Yes, I remember the Sky Diner (which I think was actually named "Captain Kelly's") looking a lot like the concept art. It was like a big cafeteria in a hangar.
I have many fond memories of Mott's Miniatures. It opened at Knott's on May 3, 1958, and was housed in the historic Jeffries Barn on Museum Road in Ghost Town.
The collection of miniatures was started in 1911 by Allegra Mott.
Like many other "outside" concessionaires, the Motts were pushed out of the Berry Farm in the late 1980s and early 1990s. After that, parts of the collection could still be seen at a nearby miniatures shop owned by the Mott's. The collection was auctioned off in 1998.
Well, here's some good news... our collection includes some of the historic Mott's Miniature dioramas purchased at auction - and yes, Tim, that includes the 'modern home' with the tiny TV.
As for the 'Cordelia K' - that's a sad story perhaps better told by Chris Merritt.
Thanks for the details Chris! I assume the Jeffries Barn is gone?
Outside, YOU HAVE THE TINY TV? You have no idea how insane I was about that when I was a little kid, me and my dad would talk about it in the car on the way there and the way back. In 1981 When Panasonic came out with the 1 1/2 inch TV I had to get one, I still have it and it works great!
Ken, when do you think your collection in Temecula might be available for us to see?
Chris Merritt, Tell us about the Cordelia K., I can talk the sad news (I think)...
Hi Tim, The Viewliner Limited is back on track and will start posting tomorrow. I have gone through all your posts that I have truly missed for the last couple of weeks and as always they are excellent. Glad to be back. Richard.
Tuesday, 22 April, 2008
Anonymous said...
Outside…OK, I’ve been wondering for a long time…Are you building some sort of tribute to the Knott’s of old? The Knott's that we miss so much? How did you acquire such an amazing collection of stuff? How about inviting us all over to see it!
Tuesday, 22 April, 2008
Anonymous said...
Motts Miniatures was one of the best things in Knotts. It was in a couple of locations but the one I remember most was the barn. A really big room with these glass enclosed miniature scenes. Things like a toy store, turn of the century home, grocery store, supermarket, AND the tiny TV! There were also a few really quirky displays - like a dead flea wearing a tuxedo! Now that’s not something you see everyday!
Sundaynight: If everything comes together as hoped, we will have a nice 'tribute' to many different parks. As for the collection, it's been many years in the making - and yes, when things are ready, you'll all be invited to see it!
Wednesday, 23 April, 2008
Anonymous said...
Wow. Looking forward to it OutsideThe Berm.
And thanks for the always intresting posts Vintage.
Sad to say - I don't know (or if I did, have forgotten) the sad story of the Cordelia K. Time for Mr. Stack to step up and relate it to us! I going to go out on a limb and assume it's in pieces somewhere.... It's certainly no longer on what is left of the Lake...
Gosh, Chris, I thought you'd have a better memory than I on the details with the 'Cordelia K' story - because I thought Bud told the story to us at the same time! Maybe not... Anyway, if memory serves, Bud told us that the young guys who rigged the harness for lifting the boat to it's new home had little experience with such weight. It seems as they raised the 'Cordelia K' out of the water she cracked pretty much in half - and that was the end of her. Or something along those lines!
Wow - I totally forgot that one! Thanks for remembering. This is the problem with not having a tape recorder every time you talk to Bud... Every time I talk to him, I have to hastily jot down notes to make sure I remember the story - but I missed this one!
Friday, 25 April, 2008
Part 2 is the final part of the Knott's Berry Farm “C” ticket series covering 1978 thru 1981. To be more specific on that date in 1981 “Knott’s Berry Farm went to an 'unlimited' park ticket on Friday December 18th 1981 - ticket books were discontinued and guests 'paid-one-price' thereafter.” This information comes from Ken at "Outside the Berm” (link), thank you Ken!
This May 1978 Adult ticket has no attraction changes from the May 1977 ticket where we left off in Part 1 (link). There is small change however, about a 5¢ worth! The “C” ticket now sports a 45¢ price tag.
I think the “Tail Spin” in this incredible concept art actually became the “Propeller Spin”. Chris Merritt was kind enough to supply this blog with the artists name; Wendy Pelzer, who worked under Art Director Rick Cambell's direction. Wendy produced some fine work for Knott’s.
Last of the “C” tickets, from 1981. This is when the tickets shrunk down to the same smaller size that Disneyland had switched to in 1974! Knott’s also went to A-B-C with these smaller tickets, eliminating the “D” ticket. I would guess they knew the “pay-one-price” day was coming. The "Archery Range" and "Merry Go Round" join the "C " ticket, moved up from the old "D" ticket.
13 Comments
Close this window Jump to comment formAny idea what "Mott's Miniatures" was???
Tuesday, 22 April, 2008
The Major just said the secret word! You guessed an item from this coming Bonus Sunday. I have full guide on Mott's Miniatures that I will be posting.
This is my first memory of Knott's, a room full of miniatures rooms! Tiny Country Store, old style house's, modern house with a tiny working TV!
I believe the collection was ultimately broken up and sold. Check back Sunday, the Mott's Guide is very detailed.
Tuesday, 22 April, 2008
Yes, I remember the Sky Diner (which I think was actually named "Captain Kelly's") looking a lot like the concept art. It was like a big cafeteria in a hangar.
I have many fond memories of Mott's Miniatures. It opened at Knott's on May 3, 1958, and was housed in the historic Jeffries Barn on Museum Road in Ghost Town.
The collection of miniatures was started in 1911 by Allegra Mott.
Like many other "outside" concessionaires, the Motts were pushed out of the Berry Farm in the late 1980s and early 1990s. After that, parts of the collection could still be seen at a nearby miniatures shop owned by the Mott's. The collection was auctioned off in 1998.
Tuesday, 22 April, 2008
Well, here's some good news... our collection includes some of the historic Mott's Miniature dioramas purchased at auction - and yes, Tim, that includes the 'modern home' with the tiny TV.
As for the 'Cordelia K' - that's a sad story perhaps better told by Chris Merritt.
Tuesday, 22 April, 2008
Thanks for the details Chris! I assume the Jeffries Barn is gone?
Outside, YOU HAVE THE TINY TV? You have no idea how insane I was about that when I was a little kid, me and my dad would talk about it in the car on the way there and the way back. In 1981 When Panasonic came out with the 1 1/2 inch TV I had to get one, I still have it and it works great!
Ken, when do you think your collection in Temecula might be available for us to see?
Chris Merritt, Tell us about the Cordelia K., I can talk the sad news (I think)...
Tuesday, 22 April, 2008
Hi Tim, The Viewliner Limited is back on track and will start posting tomorrow. I have gone through all your posts that I have truly missed for the last couple of weeks and as always they are excellent. Glad to be back. Richard.
Tuesday, 22 April, 2008
Outside…OK, I’ve been wondering for a long time…Are you building some sort of tribute to the Knott’s of old? The Knott's that we miss so much? How did you acquire such an amazing collection of stuff? How about inviting us all over to see it!
Tuesday, 22 April, 2008
Motts Miniatures was one of the best things in Knotts. It was in a couple of locations but the one I remember most was the barn. A really big room with these glass enclosed miniature scenes. Things like a toy store, turn of the century home, grocery store, supermarket, AND the tiny TV! There were also a few really quirky displays - like a dead flea wearing a tuxedo! Now that’s not something you see everyday!
Tuesday, 22 April, 2008
Sundaynight: If everything comes together as hoped, we will have a nice 'tribute' to many different parks.
As for the collection, it's been many years in the making - and yes, when things are ready, you'll all be invited to see it!
Wednesday, 23 April, 2008
Wow. Looking forward to it OutsideThe Berm.
And thanks for the always intresting posts Vintage.
Wednesday, 23 April, 2008
Sad to say - I don't know (or if I did, have forgotten) the sad story of the Cordelia K. Time for Mr. Stack to step up and relate it to us! I going to go out on a limb and assume it's in pieces somewhere.... It's certainly no longer on what is left of the Lake...
Thursday, 24 April, 2008
Gosh, Chris, I thought you'd have a better memory than I on the details with the 'Cordelia K' story - because I thought Bud told the story to us at the same time! Maybe not...
Anyway, if memory serves, Bud told us that the young guys who rigged the harness for lifting the boat to it's new home had little experience with such weight. It seems as they raised the 'Cordelia K' out of the water she cracked pretty much in half - and that was the end of her. Or something along those lines!
Friday, 25 April, 2008
Wow - I totally forgot that one! Thanks for remembering. This is the problem with not having a tape recorder every time you talk to Bud... Every time I talk to him, I have to hastily jot down notes to make sure I remember the story - but I missed this one!
Friday, 25 April, 2008