Friday, April 23, 2010

Knotts Preserved: What it took to get me there, pt. 4



After dinner, there was some time to snoop around Ghost Town again, which a group of us bloggers did. Again, Tokyo Magic pointed out all the spots I had missed before so that I could get some good shots. This Pepper’s Ghost effect was great; sure do love stuff like this!





And a lot of these fun carved wooden characters inhabit the Ghost Town; one of the most infamous is Sad Eye Joe:



Whatever you do, watch out for One-Eyed Ike:



You can feel safe knowing that these fellers are protecting Ghost Town:



A detailed view of the poster on the wall above them, honoring Max Barlow (the Marshal of Ghost Town):



Here’s Hop Wing Lee, perennially cleaning clothes:



These fellers have been in the barber shop for a loooooong time:





I have no idea where this guy came from:



Back to the Bird Cage and on with the show:



A few interior shots of the lobby:





EVERYONE knows about Steve Martin performing at The Bird Cage; but what about “Love Boat” alumni Lauren Tewes?



The lineup for the 2nd presentation was a theme-park blogger’s dream:



Left to right: Chris Crump and his father, Rolly, Chris Merritt, and Knotts publicity guru Dean Davisson.



Eddie Soto, Rick Campbell, Eric Lynxwiler, and John Waite:



It was a spirited discussion and fantastic to hear first-hand from some of these creative genius' who they crafted some of the most beloved aspects of Knotts. Especially cool was the rapport between Chris Crump and his dad. Rolly was obviously a great mentor to his son. It was fascinating listening to them talk about their dark ride, Bear-ry Tales, which (sadly) is no longer at Knotts. In fact, it almost didn’t even make it in the first place, thanks to an arsonist who struck a few months before it was set to open. Undaunted, the Crumps trudged on and christened the attraction on time.



Dean’s memories of John Wayne (“he was big!”) and the Knott family dividing up the profits around the family dinner table had everyone in stitches (“One for you, one for you,...”).



What a great day. I can’t thank all of the people enough who put this event together. Readers: if you get the chance, visit Knotts. Although much has changed since its glory days, much remains. Check it out! Hope you’ve all enjoyed this deviation from my regular Disneyland posts.

See more Knott’s Berry Farm photos at my website.

10 comments:

Major Pepperidge said...

Great shots of the "peek-ins", I somehow missed the one with the Pepper's Ghost effect entirely. A reason to go back! I like how the guy in the barber shop has lost his wig, so now a completely bald man is apparently expecting a haircut. Sad Eye Joe looks like he just went to Marshall's and bought some new duds!

Major Pepperidge said...

Oh yeah, and remember, it was "allegedly" arson! ;-)

Even though it was four fires that started at the same time.

Vintage Disneyland Tickets said...

I missed the peppers ghost effect too Major, we must have been shooting the breeze!!! LOL about the bald barbershop guy....

Awesome photos Dave, this is why I left my camera in the car :-)

Great to hear you wont wait another 30 years to visit the farm again.

TokyoMagic! said...

It looks like One Eyed Ike has two spit wads stuck to his face....and Hop Wing Lee looks like he might also have one stuck to his left eyelid. Who would do such a thing? Nasty kids! I do have to say that those figures look like they had been restored pretty nicely....except for maybe the lack of hair on One Eyed Ike. Maybe he was just there for a shave?

Chris Merritt said...

Wow Dave! Amazing coverage - thanks for taking such great photos - and thanks to all of you for coming and supporting us. We couldn't have done it without the blogger community...

Daveland said...

Huge thanks to you Chris - I know this book (and the event) were a huge undertaking for you. And thanks for getting me back to Knotts after 30 years!

Let's Talk Knott's said...

Thanks for the exhaustive coverage of the Knott's Preserved Event! You take wonderful pictures and they really drive home the point that there is still good reason to visit the farm.

outsidetheberm said...

This really was a great series. Thank you.

You mention Lauren Tewes and her Bird Cage beginnings. Well, for a nice Disney connection, don't forget Dean Jones. He got his start in Knott's Bird Cage, too!

Christopher A. Klingler said...

Hey Dave ~ Popping in to say howdy & great pics, especially the one of you.

I see that you are a runner 2! '-)

Have a great weekend.

Chris (-:

TokyoMagic! said...

I'm watching the TV Land awards right now...Lauren Tewes just accepted her award and I thought of you, Dave!