Friday, February 13, 2015

Terrific Thirteen



Friday the 13th always gets the shaft; people avoid normal activities and stay home out of a morbid fear for this allegedly unlucky day. According to Dr. Donald Dossey, phobia specialist and originator of the term paraskevidekatriaphobia (fear of the number 13), the figure of Americans who buy into this fear may be as high as 21 million, which translates to roughly 8% of the United States population. Its origins are supposed to have derived from the Last Supper which was attended by 13 people. Judas was the 13th at the table, and the very next day when Jesus was crucified, it was a Friday. VoilĂ …you have Friday the 13th. Today's post will feature 13 of my very favorite photos from the Haunted Mansion at Disneyland. For those staying indoors today, you might as well have some visual stimulation! The first shot is from June 1965, featuring a mother-son combo that looks like they could have stepped right off of the set of "The Omen."

This ominous statue from the fast pass area is a favorite of mine; it sets the mood perfectly for the beloved New Orleans Square attraction.



Other than a few cast members, not a soul in sight; just the way I like it!



Only a face a mother could love.



A vintage shot of one of the stretching portraits when it still bore the stamp of the legendary Marc Davis:



Medusa, before and after:



Somebody is going to need some hand cream:



Naturally I have to show the 13 hour clock:



Three frames of Madame Leota, aka Imagineer Leota Toombs.



From 2013:



Yale Gracey adjusting one of the ballroom animatronics for an early publicity shot:



and how it looks on the attraction:



Can't believe I am already at 13; guess I better hitch a ride out of here.



See more Daveland Disneyland Haunted Mansion photos at my main website.

4 comments:

K. Martinez said...

The chandelier scene is one of my favorite images from the Haunted Mansion. Nice set today. Thanks, Dave.

Daveland said...

Ken - if only we could wander around the ballroom and see all the details up close, right?

Matt G. said...

My favorite attraction! What I wouldn't give to be able to wander around in there for a few hours...

Unknown said...

That first pic! I love it, and am geeking out here! It captures the era perfectly. That little boy's baseball jacket, his Brownie Camera, the chic mom dressed to the nines in that incredible polka dot dress, sweater, matching accessories, and even a lit ciggie. Incredible! Oh yeah.. and that sign! Great pic man!