Daveland reader Melinda S. noticed that my collection has a huge void of 1980’s photos and generously donated these images to the cause! Her collection included shots from her June 1980 trip to California. Today’s post features her photos from Universal Studios. Melinda’s memories of Disneyland (coming soon!) are more vivid, but what she doesn’t recall is made up for in these vintage shots! As she remembers:
We took this trip somewhere in the middle to end of June 1980. I would have been 9, my sister 5. The Universal Studios tour was neat and being able to pick up the van all by myself was pretty darn cool - I do remember thinking it was still pretty heavy and almost not being able to do it!
Some of Melinda’s images you Universal nutz will have to fill in the data for, as I do not recall what they are from, either.
I really love this overall view of the backlot:
A closeup of the Town Square area that was used in “Back to the Future” and so many other movies:
Compare with my shot from 2004:
While very similar, there appears to have been some movement and rebuilding that occurred over those twenty years, most likely because of having to be rebuilt due to fire(s).
Back to Melinda and 1980! Another backlot view:
A quiet little seaport town. But wait…what’s at the bottom of the frame?
That dastardly shark, Bruce from “Jaws”!
I don't remember meeting the Cyclon, but my sister says she does.
I’m sure Universal was thrilled to have Melinda’s family wearing Disney merchandise! I LOVE it!!
All locked up and no place to go:
Compare with this September 1969 shot from my collection:
Back to 1980 and Melinda enjoying those oversized props.
Here’s another feat of strength from Melinda. As she remembers:
The jail 'bars' were rubbery and really easy to pull apart.
I am going to guess there was some kind of “attraction” at Universal where you could see a snowfall, something Southern California is not known for.
From my collection, the same set in November 1965:
One of the shows Melinda and family went to was a trained animal show:
And another family favorite, the stunt show!
Stay tuned for more from Melinda S.!
See more Universal Studios photos at my main website.
