A Pair of Original Photographs Including an Aerial View of Disneyland and Construction of Main S...

A Pair of Original Photographs Including an Aerial View of Disneyland and Construction of Main Street U.S.A. Taken by Mell Kilpatrick Comprising two silver gelatin photographs, both 8 x 10 in., 1954-1958, both stamped on verso, the first being a 1954-55 photo featuring the construction of Disneyland's Main Street U.S.A., a picturesque and idealized town which is the hub of activity for all visitors and is the first themed area of the park upon entering. In the photo, it appears that a group of adult visitors have arrived by school bus to view the construction in progress. The second photo, taken in 1957-58, is an aerial view of Disneyland. Note the full parking lot and the acres of undeveloped land beyond. Since this photo was taken, Disneyland has undergone multiple expansions and renovations, and as recently as early 2024, Disneyland has been approved by the city of Anaheim to begin its biggest expansion in history! Photographer Mell Kilpatrick was one of the fortunate few allowed to photograph Disneyland during its construction period, on opening day, and after. He was hand-picked by Walt Disney himself and many of his Disney photographs have not been seen for decades. Originally a photographer for the Orange County Register, he was often first on the scene of major crimes and accidents, but his photographs of Disneyland are the jewels of his career. 8 x 10 in. For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com For further information about this lot please visit the lot listing