I am 70 years old. I grew up with the Cartwrights and their incredible decency and life values. I am still watching it daily after all these years. The Ponderosa was a truly beautiful place.
As an Afghan American I grew up watching Bonanza reruns. I was only 12 when I started watching it and loved it so much that I even ditch school just to watch it. I was lucky enough to get one of those bonanza coffee cups from a girl that I met and I still have it. I am 50 years old now and I still watch and love the show. Too bad I never saw the ranch so thanks for posting this video.
My aunt lived in Lake Tahoe so my husband and I visited The Ponderosa a couple of times. We both enjoyed it so much as it felt like you were actually on the TV show's set. Bonanza was a television show we never missed. It is so sad that it's not there for people to still visit. I took friends to that area just last week and they saw the sign but I had to tell them it was no longer there to visit. Bonanza was a show that meant so much to allot of people.
The town the Cartwrights went to was actually a lower studio parking lot with a fake mountain. Knocked down for executive parking after the show ended.
I visited the Ponderosa Ranch in the early 1970’s, right after having moved to the US from Germany. The show was insanely popular in Germany. I couldn’t believe my good fortune … actually visiting this set! Too bad there don’t seem to be enough of us left who remember Bonanza! Great memories!
Yrs ago as a kid, I was an extra for several episodes of Bonanza, and Gunsmoke, filmed in Oregon. I was also in the movie Great Northfield Minnesota Raid, also filmed in Medford Oregon area, actually Jacksonville Oregon. Michael Landon used to have a ranch here in Chico yrs ago before he passed. Really huge place and nice. Thanks Guy's...😁👍👍
Lucky guy. My late Gran loved Bonanza and High Chapperal. My other Gran was a cowboy freak period. Trouble is we don't have cowboys in ENGLAND - Lol !!!!
Anyone else hear the Bonanza theme song start playing in their head the moment Jeff started talking about Lake Tahoe and the show? Really knockin' 'em outta the park with these extra great videos lately!
I'm a 4th generation Nevadan. I went to the Ponderosa Ranch many many times. Had a Hossburger, and a sarsaparilla in a souvenir tin mug, they had candy stores with old time candies, ice cream shop, fed the many animals at the petting zoo, took a million pictures inside the ranch house, and they used to have wagon rides. It was an amazing place as a kid. I fell bad for kids today who's parents don't take the time to enjoy the outdoors with their kids. Over the other side of the Mtn, is a ranch outside of Carson City, is a place called Jacks Valley, Harvey Gross of Harvey's casino at South Shore had a heard of Buffalo and you could walk to the fence to see and sometimes feed them. And to all the people who have never been, in the TV show it was a quick ride to Virginia City, but actually its a long ass drive over there. Another famous part of American History. Mark Twain had his newspaper there. This was a great video to remind me of the good times I had as a kid.
Makes me sad that it's gone and that I never had a chance to visit :-( Best use of a drone that I've seen so far. Thanks for another destination, Jeff!
Thank you very much, Steve! The drone can be a tricky device. It turned out better than I thought despite the wind that was blowing hard that day! I appreciate you watching us again and commenting! I always look forward to seeing what video you have next! God bless you!
I have been watching Bonanza again, just finished Season 2, Episode 26. Love the old school values, a little corny, but that's how we grew up. Love watching them again! Good video, I was there when I was a kid too.
GREAT VIDEO! I grew up on Bonanza. We never missed an episode. I remember visiting the Ponderosa Ranch many, many moons ago...what great memories. Great job!
Always loved Bonanza and still watch it. The fact that you can still watch it even though you’ve seen an episode countless times is a testament to how good of a show it was. Loved your drone shots!! I read that there was talk of reopening the park at a different location but it seems that never happened. Thanks!!
I watched Bonanza as a kid with my parents, but I was too young to fully appreciate it fully. I found Bonanza again on youtube and binge-watched it season by season a few years ago. I still come upon episodes that I don't remember watching, so a nice surprise for me. It is sad that the sets of Bonanza and Little house are no more.
I always loved Bonanza i still watch it in reruns.it never gets old.kids now days cant leave a cell phone alone to watch and learn about history and good tv shows.
Thanks for the tour Jeff. My first trip to Tahoe was in '67 before going to RVN. Upon return worked at Harrah's. Return often. Still watch Bonanza reruns. Love that show and that place.
Jeff, I know exactly what you mean when you said, “I feel a sense of sadness now that the Ponderosa park is closed. I was born in The Bronx and watched Bonanza as a kid in the 1960’s with my parents and siblings. In late 1960’s, I ended up living with relatives in San Jose CA. In 1970’s I toured the Ponderosa Ranch at Incline village, and have that tin cup along with Ponderosa map. Today, my wife and I live in a town south of Carson City, Nevada, not far from old Ponderosa ranch, now closed. Today my wife watch old reruns of Bonanza almost everyday. We miss the Cartwright’s, , the actors, and memories with family past very much. Thanks for adding this episode to History Hunters.
Grew up in South Lake in the 60's. Had a blast. The opening shot where they're on their horses in the meadow is now Edgewood Golf Course. You can see Mount Tallac with the snow cross on the west shore in the background. Back when it all was just a resort community.
My grandfather in England loved the show Bonanza. When he visited us in the 1960's, he insisted on going to Virginia City and was really disappointment that there were no cowboys left. He knew about the Bonanza Ranch Park. Unfortunately, my parents could not afford to take him or us to it.
Bonanza The best TV Western alongside Laramie I went to visit that area Sadly there was nothing I'm in my 70s now I first watched it during my high school days in the 60s . And I'm still watching it as of now in Oct 2020 R.I.P Cartwrights Ben Adam Hoss Little Joe
My dad took me to the park every year. Loved it! From the horse back riding to seeing the ranch house. Between Bonanza and Virginia city I was in love.
Hi Jeff, I grew up watching Bonanza and have been to the Ponderosa house and the Town over 20 year's ago. We have at least one of those tin cups. Thanks for the update.
Brian’s wife here. I bought the carousel from Bill. He was going to use the money to buy Napoleons dueling pistols. The carousel is now in Missoula, Montana.
That is fascinating to hear! I wonder if he was able to buy those pistols? I am assuming that Bill has now passed away. Is the carousel in some park or where is it being used or stored?
So sad that its gone. Lots of people would still enjoy this place. A reminder of a simpler time .......especially in today's chaotic world. Wonderful presentation Jeff !
Thank you for the video! As a young girl watching TV back in the day on the reservation where I grew up..I'm native Navajo women.,and I love watching bonanza ,it such a homely family feeling,esp.only men..father and his sons.Its sad today! It be a monument ...if public open scenery.
I was one of the lucky millions who visited the ranch. And yeah, I remember thinking that there was no way I'd get involved with Hoss, Little Joe or Adam---handsome as they were---your days would be numbered!
I. LOVED THE SHOW. !!! And. THE LOSS. OF THE. GENTAL. GIANT. DAN. BLOCKER. I. KNEW. THE. SHOW WAS IN. TROUBLE. WE. ALL. LOVED. HOSS. SO. VERY MUCH. !!!! JUST SO. MANY. GREAT. MEMERYS. THANK. YOU. FOR. SHARING. !!!!💥👍👍👍👍👍👍💥
I'm 27 now and I love shows like Bonanza! I started watching it with my dad when I was 19. I wish there were more TV shows like it today. I feel like most if not all tv shows today are trying to shove left-wing politics down my throat instead of entertaining me. I only watch TV shows from the 50s and 60s now.
You've sure got that right. I don't watch the new junk that's created for TV. I only watch shows that are rooted in decency, from a time when American values meant something. People need to avoid the left-wing media agenda. Look how society is turning out because of it. Not a pretty picture.
Funny how the depiction of this era shows how much life and values they made from having so little, and today how we have so much in life yet at times those values have become so little. My father use to call it "plain old greed". Slow down world, slow the heck down....
I just googled Lorne Greene and he was an amazing man. I forgot that he was on the original Battlestar Galactica that I also liked. He was a Flying Officer in the RAF and read sad reports about the war. You would have a very good and interesting historical film if he you wanted to.
I grew up with Bonanza, brought my family in the 1990s. You could walk up the hill or take a buckboard , have an outdoor chuck wagon full breakfast with eggs, bacon, and toast, coffee with your choice of liqueurs and then wander the town and ranch. Memories.
So happy to know it still stands. I hope there is a change of heart and they by some miracle open it back up. This is one of my all time favorite shows and have visited the grave sites of Michael Landon and Lorne Greene in Culver City. I’m so happy you went back to see what’s there and to bring back memories from the time I visited with my kids. Thank you!
I went to the Ponderosa with my family when I was 6 in 1992. It was a lot of fun. I watched reruns of Bonanza and Little House on the Prairie with my dad all the time. Back then there was not TVLand, but Little House on the Prairie and Bonanza were on a lot of channels. TBS (the superstation lol) and Bay Area KICU VHF 6 UHF 36, as well as other channels that I don't remember.
My husband and I were married at the church at the Ponderosa in October 1995. All 4 of our kids participated and, yes, we are considered the crazies among our families and friends. Good memories of good times! Thanks for the reminders!
When I was a Correctional Officer at Corcoran State Prison here in Calif. there was a Lieutenant working there who I was told doubled for Hoss many times. I can not confirm this but I was also told after Dan Blocker died, he played Hoss in the last couple or few episodes. He did have a strong resemblance to Dan Blocker.
Brought back so many great memories as I went there many times while I was growing up. Returned and took my wife and both of my children before it closed. Thanks for the look back in time.
My family and I stumbled on the Pondarosa Ranch back in 1998 while driving around Lake Tahoe. We did the tour and got to go into the cabin and check out the parlor, kitchen and other areas. I watched the show w/ my dad and it brought back so many memories. I have a photo of my then 5 year old son wearing a leather vest & cowboy hat walking the main street. One of my favorite photos of him as a kid.
Bonanza I've watched every actors I loved house and all the actors for the on there I growed up with them and I sure miss them and I was sad knowing when they passed away they brought joy and happiness into my life and my family God bless all of them
I had the pleasure to meet Michael Landon in 1984 and hang out on the set of Highway to Heaven. Victor French could be crabby but was funny one on one. Thanks so much for watching and reaching out to comment! ❤️
I loved this series....and still do..all the stories were great...miss this kind of TV...the theme would roar in our living room...it was time too listen too BONANZA.....Sunday nights at 8 pm.....after that...off too bed....school next morning...glad too share this little moment with you all.....rick.
Back in the days when people were religious and attended church services on Sundays... ! God blessed them for that and they were able to live a better life than ours, so downsized in comparison to theirs...!
My wife and I visited from the UK a year or so before the park closed. It was a lovely experience, well worth the visit. I remember our Hoss burgers and tour around the Ponderosa ranch house. I also remember the separate grave for Hop Sing. Wonderful memories, it's so sad that it's no longer open. Thanks for the video.
When Bonanza was airing on TV, I watched it as a young teenager and now that I'm almost 70 years old, I still enjoy watching Bonanza on TH-cam. Still my favorite all time show!! They just don't make shows to equal or even come close to Bonanza!!
Yes, that show is a classic! And the fact that it reminds us of sweeter, more gentle days is a comfort in itself! Thanks for watching our video! We hope you have subscribed!
I still have three of the tin Ponderosa Ranch cups and the booklet. I remember there being a bull of some kind, that you could try to pet and then, feed these pellets to, but the thing would slobber all over your hand in the process and freak people out. I remember Ben's desk and that there was no upstairs and Hop Sings kitchen just as you left the ranch house. I have lots of pictures of family members, standing around the covered wagon, which was somewhere around the entrance. We all posed around it. Yep, I hate it, but we're losing everything.... restaurants, skating rinks, theme parks, like the old Frontier Village, etc etc. In time, all that will be left, will be Walmart, McDonald's, gas stations, and slapped together housing developments, which I would never live in. All we'll have left will be faded pictures, a pennant or two, a post card, never written on, and a slew of memories, but everything else will be destroyed. They call it "progress" ? Hell, even diseases like cancer, will often "progress", but unfortunately, the person with the disease, will pass because of it, which I've sadly, seen in my own family too many times. So, I don't like "progress" all that much. Another great video ! Thanks.
You hit the nail on the head! I couldn't agree more. More and more the world is becoming cookie cutter in style. The old fun things are disappearing, why I will never know!
Raised in the early 2000s and I still loved that show watched it yesterday really inspires you to love your family, Pray to God, and defend what's yours
I went to the Ponderosa Ranch a few times when we would go to Lake Tahoe on vacation !! On one of the visits I remember someone had thrown their cigarette in a stack of hay while we were in line. My dad was the hero that day putting out the fire !! We always would laugh and for years my dad would tell that story and say " The day I saved the Ponderisa" ❤!!!!! RIP PaPa, I miss you ! ♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡
Thank you very much for sharing The pondarosa Ranch. We were there in mid 70's and really enjoyed it very much. We still have keep sakes we got when we visited there. It is so sad That we lost a truly great place And the cartwrights. We still enjoy watching bonanza. ❤❤❤❤
Thank u for this documentary and taking us back into time. I was born in 1964 in the Netherlands and grew up watching Bonanza. My dad and I were great fans. And even my mom and sister would watch it sometimes. Thanks again for bringing back good memories.
Jeff, thank you so much for this glimpse. About 3 years ago I tried to find the location. on the way to Donner park and memorial. Did you notice that the Ponderosa map north was pointing to the left on the map?
I saw an interview with David Dortort and somehow when they drew the map the artist got it wrong as far as maps usually have North at the top. So to save time or money he just drew the compass direction showing which way was true North. His interview is on TH-cam.
If we ever reach back to our civilizational roots as Americans we can remember a lot of those priceless values by watching old episodes of Bonanza! They were on display every week. The Cartwrights had their problems, but they always came together by the end of the episode!
Went there in 1997 while on a business trip to Reno. Great fun, brought back lots of souvenirs for family member Bonanza fanatics. Still watching Bonanza, sad to see it unused, a great classic Western TV show, THANKS!
May the guy that shut the Ponderosa Ranch down rot in hell! I visited The Ponderosa many times and never got tired of it. I ate many Hoss Burgers, rode the hay wagon to breakfast, toured the house and the little town, and loved every minute of it. Not to mention that Bonanza is my all-time favorite TV show. Great video!
Dear Jeff, 2 July 2020. Marie and I visited the Ponderosa attraction in 1988. I did the driving and drove into that car park (you say "lot") but because we did not posses a movie camera but a stills camera, but still only took about five photos, film was expensive. It was one of our favourite tourist visits in the USA. We have most of the movies also. You did a great job, music is not too loud, thanks from this 84 yo Australian. The shows were televised here decades ago of course. The book you mentioned we have. I made my own Bonanza personal movie where I included two episodes and stills of the four grave sites. Also Jerry Skinner did his TH-cam clip including a short video clip of the town where Hoss had lived, very interesting. God Bless, Yuan. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
I was born in 72 but watched the reruns with my dad growing up in the 70’s & 80’s! It so cool you got to go there is a kid and all the cool people you’ve met and places you have been!
I’m with you about this place. It’s sad that it is closed. But with your drone shot there’s a flicker of hope since most of the buildings are still there, I thought it was all gone with condos replacing everything but no. I went there many times and now since I have grandchildren I would love to take them there. I do wish they would open that back up someday
We where there in the early 70's. It was a great visit, very sad that a part of TV series is completely gone forever. Loved watching and still do. Thanks for posting this. Ron
My parents took me here as a kiddo and this past weekend I went back to check out any historical remains of this place. I miss this place so much! Happy my parents raised me a on such wonderful shows!
Like you I also got to visit her when I was a child and have some cool memories of it. It’s so sad that it has been closed down because I still think that after all these decades that there are still a lot of fans of the TV show Bonanza, who would love to experience this park.
You're welcome., Tony! I appreciate you sharing that we have the same sentiments about the past and Bonanza was certainly part of it! Thanks and we hope you'll subscribe to our channel!
Hello again Jeff. I was hoping you had done a vlog on Bonanza, and heres why I raised that question. Back in 1960, I saw my very first episode of Bonanza, and fell in love with the programme. I never missed an episode, Then sadly; the programme ended and in about 1986, my parents visited my late Sister and her family in California and in one of dad's postcards home; he advised that he and mum had visited the Ponderosa ranch house which was still in existence back then. I thought to my self; "You bloody Beauty" and made it a bucket wish list of mine to visit this famous site which I had seen constantly when the show was running. In 2015, my late sister was diagnosed with terminal cancer, and asked me t come over as we hadn't seen one and other for over 20 years. One of the first things I asked my sister was if she would mind my taking a day trip to Lake Tahoe as I just had to see the ranch I had watched on TV for all those years, and then I got the bad news. My sisters nurse informed me that the Ponderosa was NO MORE, as it had been dismantled and moved away. I WAS MEGA PISSED OFF! I left the USA convinced that the day I became an undertaker, people would stop dying.
My first (& only) time out to the Reno/Sparks area in 2003, I had a free day before flying home, so I rented a car & drove to the Ponderosa Ranch. Didn't have a lot of time that day, but had a wonderful visit. It was so beautiful & I'd always hoped to go back. That was in the fall of 2003. I knew it had closed, but didn't realize that it closed the following year in 2004. SO thankful, I made the trip when I did. Thanks for the video - it was wonderful!
I used to watch this show and many others with my grandpa with Covid I started binge watching Bonanza o how I love this show thanks for sharing and stay safe
Thanks Jeff...., this was a great video!! I've been to the Ponderosa Ranch when it was still open and a fun place to visit!! I lived nearby in Reno, NV
I use to watch Bonanza as a kid. I think it was on Saturdays nights. I still watch it from time to time on cable tv channels. Excellent video I enjoyed it very much.
Never was there, but made the start to go several times but was waylaid by the notorious "One armed bandits" of South Lake Tahoe. Now, thanks to you, I got a glimpse of what I missed.
That's too bad those rigged one-armed bandits took all your money! LOL. That's why Sarah and I stay away from them whenever we go through Nevada. I've never won, only given my money to those casinos! Glad you enjoyed another one!
My family used to take annual vacations to Tahoe in 70s and 80s, and I remember visiting here. If my memory serves my correct, that famous opening credits scene where they are all riding up on horseback was filmed on the south shore, near Camp Richardson.
Great update video!! Thank you!!!! Good to know the buildings are still standing 🙌🥳 I'm 36 I remember going to visit the ranch when I was 6... All I remember is the gravesites LOL... My husband and I watch the show today.. hope the bring it back.. BONANZA!!!
I visited many times with my wife and daughter. The hayride breakfast on top of the property was the best, getting held up by the outlaws on the ride up was so cool.
Wonderful memories! Thanks for sharing with! Hopefully the park will open again! As many comments this video has received, I’d say the park would be popular!
Great video I just found.Went there twice and bought one of those cups.When I was there I asked an employee if any of them actually had a place in Tahoe.Turns out Lorne Greene was the only one having a place nearby in Incline Village.Loved the show and saw Bournes Meadow where they road up to the camera for several seasons.It is still there.Thanks this look back.
I also visited the ranch as a kid in the late 60s . We were on a cross country vacation from CT To Calif and back by car ... I loved it . Watched the show every Sunday night .
I to visited the Ponderosa Ranch several times. They had so many old historical artifacts on sight. I just wonder were all that stuff ended up? Anyway, another good production by you.
Hi Jeff and Sarah. I loved the show and this film. Lorne Greene was Canadian and started out in radio. I think he was a WW2 reporter. Maybe you could a film on him.
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I am 70 years old. I grew up with the Cartwrights and their incredible decency and life values. I am still watching it daily after all these years. The Ponderosa was a truly beautiful place.
Fuimos al rancho in lake thaoe pero ya lo tumbaron
As an Afghan American I grew up watching Bonanza reruns. I was only 12 when I started watching it and loved it so much that I even ditch school just to watch it. I was lucky enough to get one of those bonanza coffee cups from a girl that I met and I still have it. I am 50 years old now and I still watch and love the show. Too bad I never saw the ranch so thanks for posting this video.
Never knew their ranch was the entire north of Lake Tahoe! ;)
My aunt lived in Lake Tahoe so my husband and I visited The Ponderosa a couple of times. We both enjoyed it so much as it felt like you were actually on the TV show's set. Bonanza was a television show we never missed. It is so sad that it's not there for people to still visit. I took friends to that area just last week and they saw the sign but I had to tell them it was no longer there to visit. Bonanza was a show that meant so much to allot of people.
The town the Cartwrights went to was actually a lower studio parking lot with a fake mountain. Knocked down for executive parking after the show ended.
My mom used to work at the ponderosa ranch back in 1975, brings back memory’s thanks for sharing.
That's awesome! Thanks for watching and sharing!
I'm 99% sure that's the year I went there. Chances are I probably saw your Mother that day, being the small world that it is!
Thanks for sharing! 🤠
My brother and I used to go horseback riding at the ranch. Lots of fun and sad to see it close
I visited the Ponderosa Ranch in the early 1970’s, right after having moved to the US from Germany. The show was insanely popular in Germany. I couldn’t believe my good fortune … actually visiting this set! Too bad there don’t seem to be enough of us left who remember Bonanza! Great memories!
Same here, only I came from Denmark. Visited in 1970 and moved to Reno in 73.
Yrs ago as a kid, I was an extra for several episodes of Bonanza, and Gunsmoke, filmed in Oregon. I was also in the movie Great Northfield Minnesota Raid, also filmed in Medford Oregon area, actually Jacksonville Oregon. Michael Landon used to have a ranch here in Chico yrs ago before he passed. Really huge place and nice.
Thanks Guy's...😁👍👍
Lucky guy. My late Gran loved Bonanza and High Chapperal. My other Gran was a cowboy freak period. Trouble is we don't have cowboys in ENGLAND - Lol !!!!
Anyone else hear the Bonanza theme song start playing in their head the moment Jeff started talking about Lake Tahoe and the show?
Really knockin' 'em outta the park with these extra great videos lately!
LoL I did also
I'm a 4th generation Nevadan. I went to the Ponderosa Ranch many many times. Had a Hossburger, and a sarsaparilla in a souvenir tin mug, they had candy stores with old time candies, ice cream shop, fed the many animals at the petting zoo, took a million pictures inside the ranch house, and they used to have wagon rides. It was an amazing place as a kid. I fell bad for kids today who's parents don't take the time to enjoy the outdoors with their kids. Over the other side of the Mtn, is a ranch outside of Carson City, is a place called Jacks Valley, Harvey Gross of Harvey's casino at South Shore had a heard of Buffalo and you could walk to the fence to see and sometimes feed them. And to all the people who have never been, in the TV show it was a quick ride to Virginia City, but actually its a long ass drive over there. Another famous part of American History. Mark Twain had his newspaper there. This was a great video to remind me of the good times I had as a kid.
I loved Bonanza as a kid growing up. They sure don't make quality shows like that anymore!
They rarely do. Seems like there have been no classic TV shows lately.
I got married on the Ponderosa Ranch Chapel. It was really fun. This was back in 1994.
wow !!! i had tears in my eyes when watching this !!!!so sad its gone!!!
Me too! Lots of childhood memories
I still have 2 cups and a postcard from there....loved that show!
I had a cup as well boy do I miss that cup but the memories of the Bonanza will forever live in my ❤️
My wife and I were there in late 70's. Great show, wonderful characters and actors. Sad to see it closed.
Makes me sad that it's gone and that I never had a chance to visit :-( Best use of a drone that I've seen so far. Thanks for another destination, Jeff!
Thank you very much, Steve! The drone can be a tricky device. It turned out better than I thought despite the wind that was blowing hard that day! I appreciate you watching us again and commenting! I always look forward to seeing what video you have next! God bless you!
I have been watching Bonanza again, just finished Season 2, Episode 26. Love the old school values, a little corny, but that's how we grew up. Love watching them again! Good video, I was there when I was a kid too.
Not corny at all.
This show was the first thing I seen on a colored TV.Brings back memories, and still catch some on ME TV.
I also watch on ME TV. I don't know if ME is regionalized, but where I live it's in season 14, the last season. No Hoss unfortunately.
GREAT VIDEO! I grew up on Bonanza. We never missed an episode. I remember visiting the Ponderosa Ranch many, many moons ago...what great memories. Great job!
It would sure be nice if it re-opened.
Always loved Bonanza and still watch it. The fact that you can still watch it even though you’ve seen an episode countless times is a testament to how good of a show it was. Loved your drone shots!! I read that there was talk of reopening the park at a different location but it seems that never happened. Thanks!!
I watched Bonanza as a kid with my parents, but I was too young to fully appreciate it fully. I found Bonanza again on youtube and binge-watched it season by season a few years ago. I still come upon episodes that I don't remember watching, so a nice surprise for me. It is sad that the sets of Bonanza and Little house are no more.
I always loved Bonanza i still watch it in reruns.it never gets old.kids now days cant leave a cell phone alone to watch and learn about history and good tv shows.
Thanks for the tour Jeff. My first trip to Tahoe was in '67 before going to RVN. Upon return worked at Harrah's. Return often. Still watch Bonanza reruns. Love that show and that place.
Very cool! Glad you enjoyed the visit!
Jeff, I know exactly what you mean when you said, “I feel a sense of sadness now that the Ponderosa park is closed. I was born in The Bronx and watched Bonanza as a kid in the 1960’s with my parents and siblings. In late 1960’s, I ended up living with relatives in San Jose CA. In 1970’s I toured the Ponderosa Ranch at Incline village, and have that tin cup along with Ponderosa map. Today, my wife and I live in a town south of Carson City, Nevada, not far from old Ponderosa ranch, now closed. Today my wife watch old reruns of Bonanza almost everyday. We miss the Cartwright’s, , the actors, and memories with family past very much. Thanks for adding this episode to History Hunters.
Grew up in South Lake in the 60's. Had a blast. The opening shot where they're on their horses in the meadow is now Edgewood Golf Course. You can see Mount Tallac with the snow cross on the west shore in the background. Back when it all was just a resort community.
Very cool very very cool I wish there was some untouched areas of this country especially since we are losing those areas
My grandfather in England loved the show Bonanza. When he visited us in the 1960's, he insisted on going to Virginia City and was really disappointment that there were no cowboys left. He knew about the Bonanza Ranch Park. Unfortunately, my parents could not afford to take him or us to it.
Bonanza
The best TV Western alongside Laramie
I went to visit that area
Sadly there was nothing
I'm in my 70s now
I first watched it during my high school days in the 60s . And I'm still watching it as of now in Oct 2020
R.I.P Cartwrights
Ben Adam Hoss Little Joe
My dad took me to the park every year. Loved it! From the horse back riding to seeing the ranch house. Between Bonanza and Virginia city I was in love.
watched this programme all the time here in the UK , loved it
Hi Jeff, I grew up watching Bonanza and have been to the Ponderosa house and the Town over 20 year's ago. We have at least one of those tin cups. Thanks for the update.
Thanks for sharing! Hang onto that tin cup! LOL
Brian’s wife here. I bought the carousel from Bill. He was going to use the money to buy Napoleons dueling pistols. The carousel is now in Missoula, Montana.
That is fascinating to hear! I wonder if he was able to buy those pistols? I am assuming that Bill has now passed away. Is the carousel in some park or where is it being used or stored?
So sad that its gone. Lots of people would still enjoy this place. A reminder of a simpler time .......especially in today's chaotic world.
Wonderful presentation Jeff !
Thank you for the video! As a young girl watching TV back in the day on the reservation where I grew up..I'm native Navajo women.,and I love watching bonanza ,it such a homely family feeling,esp.only men..father and his sons.Its sad today! It be a monument ...if public open scenery.
Well you and I both love Bonanza and long for its return!!! Thanks so much for watching!
Taking my two young sons there is one of my greatest memories with them.
Thanks guys, bringing back the good old days !!
Our pleasure!
I was one of the lucky millions who visited the ranch. And yeah, I remember thinking that there was no way I'd get involved with Hoss, Little Joe or Adam---handsome as they were---your days would be numbered!
Well, Ben's wives didn't do to well either...think about it.
I. LOVED THE SHOW. !!! And. THE LOSS. OF THE. GENTAL. GIANT. DAN. BLOCKER. I. KNEW. THE. SHOW WAS IN. TROUBLE. WE. ALL. LOVED. HOSS. SO. VERY MUCH. !!!! JUST SO. MANY. GREAT. MEMERYS. THANK. YOU. FOR. SHARING. !!!!💥👍👍👍👍👍👍💥
Glad you enjoyed it!
I'm 27 now and I love shows like Bonanza! I started watching it with my dad when I was 19. I wish there were more TV shows like it today. I feel like most if not all tv shows today are trying to shove left-wing politics down my throat instead of entertaining me. I only watch TV shows from the 50s and 60s now.
You should watch 501 the Turner classic Movies. All the oldies and goodies
You're a smart young man and your father has raised you well.
There's actually lots of shows still on reruns on AMC or some other channel
You've sure got that right. I don't watch the new junk that's created for TV. I only watch shows that are rooted in decency, from a time when American values meant something. People need to avoid the left-wing media agenda. Look how society is turning out because of it. Not a pretty picture.
Funny how the depiction of this era shows how much life and values they made from having so little, and today how we have so much in life yet at times those values have become so little. My father use to call it "plain old greed". Slow down world, slow the heck down....
I just googled Lorne Greene and he was an amazing man. I forgot that he was on the original Battlestar Galactica that I also liked. He was a Flying Officer in the RAF and read sad reports about the war. You would have a very good and interesting historical film if he you wanted to.
He had another replica Ponderosa ranch house constructed, as his personal home.
It's sad none of those guys are still around , I loved that show , still do. A golden time for tv !
It was a great show. Thank God we will always have it to watch! Thanks for watching and commenting!
I grew up with Bonanza, brought my family in the 1990s. You could walk up the hill or take a buckboard , have an outdoor chuck wagon full breakfast with eggs, bacon, and toast, coffee with your choice of liqueurs and then wander the town and ranch. Memories.
So happy to know it still stands. I hope there is a change of heart and they by some miracle open it back up. This is one of my all time favorite shows and have visited the grave sites of Michael Landon and Lorne Greene in Culver City.
I’m so happy you went back to see what’s there and to bring back memories from the time I visited with my kids. Thank you!
We did a show on their graves a while back. Thanks so much for watching! Let’s hope the Ponderosa reopens!
I went to the Ponderosa with my family when I was 6 in 1992. It was a lot of fun. I watched reruns of Bonanza and Little House on the Prairie with my dad all the time. Back then there was not TVLand, but Little House on the Prairie and Bonanza were on a lot of channels. TBS (the superstation lol) and Bay Area KICU VHF 6 UHF 36, as well as other channels that I don't remember.
I was a teenager, in the 70' s, I had a hoss burger, vacation with my parents.
My husband and I were married at the church at the Ponderosa in October 1995. All 4 of our kids participated and, yes, we are considered the crazies among our families and friends. Good memories of good times! Thanks for the reminders!
When I was a Correctional Officer at Corcoran State Prison here in Calif. there was a Lieutenant working there who I was told doubled for Hoss many times. I can not confirm this but I was also told after Dan Blocker died, he played Hoss in the last couple or few episodes. He did have a strong resemblance to Dan Blocker.
Brought back so many great memories as I went there many times while I was growing up. Returned and took my wife and both of my children before it closed. Thanks for the look back in time.
Thanks for sharing! Glad you liked it!
My family and I stumbled on the Pondarosa Ranch back in 1998 while driving around Lake Tahoe. We did the tour and got to go into the cabin and check out the parlor, kitchen and other areas. I watched the show w/ my dad and it brought back so many memories. I have a photo of my then 5 year old son wearing a leather vest & cowboy hat walking the main street. One of my favorite photos of him as a kid.
Bonanza I've watched every actors I loved house and all the actors for the on there I growed up with them and I sure miss them and I was sad knowing when they passed away they brought joy and happiness into my life and my family God bless all of them
I had the pleasure to meet Michael Landon in 1984 and hang out on the set of Highway to Heaven. Victor French could be crabby but was funny one on one. Thanks so much for watching and reaching out to comment! ❤️
I loved this series....and still do..all the stories were great...miss this kind of TV...the theme would roar in our living room...it was time too listen too BONANZA.....Sunday nights at 8 pm.....after that...off too bed....school next morning...glad too share this little moment with you all.....rick.
Couldn't agree more!
Every Sunday night, when we got home from church, we would watch Bonanza.
Thanx for video😎😎
Thank you for reliving Bonanza with us!
Back in the days when people were religious and attended church services on Sundays... ! God blessed them for that and they were able to live a better life than ours, so downsized in comparison to theirs...!
Thank you for the.memories as I grew up watching The great Bonanza shows!
You are very welcome! We appreciate you watching and commenting!
Thsnk you so much for sharing this histoty Ponderosa Ranch.
Our pleasure!
My wife and I visited from the UK a year or so before the park closed. It was a lovely experience, well worth the visit. I remember our Hoss burgers and tour around the Ponderosa ranch house. I also remember the separate grave for Hop Sing. Wonderful memories, it's so sad that it's no longer open. Thanks for the video.
When Bonanza was airing on TV, I watched it as a young teenager and now that I'm almost 70 years old, I still enjoy watching Bonanza on TH-cam. Still my favorite all time show!! They just don't make shows to equal or even come close to Bonanza!!
Yes, that show is a classic! And the fact that it reminds us of sweeter, more gentle days is a comfort in itself! Thanks for watching our video! We hope you have subscribed!
I still have three of the tin Ponderosa Ranch cups and the booklet. I remember there being a bull of some kind, that you could try to pet and then, feed these pellets to, but the thing would slobber all over your hand in the process and freak people out. I remember Ben's desk and that there was no upstairs and Hop Sings kitchen just as you left the ranch house. I have lots of pictures of family members, standing around the covered wagon, which was somewhere around the entrance. We all posed around it. Yep, I hate it, but we're losing everything.... restaurants, skating rinks, theme parks, like the old Frontier Village, etc etc. In time, all that will be left, will be Walmart, McDonald's, gas stations, and slapped together housing developments, which I would never live in. All we'll have left will be faded pictures, a pennant or two, a post card, never written on, and a slew of memories, but everything else will be destroyed. They call it "progress" ? Hell, even diseases like cancer, will often "progress", but unfortunately, the person with the disease, will pass because of it, which I've sadly, seen in my own family too many times. So, I don't like "progress" all that much. Another great video ! Thanks.
You hit the nail on the head! I couldn't agree more. More and more the world is becoming cookie cutter in style. The old fun things are disappearing, why I will never know!
Raised in the early 2000s and I still loved that show watched it yesterday really inspires you to love your family, Pray to God, and defend what's yours
I went to the Ponderosa Ranch a few times when we would go to Lake Tahoe on vacation !! On one of the visits I remember someone had thrown their cigarette in a stack of hay while we were in line. My dad was the hero that day putting out the fire !! We always would laugh and for years my dad would tell that story and say " The day I saved the Ponderisa" ❤!!!!! RIP PaPa, I miss you ! ♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡
Awesome! Bonanza is my ultimate favorite of all time! Thank you for sharing! 🙋♀️🐎🌲🚂🤠
Thank you very much for sharing
The pondarosa
Ranch.
We were there in mid 70's and really enjoyed it very much. We still have keep sakes we got when we visited there. It is so sad
That we lost a truly great place
And the cartwrights.
We still enjoy watching bonanza. ❤❤❤❤
Loved Bonanza. My parents although didn't speak English they would watch it all the time. Thanks for sharing.
Glad you enjoyed it! It will always be one of my favorites! Great nostalgia!
Thank u for this documentary and taking us back into time. I was born in 1964 in the Netherlands and grew up watching Bonanza. My dad and I were great fans. And even my mom and sister would watch it sometimes. Thanks again for bringing back good memories.
Glad that you enjoyed this rewind of history! I miss those days!
Jeff, thank you so much for this glimpse. About 3 years ago I tried to find the location. on the way to Donner park and memorial. Did you notice that the Ponderosa map north was pointing to the left on the map?
Thanks for watching! Yes the map direction threw off a lot of folks. So I’m assuming that you didn’t find the location?
I saw an interview with David Dortort and somehow when they drew the map the artist got it wrong as far as maps usually have North at the top. So to save time or money he just drew the compass direction showing which way was true North. His interview is on TH-cam.
Loved That Show, Sad this Place Is Closed..Stay Safe..
I still watch the reruns and use to watch it with my dad when I was a kid.
I made a trip there back in 75 or 76 when I was in Calf. for my Army service.
I loved watching Bananza, I Would loved to have seen this place in the hay days! Another great job!
If we ever reach back to our civilizational roots as Americans we can remember a lot of those priceless values by watching old episodes of Bonanza! They were on display every week. The Cartwrights had their problems, but they always came together by the end of the episode!
Went there in 1997 while on a business trip to Reno. Great fun, brought back lots of souvenirs for family member Bonanza fanatics. Still watching Bonanza, sad to see it unused, a great classic Western TV show, THANKS!
Thanks for sharing! And thank you for watching and revisiting Bonanza with us!
May the guy that shut the Ponderosa Ranch down rot in hell!
I visited The Ponderosa many times and never got tired of it. I ate many Hoss Burgers, rode the hay wagon to breakfast, toured the house and the little town, and loved every minute of it.
Not to mention that Bonanza is my all-time favorite TV show.
Great video!
Anytime , I loved that show and time period , they don't have anything on now that compares to the older shows , especially westerns.
Dear Jeff, 2 July 2020.
Marie and I visited the Ponderosa attraction in 1988. I did the driving and drove into that car park (you say "lot") but because we did not posses a movie camera but a stills camera, but still only took about five photos, film was expensive.
It was one of our favourite tourist visits in the USA. We have most of the movies also. You did a great job, music is not too loud, thanks from this 84 yo Australian. The shows were televised here decades ago of course. The book you mentioned we have. I made my own Bonanza personal movie where I included two episodes and stills of the four grave sites. Also Jerry Skinner did his TH-cam clip including a short video clip of the town where Hoss had lived, very interesting.
God Bless, Yuan.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
I was born in 72 but watched the reruns with my dad growing up in the 70’s & 80’s! It so cool you got to go there is a kid and all the cool people you’ve met and places you have been!
Very cool ! Amazing history lesson. As a kid growing up in the 70's. Bonanza was my favorite show. Thanks for posting. Good Vibes 👣
So glad our family got to visit the Ponderosa in the mid-ninties. Very sad to see it is gone.
I’m with you about this place. It’s sad that it is closed. But with your drone shot there’s a flicker of hope since most of the buildings are still there, I thought it was all gone with condos replacing everything but no. I went there many times and now since I have grandchildren I would love to take them there. I do wish they would open that back up someday
I absolutely loved watching bonanza growing up .
Me too! Thanks for watching our video and we hope you have or will subscribe!
We where there in the early 70's. It was a great visit, very sad that a part of TV series is completely gone forever. Loved watching and still do.
Thanks for posting this.
Ron
Glad you enjoyed it! That is so nice to hear! Thank you very much!
My parents took me here as a kiddo and this past weekend I went back to check out any historical remains of this place. I miss this place so much! Happy my parents raised me a on such wonderful shows!
Like you I also got to visit her when I was a child and have some cool memories of it. It’s so sad that it has been closed down because I still think that after all these decades that there are still a lot of fans of the TV show Bonanza, who would love to experience this park.
Nothing stays the same except our memories and I echo each of your comments you made within your video. Thank you Jeff for this video!!
You're welcome., Tony! I appreciate you sharing that we have the same sentiments about the past and Bonanza was certainly part of it! Thanks and we hope you'll subscribe to our channel!
Hello again Jeff. I was hoping you had done a vlog on Bonanza, and heres why I raised that question. Back in 1960, I saw my very first episode of Bonanza, and fell in love with the programme. I never missed an episode, Then sadly; the programme ended and in about 1986, my parents visited my late Sister and her family in California and in one of dad's postcards home; he advised that he and mum had visited the Ponderosa ranch house which was still in existence back then. I thought to my self; "You bloody Beauty" and made it a bucket wish list of mine to visit this famous site which I had seen constantly when the show was running. In 2015, my late sister was diagnosed with terminal cancer, and asked me t come over as we hadn't seen one and other for over 20 years. One of the first things I asked my sister was if she would mind my taking a day trip to Lake Tahoe as I just had to see the ranch I had watched on TV for all those years, and then I got the bad news. My sisters nurse informed me that the Ponderosa was NO MORE, as it had been dismantled and moved away. I WAS MEGA PISSED OFF! I left the USA convinced that the day I became an undertaker, people would stop dying.
I watched bonanza every week when i was a kid. I loved it thanks.
My first (& only) time out to the Reno/Sparks area in 2003, I had a free day before flying home, so I rented a car & drove to the Ponderosa Ranch. Didn't have a lot of time that day, but had a wonderful visit. It was so beautiful & I'd always hoped to go back. That was in the fall of 2003. I knew it had closed, but didn't realize that it closed the following year in 2004. SO thankful, I made the trip when I did. Thanks for the video - it was wonderful!
Thanks Sue! Glad you had fun at the Ponderosa! And watching the video!
I used to watch this show and many others with my grandpa with Covid I started binge watching Bonanza o how I love this show thanks for sharing and stay safe
I’m 49 and still watch Bonanza. Love it.
That's awesome! It's a great show!
Thanks Jeff...., this was a great video!! I've been to the Ponderosa Ranch when it was still open and a fun place to visit!! I lived nearby in Reno, NV
One of the best shows on tv. Compared to a lot of junk on tv now. Wish I visited the ranch before it closed....😊
Couldn't agree more!
@@jbenziggy thank you.
I use to watch Bonanza as a kid. I think it was on Saturdays nights. I still watch it from time to time on cable tv channels. Excellent video I enjoyed it very much.
My dad and mom took me ,my brother and sister there when we were kids. We had great time.
Never was there, but made the start to go several times but was waylaid by the notorious "One armed bandits" of South Lake Tahoe. Now, thanks to you, I got a glimpse of what I missed.
That's too bad those rigged one-armed bandits took all your money! LOL. That's why Sarah and I stay away from them whenever we go through Nevada. I've never won, only given my money to those casinos! Glad you enjoyed another one!
My family used to take annual vacations to Tahoe in 70s and 80s, and I remember visiting here. If my memory serves my correct, that famous opening credits scene where they are all riding up on horseback was filmed on the south shore, near Camp Richardson.
Great update video!! Thank you!!!!
Good to know the buildings are still standing 🙌🥳
I'm 36 I remember going to visit the ranch when I was 6... All I remember is the gravesites LOL... My husband and I watch the show today.. hope the bring it back..
BONANZA!!!
I love Bonanza will always miss t.v. show like Bonanza, it's sad they are gone,,,thank you for this video
You're welcome! Glad you enjoyed it, Magid!
I visited many times with my wife and daughter. The hayride breakfast on top of the property was the best, getting held up by the outlaws on the ride up was so cool.
Wonderful memories! Thanks for sharing with! Hopefully the park will open again! As many comments this video has received, I’d say the park would be popular!
Dziękuję za wspaniały widok i cały materiał o tych miłych eleganckich osobach 😊🖐️ Poland
I'm 57 and enjoyed this show as a little girl. Thank you for sharing this.
I watched that show as a kid and loved the video sad its now gone Thankyou for sharing it with us x
Still watch that show after almost 60 yrs. of having begun watching. Classic tv!
Yes, the old classics like Bonanza will always be around to enjoy! Thanks for watching! We hope you will subscribe if you haven't already!
Great video I just found.Went there twice and bought one of those cups.When I was there I asked an employee if any of them actually had a place in Tahoe.Turns out Lorne Greene was the only one having a place nearby in Incline Village.Loved the show and saw Bournes Meadow where they road up to the camera for several seasons.It is still there.Thanks this look back.
I also visited the ranch as a kid in the late 60s . We were on a cross country vacation from CT To Calif and back by car ... I loved it . Watched the show every Sunday night .
I to visited the Ponderosa Ranch several times. They had so many old historical artifacts on sight. I just wonder were all that stuff ended up? Anyway, another good production by you.
Thank you Dennis! I wish I knew where all that stuff ended up!
I just watched a video that said some stuff went to a house Lorne Green used to own in Mesa that is a replica of the Ponderosa house.
Hi Jeff and Sarah. I loved the show and this film. Lorne Greene was Canadian and started out in radio. I think he was a WW2 reporter. Maybe you could a film on him.
You do a great job, Jeff. This was very interesting plus I remember the show very well. 👍
Thank you very much! Appreciated!