Some Really Obscure Paul Von Klieben Art

But first a little update in case you've been wondering...

Yes, folks, it's time to begin clearing an honored spot on your coffee table! Chris Merritt's much anticipated book on Knott's Berry Farm is just months away now. If you enjoyed the 'E Ticket' and books like Disneyland 'The Nickel Tour' expect something pretty darn special with 'Knott's Preserved'.

Okay, now to help get in the mood for this coming treat, how about we share some very old Paul Von Klieben work?

One of the oldest Paul Von Klieben pieces we've found to date is this 1928 woodcut art print of the Onstott Cooper Shop in New Salem Ill. It was here that a young Abraham Lincoln studied by the light of burning wood shavings (but you all knew that from history class, no doubt). Von Klieben would go on to become a popular Hollywood artist and, under Walter Knott's supervision, serve as one of the principal designers of Knott's ghost town. Thank goodness these two great men met.

All the fine and fascinating details involving Von Klieben's amazing work with Walter Knott will be represented in the upcoming book. And like Hench and Ryman's legendary connection to the success of the Disney parks, a new name will become familiar to every Knott's loving fan. Deservedly so!

Have a great weekend, folks!

--- Ken

A View From Main Street Station - Then and Now

Disneyland's Main Street Station - Gate 'A' in 1957. Though it's very dark, that's what the little hanging sign says; 'Gate A'.

The shot below was taken near the same spot today. Curiously, it appears that somewhere along the way a wise bureaucrat designated this as Gate 'B' instead. There must have been some massive confusion that caused such a vital switch. Thankfully, and because of such foresight, guests no longer need claw and push each other to get to their proper departure gate. Let's just enjoy the comparison, shall we?

Haunted Paper

For a Halloween treat, how about we dig through that dusty old newspaper morgue again and see what kind of spooky fun we can scare up? Let us move aside the pallid bust of Pallis and search the darkness peering inside those creaky drawers...

Let me see, then, this mystery explore. What's this? The opening of Knott's Berry Farm's Haunted Shack...

And here to ponder, another piece of curious forgotten lore - a Haunted Shack brochure. You've perhaps seen all of them before - but here's another look and nothing more.

What kind of silken sad terror can we rustle up for Disneyland, hmm?

Wretch! These ghastly scraps are in ghoulish pieces - but it's getting late (near dreary midnight) and there's a tapping at our chamber door...

Happy Halloween! Only this, and nothing more.

Forrest Morrow And His Woodimals!

Those of you who follow along with us might remember some months back when we promised to revisit Knott's Jungle Island again. Well, here we are!

Last time, our post featured photos from that wonderful jungle themed play area at Knott's Berry Farm. This week, let's pay closer attention to the fascinating man behind the wooden figures; Forrest Morrow. That's him up above.

Some of you may not know that Mr. Morrow started creating his 'Woodimals' (or 'Woodniks') in Elgin, Illinois at the young age of 77. And that their first popular installation was at the old Santa's Village in nearby Dundee. The postcard below gives you a color look at them in their first home. You may even recognize a few of those critters - as they eventually made their way to Knott's Lagoon area for you to play on! Yes, you remember, don't you?

It wasn't until May 2, 1964 that the Woodimals found a new home on Jungle Island in Buena Park's Knott's Berry Farm - just behind magnificent Independence Hall. Here's ticket number #1 as issued on that day. The tape residue remains as evidence of the prominent place this artifact held in the ticket window for a number of years. Like Disneyland's famous tickets, this one too is printed on Globe paper.

Once in operation at Knott's Berry Farm, Jungle Island was run by Forrest Morrow's daughter Evalee and her husband Jim Webb. As concessionaires for the 'island', the remarkable Webb family maintained the beautiful jungle setting, the little dirt foot paths and all the imaginative Woodimal figures - be they head hunters, three little pigs or just fanciful carved tree trunks. It was a genuine children's playground, full of fun exploration and imaginative role playing.

Below you'll find a little peek at the large sign that once met you at the entrance.

And last but not least, an actual 'living Woodimal'! You saw this guy long ago on a previous post, of course, but the good news is that since your last look we've been fortunate enough to rescue additional friends of his. There are now five in the ranch collection. And the best part is, they're anxious to see you again! Show of hands, who's ready to relive those fond memories?

Forrest Morrow's genius was in the simplicity of his delightful carvings. Let us hope that future children will come to enjoy his creations as much as we did.