Monkey See Monday

This 1956 image shows an organ grinder and his monkey in the Central Plaza area of Disneyland. Imagine..."live" animals at Disneyland doing things that might be unscripted. A closeup of the organ shows the name Molinari & Sons, New York.



Here's a previously posted shot of the same guy, also from 1956:



More Disneyland Central Plaza at my main website.

June 1959 Trip to California, Pt. 3

It should come as no surprise that our June 1959 tour group ended up at Disneyland, especially considering all of the amazing things that debuted at that time including The Matterhorn, The Monorail, and The Submarine Voyage. Not content to take just one shot near the Mickey Floral, our vintage photographer took TWO shots.



Our 1959 quartet poses on Main Street, with the 1959 New Attraction banners and a Horseless Carriage in the background.



I am fairly certain that this photo of an organ grinder and his monkey is also from Disneyland; it came with the same group, and it appears to be the Matterhorn in the background.



The last one from that famous theme park in Anaheim shows the newly opened Matterhorn in the background. Where the group is standing pretty much matches the background of the organ grinder shot. Sherlock…I think we have our answer!



Enjoy more vintage (and current) Disneyland images at my main website.

A Batch of Beauties from the 1950's

Just a few random undated 1950's images for you to enjoy. The E.P. Ripley is pulling into the station in this first shot. Can you believe how barren the property outside the berm looks? Where are all the hotels and restaurants?

This little monkey was a frequent attraction to early Central Plaza. I know very little about his story, but it would appear that he didn't last too long in the park.



The Pen Shop on East Center Street lasted for about 5 years, from 1955-1960. This area is almost recognizable to the way it looks today, as it is completely devoid of food carts, tables, and chairs.



Here's a little peak into the shop window:



How East Center Street looks today:



Originally, the Indian Village began life on the cusp of Adventureland, before it was shuffled off to the farthest corner of the park in what is now Critter Country.



Zooming in for a better look at the trash can:



See more vintage and current Disneyland photos on my Disneyland web page.

Disneyland in Glorious B&W, 1955, Pt. 7

Let’s spend a day at Central Plaza, with the Surrey and Horse-Drawn Streetcar cruising around the hub. For shots #2 & #3, I finally can contribute to the monkey craze that my fellow bloggers have documented in the past. Jordan, if you’re still out there, these are dedicated to you. The little monkey sure is making friends with the guests!





See more vintage & current Central Plaza photos at my regular website.