America’s First Theme Park; Knott’s Berry Farm, like you’ve never seen it before! Go deep inside Knott’s amazing Theme Park history with long lost attractions. See the railroad that paved the way for Disneyland. The birthplace of the hidden queue. John Wayne’s log ride, Flamingos and Monkeys, Undertakers and Orphans, Black light Messiahs and ... wait, what!? With 100 years of history it’s the perfect time to get a visitors perspective in this special Documentary length Randomland episode featuring never before seen footage, along with archival images and a lifetime of learning about our neighbor, Knott’s Berry Farm.
From Walter Knott’s Boysenberries and Cordelia’s Chicken to Volcanos and Ghost Towns, this farm grew organic, pesticide free attractions that came from the imagination and the hearts of the amazing individuals who came to Walter’s farm and were allowed to set up shop.
It’s the Golden Age of Knott’s Berry Farm from 1940-1970, and we have a lot to see! Boot Hill, Sad Eyed Joe, the little Chapel by the Lake with the big Surprise! Panning for gold, the Indian Village on an island started by trash... not to mention exploring the depths of the original Calico Mine Ride!! Come ride a model T and feed fish to the... well, you’ll see! Get ready for a day ranging from the goats of Old MacDonalds farm to Rose Gardens to Volcanic devils! Strap yourself in for an adventure!
The bulk of the film is never before seen footage from the Randomland collection, but as the video grew larger, more and more archival footage was used as well.
Credits: Many of the Knott’s early film and still images are in the public domain via the preservation efforts of the OC Archives. See end of video for stills and films appearing courtesy of Orange County Archives.
Drone footage courtesy Spike Marble. See abandoned LA by drone at his channel:
Little Chapel by the lake courtesy Kevin Clark:
Additional Red Cliff and Whiskey Jim/Bill footage via Prelinger Archives. All music is licensed, Creative Commons, or in the public domain.
Images of the covered wagon show, gold trails hotel and more courtesy Ken Stack of STACKS LIBERTY RANCH - - visit the site to see the new theme park history books... I believe we’ll be seeing Knott’s there!
Additional footage of Ghost town, Red Cliff, and Chief Red Eagle donated by Gary Carter, who did not ask for credit, but is appreciated nonetheless.
Infinite thanks to Jeff Tucker (who cameos as the undertaker), Joe Reafsnyder, Ken Stack, and of course those tireless Knott’s historians who’s work is an invaluable resource for all who come picking the berries later, including OC Archivists Phil Brigandi (RIP) and Chris Jepsen, and Chris Merritt and Eric Lynxwiler who’s fantastic book KNOTTS PRESERVED is the gold standard for Knott’s Berry Farm history enthusiasts. There are many other Knott’s historians and bloggers who have enlightened me over the years whose names I can’t all call to mind offhand, but I appreciate all of you.
Many thanks to all the people who have donated film and images over the years, and especially our Patrons via Patreon ( ), who make Randomland possible. Time travel or otherwise.
Our new website is coming along with a new store - bookmark Randomland.com for future use, and we’ll see you in the future! ...Or in the past...
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