This week we'll take a break from my mom's 1955 European excursion and visit Knott's Berry Farm, circa April 1963. This will also serve as an intro for a short series of Disneyland images from the same batch.
Although Knott's doesn't really sing the siren's song for me like Disneyland, I sure do like Ghost Town. These photos show it during its heyday, before the views were tainted by off-the-shelf thrill rides and other distractions. This first shot shows something I've commented on before; it always seemed a little odd that a train just ran right through the middle of the park...no fence, no protection at all. I think people must have been smarter back in the 60's!
I wish this Native American would step aside—he's blocking the signage!
I can only guess that "bonnets" were the issue. Maybe somebody put a few bees in them. Oh, that hurts...
Zooming in closer to The Bird Cage Theatre, I can only make out the word "melodrama" on the marquee at left:
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Yay, vintage Knott's! That's Chief White Eagle in the photo. This was a common spot for him to pose with guests. In the second to last pic, you can see a father squatting down to take a pic of his two kids wearing feather bonnets/headdresses and posing with the Chief.
ReplyDeleteVery nice Knott's photos!
ReplyDeletePerhaps the sign says "Do Not Handle Bonner Durchmusterung", which were volumes of astronomical charts from Germany. I'm sure that's it! ;-)
I think the Birdcage poster says "Live Melodrama" as well as "A Fortune in Flames".
Ah, Knotts Berry farm..I can remember my dad when I was a kid threw all of us kids into the car for a drive. We ended up at Knotts. It was free to walk around then. Its a good memory. Also it is the place that my husband and I had our first date, after he got his car.
ReplyDeleteFirst date photos on our NY Squared blog, check the date, April 6, 2008.
ReplyDeleteThey make me giggle every time I see them. I hope for the same for you.
Major - Thanks for clearing up the signage - I am still laughing.
ReplyDeleteMomma Nic - great photos on your blog from your first date - what a souvenir!
I just wanted to let you know that I've nominated you for the Versatile Blogger Awards. You can pick up your prize badge at my blog; then keep the nomination train rolling by honoring those blogs/bloggers that have inspired you and touched your heart!
ReplyDeleteI thoroughly enjoyed these photos! Makes me want to go to Knott's today for biscuits!
ReplyDeleteI can't compete with the Major's comments and won't try. But I will point out that the poster in front of the Birdcage Theatre promotes "Fortune In Flames." The cut-out sign shaped like a villian now stands in front of a theater in Long Beach.
ReplyDeleteAlso, the standee says "live entertaiment.". The missing "n" was overlooked for years.
ReplyDelete