Bud Hurlbut.

About this time I went to see Walter Knott about putting a couple of amusement rides in his park. At the time he didn't see much value in putting in a couple of rides. He wanted to keep Knott's Berry Farm as a ghost town and he could not visualize it any other way. I knew Walter because I went to school with his daughters and got to know the family.


Bud Hurlbut and his days starting with Walter Knott.The first carousel that I obtained was one thatI traded for one of my trains and some cash. I kept it in storage for a couple years. I bought a piece of ranch property on Washington Boulevard with the idea that I would open up my own amusement park.Then I bought that Dentzel carousel.

Lion Country Safari

The park was originally in the city limits of Laguna Hills and opened in June of 1970. It was the second Lion Country Safari (after Florida).


Lion Country Safari was founded in 1967 by a group of South African and British entrepreneurs who wished to provide a safari experience for families who would not normally be able to experience it. The park originally exhibited only lions.

Japanese Village and Deer Park Advertiseing.

Log Ride.

The Log Ride opened on July 11, 1969, by actor John Wayne and his son, Ethan. The ride had opened up one mouth early than expected The ride didn’t have every thing done when Bud Hurlbut had opened.

Where in Knott's Berry Farm was this?

Can you tell me what attraction sits here now?

Sky Jump Tower Construction.

Knott's Berry Farm Animals.

Horse Merry Go Round old Macdonald's Farm.

Trained Monkey 1960.

Seal Pool.

Fantasyland

This is what Fantasyland looked like back then. Casey Junior tracks are on the bottom left, Tomorrowland, as defined by the rocket ride, to the right in the far distance..

Walt Disney invited officials from Orange County.

Walt Disney invited officials from Orange County to his studios to discuss his plans for Disneyland and to pose for a few photos. Inside the stagecoach are Orange County Supervisors Willard Smith (on the left) and Willis Warner (on the right). Walt Disney stands with his hand on the break.

5571 built for D&RG. Date of trial 4/4/1881 #400 "Grand River" BLW class 10-26-E
5655 D&RG trial 5/30/1881 #240 "Lake City" BLW class 10-24 1/2 E

More of the Buffalo Ranch Irvine.

Buffalo Ranch Irvine.

In the 1960s, Buffalo Ranch was shut down due to rising land costs. At the same time, a nearby site had been chosen for the University of California, Irvine campus


Buffalo Ranch, which was a working part of the Irvine Ranch until 1954 when buffalo rancher Gene Clark who was the great-grandson of Indian chief Geronimo Gene imported over 72 buffalo to the land and opened it as a public attraction.

Chirstmas at Disneyland part 2.

Chirstmas at Disneyland.

Chirstmas at Knott's Berry Farm 1964.

Chirstmas at Knott's Berry Farm 1966.

Universal Studios Hollywood 1971 Pt 3.

Universal Studios Hollywood 1971 Pt 2.

Universal Studios Hollywood 1971.

Oustside of the Orand Curtin here i have some Photos from 1971.

Three months after Disneyland's Opening.

More of Autopia Construction.

Tom Sawyers Island the Early Years.

Pullman Passanger car.

Oriinal blueprint for the passangers rail car,

Knott's Berry Farm Trains.

Blueprint of Knott's Berry Farm steam engine original print.

I'm back from small Vacaction.

Steve Knott grandson of Walter Knott.

Steve Knott and Carl and Margret Kracher.

Buddy Ebson and Steve Knott.

Steve Knott Year unknown.