Disneyland, June 15, 1959

Here are two shots from a family’s trip to Disneyland on June 15, 1959. Love the caption on the first one: “We were all fresh as daisies here.” This especially applies to the little girl in the crisp white dress, standing in front of an attraction poster for Alice (most likely her favorite character) that is located (I believe) in Tomorrowland.



See more vintage and contemporary Disneyland photos at my main website.

Disneyland Updates

Work continues on the weekends as the June 11 deadline approaches for the opening of the Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage. As is typical with most Disneyland rides, this one contains an homage to the past by including one of the helmets from 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.



Probably the one that Kirk is missing in this photo.



Back to the past, with another April 1958 image of Casey Junior coming home from his most recent journey.





For the last one today, here’s Cinderella’s Castle, circa 1958 also.

See more vintage and contemporary Disneyland photos at my main website.

Town Square & Liberty Square, 1958

This cute couple is in Town Square in 1958, with the Liberty Square coming soon sign barely visible through the trees behind them.

This 1958 Main Street photo gives a nice overall view of the shops and compared to today looks practically barren. Not a stroller in sight! For more vintage & current Disneyland photos, visit my regular website.

Jungle Cruise Medley

Now that I have positive proof that Amazon Belle is still alive and kicking, I am going to post a few from the Jungle Cruise today. The first pic is a little shack near the loading area of the ride from April 1958.



This shot shows the Suwannee Lady parked, while the skipper waits for the next functioning boat, April 1960.



And if looking at snakes/pythons gives you nightmares, WHOA! Don’t look at this one! (April 1958)



A nice April 1958 view of Schweitzer Falls.



What Jungle Cruise collection would be complete without a few hungry/blurry natives(also April 1958)?!?

See more vintage and contemporary Disneyland Jungle Cruise photos at my main website.

Disneyland Marching Band

You just never know where these fellers are going to turn up! First shot is the Marching Band leaving Frontierland during the holidays, some time during the 1960’s. Shot #2 is on the docks of the Rivers of America from April 1958. I have also included a close-up shot of these musical men.





Shot #3 is a promo photo used by the Union Pacific Railroad (1950’s) and shows the band playing in Town Square.



The last two are a flash forward to September 1969 in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle. As with most of the other musical groups in the park, the Marching Band adds an unexpected bang for your buck.





See more vintage and contemporary Disneyland photos at my main website.

Clock of the World, April 1958

This is definitely one of the better shots of the Clock of the World that I have. Great view of the sun and moon at top, with a very hip retro looking couple posing in front. In addition, I am throwing in this shot of the Monorail and station from April 1965. Nice picture, but I also noticed what appears to be a G and a D graphic element in the Submarine Voyage sign. Anyone know what that is all about?





See more vintage and contemporary Disneyland photos at my main website.

Then and Now: Submarine Voyage & Nemo

Here are two undated stills of the Submarine Voyage area. I have to admit I preferred the WDW version, with their mini-versions of the Nautilus from the Disney movie; they just seemed a lot cooler to me than the militaristic versions that Disneyland had.



In addition, here are 2 recent photos of the Nemo version. The lagoon has been drained again, most likely to fix the plumbing problem from a few weeks ago. Hopefully all will go smoothly and the June 11 day will be able to be held to.





Over on Tom Sawyer’s Island, construction has begun; markings on a few of the caves, lumber, etc. are all visible from the Rivers of America.





See more vintage and contemporary Disneyland photos at my main website.

Monsanto Home of the Future

After being removed about 40 years ago, the Home of the Future, in all its futuristic plastic glory has become somewhat of a pop culture icon. Here is an exterior shot from November 1959 and an interior view from the 1960’s. Even though the sign says “Home,” today it is mainly called the House of the Future, even on the Disney Shopping website, where they sell a miniature recreation of it.

This third piece of art is a 3D rendering by Tom Lundin, who has also done some other incredible Mid Century modelings as well.



For more Monsanto House of the Future photos, visit my regular website.

Town Square, August 1958

Here is a set of 3 from August 1958, showing the Marching Band in Town Square and the lowering of the flag ceremony, which still occurs every day at dusk.





Here’s another one for all you Knotts-heads (MANY thanks AGAIN to Tim!). This one is from April 1958.



See more vintage and contemporary Disneyland photos at my main website.

The Mighty Mark Twain, December 1955

Today I am sharing two photos of the Mark Twain; the first is from September 1956, and the second is a shot by J.R. Eyerman for Life Magazine. Whether it was actually used in the publication or not I am not sure. Make sure you scroll all the way for this one; it's a wide shot.



Here’s another one for all you Knotts-heads (MANY thanks AGAIN to Tim!). This one is from April 1958.



See more vintage and contemporary Disneyland photos at my main website.

Back to 1956, Pt. 5

Today’s shot is of the East Side of Main Street, including the Silhouette Shop and Kodak on the far right.



A little more Main Street action, including the Opera House (latest buzz is that Mr. Lincoln IS returning soon) and a Keystone Kop near the Plaza Apartments (soon to be INA Carefree Corner).



For all you Knotts-heads, I have just added a number of photos to my Knotts page; here’s one of them (MANY thanks to Tim!)



See more vintage and contemporary Disneyland photos at my main website.

Back to 1956, Pt. 4

With this shot of the short-lived Disneyland Circus, I naturally zoomed right in on the signage; here is a closeup for you:


I have also included a close-up for Merlin of the Blacksmith Shop area that he requested yesterday.



See more vintage and contemporary Disneyland photos at my main website.

Back to 1956, Pt. 3

Today’s post takes us to Frontierland, with a hardly seen shot of Willard P. Bounds’ office–he was the Blacksmith AND U.S. Marshall, doncha' know...and, as a tribute the extremely talented Peter Ellenshaw, I will repeat this classic shot of him working on the rendering that Walt Disney would present for the world to see on National TV. Ellenshaw passed away Monday, is probably best known for his matte paintings which created the world of Mary Poppins and many other classic Disney films.



See more vintage and contemporary Disneyland photos at my main website.

Brother Jim’s Birthday Surprise, 1965

I just recently found this batch from what I believe was my family’s first trip to Disneyland in November 1965. My 2 brothers were 6 and 8; I was stuck at home with Grandma because I wasn’t even one yet. Brother Jim was awoken in the morning to find out he was going to Disneyland. What a great surprise! The first pic is mom and my brothers in Town Square. Mom was the height of fashion in her sweater and cat-eye glasses.



Shot #2 is my dad & 2 brothers in front of the Frontierland Trading Post.
Shot #3, judging by the Welch’s Grape Juice Bars that mom and brothers are eating is probably somewhere in Fantasyland, with a little plug for the Autopia on the construction wall behind them.



The last 4 shots are from the Pack Mules over in Frontierland, with some nice views of Rainbow Ridge and the route to Nature’s Wonderland.









See more vintage and contemporary Disneyland photos at my main website.