West Side of Main Street March 1955

Our photographer next moved down the street and snapped this photo of the West side of Main Street. Shown is the Crystal Arcade and the Emporium. The brick wall that needs to be moved into place is neat along with the skeletal structure of the Railroad station in the background. Our photographer keeps moving with another Main Street image tomorrow.

Side Street Main Street Disneyland March 1955

Nice view of the side street where the Main Street Flower Mart was set up and what is now between the Market House and Disney Clothiers. The building to the left now houses the ice cream cone shop and the building to the left is now the lockers. More Main Street to come tomorrow. I want to thank Dan and his blog for influencing me to start this blog, the wonderful images he posted yesterday and the plug. Thanks Dan.

A Sampler of Things

Looking Down Main Street From the Plaza March 1955

Our photographer next moved to Main Street and took this wonderful shot looking down Main Street from the Plaza towards the front entrance and Railroad Station. The building closest on the left hand side is the Carefree Corner (now the camera and photo center) and on the opposite side of the street is the Coke Corner. The rest of the images are of Main Street, so stay tuned for more.

Railroad Berm and Frontierland Desert Area March 1955

The next shot in this series is of the Frontierland desert with the dirt berm for the railroad. If you take a close look at the trees on the berm, they are still in the shipping boxes and ready for transplanting. Also, some of the cacti are still bound from shipping. Tomorrow we head out to Main Street.

Frontierland Desert Area Cactus and Dirt March 1955

The next place our intrepid visitor went was just west of Fantasyland into the desert themed area of Frontierland. This is the location in which the Stagecoaches, Conestoga Wagons and Mule Pack traveled through on opening day. You can see the trail, the dirt hills and the cactus being planted. Stay tuned for more tomorrow.

The Lumberyard That Was Fantasyland March 1955

The second image from the antique auto enthusiast. This is another view of Fantasyland under construction with all the lumber sitting there waiting to be hammered into place. Look for more tomorrow.

Fantasyland Being Framed March 1955

Today I am starting a series of slides I was lucky enough to purchase many years ago. The slides were taken by an antique auto enthusiast. In March of 1955, he was allowed onto the construction site for Disneyland and he took a series of slides of buildings under construction. The first shows the framework for the Fantasyland rides with the castle structure being visible. I will continue this tour tomorrow...

Disneyland Date Memo October 1964

As those who know me, not only do I collect images of Disneyland, but my main collection is comprised of Disneyland paper and other collectables. And this is a great piece I was fortunate to buy. It is a memo from one employee to another asking for a date to the after Christmas employee party. I like this piece because it shows the employees being human and also the nice Disneyland Inter office communication memo form. I do not know if they actually went on the date or not...one of the mysteries of life.

The Backside of the Adventureland Sign July 1955

One of my favorite lines from the Jungle Cruise is the backside of water gag. And this is a great shot of the backside of the Adventureland sign. I like the shield tiki, the wire gardening fence and the plaid shirt with the buzz cut hair. A nice view of a little photographed angle in early Disneyland. Slide is dated 7/55 in pencil.

Old MacDonald's Farm Petting Zoo Knott's Berry Farm 1960s

One of the attractions of Knott's Berry Farm was that at one time it was a true farm. And this part of the park showcased its rural heritage. The bright red barn and the famous goat on the roof are shown on this slide. The incongrous part of a seal pool is not shown, but it was there as part of Old MacDonald's Farm. Still that was the charm of the original Knotts. Slide is dated August 1961.

Dining Area Chicken of the Sea Pirate Ship Restaurant Fantasyland May 1963

The Chicken of the Sea Pirate ship is one of the demolished icons from Fantasyland. Those of a certain age remember getting a Tuna burger sandwich served on a little boat from this restaurant. This view shows the al fresco dining area that was actually located behind the ship amidst the rock work for Skull Rock. Also shown is the track for Casey Jr. and in the distance is the Fantasyland Railroad Station that was removed when It's A Small World was constructed. slide is a Kodachrome slide with a May 1963 date stamp.

Main Street Train Station from Parking Lot May 1963

It looks like in 1963 some construction work was being done to the front entrance. They may have been laying brick for the entrance to dress it up. The photographer still took an interesting shot of the Main Street Railroad station and managed to include the construction wall, the entrance turnstiles, the floral Mickey Mouse and best of all the attraction posters. Maybe the thought was to start off the slide show with this image saying we just arrived at Disneyland and are getting to walk through the gates. Slide is dated May 1963.

Suspension Bridge Tom Sawyers Island 1960s

I think I have said this before, but Tom Sawyer Island was one of my favorite places to go as a kid. It was wonderful to run through the island, go through the tunnels (especially the escape tunnel from Fort Wilderness) and to run across the suspension bridge and barrel bridge. I remember many times stopping on this bridge and swinging it, making my brothers and mom having to walk carefully or at other times all of us swinging the bridge together. I like the two girls wearing their sailor shirts, one red and one blue with matching shorts. Slide is from a trip taken in the 1960s.

Update to Archives

Hello All- I just went through and changed the sizes on the photos for the first posts. Take a look, click on the image and it will be bigger. This has been a learning process for me.

Trinidad the White Wing of Main Street July 1955

The street sweeper of Main Street who added the wonderful streetmosphere character to Disneyland long before such characters were added to Walt Disney World. Trinidad's main job was to sweep up behind the horse drawn trolley, but he also interacted with guests. This was once a common sight at towns during the turn of the century. I love the blue uniforms on the Disneyland band although they look like police more than a band. I can see why they switched to the white and red uniforms. Slide is dated July 1955.

Fantasyland Skyway Chalet Late 1950s

Shot of the Fantasyland Skyride Chalet. Designed to look like a Swiss cuckoo clock mixed with a Swiss Alps skiing lodge, the chalet served as the Fantasyland terminal of the ride. This building was definitely more interesting than the Tomorrowland station. Luckily, Disneyland has left this building in place, although one can only look and not walk up to or in the building. I always enjoyed the designs on the building that housed the line with the wonderful color moon and sun design. Image is from a slide taken during late 1950s trip. Other slides posted from this trip is the Caterpillar car from Alice In Wonderland.

Tomorrowland Couple April 1960

What can be said about this slide? A wonderful image of the first Tomorrowland with bubbles on the wall of the Circlevision theater, the futuristic light fixtures, the signage, and the background shade canopies. This is one of my favorite slides. The slide is not Kodachrome so some color manipulation was done to restore it. Slide is dated April 1960. This slide is for Mr. Toast.

California Golden Poppies On Nature's Wonderland Railroad 1970

Natures Wonderland Railroad is consistently one of the rides most missed at Disneyland. It was a fun and scenic ride on a slow moving train that the whole family could enjoy. And it was very repeatable. Now I do like Big Thunder, but feel the speed is too fast and lets face it, as a roller coaster it is pretty weak. With Nature's Wonderland, you actually saw nature, such as these California Golden Poppies Eschsholtzia californica on the trackside and you had enough time to enjoy it. Well, maybe my age is showing. If you look real close, you can see some of the bubbling pots in the background. Slide is dated Apr 1970.

Loading the Zambezi Miss Jungle Cruise 1959

Wonderful panaromic view of the Jungle Cruise Attraction loading area with guest getting ready to board the Zambezi Miss. In the background can be seen a Jungle Cruise launch unloading along with the Tahitian Terrace and the storage area for tables and other items from the restaurant. I like the sailor outfits on the Jungle Cruise shippers and the striped shirt and boater hat for the employee loading the guests. Image is from a Kodachrome slide from a 1959 visit.

Main Street Trolley and Opera House 1959

Great uncrowded view of the Main Street Horse Drawn Trolley awaiting customers with the Opera House in the background. I love the sky being that great blue and the lack of crowds. I wonder what the shareholders of today would think about a theme park being this uncrowded and four employees (well I guess I should call them what Disney calls them, cast members) working the ride and doing nothing. If you look closely, you can see the International Street facade and the tip of the TWA Moon rocket. Slide is Kodachrome from a 1959 trip.

Henry's Livery Ride Knott's Berry Farm 1961

Knott's Berry Farm answer to Disneyland's Autopia was Henry's Livery Ride where youngsters got to drive a replica Model T through a winding course. This cute ride wound through a more suburban farm themed environment than the modern freeway of the Autopia. I believe the ride was manufactured by Arrow and was powered by a small gasoline engine. One of the better souvenir tickets from Knott's is the ticket for this ride with cute graphics of the Model T and typical early 1900s sayings about automobiles. Image is from a Kodachrome slide marked Aug. 1961.

Casa De Fritos Dining Area 1950s

The only restaurant my family always dined at was Casa De Fritos (changed to Casa Mexicana in later years) on our annual trips to Disneyland. In fact I have some home movie footage of my grandparents and parents trip to Disneyland in 1957 and my grandmother proudly stands in front of the Casa De Fritos sign. This image shows the dining area with a thatched roof, a western and then an adobe style building next to each other and what is my favorite, the bright basic color chairs and tables. I am unsure of date of this slide as I only found a few slides together. It is an Anscochrome slide which was a competitor to Kodachrome.

Spaceship Ride Unknown Carnival 1950s

Wonderful shot of a spaceship style spinning ride at an unknown carnival in the early 1950s. Same design as many other rides, this has a great look with 1930s style streamline rockets and ray guns for the kids to pretend to shoot. I love the blurriness of the kid in the foreground and the focus in the background and those sunglasses on the girl! Plus the fact the carnival is set up in the middle of a grass field surrounded by trees. Very much a small town look. Kodachrome slide from the 1950s.

Tahitian Terrace Restaurant Before the Tiki Room 1959

Early view of the Tahitian Terrace restaurant. This shot is from a series of slides taken during a 1959 trip and shows the unique restuarant overlooking the Jungle Cruise. It shared kitchens and the roof line with the Plaza Pavilion and did serve polynesian fare. However, there was no floor show, dancers or musicians, just a place to get a meal. The roof piece is awful neat and adds a nice tropical theme. Kodachrome slide.

Caterpillar Ride Vehicle Alice In Wonderland 1958

Wonderful image of a young girl taking her own ride in a Caterpillar vehicle on the Alice In Wonderland attraction. This was taken during the first year of the ride. Very cute image with the girl looking like a princess. And the caterpillar cars have always been one of my favorite ride vehicles. Image is from a slide from a 1958 trip.

Monsanto Hall Of Chemistry Tomorrowland 1959

Yesterday and Tomorrow meet in this slide, great shot of Grandma posing in front of the Monsanto Hall of Chemistry. I love the Enid Collins style purse she is holding and the hat she is wearing. Whatever happened to those days when going to Disneyland was treated as a big deal and you actually dressed up for the trip? Now, everyone wears anything and everything, including some very tasteless T-shirts. I am going to blame casual workplace rules! Allright, I am off my soapbox, nice shot from a 1959 trip captured on a Kodachrome slide.

South Seas Shell Fountain and Tikis Marineland of the Pacific July 1963

I don't think I ever went to Marineland of the Pacific during my childhood. Growing up in San Diego, my Grandparents would always take me to Sea World. So, I missed seeing this wonderful Shell fountain and South Sea's Garden with two large Tikis at Marineland on the Palos Verdes Peninsula. Marineland did have some wonderful structures such as the large Oceanarium stadium where the shows were held and the restaurant with the shell ceiling. I have visited the site several times just to see what is left and it is not much. Another one of the extinct parks with just memories for those lucky enough to have actually been there during its heyday. Image is from a Kodachrome slide marked Jul 63.

Leaving Hell Mr. Toads Wild Ride Disneyland 1971

Dramatic shot of two girls surviving the last scene of hell from one of the best Fantasyland rides, Mr. Toads Wild Ride. I absolutely love the expressions on their faces and the composition of the shot with the red rock work for Hell seen in the background. Whenever I go to Disneyland, I try to ride Mr. Toads just to see the laughing devils. Several years ago Disney auctioned off the devils that were removed as part of a rehab of the ride, but I was never able to win one. Oh well, something to keep looking for as a goal in my collecting life. Also, notice the Toad car is the old single seat style, all the ones used in the ride now are double seat style from the extinct Walt Disney World ride. Image is from a slide marked FEB 71.

Skull Rock Fantasyland 1961

One of the best lost Disneyland items was the evocative Skull Rock located behind the Chicken of the Sea Pirate Ship restaurant. This image is from the first year that the rock was in place and is an absolutely gorgeous shot. I definitely miss the rock and the pirate ship restaurant. I am happy that the swimming pool for the Disneyland Hotel had a make over and the imagineers did do a homage to Skull Rock. Slide is marked Disneyland Sept. 61 and is kodachrome.

The Backside of Tomorrowland September 1955

Vintage back stage images of Disneyland are very rare as most people had no access to the back stage areas and also not a lot of people saw a need to take a photo. So, this image showing the backside of Tomorrowland is very unique. I love the cars just parked on the dirt against the yellow plywood wall, the telephone pole in the middle and the unique view of the Rocket to the Moon ride. I believe this slide was taken by an Antique Automotive enthusiast whose car was in a parade at Disneyland, and the blue panel van with the trailer was his tow vehicle used to haul his antique auto. Slide is date marked 9-55 and View of Tomorrowland on the slide.

Dedication Plaque at Flag Pole Disneyland 1959

For many years, the dedication plaque for Disneyland was placed at the foot of the flagpole in Town Square. The plaque is the philosophy of Disneyland when Walt was still alive. My opinion is that the Disney company has lost sight of this and my hope is that they are getting back to this philosophy. This plaque has now been reproduced a couple times recently, once as a paperweight and from the Disney direct 50th Anniversary collection. This is from a slide taken on a 1959 trip.

Two Views of Boot Hill Graveyard Knotts Berry Farm 1950s

Two views of the boot hill cemetary located in Ghost Town at Knott's Berry Farm. I like the posing of the shots so both the guy and the grave marker can be seen and read, especially the one where he is reading the grave marker. I always enjoyed going to the boot hill graveyard at Knotts as it had more of a sense of humor than the graveyard by Fort Wilderness in Disneyland. Both are taken from slides from the 1950s.

It's A Small World Interior Views 1970s

Two wonderful interior images of the Fantasyland ride Its A Small World. Say what you will about the song, the design and colors in the ride are absolutely awesome. As a teenager, this was the last ride I would go on, skipping it almost every time I visited Disneyland. But as you gain years, you also gain appreciation. Although the song is still not one of my favorites, the attraction is a favorite mainly due to the cute kid design and the wonderful fun sets created by Mary Blair. I love looking at all the artwork created and also the souvenirs created in 1966 to support the opening at Disneyland of this childs view of the world. Images are from Kodachrome slides from the 1970s.

Knotts Parking Lot and Trail to Ghost Town 1950s

I don't know why, but usually in every slide group there is a picture of the parking lot to the theme park. Maybe the folks were so happy to finally be at the destination, or they are telling a story with their slides and wanted to show progression, or maybe they just wanted to check the camera and took pictures out in the parking lot. This is one of the better shots I have seen, with the 1950s nuclear family (mom, dad, son and daughter) walking into Knotts Berry Farm via the long trail to Ghost Town. The dad is very cool with his brightly striped shirt and mom in her sleeveless blouse and clam diggers, both wearing Ray Ban sunglasses. Slide is a Kodachrome slide that is undated but from the 1950s.

Disneyland Stagecoach Line Going Through Balancing Rock 1959

1959 image of the desert and balancing rock section of the Rainbow Mine Train with the Disneyland Stage coach in the background. In the foreground can be seen the tracks for the train. In the upper left hand corner can be seen the little town of Rainbow Ridge. Kodachrome slide from a 1959 trip.

Coming into Unload Area on Matterhorn Ride 1959

This image features my favorite attraction, the first all tubular steel roller coaster in the world, the Matterhorn Bobsled ride. Gorgeous opening year image of a single sled with two tone paint coming around the final corner into the unload area. The girl in the back appears to not have enjoyed the ride very much, but her mom and sister are smiles. In the background can be seen the Alice in Wonderland ride with the outdoor plants where the catterpilar cars run. The boy in the Hawaiian shirt and the girl with the souvenir sun bonnet are added bonuses. Image is from a Kodachrome slide from a 1959 trip.

Indian Village Frontierland 1959

View showing the various types of Indian homes that were actually constructed at Disneyland. Rather than just show one type of Native American village, Disney actually constructed several different types including the one in the foreground of this image. In reading about the Indian Village and viewing the limited postcard and guidebook images, I always thought that the village was comprised of the stereotypical teepees and just one big round dance circle. I have some photostat copies of drawings done for the Northwest Pacific Indian lodges and on the tick tock toy site from Dan Goodsell is a great image of the Northwest Pacific Indian lodge. Image is from a 1959 trip documented on a Kodachrome slide.

View of Fantasyland From Pirate Ship 1955

Wonderful 1955 view of the colorful land of Fantasyland with swirling tea cups, stately carrousel, and the old style primary color fronts on the dark rides Snow White and Peter Pan. Pictures was taken from the old Chicken of the Sea Pirate ship to get a nice height for this panoramic view. The old teacups were probably a safety nightmare with no doors and no chains. What would todays society think of such a thing where everything is gated and signed to the extreme? Looks like it was a fairly crowded day. Slide is dated July 1955.

View of Tomorrowland Fantasyland Monorail Track 1970

I know the title sounds like a jumble, but how else to describe this image. Taken from the monorail station, the view is back towards Fantasyland with the Submarine Voyage underneath, the Fantasyland Autopia (with the older Autopia cars, not the sleek modern cars seen in the Tomorrowland Autopia) with the Atlantic Richfield Eagle tower, a peak of the Motorboat cruise and in the distance is Its A Small World. Off to the left hand side can be seen the Swiss Chalet for the Matterhorn. Great action and interest in this picture, I love the red and white striped canopy for the line for the Fantasyland Autopia. Slide is a kodachrome slide with a date stamped holder of April 1970.

Vesey Walker Disneyland Band Touring Frontierland 1959

One of the main attractions at Disneyland has always been the Disneyland Band. I do not think the band gets its due for being an original attraction. It has always been one of the best marching bands in the world and in the early years was led by a grand statesman of bands, Vesey Walker. The original contract for the band was for a two week stint that has now turned into 50 years of playing music. This shot shows the band making the turn from Main Street down the main thoroughfare in Frontierland. In the background can be seen the TWA Rocket. The crowd of kids is great, especially the little girl sitting on the hitching post. And the Blue band uniforms are different as most of the time the uniforms were red. Image is from a Kodachrome slide from a 1959 trip.

Knotts Berry Farm Prospector Statue August 1961

My first collecting passion is Disneyland, but I also love vintage Knotts Berry Farm. It was the first true theme park with a great Ghost Town and the originator of a Western style steam railroad at an amusement park. The souvenirs are cool and I have great memories of going to Knotts and really enjoying the Ghost Town and Sad Eye Joe in the jail. And the mascot of the early park was the old prospector and his mule. This statue used to be more accessable as it is now on the corner of Beach Boulevard and elevated. But at this time, it was placed in front of Ghost Town with directions to the Chicken Restaurant in the background. Much more photogenic in this location. I like the cactus around the prospector. Image is from a Kodachrome slide dated August 1961.

Tahitian Terrace Dancers Dinner Show August 1973

Rare action view of the Royal Tahitian dancers at the long gone and now highly nostalgic dinner and dance show restaurant the Tahitian Terrace in Adventureland. I do like the red effect from the lights during the fire dance seen on this slide and the frenetic motion. Unfortunately, I do not think I ever had a meal there. My family was much more interested in eating at the old Casa De Fritos (later turned into Casa Mexicana) for a big lunch and then some Kentucky Fried Chicken on the way home. I hope this brings back some memories for you, or at least lets you know some of the entertainment at this restaurant. Slide is a kodachrome slide with an Aug 73 date stamp.

Submarine Voyage Dock and Monorail August 1959

Fresh new Submarines in their classic gray war paint (so much better than at the end of this ride's life when they decided to repaint them in the obnoxious yellow) with the newly constructed Monorail gliding over head. Each sub was named after a vessel in the 1950s Nuclear submarine program, I especially like Seawolf. Employees on the right in their Disneyland navy uniforms getting ready to dispatch the next group of intrepid undersea voyagers to the North Pole. This is one cool slide with great composition showing the seventh largest submarine fleet in the world at that time. Slide is Kodachrome with an August 1959 date stamp.

Ambush Rock Tom Sawyers Island Early 1960s

This view comes from a Kodachrome slide circa early 1960s. I love the lady in plaid pants standing on top of ambush rock on Tom Sawyers Island. In the lower left hand can be seen the rustic signs pointing to the various locations on the Island. Some of my strongest memories of being at Disneyland are of playing and running around Tom Sawyers Island, especially the caves. My favorite was always the escape tunnel from Fort Wilderness. I also enjoyed the spinning and balancing (teeter totter) rock and who can forget the tree house and its commanding view of New Orleans Square. Although still quite enjoyable, today's TSI pales in comparison to the one of the 1970s. Or maybe that is just my nostalgia clouding my mind. Anyways, a wonderful view and remember to beware of ambushes from ladies wearing plaid pants.

Busy Day in Fantasyland August 1959

Wonderful crowded view of Fantasyland in 1959. Off to the right hand side is the short lived Midget Autopia and in the background is the Alice In Wonderland ride, a year old when this slide was taken. Up in the sky is the Skyway. I believe the lady walking in front of the wheelchair is an early tour guide with a cast member pushing the chair. I just love the look of all the guests in this image. This is from a Kodachrome slide dated August 1959.

Two Views of the Disneyland Hotel

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Two wonderful images of the long gone parts of the Disneyland Hotel. The first is a great image looking over the shopping arcade and Monorail station with the old parking lot and Disneyland in the background. I have fond memories of going to the stores here so I would not have to pay Disneyland admission to purchase ceramics and pins. And before that, of heading over the Neon Cactus and Sgt. Prestons Saloon for a mid afternoon drink. And before that of going to the arcade that was under the pool. The second shot is of the garden rooms. I love the pink color, so very much Miami like, especially with grandmother standing out front. Both images are from Kodachrome slides both dated August 1973.

Casey Junior Circus Train Fantasyland 1959

Wonderful image of one of my favorite rides- Casey Junior the Circus Train going through the giant quilt. I love this shot that shows the backstage area and the hill that Casey "Thinks he can..." In the foreground is the London park from Peter Pan and some very green water for the Storybook Canal boats. The bushes have definitely grown up and now cover the backstage area. Image is from a Kodachrome slide circa 1959. The photographer was most likely on the other train when taking this picture.

George J Keller Tiger Trainer Show Mickey Mouse Club Circus 1955

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Interior image of Professer Keller working his Lion and Tiger act at the Mickey Mouse Club Circus. Extremely rare interior image that I had to lighten up. In the background can be seen the circus wagons and the circus tent. The show was in the last half of 1955 and Keller's animals was held over for 1956 in the large circus tent. Keller appears on a scarce 1956 postcard and actually published a scarce book titled Here Keller, Train This detailing his Tiger and Lion taming days. Image is from a Kodachrome slide.