shipyards in 1958, the mighty sailing ship Columbia provided another attraction on the bustling Rivers of America. A fully rigged, three masted sailing ship replica of the first United States ship to circumnavigate the globe, the ship has served the park well since it's debut. With a build out of it's below decks in 1964, the ship has continued to journey through the wilderness of Frontierland. In the first image the Columbia is sailing past the dry docked Mark Twain. On the right is the old mill with my favorite barrels floating in the water.

The second image shows the Columbia ready to depart from the Frontierland docks. Note the Tom Sawyer's Island raft on the left hand side, docked at the now unused pier.

Main Street and King Louie

A crowded view of Main Street USA at dusk with Sleeping Beauty Castle in the background and the nice details of Main Street visible. I am totally digging the groovy threads being worn!

The second image is of a fan posing with King Louie in front of the Swiss Family Treehouse. The balloon matches the outfit of the girl.

Frontierland Scenic Views

These slides are from the same batch of slides as the it's a small world slides posted yesterday. The slides are of a nice Frontierland with great views. First up is a great view of the New Orleans area of old Frontierland with the Matterhorn in the background and the Old Mill in the foreground. I remember the barrel floating in the water every time I rode the Mark Twain with my grandparents. I will have to look and see if this little touch still exists in the Rivers of America.

Next up is the finale of the Three Sisters Falls with the Nature's Wonderland Mine Train tracks going under the falls.

"it's a small world" Attraction Marquee

An attraction that people either say they love or hate is the happiest cruise that has ever sailed the world, it's a small world. Sponsored by a long term Disneyland lessee and one of the major financiers for the park Bank of America. Originally sponsored by Pepsi Cola at the 1964 New York World's Fair, the attraction was changed slightly for it's residence at Disneyland. The biggest change was the exterior of the attraction and the loss of Rolly Crump's Tower of Four Winds. The first image is from high over Disneyland while riding the Skyway over Fantasyland. Some details are the colorful tables sitting at the Storybook Canal Boats entrance and the kiosk on the left hand side.

The next image is of the attraction building from the walkway. I like how the gold and white shines in the daylight, and the absence of the distracting toy shop at the exit.