Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Fabulous '59: Matterhorn Construction



Yesterday, The Major noted some construction going on for the Matterhorn. Today, we take a closer look! In these Spring 1959 images, the Matterhorn is nearing completion.

Even from way over yonder in Frontierland, this imposing man-made structure is clearly visible, towering over all that surrounds it.



Let's zoom in for a closer view:



From Tomorrowland, all of the wooden scaffolding and stairs really screw around with the forced perspective. Sheer genius, I tell you!



I wouldn't have minded wandering around the scaffolding to shoot a few photos back in '59.





And here she is today, still standing tall over Disneyland:





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

9 comments:

  1. Those sure are great construction photos!

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  2. WOW!!! (Insert bold, italic, red font here!)

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  3. I often think of what the construction team spoke of at the dinner table with the family after a day of work. There must have been some really interesting times as dad recounted his day over supper.

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  4. It must have been amazing to work at the park and see that structure going up - especially considering how quickly they did things in those days. Months instead of years!

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  5. I was just telling my daughter the other day as we drove out to the parks for her birthday that, when I was a kid, you could see the Matterhorn for (what seemed like) miles as you approached the park. Nowadays, I think you can still barely see it off the 5 freeway. But otherwise, you can't really spot it from outside of the park anymore. It's kinda too bad. I can't tell you what a thrill it was to see that mountain as are full-car (Mom, Dad, me, two brothers and a sister) approached on Katella in the 70s. Of course, now there are other things to see. They're just not that mountain (or as cool, IMHO).

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  6. Paul - I used to take the 5 instead of the 405 just so I could see the Matterhorn. Something cool about being able to see Disneyland from the highway. You can still see it today, but like you said, not quite as unobstructed, and I always worry about getting into an accident for looking too long! You can also see the Tower of Terror from the 5, but...just not as impressive!

    Thufer - What I wouldn't give for a tape of some of those conversations!

    Major - Yes...today it takes much longer...but not necessarily better! Oh the boondoggle.

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  7. Anonymous7:59 PM

    Very interesting pictures!! Thanks for sharing. :-)

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  8. It's looks better with more snow, the freezing level has dropped.

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  9. I've been on the east coast too long. I need to get out and see the Matterhorn again. Thanks for sharing those fabulous contruction pictures!

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