Earliest Official Candlelight Photo from 1959

posted at the Disney Parks Blog on December 7th, 2009 by Heather Hust Rivera, Senior Manager, Corporate Communications, The Walt Disney Company

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This past weekend we celebrated Candlelight at Disneyland park. As we were getting ready for the event, we came across this photo from our archives.

Candlelight started in 1958 at Disneyland park, but the first photo we have of the ceremony is from 1959. 

The colors are so vivid, and Main Street, U.S.A. looks much like it does today. It seems as if the photo was just taken yesterday. However, if you look a little more closely, you’ll notice that the members of the choir are sporting various looks from the ’50s.

Look at the people in the crowd along Main Street and see how well-dressed they are.

The King of Disneyland

This photo shows Walt Disney standing on the Mark Twain in Disneyland park in July 1955, just days before the park officially opened to the public.

Donald Duck inside the Philharmagic Store

Balloons at the Magic Kingdom

Details of the Main Street Railway Station Clock

Foggy Morning at Rose Garden [Magic Kingdom]

I See You, Again!

The famous dead pirate that looks toward you in the entrance of Pirates of the Caribbean ride

Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Giant Guitar

This is the Giant Guitar that stands in front of the Rock 'n' Roller Coaster ride at Disney's Hollywood Studios

Riverboat Landing in Liberty Square

The Way to Fantasyland

Magic Kingdom

Pathway from Tomorrowland and Fantasyland Junction going direct behind the Cinderella Castle

El Pirata y el Perico Restaurant Sign

Cinderella Castle View from the Lagoon

Cinderella Castle Flag at the Magic Kingdom

Astro Orbiter at Dawn

Aerosmith Stage Photo Frame

This is the Aerosmith Stage Photo Frame found inside Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Gift Shop at Disney's Hollywood Studios

Painted Liberty Belle

Discovery Island Character Landing Sign

At Disney's Animal Kingdom

Sir Mickey's and Carrousel

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Sorcerer Hat

I went to Hollywood Studios this night just for the 8:30pm Fantasmic. I hung with some friends and it was my brother's birthday too. Unfortunately, not a good day but an amazing night!

Jan. 26, 2009
07:332 pm

F-stop: f/2,8
Exposure time: 1/5 sec
ISO-400
focal Length: 8mm
Max Aperture: 4

Hollywood Studios' Fountain

This was one of the good days! I went to the 4 Disney's parks as a Guest. Started the day at Disney's Hollywood Studios and ended the night at Epcot for the IllumiNations.

Jan. 27, 2009
11:32 am

F-stop: f/4
Exposure time: 1/400 sec
ISO-80
focal Length: 12mm
Max Aperture: 4