Obviously, Disneyland is my favorite theme park, but nearby Knott's Berry Farm still has a charm that has been unspoiled by commercialism and the fear of being offensive to the masses. This is especially true in Ghost Town, which is the more authentic version of Disneyland's Frontierland. When it came to "harsh realities," I think Walter Knott was willing to put the truth out there with a little less varnish than Walt Disney. You would certainly never find a Whore House at Disneyland, but that's exactly what Goldie's Place at Knott's is.
Built in 1940-41, it was based on an actual building in the famous ghost town of Bodie, California. First photo for today is the original building, followed by an April 2010 shot, just before it was completely rebuilt (using some of the original materials).
This photo from my October 2014 visit shows Goldie's today:
The interior peek-in circa 2010:
and how it looks today:
The infamous leg out the window, 2010:
and the 2014 version:
See more Daveland Ghost Town Goldie's Place photos at my main website.
Disneyland is also my favorite theme park. It always has been and always will be, but variety is the spice of life and Knott's fits the bill when it comes to a differently flavored theme park. I could roam Ghost Town for hours and not get bored. I always enjoy revisiting my favorites, like the Bottle House, Bird Cage Theater and Goldie's Place. Nice post today. Thanks, Dave.
ReplyDeleteI remember long ago, the leg used to kick back and forth occasionally.
ReplyDeleteNot sure why, maybe you could pay the attendant to have it jerk, like getting responses from Sad-Eye Joe.
I know my Mom was scandalized by Goldie's, but as a kid, never understood why.
Dave, you're right, this would never have flown at Disneyland.
JG