Two gems from August 1957 show Tom Sawyer Island in its infancy. Just a little over one year old when these shots were taken, the Island provided a magical place of exploration for youngsters and fond memories for adults who were raised on the tales written by Mark Twain. The Suspension Bridge is obviously scaring the little boy a bit, as he appears to be holding up all of those behind him.
The same lad seems a bit happier inside of Fort Wilderness. Secret? Did somebody say "Secret"? You can bet any young boy worth his salt will immediately want to check out the tunnel that is just beyond this door. On the left-hand side of the photo, you can see the cemetery that is behind Fort Wilderness.
This is as close to Fort Wilderness as guests can get today (unless you count the restrooms!):
Although the Fort has been closed-up and bastardized in its design, there is still a cemetery there for guests to read the tombstones and get a little chuckle over some of the witty epitaphs.
See more Tom Sawyer Island photos on my Tom Sawyer Island web page.
REOPEN THE FORT!!! Let's start a Facebook page. I'll do it!
ReplyDeleteI know that the fort is for wardrobe use in "Fantasmic!" but i agree ^ open the fort back up!
ReplyDeleteThe termites won the battle, because it is entirely made of wood. I wish the burning cabin would still work. The Mike Fink keel boats are not here anymore.
I wasn't born yet to see it all happen.