Souvenir Friday- Covered Wagon Salt and Pepper Shakers

In the early years of Disneyland, the merchandise buyer would sometimes purchase generic souvenir items and add Disneyland to the item. Most of the time this addition was accomplished by the addition of a decal. In some cases however, the manufacturer would customize the item before the final glazing. This is the case with these salt and pepper shakers in the form of the Conestoga Wagons. Disneyland and California is painted in a non-Disneyland script on the wagon tops and then glazed. I can picture these items being sold at the Davy Crockett arcade. They are also a nice tie in to the Conestoga Wagon ride that went through the desert of the Mine Train. I have seen the same salt and pepper shakers with other destinations, usually a Midwest or Western locale such as Wyoming and Boot Hill Arizona.

Universal Studios 1968- the Big Finale

A lot of images today to finish up this set of slides of Universal Studios in 1968. First off is a scene inside one of the eating areas. This eating area had a metal roof and rain would pour down all day long. A shot of the destroyer in the first posting is from this vantage point.

Several nice images of a Mexican restaurant overlooking the valley and the studio. It almost appears the photographer was looking to replicate this at his house.

The photographer really enjoyed this view, the bridge and this tree as there are 3 shots of it.

The photographer also enjoyed this waterfall.

The last image is one of my favorites, a you are there shot from on the Glamor Tram. The view of the sets and the valley is perfect, though just a bit smoggy.

Interior Images at Universal

One of the main draws to visit Universal Studios is that it is a working film studio and visitors can see filming as it happens on their favorite TV show or upcoming film. Also, there are many production facilities on the lot. The tour used to showcase some of the production facilities. Here are some images from 1968 showing some of the aspects of the tour. The first two images are from Doris Day's dressing room if I remember correctly.

Next up is a shot from what I remember as a make up show, showcasing the artistry of hair and make up for television and film.

The last image for today shows a set of the interior of a submarine.

Just a note on yesterday's post, I have received a couple of e-mails stating the tank is not an M-3. After further research, I believe it may be a Type 95 Japanese light tank. Both tanks look very similar.

Photo Oppurtunities at Universal Studios

Up on the top of the hill before heading down to the Glamor Tram and the actual working studio, there used to be several set pieces and other movie items. These items were basically where the Simpson ride is now located. Some of the set pieces were very cool, such as this M-3 Stuart Tank. I am sure this piece was used in many a war film.

Other set pieces were just groovy, such as this psychedelic vehicle from the musical Sweet Charity.

Others were even interactive such as this monkey cage from Tolliver's Circus. I believe this was an actual circus wagon.

More Universal Studios

Today I am still visiting Universal Studios of 1968. One of the featured attractions was a gunfight show with a stage set of an old Western town. First up is the stage as seen from the bleachers.

Here are two of the gunfighters posing for a picture by the Pizza restaurant. I like the little kid in his cowboy outfit looking in awe at the two stunt men.

Next up is Al Lewis (Grandpa Munster) posing with a fan outside of the beer tavern. I wonder what the souvenir Universal beer glass looks like?

Finally one of the most famous walk through sets was the fake snow set. Many people had their picture taken frolicing in the snow in their Southern California uniform of a short sleeve shirt and shorts.

More Universal Studios Images

More images from Universal Studios. First off is the Tower of London and a great prop from The Ten Commandments.

Another image of the tower with a full size boat in the foreground. You can see the front of the boat in the previous post.

Among the props were this line of cannons from the move The King's Pirates.

The last image for today shows the location of the ship to ship battle. I like the waterfall in the background.

More images from Universal Studios on Monday.

Universal Studios 1968-Miniature Boats

One of the displays at Universal Studios in the late 1960s was of miniature boats showing the skills of the model makers. The ships also showed how film makers created those dramatic battle sequences at sea. What is cool is that the displays were not all static, but several of them had movement and even had several big battles with explosions. First off is a submarine with depth charges exploding around the sub.

The next two slides show two ships blasting full broadsides at each other. Reminds me of a scene from one of the Pirates of the Caribbean movies.

A nice static display of a stern wheeler probably from Showboat.

From one of the many World War 2 films of the time period maybe even my favorite The Incredible Mr. Limpet.

Souvenir Friday- Golden Horseshoe Menu Circa Late 1970s

Years ago the Golden Horseshoe had an actual menu as well as waitresses who would take your order and deliver the food. The waitresses were dressed in showgirl outfits and the guys behind the bar would make up the drinks and sandwiches. At the time another sponsor was Frito-Lay, so the Horseshoe offered Frito-Lay brand chips as rib ticklers. Based upon the prices and the date code on the back, I would date this menu to the late 1970's. This one is not as fancy as the other menu from the Golden Horseshoe I have in my collection.

Leaving Disneyland Parking Lot

The happy family leaving Disneyland.

A Ride on the Train From Frontierland to Main Street- Part 2

Continuing on with the train trip taken in 1968, the train is now leaving Fantasyland and the photographer has taken some nice images of the It's A Small World esplanade and the exit. Once again, I love the wide open space of the boulevard.

Here we are at Tomorrowland station. I like all the action in Tomorrowland and the lack of visual clutter. The large screen, the grandstand queue line and the funky circular building do not have a design appeal.

Finally, we are at our destination Main Street station. Love the vintage Santa Fe advertising poster.

A Ride on the Train from Frontierland to Main Street- Part 1

In 1968 an intrepid photographer boarded the Disneyland and Santa Fe Railroad at the rootin' tootin' Frontierland station to ride to the Main Street station. Along the way, the photographer took several pictures. Today's post features the views of Frontierland and Fantasyland. First off is an unusual view of the Indian Village showing some of the village structures and what looks like a giant fish trap.

The second image is a moody shot of the Mark Twain through the forests of Frontierland.

A long distance view of Nature's Wonderland with the steam from Old Unfaithful. This location is now the stage area from Hunchback and the barbecue restaurant.

Coming into Fantasyland with remnants of Frontierland, the photographer snapped a photograph of the majestic Matterhorn mountain.

Tune in tomorrow for more images from this trip around Disneyland.

Yellow Train Cars on Nature's Wonderland

My memories of the Nature's Wonderland Ride is of sitting in these bright yellow cars and enjoying a nice long ride through the desert and other natural scenic wonders. I don't think we ever fought over which car to take, but rather would take any car. The first three are of a train in station, loaded and ready to depart. The background details of the little city of Rainbow Ridge is nice.

Here is the crowd of satisfied customers departing the ride. In the background is the load area for the Mules.

Sunkist on Main Street

Two nice images of the old Sunkist Citrus House on Main Street. I like Goofy interacting with the kids and the kids munching freshly popped popcorn. I also would love to own the sign.

Technical Difficulties

Hello All-sorry about the non-posting the last few days. My lovely cable internet provider pushed a new program to my modem, messed up my computer and I have not been able to go online (and work blocks my posting to the blog!) So, I am kind of back up with a laptop. I promise to post later today, after I finish yelling at the cable company!