It’s a feature of early Disneyland that I know very little of, but the Clock of the World has always been something that has fascinated me. One of the first things you would see as you entered Tomorrowland, it was a way cool “gadget” that made it possible to tell you what time it was in any part of the world. Unfortunately, it bit the dust during the “New Tomorrowland” project of 1966-67.
The plaque in front of the Clock of the World said “World Time by Timex, July 17, 1955.”
The multi-colored blue tiles at the base are way cool as well:
See more Disneyland Autopia photos at my website.
Maybe its just me, but it seems like the "World Clock" should be easier to read! Hey I like that April '58 photo (looks familiar). I wonder if Timex really made the clock mechanism of were they just a "named" sponsor?
ReplyDeleteThe interesting thing about this clock (for me anyway) is the "hour ring" at the top must have moved with a snap when time passed the hour mark. (Instead of creeping along with continuous gearing like the hour hand of a clock.)
ReplyDeleteThe first photo shows 3:34 in the afternoon, yet the hour ring is still lined up with the meridians. If it was continuous gearing, the ring would be displaced by half an increment.
The "ICON" of Tomorrowland for all th world to see. This should have been in a musueum. Along with the tuna boat and.. Oh well many other things.
ReplyDeleteAs funky as the wonderful World Clock was, I'm not sure how "futuristic" it was! It still feels like an artifact from the 50's; but that's why we love it today.
ReplyDeleteIt's not very futuristic but I bet kids would still like it!
ReplyDeleteif I could turn back time...
ReplyDeleteand the lady kneels down to admire the landscaping as an attraction of its own, as it might've been to her. Now the landscaping is often more elaborate yet I wonder if as many people are apt to sit there and admire it...?
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