Let’s start in Fiesta Village, here’s a great image from an early 80’s brochure.
The fountain is still there, I took this photo from he wrong angle to match the old photo, but since it was from my feeble memory, at least I got the fountain.
The spin and barf Hat Dance from the late 1970’s.
Still spinning and bright as ever!
The old carousel from a 1950’s souvenir guide. Did you know: Knott's carousel is a classic Dentzel carousel. The carousel has 52 animals and two chariots and is considered to be one of the finest examples of the "golden age" carousels still in operation – http://www.bear-ytales.net/
The carousel is now enclosed and I'm sure it has been moved at least once according to the old maps (link).
My camera stinks for these shady shots, but its all still there, and in fine shape too. Some of the animals are a bit scary, those ostrich’s are weird. There were even a couple of giraffes.
This neat music machine was in a space above the carousel. It sure looks old, I would love to have heard it, do you think it still works?
The Skycabin Tower and the Parachute Jump from hell.
Still a tower and sky cabin, but thankfully, no cages daggling from thin cables hundreds of feet up.
This area brings back some darn freighting memories.
Looking at the fountain in front of the wonderful and much missed Knott’s Bear-y Tales attraction.
The fountain looks the same, the rest of the area seems boring now.
Sadly, the Knott’s Bear-y Tales attraction is long gone and the upstairs area appears to be unused or may be a laser tag arena (yikes). The arcade still exists below.
Interesting that this Roaring 20’s sign is still up. I don’t think they have a Roaring 20’s area any longer, unless you count this sign. Do you think it lights up at night?
Technically, this should be filed under “missing”, but, you be the judge. This is part of the super lake that was once a major element of the farm. At one time, this lake was rather large, big enough for the paddle wheeler Cordellia K. (This might be the lake that was across the street, oops...)
Portions of the lake were calm at one time, perfect for a Church or Chappell. Thanks for the 1955 photo Daveland!
This "after" photo is looking in the same direction as Daveland’s 1955 photo above. YIKES, just take the lake out completely, this is an insult.
Speaking of the above view, lets set things back again to the 1950’s. The Church of Reflections as seen in a 1959 Chicken Dinner menu. As you may have noticed in the above photo, the Church is now gone; some giant roller coaster load building is in its place.
The Church of Reflections is still at Knott’s, well, kind of. Its way over on the (west?) side of the parking lot! I accessed it from a path that also leads to a day camp. The Church looks great. I would guess it’s been completely rebuilt using just the windows and other trim from the old building. Maybe not, but it sure seemed “new”.
It’s even got central air conditioning.
Independence Hall as seen from across the street in October 1970, thanks Dave.
As seen today from across the street.
From the back of a 1975 souvenir guide.
As seen today. Hey, this “replica” is amazing. I always thought it was 1/5th scale or something small, its HUGE and VERY authentic.
My camera can’t do the interior any justice; you really should check this place out for yourself. I like this wording on the main entry wall.
This “lake” is around the back side of Independence Hall and appears to have an Island? Part of this area was closed off, I need to come back and check this whole area out better.
Parking was easy, no tram required.
Come back Sunday for a few follow-ups to this series; Full scan of the Current Map/Guide, “What’s Gone”?, and some odds & ends.
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