Treasures from 1957, Pt. 1

This 1957 gem shows a demure lady wearing a classic Disneyland paper hat from the early years of the park, standing in front of the Monsanto Hall of Chemistry. I am going to guess she’s visiting from Missouri, as that’s the flagpole at the Tomorrowland entrance that she chose to pose by.



In her hand is a Disneyland Guidebook. This version of the souvenir was released in 1956, but as you can see this must be an updated version since it has the year 1957 added in the upper right hand corner.



My version, from 1956:



Here’s an interior look at the colorful Hall of Chemistry, circa July 1960:



See more Disneyland photos at my main website.

Keelboat Krazy!

Daveland is absolutely Ka-razy with Keel Boats today! Don't know what a Keelboat is? Let me educamacate you: A keelboat is a riverine cargo-capable working boat, or a small- to mid-sized recreational sailing yacht. Thanks, Wikipedia! Can you believe Disneyland once had yachts? Well, not the type of yachts you might imagine, but still lots of fun. The first shot for today is from the 1950's and shows a Keelboat parked in Fowler's Harbor, ready to pick up another batch of guests, including a dad holding a baby on the right giving stink-eye to the photographer.



Image #2 is from 1955; doncha' love the feet dangling over the edge of the Mark Twain?



The first closeup shows the Chicken Plantation Restaurant; if it looks familiar to you then you've probably eaten at the Blue Bayou Restaurant.



Let me make the comparison easy for you:



Back to 1955, here's the closeup all you Keelboat nutz have been waiting for:



This somewhat faded 1950's shot shows a different loading area:



The paper hats definitely upstage the Bertha Mae in this 1950's image:



I wouldn't be surprised if one these ladies was named Bertha Mae.



This lad from June 1967 seems very excited about the prospect of riding on a keelboat; note the Native American cast member standing behind him.



One more keelboat shot for you, showing a March 1968 view:



Let's cut to the chase and zoom into the important part of this photo!



Hope you got enough keelboat shots to last you through the day!

See more Daveland Disneyland Keelboat photos at my main website.

Dining in Fantasyland, August 1960

This quartet of snapshots from August 1960 shows guests wearing souvenir Disneyland paper hits sitting near the Fantasyland Food and Refreshment Center. This color shot from June of the same year should help you get your bearing. Not sure if the walls with posters are construction walls or just barriers to divide Fantasyland and Frontierland. I am sure there is a knowledgeable reader out there who knows.



Back to black and white land…



Zooming in, it appears that they might be writing postcards to send home.



A better shot of the Food and Refreshment Center:



Are those phone booths in the back?



Somebody better explain to the youngsters what those are.

See more Daveland vintage & current Disneyland Fantasyland photos at my main website.

Disneyland News, July 1960

I could not believe my eyes when I saw this July 1960 image; a total vintage Disneyland geek's dream shot! A park map on display, souvenir paper hats, newspaper headlines, and vintage fashions! Just too much for my brain to comprehend on a Wednesday morning.



And Wanted posters, too!



While you're at it, be sure to check the headlines of the day. Maybe put on a pair of cat-eyeglasses like these two ladies. I think I need my smelling salts; I am in geek heaven.

See more Daveland Disneyland vintage & current entrance/exit photos at my main website.