Did anyone hear me let out a “whoop” when I saw this image in a batch of random vintage Disneyland slides? This January 1959 shot shows what was then known as New Orleans Street and consisted of Don DeFore’s Silver Banjo Barbecue and Aunt Jemima’s Pancake House restaurants. Although this detailed view shows the Aunt J sign, in the background on the pink portion of the structure at top you can see the banjo sign and down below the other signs for the Silver Banjo Restaurant.
Aunt J is promoting her wares with all those boxes in the window:
The placard in front of the Silver Banjo reads: “Silver Banjo Barbecue • Beef•Pork•Ham•Chicken and Spareribs • [can't read this one line] Dinner Sandwiches
The Silver Banjo closed in 1962, with Aunt Jemima following suit in 1970. This area is now the River Belle Terrace.
See more vintage Disneyland Silver Banjo Barbecue photos at my main website.
I read I read Ron DeFore's book, Growing Up in Disneyland, and as much as I wanted to like it, I just didn't. For one thing there was actually very little about Disneyland, a lot about politics, and an attitude that just kind of put me off the whole thing. Maybe somebody else's cup of tea, but not me.
ReplyDeleteOn the other hand I once saw a recipe for Don DeFore's Silver Banjo BBQ Sauce. Was it real? Heck, I don't know, but it made to better reading than the book! (insert rim shot)
Hi Stu - the recipe has been on my Silver Banjo BBQ page for years:
ReplyDeletehttps://www.davelandweb.com/silverbanjo
I have yet to try it though! I also haven't read the book yet, either. I have piles of books here I have yet to read...never enough time!
That's probably where I saw it, lol!
DeleteThat's probably where I saw it, lol!
DeleteI've spent a lot of time pouring over pics on your site the last few weeks. I had fun coming across the silver banjo ones so today's post is a real treat. Until recently I didn't even know the structure he was in still existed, I assumed it was something that was built then demolished like the chicken plantation house. Neat to know the banjo is still around in the family's possession. I'm not sure if Ron's book goes into it but that establishment was plagued by health code violations, nothing to do with food, more like the arrangement of equipment, etc. They had a rough time making it work.
ReplyDeleteDave...To me it looks like that line says "Baked Beans - French Fries" when zooming on another one of your photos of a sitting lady in a pink/red dress, #EkMCL_59_N20B
ReplyDeleteThanks Darryl!
ReplyDelete