Unlike Disneyland, Knott’s Berry Farm is not nostalgic to me. We went to Disneyland multiple times per year but I don’t recall one trip to Knott’s Berry Farm as a child. The surprising thing is that Knott’s Berry Farm has much more history than its neighbor Disneyland (which is only seven miles away). The Knott Family started selling berries, tea, plants and chicken in the 1920s. The tea room turned fried chicken restaurant became so popular that Walter Knott built a ghost town just to entertain patrons while they waited three hours for a table at their restaurant. The ghost town hasn’t changed too much over the years nor has the log ride which was the first log flume ride in the United States (John Wayne was the master of ceremonies) nor has the railroad (which still uses the original 1881 Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad steam locomotive).
You would think that with the proximity of Knott’s Berry Farm and Disneyland there would have been a rivalry between Walter Knott and Walter Disney but there was not. They were actually great friends, long before Walt Disney every opened Disneyland. The Disneys were special guests at the opening of the Calico Railroad which inspired Walt Disney to build his own railroad at Disneyland. Knott’s ghost town was the inspiration for Disney’s Frontierland. Knott’s stage coach ride inspired Disney’s stage coach ride. There are similarities between the two parks yet they morphed into something distinct. Lucky is that the two parks are so close to home, they will both invoke fond memories for our little one.
I had no idea of the history of Knott’s Berry Farm until this post and that the Walter’s were friends. Cute pictures! 😊
Knott’s was the park we always had annual passes for when the boys were young (now 36 and 32). It was a screaming deal and condensed enough to take two wild boys on my own. I love the memories made there! What fun for you all. AND exceptional photos… Always.