This image shows the Jungle Cruise attraction, with the boat used to transport visitors in the background to the left of the falls. The ride was extensively inspired by the film The African Queen.
The description states:
The wilds of the jungle and its beauties are seen in the Adventureland boat ride at DISNEYLAND.
–The ride is little changed from the original course, but has had upgrades over the years as Disney himself insisted on refreshing the experience for repeat visitors. This image is from the early years of the park in the 1950s.
Tag: postcard
Disneyland Mad Tea Party Ride in Fantasyland, Anaheim, California
This image shows the rotating teacup ride known as the Mad Tea Party, with the carousel immediately behind it. The pirate ship mast is just visible in the lower left corner.
The description states:
The magic and mystery of Fantasyland is caught in this scene from the courtyard of Sleeping Beauty’s castle at DISNEYLAND.
–This ride and the carousel still exist in the park, making them among the oldest continuous attractions in Disneyland. This image dates from the early years of the park in the 1950s.
Disneyland Pirate Ship Restaurant, Anaheim, California
This image shows the pirate ship, once located in Fantasyland, that served as a restaurant in the early years of the park. It was called the Chicken of the Sea Pirate Ship and Restaurant, after the corporate sponsor.
The description states:
Aboard the pirate ship in Fantasyland, guests enjoy the dinner of their choice, Tuna at the Chicken of the Sea Restaurant, and glimpse the wonder of this realm in Walt Disney’s Magic Kingdom.
–The restaurant was closed and the ship removed in 1982. This image is from the first years of the park in the 1950s.
Disneyland Sleeping Beauty’s Castle, Anaheim, California
This image shows the iconic Sleeping Beauty’s Castle built in the center of the park at the top of the main Plaza. It is the main entrance and partial boundary to Fantasyland.
The description states:
The land of enchantment lies beyond the drawbridge guarding the entrance to Sleeping Beauty’s castle at DISNEYLAND. Beyond the Castle, Fantasyland combed to life with gay rides in the Disney fashion.
–The inspiration for the castle was the real structure known as the Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria, built overlooking the town of Hohenschwangau. It has been redecorated and has a walkthrough that allows viewers to see the castle as it was designed for the original Disney film.
The name of the structure has been shortened to Sleeping Beauty Castle. It is often called Cinderella’s Castle in error.
This picture was taken shortly after the park opened in 1955.
Disneyland Horse-Drawn Trolley, Anaheim, California
Shown in this image is the horse drawn Main Street trolley, which ran on the rails just visible below and in front of the horse, from the main entrance to the central plaza of the park.
The description states:
Dobbin stands patiently while the conductor of Main Street’s trolley counts his fares before heading to the Plaza at the other end of Disneyland’s Main Street.
–This attraction has been maintained and is still a popular activity along the original route. This image dates from shortly after the park opened in 1955.
Disneyland Train and Entrance, Anaheim, California
This image shows an early photo of the Santa Fe and Disneyland railroad train and station, with the original floral Mickey Mouse illustration.
The description states:
The DISNEYLAND entrance, set in flowers, is as beautiful as DISNEYLAND itself is wonderful. The Santa Fe and DISNEYLAND railroad station sits atop the berm in all the glory of a transportation center of the 1900s.
–Over time, the Santa Fe name would be removed and the name shortened to the Disneyland Railroad. This image dates from shortly after the park opened in 1955.
Wild Burros, New Mexico
This is another picture of two wild burros, similar in size and coloration to the previous card, and quite likely photos of the same pair by another photographer. As this image is a photograph and not a colorized image, the exact details do not match.
The description states:
K104–SWEETHEARTS OF THE DESERT
These Burros are hardy, shaggy little animals. They were introduced into the Southwest by the Spaniards, and have proved indispensable in mines and on the desert.
–The description is almost identical to the previous card, giving further credence to the idea that these are the same animals. This card likely dates from the 1950s.
Sweethearts of the Desert, Burros, New Mexico
This image shows what could be another image of the same burro shown previously by the name of Rags. This would fit in with the description on the previous card indicating that Rags was in the company of his mother, who could be pictured here with him.
The description states:
THE BURRO
is unconsciously a comedian — wise and adverse to labor. These hardy shaggy little animals were introduced into the Southwest by the Spaniards, and proved indispensable in the mines and on the desert. They have multiplied to great droves in some sections, and do a great deal of damage.
–At the current time the total population of wild burros in the United States is less than 5000, while there are about 3 million in Mexico. This postcard dates from the 1940s.
Rags, Wild Burro, New Mexico
This is an endearing image of the wild burro known as Rags. It was apparently a popular tourist attraction for the era.
The description states:
N-4 I WANT MY MAMA
When the photographer found this baby bro and its mother out on the hot desert — it was an effort to separate them. The baby would call pitifully for its MAMA.
–This burro would also be portrayed on other souvenir items such as this plate. This image likely dates from the 1940s.
Palisades, Cimmaron Canyon, New Mexico
This image shows a portion of the high, sheer walls that form the Cimmaron Canyon Palisades in New Mexico. This formation is known as a sill, a formation made of lava that has flowed from a dike to cover other landforms.
The description states:
71 PALISADES IN CIMMARON CANYON, N. M.
On Highway 64 from Baton to Taos, N. M., we pass over one of the most beautiful views in the section of the Rockies.
Many artists journey from N. Y. and eastern points to paint its grandeur upon canvas.
In pioneer days it was a dangerous and treacherous route for the traveler as behind many a rock, a blood-thirsty savage lurked.
–The language of the last sentence is clearly from a time before the wide recognition of Native American legitimacy and dignity, given that the “savage” was protecting what was owned and occupied by him for centuries from a untrustworthy and violent invader.
This card likely dates from the 1940s.