Down By The Riverside, 1950s

Today, let’s enjoy a leisurely visit to the Dock area of the Rivers of America at Disneyland. The first image is from December 1959. I had to zoom into the boxes to see if I could see any fun inside jokes; none of these names register with me. Notice the El Zocalo sign behind the two guests.



This October 1960 shot seems to be the best shot I have of the El Zocalo sign; still difficult to read. Another bucket list item for my collection!



Here, guests sit inside the bandstand that was once located on the banks of the Rivers of America. This undated view is from the 1950s. The paper hat on the right indicates it’s from the early years, and since Tom Sawyer Island has been built out, we know it’s after June 1956.



An overhead view of the bandstand, September 1958. Because of the angle, it was probably taken from the second story of the Chicken Plantation Restaurant.



This May 1958 image shows the location of the bandstand and the restaurant:



This undated view of Frontierland was most likely taken from the Mark Twain:



It has to be 1950s because the Matterhorn has not been built yet.



The same view from a higher/farther vantage point, most likely the tree house on Tom Sawyer Island. Undated but probably from the 1960s. Because of the round shape of the Skyway buckets, we know it’s at least pre-1965.



The El Zocalo and Casa de Fritos area of Frontierland is visible below:



Enjoy your weekend, whether you spend it on the river or not!

See more Disneyland Rivers of America photos at my main website.

Vintage Frontierland Signage

A few lesser-known signs of Frontierland are featured today, starting off with a January 1958 shot of the Birch-Bark Lodge signage. On a separate note...the security cop in Frontierland is a bit jarring.



This Birch-Bark Lodge was one of the many authentic "exhibits" that guests at Disneyland could learn about in the Indian Village.



Here's another view of the 1956 Storybook-style map that heralded the upcoming Tom Sawyer Island:



If only the photographer had a steadier hand...



I can't even begin to read what is on this El Zocalo signage; anyone out there who can squint hard enough to decipher it?



See more vintage & current Disneyland photos on my Disneyland web pages.

Casa de Fritos, January 1966

Casa de Fritos...one of the more famous eateries that once graced Disneyland. Originally located in the New Orleans Street section of Disneyland, it moved to this location in 1956 and was replaced by the Silver Banjo BBQ in its former location. I believe the musicians featured here are the Gonzalez Trio. I have also included a closeup of the menu on the wall.



And Georgie...in anticipation of your request, here’s the closest I have to a current shot of the same location, which now features El Zocalo, one of my newly discovered restaurant faves at the park.



See more vintage and current Frontierland photos on my regular website.

Frontierland Medley

Speeding through Frontierland is one of the Stagecoaches that only made it until 1959. Frontierland once had as many modes of transportation (if not more) than Main Street. Slide #1 is undated, but slide #2 is clearly marked June 1960. Guests are listening to the music of the Gonzalez Trio in Frontierland’s version of The Bandstand located in what was known as The Mexican Village.



This January 1968 view is just your basic Wooden Indian at the Frontierland Trading Post photo.



LOVELY framing on this August 1976 shot (I'd like to talk to the photographer of this one! C'mon buddy, who taught you how to take a picture?!?) Another shot of the Mexican Village area with guests listening to live music (no, it’s not the Dapper Dans).



See more vintage and contemporary Disneyland Frontierland photos at my main website.