GORILLAS DON'T BLOG

Two From Frontierland

2008-07-24T00:01:00.000-07:00

It's time for more high-contrast hijinks with this photo of the Mark Twain as taken from Tom Sawyer Island. The steamboat is glowing white-hot, instantly vaporizing any passengers. It was all part of the fun! In the foreground is the Tom Sawyer's Shack, where guests could catch marlin and great white sharks on a cane pole. That guy sitting on the fence is just happy to rest his weary feet and have a smoke (and something tells me has a flask too). At the top left of the shack's roof you can see a crane in the distance (no, it's not a fishin' pole!).

Here's a rather murky photo of the Plantation House, which looks mighty inviting. Back in those days, that shore of Frontierland felt a little less citified. Now of course it's all part of the bustling city of New Orleans. Notice the riverfront bandstand that is long-gone, and a full raft heading to Tom Sawyer Island. Not to mention that unsteady-looking Keelboat!

1956 Adventureland Entrance

2008-07-23T00:01:00.000-07:00

It's a quickie post today folks, apologies for the rush job!

Here's a crisp colorful photo of the entrance to Adventureland in 1956. I like all of the little details that are visible here, like the shields, skulls and spears that line the fence to our right. Those two huge oars appear to be Oceanic in design, while the buildings in the background look to be African. Right in the middle of the sidewalk, a tree (jacaranda?) is surrounded by a crude fence (yes, even it is appropriately themed!).

If we zoom in a little, we see an alley that leads back to a exotic phone booth (and secret elevator to the massive sub-level nerve center that only I know about), and (apparently) the men's room. Ladies go to the right!

Alice In Wonderland, July 1958

2008-07-22T00:01:00.000-07:00

Here are three fun photos overlooking the Alice in Wonderland attraction, which had opened only a month or so earlier (on June 14). Our photographer was standing on Snow Hill, and he was obviously mighty taken with this colorful panorama. This perspective was only possible for a few months, since Snow Hill would soon be replaced with the Matterhorn. They all have a nice chocolatey flavor, I think you'll agree.

This first view has a nice dynamic composition, with the Skyway passing diagonally overhead towards the distant chalet, while two caterpillar vehicles wind their way down the ramp...

...and this one is good too...

...so, which one is your favorite?!

Gazebo and Main Street USA, 1955

2008-07-21T00:01:00.000-07:00

Here are two more photos from a small lot of 1955 slides... today's offerings are mercifully unaffected by the light leaks that mar so many of the others.

First up is this nice picture of the Gazebo in its original location just west of Sleeping Beauty Castle (see this photo if you really need to know where it was - - and if you can spot it!). I love this scene because it evokes so much nostalgia for bygone days of the early 1900's (idealized, of course), which is exactly what Walt Disney was trying to do. Looking at these photos today, the distinction between the 1900's and the 1950's has blurred into one big Norman Rockwell fantasy.

Once in a while I try to imagine what it would have been like to see some of Disneyland's famous sights - - the ones that we have become so used to that they barely register anymore - - for the first time, particularly in the 50's when it really truly was a brand new concept. Folks are living their typical 1950's lives, and now they are walking down a pretty convincing recreation of a street from their grandparent's day, only there is a fairy tale castle at the end!

Something about this photo, but the castle looks like it's a quarter of a mile away. Surely that's one reason why it wasn't built larger... the smaller size is a forced-perspective device to give the illusion of distance. Sounds reasonable! Meanwhile, some lucky guests are riding on the horse-drawn fire wagon (with the surrey just in front of it).

Tom Sawyer Island, January 1960

2008-07-20T00:01:00.000-07:00

I didn't have a lot of time to spend on today's post, and I'm sure it will feel that way when you are all done(which will be in about 15 seconds). Sorry!

Anyway, today we'll take a look at this photo of Tom Sawyer Island from 1960. A raft is loading up for the return trip (I assume, since so many people are facing towards us), and some other folks are on the dock to the right, trying to catch a trout (it looks like somebody might have a bite!). Waaaay to the right and in the distance, folks are headed through the tunnel to the Indian Village (passing through a tunnel is always a cool idea). But what's going on in the distance to the right?

There are cranes and trucks and maybe a generator, presumably on the shore and not on TSI. What could be going on? I think that this is all part of the construction at Rainbow Ridge and the rest of Nature's Wonderland (see this post for another shot from the same series). I love any kind of construction shot!

Columbia, August 1958

2008-07-19T00:01:00.000-07:00

OK, here's my theory: This photo of the brand-new "Columbia" was taken from inside a Keel Boat. Crazy? Like a fox! I could be wrong, but it would be kind of cool it true. Please don't make me explain why. I am impressed by the crewmember who is way up in the shrouds (maybe 40 feet above the deck?). All of those nautical flags were stolen from the tops of the buildings in Tomorrowland.

This is somewhat murky, but still a nice picture of a friendly group of folks preparing to set sail. Grandma, to the right, looks a bit green around the gills already, if she is a real lady she will ralph into her handbag rather than over the side.

Don't Kill That Bar! 1956

2008-07-18T00:01:00.000-07:00

OK, I feel like a dope, I forgot that yesterday was Disneyland's birthday. So, happy belated birthday, Disneyland!!

Here are two scarce vintage photos of the mechanical bear that used to grace the shores of Frontierland. In this first shot (taken from the bow of the Mark Twain), you can see that he is preparing to leap down upon the Stagecoach for a bite to eat. No, he doesn't want to eat the people, silly! He's looking for a pic-a-nic basket. The door has been removed from the Stagecoach, improving the view but increasing your odds of tumbling out and being crushed by those cheerful yellow wheels. Some fun! Nobody's riding shotgun in this photo, but that is because this particular driver's nickname was "Stinky".

From slightly further away, we catch one last glimpse of the bear as he oinks at us angrily. Or maybe he's just trying to be friendly, who can tell with a bear?

Sinclair Dinoland, 1964

2008-07-17T00:01:00.000-07:00

Sinclair Oil had used a cheerful green Brontosaurus as their mascot for years, so it only made sense that their World's Fair attraction would feature dinosaurs. You DO know that oil is made from the juice of smooshed dinos, don't you?? It appears that all of the critters featured in this exhibit used to roam North America, and that was probably less due to patriotism than the fact that the amazing critters from South America, China, and the rest of the world hadn't been unearthed yet.

I love this photo of the 20 foot high (but 50 feet long according to the souvenir guide!) T. Rex towering over the crowds. And speaking of the crowd, what's with the black knee-socks and shorts? Anyway, the Tyrannosaur's tiny hands look poised to play the piano. Were his arms animated? They look jointed, perhaps they waved about spastically the way mine do.

The Corythosaurus was a plant-eating dinosaur of the so-called "duck billed" variety. They lived in North America, were good parents, and their fossils were often found near giant tires.

At some point the theory emerged that dinosaurs might have been mottled or striped or otherwise wildly patterned instead gray/green or earthen brown. This Trachodon is sporting both stripes and giraffe-like mottling, which makes him a fashion disaster. He had 1500 teeth, which were mostly used for grinding up waffles and Slim Jims.

The Triceratops was one of my favorite dinos when I was a kid. "Old Pointy" here is non-plussed by the (French?) sailors passing by. I don't care what Michael Crichton (author of "Jurassic Park") says, I want my pet dinosaur!

OK, the Stegosaurus was one of my favorites too! Those bony plates and the spiky tail, and that tiny noggin all added up to one interesting animal. Stegos apparently had the misfortune of having to battle Tyrannosaurs all the time, it really got tiresome, especially when you were killed and eaten.

Frontierland 1960

2008-07-16T00:01:00.000-07:00

Atom bombs were always going off in the old days, and this photographer managed to take two pictures just as bombs were going off behind him. What are the odds? I'm guessing that there are more than a few readers of this blog who never had a chance to see Fort Wilderness. There were no thrilling rides or animatronic figures, no interactive holograms or genetically engineered dinosaurs. And yet it still managed to give one's imagination a kick in the butt... for people who had, by that time, digested a zillion hours of movie and TV westerns, this place felt real. My favorite feature is the SECRET ESCAPE (complete with a big sign informing you that it is a secret) that took you to the river, just in case the Indians managed to set fire to the place with their flaming arrows. Next to that doorway was a large triangle ("Come and git it!") for kids to beat upon endlessly, I think I see two little boys making a racket.

Wow, there are a whole lot of people watching the friendly Indians dancing. Just look at that crowd! In fact, the crowd is the best part of this photo (I say that after viewing endless Indian Dance pictures), I get a kick out seeing the crew cuts on the little boys, and Betty Crocker hair-dos on the women (except for the girl with the long auburn tresses in the lower right), and the stripes and plaids and baseball caps (not to mention at least two Keppy Kaps). If you look closely, there is not a bored face in the bunch!

Frontierland 1956

2008-07-15T00:01:00.000-07:00

Today we've got two classic images from 1956 Frontierland! First is the great shot of the Mark Twain. The Disneyland Band is disembarking, they just played an entire set of Pink Floyd classics, and it didn't go over too well. Those kids with the buzz-cuts are thinking about what it will be like to be hippies some day, and it ain't pretty.

Tom Sawyer Island had only just opened this year, it was not an opening-day attraction. It's strange that it took pirates 50 years to discover the island considering that it is less than 100 feet from the mainland! Most of Frontierland looks like a whole lotta nothin', unless you happen to like scrubby little trees and bushes. Which I do, what's it to ya? I never noticed the large oar used to steer, these days they just use sheer engine power to move those babies around. Maybe it just looked good but had no real function?

Three from 1955

2008-07-14T00:01:00.000-07:00

I have a small batch of slides from 1955, probably from the first few weeks of Disneyland's opening (I am almost certain they are from July). They're great, but unfortunately the photographer's camera had a light leak that marred many of the pictures with yellow/orange "flames". I tried to compensate those strange washed-out areas to the best of my abilities, hopefully you'll still find them worth a look.

Plenty of people are milling around the castle... it is at the apex of the famous hub after all. The castle doesn't look so small here, I'm sure that the growth of the trees over the years helped to undo some of the forced perspective at work. Anyway, the Florida version is very nice, but bigger is not necessarily better. (No smart remarks, you wiseguys!!)

Here are the ticket booths at the entrance, apparently lacking any kind of signs with prices. It might have cost around a buck to get in back then! The ticket takers are in white shirts and ties, something I don't think you see these days. The trees are newly-planted saplings, and from the look of those flags, it was a breezy day!

This popcorn vendor is dressed like one of the sanitation crew, which is an odd choice indeed. He is spotlessly white though, so don't even think about horse poop getting near your popcorn. I said don't think about it! To the right is the sign announcing "International Street", and you can see folks peering through the little viewing holes. It still seems kind of amazing that Walt had so many plans for that area east of Main Street, and none of them came to fruition.

Sunday Junk

2008-07-13T00:01:00.000-07:00

Today we've got three nice (but not very exciting) slides for you!

Here's that crazy Matterhorn again. It's 147 feet tall, but it looks taller due to witchcraft. I am amused by the occasional write-up that claims that Disneyland's version of the Matterhorn is an "exact" replica (scaled down, of course). Um, OK! I think it's safe to say that artistic liberties were taken.

This li'l yellow Horseless Carriage is loading up for its 11-hour trip up Main Street. Those crowded sidewalks! People just don't want to get out of the way no matter how much the driver beeps his beepolator.

Indian. Village. I don't know what else to say!

Subs, August 1960

2008-07-12T00:01:00.000-07:00

Disneyland definitely needs more places with hot babes lounging around. Talk about eye candy! I wonder how long these lovely mermaids were required to bake in the hot August sun? Supposedy the heavily chlorinated water turned blond hair green, but a mermaid with green hair sounds about right.

Sometimes a submarine just needs to be aired out. I mean, come on, everybody knows that! Otherwise they start to smell like stale french fries inside. I told them to buy those little cardboard pine tree air-fresheners, but nobody listens to me. You'd think that in a peak summer month like August, they would need every single sub to be working so that the ride was at full capacity. Guess that would be wrong!

Greetings Puny Earthlings

2008-07-11T00:01:00.000-07:00

Everybody loves flying saucers, don't they? Just the idea of them is fun. And for a few years Disneyland was the only place where you could fly your very own. Here are three photos from July 1961 featuring this much-missed attraction.

There's plenty of guys with white shirts standing around (earning a fat paycheck!)... in an era of understaffed attractions, it is amazing to see how many employees were used on just this one ride. The Flying Saucers was designed so that one half of the giant oval could be operating while the other half (seen in the distance) was loading up a new batch of pilots.

These kids look like they are getting the hang of it! Check it out, NO LINE. This one was a "walk on". I like that op-art wall.

Those two boys (brothers?) are using a little body english, leaning forward in the hopes of making their saucers crash into that unsuspecting girl with the pink striped shirt. She doesn't have a prayer! In the distance you can see the Spanish-tiled roof of the old Dominguez place (i.e. the Administration building), not to mention the top of the train station.

June 1969

2008-07-10T00:01:00.000-07:00

Today I've got two nice photos from 1969 for you. First up is this great portrait of Skull Rock, with its lush plants and splashing waterfalls. In my memory the skull itself was much bigger, but I think that good old forced-perspective was doing its thing again. What was it, maybe 10 or 12 feet high? If I just relied on my faulty recollections I would have guessed something closer to 25 feet!

Yet another photo of the cool blue Sub Lagoon. If the photographer had only waited another 7 seconds he would have gotten a great closeup of a sub! But we do get glimpses of the yellow Peoplemover, the Rocket Jets, and the Carousel of Progress show building.

New York World's Fair Assortment

2008-07-09T00:01:00.001-07:00

I know, I know, you guys want Disneyland every day. But like life, this blog doesn't always give you what you want! So you are stuck with some random images from the 1964 World's Fair today.

Here's a nice shot (and closer than usual) of the Travel and Transporation building with its distinctive cratered-moon roof. I would be very happy living in a building that looked like a green moon! Inside this dome a Cinerama movie called "To the Moon and Beyond" was shown, exploring "man's environment from the nucleus of the atom to outer space." Elsewhere there was a "Flying Saucers" show combining live actors and film, as well as skindiving actors performing a drama based on the show "Sea Hunt". Sounds like a pretty cool pavilion! And it was located right near Futurama and Ford's Magic Skyway.

My apologies for the blur, but I thought that this was an unsual view that was interesting enough to post. It has to be from the Magic Skyway, appearing after guests had seen the International Gardens, but before they would have seen the "Autoparts Harmonic". I am guessing that this was one of four life-sized dioramas delineating the qualities of "Performance, Dependability, Style, and Quality"; based on descriptions that I've seen, this one probably represents "Quality". But I could be wrong!

And finally, a look at one of the old-timey vehicles from Avis' Antique Car Ride. I wonder if Arrow Development, a frequent partner in designing Disneyland attractions, had anything to do with this ride? It looks very similar to the ride that Knott's Berry Farm had, as well as other rides at many other amusement parks. This one would qualify as an "off the shelf" attraction I suppose, but I know that kids just love to drive miniature cars!

Two From August 1960

2008-07-08T00:01:00.000-07:00

If you were ever curious about what the Richfield Eagle's rear-end looked like, then today is your lucky day! But don't take it personally, he is not trying to be rude. You can see his Fantasyland Autopia counterpart in the distance. The 3-car blue Monorail was only about a year old here; it always makes me think of our old station wagon, which was the same blue! If the Monorail had fake wood paneling, then it would have really caught on and been used in cities across the nation. Below us, some Autopia cars are out of commission thanks to the hard life they led.

I like this shot of Harper's Mill, with the various vines and bushes growing "wild". It really gives the place a feeling of age and disuse. And the crooked chimney makes it feel even more backwoodsy. Harper's Mill did not grind wheat or corn or other grain... it was in fact a giant peppermill. Try not to sneeze.

Monorail & Construction, 1966

2008-07-07T00:01:00.000-07:00

Today I have three vintage Tomorrowland views for you, circa 1966. This first shot of the Monorail as it passes near the edge of the Submarine lagoon would not ordinarily seem very remarkable. However, there is LOTS of crazy construction going on!

Let's zoom in a bit, and try to the ignore the cast member who is doing the "YMCA" dance. Check out all of that plywood and scaffolding, all for the addition of the Peoplemover. I wonder if the complex track was partly designed as a way to show what that baby could do if a city would ever consider building their own Peoplemover? It can go uphill, it can go downhill, it can even do a loop! At least I think so. I can almost feel that slightly bumpy ride when I close my eyes.

And finally, here's a shot of a dad and his kids enjoying the thrilling Motor Boat Cruise. Junior is a chip of the old block with his bright red hair. You might remember him from the famous Knott's Berry Farm controversy, and he and his dad were also seen at Alameda's "South Shore Center" (thanks again, Progressland!) a few months back. Not to mention the photo of the kid with his Huckleberry Hound shirt.

Souvenir Sunday - Tomorrowland

2008-07-06T00:01:00.000-07:00

It's time to delve into the box of old souvenir Disneyland slides! Today there are two variants from the "Tru Tone" set, both showing wonderful color views of the classic Tomorrowland.

This first view is (I assume) from 1955... notice that the Monsanto Hall of Chemistry building to the extreme right has a rather anonymous exterior. The plants around the Clock of the World have had time to fill in, so this isn't as early as, for instance, the earliest postcard views that show mostly bare earth around the clock. I think that the use of nautical flags is an odd choice for a land of tomorrow, but their color and movement helped to liven up what could have been a sterile-looking place that was barely complete.

Now the Monsanto attraction has a playful, beautiful sign out front, complete with a giant atoms. The people are dressed for a chilly day, at least by California standards. And there's only one lone kid in front of the clock, trying to figure it all out!

Two from Tomorrowland

2008-07-05T00:01:00.000-07:00

Here's a neat view of the blue Monorail a-waitin' at the station, circa 1963. The crowds look light, and the line for the Submarine Voyage is suprisingly short. Oh man! If only I could hop into the photo and ride the old classic Subs over and over.

Now we step back to 1960 for a familiar - but still great! - view of Tomorrowland. I never really thought about it before, but it is obvious that the famous berm, visible in so many other Disney "lands", sort of peters out in this corner of the park. I think that backstage Tomorrowland was a major entrance for trucks and other service vehicles.

UPDATE: For reader Coxpilot, here is a closeup of the Flight Circle area. Unfortunately it is not as clear as I (or you!) would like, but maybe there will be some clue to help you see if you are in the photo.

Junior Autopia, 1956

2008-07-04T00:01:00.000-07:00

Happy 4th of July, everyone! Please don't stick a white-hot sparkler in your eye.

Today's post is short but pretty darn sweet! It's an awesome view of the load area for the short-lived Junior Autopia. The vivid color really helps to bring this 52 year-old scene to life. The attraction opened some five months before the photo was taken (July 23, 1956), and it closed a mere two years later (September 15, 1958). According to "The Nickel Tour", the Junior Autopia cars were identical to the regular Autopia, except for wooden blocks on the pedals so that small-fry could reach them with their stubby little limbs.

Eventually this track was closed, rejiggered and transformed into the Fantasyland Autopia.

Matterhorn, Undated

2008-07-03T00:01:00.000-07:00

The Mighty Matterhorn. I'll bet you haven't seen a photo of it in at least four minutes! But I don't care what you say, I still like the pictures. Since we're on the left, we are heading into the icy caverns towards Tomorrowland. What nobody has ever revealed is this amazing secret: After passing through these caverns you emerged exactly seven minutes younger than you had been before! It worked in both directions too. It's a mystery; I think it is related to "pyramid power". Some say that this is why the Skyway was eventually removed. This same magical power is what drew the abominable snowman to live inside the heart of the mountain.

Here's a nice full-length portrait of the time machine! This was in the pre-Yeti days, but in an amazing coincidence, the woman in the foreground was named Margaret Yeti. Her shades hide the glowing red eyes.

Knott's Sky Jump, March 1977

2008-07-02T00:01:00.000-07:00

Here are a couple of fun slides featuring aerial views of Knott's Berry Farm taken in 1977. I don't know very much Knott's history, but I am guessing that the "Sky Jump" with its plummeting parachutes, debuted with the introduction of the "Roaring 20's" in 1975. I never experienced the Sky Jump (is it still there?), but some of the other photos in this lot make it appear to be pretty freaky to those who don't like heights.

Anyway, besides the view of Buena Park some 30 years ago (Hey! There's a mall! And a Sears!) we get a pretty good look at Fiesta Village. But most of all, there's a neat bird's-eye view of the Timber Mountain Log Ride. That huge show building certainly dominates the landscape! If you look real close, you can even see one of the floating logs disappearing into a cavern.

Now if we look just a bit to the right, you can see Independence Hall in the distance, and some of the old Ghost Town too (I never realized that the Ghost Town was made up of so many buildings!). You can even see the locomotive, the Church of Reflections, and to the extreme right, you can just see a chunk of the mountain that the Calico Mine Train rode through.

A Different Monorail, 1962

2008-07-01T00:01:00.000-07:00

Amongst our crowd, Alweg will always be known as the name on the Disneyland Monorail system (that and Santa Fe). But in 1962 Alweg built another monorail for the Seattle "Century 21" Expo. The Seattle Fair, while not exactly a "forgotten fair" (thanks in large part to the iconic Space Needle), does not resonate in most people's memories the way the 1964 New York World's Fair does. But it was still pretty cool! Supposedly one of the goals of this particular fair was to show the commies that the U.S. was kicking some technological butt (since the Russians seemed to be ahead of us in the Space Race), and so all things futuristic were the order of the day.

Check out this great vintage view of their turquoise station. No fancy ornament to be seen! And in those days, the men wore hats, and the women wrapped a kerchief around their noggins. Silly hu-mans! I have friends who say "I wish men still wore hats!". You know why they don't? Because it's just one more thing to deal with. So there.

I don't know why you keep bringing up hats when I am trying to talk about the Seattle Monorail! I love this great shot showing the futuristic train with lots of old cars passing beneath it. This Monorail is still operating, and has even been extended and improved over the years. In 2003 it was given "historical landmark" status.

Rainbow Ridge, December 1959

2008-06-30T00:01:00.000-07:00

I have lots and lots of slides taken from the Mark Twain from many journeys around the Rivers of America. The Columbia? Not so many. As far as I can tell, anyway. But here is one view that, at first glance, appears to be nothin' special. But wait! There's a little construction wall blocking that walkway near the center of the picture. And by gum, Rainbow Ridge is undergoing some kind of major construction. I know that you don't want to take a closer look, but I'm going to do it anyway.

Zooooom! That's the sound that's made when we zoom in, see? Let's look for some familiar buildings. You can see the distinctive "flat-than-round-than-flat-again" roof of the hardware store (down low), and further to our right is the El Dorado Hotel ("flat-than-pointy-than-flat"!). Looks like there is no Assay Office or Opera House yet, and I believe that the buildings being framed to the left are ones that were more visible from the Pack Mule loading area, such as the Pioneer Hotel, the Horse Shoe Cafe, and the Gold Nugget Saloon.