Today’s first aerial is from 1960 and focuses on the Disneyland hotel; closeup of the entrance area included, of course!
Another shot from the same time showing the edge of the Rivers of America in the upper right hand corner:
Two detail shots showing the hotel area and the Rivers:
Last aerial for today is from May 1961:
Here’s a detail shot with a nice overview of the Flying Saucer area; hey CoxPilot—can you see yourself in this shot? OK, guess it probably is a little grainy for that...
I also have a few June 1965 shots for you Knotts Heads; and can you believe the nerve of this kid in the stroller wearing Mouse ears at Knotts?!?
A few from a production of “Our American Cousin” at the Bird Cage Theater, starring none other than Steve Martin:
Yup, that's him.
See more vintage & current Knott's Berry Farm photos on my regular website.
Wow, those color photos from inside the Bird Cage Theater are amazing! I'm sure Mr. Martin would love copies of those!!
ReplyDeleteFantastic photos Dave. Having flown on these helicopters I am a real fan of LA Airways and its ties to Disneyland. Unfortunately this helicopter, a Sikorsky S-61L, registration #N300Y was on a flight from LA Airport to Disneyland as Flight 417 when it crashed in Compton on August 14th, 1968 due to rotor separation. No one survived. With all the happy times and fun things associated with Disneyland, reality does sometimes suck.
ReplyDeleteDave...
ReplyDeleteWow! Great aerial shots!
I love the detail and the anlge.
You can't see me in the flight circle because I'm over there riding the saucers. My friend and I took the L A Airways Chopper to LAX, and then to San Francisco, for a vacation. But, the ours was the older model.
ReplyDeleteHey Viewliner - thanks for the extra info - part of the hard facts that Walt mentioned at the park I guess...
ReplyDeleteSteve Martin writes about this time very lovingly in his new book. Definitely worth checking out. He talks a LOT about working at both Disneyland and Knotts.
ReplyDeleteWhat great photos -- especially the Bird Cage Theatre stuff! In the photo where they're taking a bow, I beleieve that's Ronny Morgan on the left. He was a fixture at the Bird Cage for many, many years.
ReplyDeleteAmazing!
ReplyDeleteDave - check your email!
Quite a post---Lot's to choose from. My favorite shots were of the Disneyland Hotel.
ReplyDeleteInteresting how the hotel started on the East Side of it's square plot, eventually expanded to the West half and now the East half is bulldozed under the new Downtown Disney.
Had some great memories at the old hotel...