Remembering the Historic Lebec Hotel on the SoCal Ridge Route

แชร์
ฝัง
  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 13 ก.พ. 2021
  • Jeff checks out the location of the old historic Lebec Lodge along the old Ridge Route, a hotel which was was permanently wiped away from the earth in 1971. He will also tell of the famous Deadman's Curve as well as visit the historic Fort Tejon near the Grapevine.
    Be sure to subscribe to our channel for future episodes. Also check out all of our past episodes by looking at our video list!
  • ภาพยนตร์และแอนิเมชัน

ความคิดเห็น • 445

  • @stevewitten
    @stevewitten 3 ปีที่แล้ว +24

    When I was a kid, my dad worked for Atlantic Richfield. We used to spend weekends at ARCO's Tejon pump station in a 2bed visitor's apartment there. The pump station is maybe 1/2 mile down a frontage road to the right of the entrance to Ft Tejon State Park (some of the pump station is still there...although surely abandoned by now). We hiked all over the hills behind the pump station lease between there and Ft Tejon.
    Next door to Ft Tejon State Park was a U-fish trout farm. It closed in the early-/mid-1960s. I'll bet some of the (empty, drained) ponds are still there. Past the pump station lease on the frontage road was an abandoned carnival ground with all kinds of abandoned structures in which to look for lizards & snakes (for the express purpose of freaking out my mom). There were always plenty of rattlesnakes...something I learned early on.
    I remember the transition from US99 to I-5 in the 1960s...and the construction of the dam that formed Pyramid Lake. ARCO had to undertake large amount of construction in order to move existing pipelines that would be under the lake bed once the dam was completed and the lake was filled. My dad had some role in that project so we made many trips to Tejon during that time.
    ARCO had a pipeline field-service/-engineering crew that worked out of Tejon. When I was 17, one of the crew taught me how to drive a stick shift using one of the 16-gear Dodge trucks owned by ARCO and used by the crew. The crew maintained a machine shop, welding shop, auto service shop and a small office. It was truly a place of wonder and the crew members were anxious to answer all my (incessant) questions and demonstrate their considerable skill in their trade.
    These were pretty grizzled guys with minimal formal education. They worked with their hands and were proud of it. Their drink of choice was whiskey...a fact that my dad always remembered. The whiskey always lubricated their (tall-) storytelling abilities ;-)
    ARCO had a similar pump station in Grapevine Canyon between the two roadbeds of I-5 to pump the oil from Taft (the 2007 Coen Bros film "There Will Be Blood" uses the Taft oil boom as a backdrop for its story) up to Tejon. A similar crew with different responsibilities was based there (although, I'm pretty sure it was just field-service...no engineering). That station was the site of many a venison BBQ during deer season.
    From Tejon, the oil was pumped to a station at Castaic Junction. From Castaic, the oil could take one of two routes...along the Santa Clarita River to Santa Paula and the tanker load/off-load terminals at Ventura and Santa Barbara or over the mountains to Newhall. At Newhall, the pump station there pumped the oil over the Santa Monica Mtns to the refineries at Carson & Dominguez Hills. Each of these stations were the bases of operations for pipeline field-service crews as well.
    We drove by the Lebec Lodge many, many times. The old-timers on the pipeline service crews regaled us all with the stories of illegal Prohibition-era booze, gambling and meeting Carole Lombard. The store, gas station and auto shop attached to the hotel were long gone by the time I first saw it. I never did go inside... I always wondered what it had been like.

    • @jbenziggy
      @jbenziggy  2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      I missed your message from long ago! Wow you have lots of great information there! Thank you for sharing it all!

    • @ToadyMontana72
      @ToadyMontana72 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      The station isn’t abandoned but just about. Every once in a while you will see someone working there

  • @halfdome86
    @halfdome86 3 ปีที่แล้ว +35

    Huell Howser did a fun episode where he rode on the Ridge Route in a Model T. Also and episode of Fort Tejon and another about Tejon Ranch. Fun stuff.

    • @jonmacdonald5345
      @jonmacdonald5345 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      I remember that episode Huell always put it down like a Boss 💪

    • @BrianFolks
      @BrianFolks 2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      I now call this "Howsering"

  • @robertneufeld8812
    @robertneufeld8812 3 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    What a memory trip. As a young child in the late 40’s I remember driving with my Mom from Lindsay to Los Angeles to the Good Samaritan Hospital to visit my Dad who was there for major back surgery. I was 7 at that time and recall my Mom telling me about Dead Mans Curve. We later moved to Porterville where my brothers and I were raised and attended elementary, Jr. High & High School. In March of 1960 I was returning from Air Force boot camp in San Antonio, Tx and had gotten off a plane from San Antonio to Los Angeles. I was hitch hiking from Los Angeles to Porterville where my parents lived and had secured a ride as far as the Lebec Hotel. I called my Dad from there and asked if he could pick me up at the Lebec Hotel. I spent the next couple of hours in the dining room at the Hotel waiting for my dad to arrive.
    In the early 70’s my wife and two sons were returning from a visit to my parents in Porterville and we stopped at Ft. Tejon for a picnic lunch before returning to our home in Valinda, Ca.
    Thanks for those wonderful memories.
    I had not thought about those moments until I watched this video

  • @HaulingDonkey
    @HaulingDonkey 3 ปีที่แล้ว +36

    I recently discovered this channel, and it is quickly becoming one of my favorites! This was another great episode.

    • @jbenziggy
      @jbenziggy  3 ปีที่แล้ว +9

      Wonderful to hear, Matthew! I appreciate the very nice feedback! It's a challenge trying to find places nobody else has visited on YT but our research is turning up more and more. It is also a bit of a challenge visiting all these places given that Sarah and I have full-time jobs that limit our travels. We don't have the subscriber base that some people do to be able to support us like other vloggers do ... but we'll see where we go in the future thanks to faithful viewers like you! Thanks very much Matthew!

    • @stewartkotler9024
      @stewartkotler9024 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Check out ghost Town living

  • @wyattearpp9540
    @wyattearpp9540 3 ปีที่แล้ว +18

    Sunday morning, cup of Joe & History Hunters.....😁

  • @tommanion5504
    @tommanion5504 3 ปีที่แล้ว +12

    Another walk down memory lane! 1966 the family had departed (Corona) on vacation. My sister had just turned 16 and was a newly minted driver. Dad had given her instructions on taking the Ventura Freeway to head up the coast, then decided to take a nap. Going up the Golden State, she found herself on the far wrong side to take the Ventura (freeways were as confusing then as they are now!). Missing the turn off, Denise woke Dad up, expected a tongue lashing. Instead, Dad said that he had been looking for an excuse to find the old Ridge Route, so we went looking for it. Had to drive about a mile and a half on the graded (no pavement) new 8-lane Int-5 before reaching the Ridge Route. (There were signs directing drivers on the construction, a not yet built frontage road was to become the access road.) So, that afternoon, we drove the Ridge Route from Castaic to Gorman, a really wild ride!
    It's been thirty years since I've been up the I-5, but since watching this, it dug up a long forgotten memory. In the late seventies, I drove the I-5 quite frequently. And, every time, I had one of those "didn't there used to be..." moments. Thanks to this video, I remember seeing that hotel in numerous childhood trips to the Central Valley. Thanks for the memories.

    • @zaloA.
      @zaloA. 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Wow, great story

  • @johndouglas7787
    @johndouglas7787 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    What a tremendous history lesson. Old photographs are priceless. Imagine a full chicken dinner feast at the hotel for only $2. But you know that $2.00 back then was probably more like $40 today and we would be complaining about the outrageous prices especially say for a family of four. Rooms with a bath for 3 or 4 dollars as well. I remember as a small child, I'm 64 now, listening to my uncle talk about the Ridge Route. I have never been on it but have been fascinated all my life about these out of the way bits of our local [ gone but not forgotten ] historical locations. This video took an amazing amount of time and research to present to us and be sure that we all truly appreciated your efforts very much.

  • @cameronmccreary4758
    @cameronmccreary4758 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Jeff, it was an insulator for the old fashioned cloth covered wiring. In the attic of my Long Beach, CA house there was cloth wiring found. My Grandfather had the house rewired for 230 V service where one leg was taken for 115 V, neutral and ground / earth. That old cloth wiring was 100 volts two wire system of a hot lead and a neutral, no ground. Rats would bite into the cloth insulation and cause fires.
    Also, to quote Jan and Dean, "won't come back from dead man's curve."

  • @rondoway123456
    @rondoway123456 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Super history lesson. I spent a few days in the area as a 12 year old boy with my uncle in 1965, who was the superintendent for the Kirst Constrution Company during the constrution of the I5. Together we explored many of the mentioned land marks explained so well. Thank you so much!

  • @normsweet1710
    @normsweet1710 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Yet another road gone to improvements and safety. I thank you for sharing and posting a few pictures to give us road hounds a glimpse into the way it used to be. Your tenacity in digging up old photos and in person scenery is second to none . 👍❤️😉

  • @mitch5077
    @mitch5077 3 ปีที่แล้ว +32

    What a great find! Weird how history can just be wiped out.

    • @davidmc1489
      @davidmc1489 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Wont be long now and America will be wiped out with all the woke cancel culture tards trying to wipe out our history

  • @shelliebrowning960
    @shelliebrowning960 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I was born in the early sixty's. The freedoms we enjoyed growing up are becoming a part of history along with everything else. So many places we no longer have access to. Places we walked to, places we hiked all over mountains to get to, just to enjoy the view a day of swimming, fishing, digging for crystals and panning in the river. All a thing of the past. Sad! Kids now day's have no idea what they missed out on.

    • @jbenziggy
      @jbenziggy  11 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Well said! Thank you!!!

  • @nadiazahroon6573
    @nadiazahroon6573 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Lancaster, that’s me since 1983. It’s sad to see things gone but, we love what you do and the stories you and Sarah bring us every Sunday.

  • @truckerray9634
    @truckerray9634 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    What a great video! As a kid I remember traveling through the area with my father who drove truck from San Diego to the bay area. Then in 1968 I became a truck driver and ran the same roads as I had with my father. I kind of watched the whole area change over the years. I'm 71 now and it's great to watch this video and learn about the area of the old days. You're obviously a history nut like myself, and I'm very appreciative that you take the time to make these videos, being that you work full time for a living and still make time for your educational videos. I think you do a great job of helping people to see the great history this country of ours has to offer. Please keep up the great work. Stay safe out there driving and enjoy your travels 👍

  • @FmlyRat
    @FmlyRat 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    I watched this video a couple of years ago. I didn't know how to post a comment then. In 1958, my parents and family moved to Lebec. My dad was an Auto Mechanic and 24 hour Tow Truck Driver at the Lebec Garage. My mother worked at the Lebec Coffee Shop. In 1958, our School watched the Olympic Torch Runner run North on Hwy 99 (now I-5). During the time I lived in Lebec I was able to see I-5 being built. During the first years, I remember Hwy 99 was only on the west side of the well known Grapevine. It was called the Grapevine because of all the twist and turns of Hwy 99 and Dead Man's Curve. The locals called the Original Hotel "Lebec Hotel " which my siblings and I used to play in the destroyed portion at that time. Also in 1960, I watched the Presidential Debate between Kennedy and Nixon on TV. I would walk to Lebec to visit my parents at work. There was a combined political campaign office in the main rock building where I at 10 years old would gather Bumper Stickers and Large Kennedy Pins and them hand out to travelers that would stop in Lebec. The School I went to is the Spanish Styled building on the East side of I-5 at the Truck Scales called Lebec Grade School. Our family moved to Rosamond near Edward's Air Force Base, before moving to Sacramento, Ca, where I still live today at age 74. Thank you for all of the Memories and Videos.

  • @kennybob52
    @kennybob52 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I am old enough to remember the dangerous ridge route while riding with my parents and two sisters. 15 miles an hour behind a truck and trailer. Seems like it took forever to get to Bakersfield from the Valley. Thank you so very. And blessings to you guys.

  • @greggwatkinsjr.8298
    @greggwatkinsjr.8298 3 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    There ought to be a marker for the Hotel to keep It's memory alive, It's sad how some things that use to be around is now forever lost in history. Thankyou Jeff for this history.🙂

    • @maryattwell86
      @maryattwell86 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      We have a museum up here in Frazier Park. Ridge Route Communities Museum..

  • @maureengill6031
    @maureengill6031 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Thank you, Jeff, for investigating the property of the Lebec Hotel. Love the history behind it! You are quite the detective! I appreciate your curiosity about these “off road” places that are long gone! So great to see the old photos and hear the stories of “Bugsy” Seagle, Carole Lombard, etc. It’s interesting to see the bits of remnants of buildings that were destroyed ie: terra-cotta roof tiles, bathroom window glass and gas station islands. You are a “Super Sleuth”! Loved the old 20’s/30’s music at the end! You are so good at what you do. Thank you! “Mo’ in Stockton”

  • @bestreviewcarpetcleaning.1061
    @bestreviewcarpetcleaning.1061 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Is there anybody else that stumbled on this TH-cam channel And can't stop watching it like me?🙌🏻

    • @jbenziggy
      @jbenziggy  2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Wow that’s an amazing compliment! Thanks! We have heard many others have binge watched our show! It’s definitely humbling to know!!!

  • @philslaton7302
    @philslaton7302 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    In the past, since childhood, I transited the Grapevine many times. Thanks for the memories.

    • @jbenziggy
      @jbenziggy  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Our pleasure!

  • @greyghostjay
    @greyghostjay 3 ปีที่แล้ว +14

    i automatically liked this before I even watched, cause I love what you guys do! Can't wait!

  • @sondraboccanelli6896
    @sondraboccanelli6896 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I grew up in Lebec. So cool to come upon this video. Thank you for posting.

  • @rickkaylor8554
    @rickkaylor8554 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I really enjoy your videos. I'm a history geek (B.A. in History from UCSD) so I really love what you are doing. There is so much history that is being lost and people like yourself are doing all of us a great service by documenting it. Keep up the good work!

    • @jbenziggy
      @jbenziggy  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Awesome to hear! Thank you very much for supporting this channel and our efforts to tell our history!!!

  • @BoomerMcBoom
    @BoomerMcBoom ปีที่แล้ว +1

    As a longtime resident of The Mountains where the Hotel Lebec was located, that was very interesting. This area (Fort Tejon) has a fascinating history. It was a major trading hub for Native Peoples from the Pacific to the Mississippi for thousands of years. The Chumash People hold Mount Pinos to be the Center of The World , and have Solstice/Equinox ceremonies there.

  • @mal1465
    @mal1465 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Born and raised in Bakersfield we would travel to LA (on the old road..5 hours each way) once a month to visit my Aunt and grandmother. I remember seeing this old hotel and always wanted to stop and explore inside but never had time since the whole family was in the car. Years later my dad and I went down south by ourselves to pick up a dresser my Aunt gave me. I talked my dad into stopping at the old hotel so I could look around. I remember going in the main lobby and seeing the registration desk with the grand staircase behind it. There was a couple of fallen columns (shown in the lobby picture here) laying on the floor. I didn’t go up the staircase because it didn’t look safe. That was on a Sunday and within 3 or 4 days afterwards they burned it down. Sorry I didn’t go and explore more of this once great hotel.

  • @maureenbair7810
    @maureenbair7810 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Thank you so much for this video. My husband was a truck driver. Portland to LA every week and this was his route. He’d take 99 or I-5 depending on the weather. We had passed these location and never knew the history.

  • @genniejefferson6588
    @genniejefferson6588 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I love the old pictures with the stories. Great job.

  • @petervilla6228
    @petervilla6228 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I did not know how much history was in this mountains which I travel often as a truck driver WOW. THANK YOU FOR SHARING .

    • @jbenziggy
      @jbenziggy  หลายเดือนก่อน

      The ground holds secrets! I like exposing them!

  • @EricTemple
    @EricTemple 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Thanks for doing this. I grew up in Lebec and lived there in about 1959-1960. My dad was the accountant for the Tejon Ranch. I vividly remember the Olympic torch runner running past our house for the 1960 winter Olympics. I have vague memories of seeing the old hotel.

  • @mikemotteberg3527
    @mikemotteberg3527 3 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    I've been by that Area numerous times, Did not have a clue .

  • @darklyte24
    @darklyte24 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Huell Howser Quote "Thats Amazing!" Crazy something so grand barely remains. And the animal museum too. Thanks for the history lesson.

  • @marilgoodly3125
    @marilgoodly3125 3 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    Love seeing your "finds" in the ruins. Love your pictorial overlays showing locations and changed landscape.

  • @lastofthemohicans1
    @lastofthemohicans1 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    The new CA gold. Keep them coming. Love it

    • @jbenziggy
      @jbenziggy  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Thanks, friend! We really appreciate the views!

    • @Ron91745
      @Ron91745 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@jbenziggy Exactly you take up where Huell Howser left off

  • @KB6YAF
    @KB6YAF 3 ปีที่แล้ว +14

    I vividly remember my grandparents talking about the "Ridge Route" and how dangerous it was. I have driven past this area many many times on my way to SoCal and back. Thank you Jeff and Sarah for taking the time to educate all of us about this area. Once again, my Sunday mornings are always one of turning on my computer to find what video you have for us. Thanks for feeding my addiction to your channel......Russell D.

  • @thomashullinger9279
    @thomashullinger9279 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Went there many times as a kid thanks for showing fort tecone

  • @dalepxp8963
    @dalepxp8963 ปีที่แล้ว

    Was a truck driver and drove Interstate 5 many times for a few companies. Good to see the background on this. Especially deadman’s curve. Thanks you guys, wonderful job.

  • @williamd4707
    @williamd4707 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Been over the Grapevine too many times to count going all the way back to the mid 50's. Never stopped now I think the next time over the ridge andI will stop and check this place out. Love the program.

    • @jbenziggy
      @jbenziggy  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Thank you! Glad you like our videos!

  • @johnharrington6122
    @johnharrington6122 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Back in the early ‘80 ‘s a buddy and I made the drive up the Mountain to the Piñon Pines for the opening of the Band Tailed Pigeon hunting season a couple of times w / my Lab. On one trip we stopped for breakfast before heading up & the waitress asked us what we were up to , when we told her she got quite indignant that we hunt ! She didn’t get a gratuity ! John

  • @drghg
    @drghg 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    I can remember as a child, going with my parents to visalia via the Ridge route, and every time the car boiled, this was in the 1940's and we had to have lunch at a place with tables and water for the car. Great fun, every time!!

  • @vonwebber7852
    @vonwebber7852 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Wife and I commented how you find locations that are so interesting. Growing up in Modesto, cant tell you how may times we have driven by that location on the way to LA. Never knew it was there. One thing that caught my interest was the name Don Pedro. Makes me wonder if that name ties to Lake Don Pedro east of Modesto. I'm chuckling, now you have me hunting for history.

    • @jbenziggy
      @jbenziggy  3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      Thank you. I do believe that the Don Pedro near Modesto was named after prospector Pierre "Don Pedro" Sainsevain. So no connection there. Like you, I had traveled this route millions of times and didn't know until I became a ... History Hunter! LOL

  • @isabelaguilar2903
    @isabelaguilar2903 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    A lot of History in Tejon Pass.. When we would travel from Modesto too Sun Valley we would always take that rounte!😊

  • @KU25746
    @KU25746 3 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    This has been on my "to explore" list for a few years now. Such an interesting area with a lot of history.

  • @Ziggyaig
    @Ziggyaig 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Fascinating episode!! Crazy how it all has been erased from existence!! Loved looking down at dead mans curve. To think how many old time cars had been through that curve and area. Loved the old 20s and 30s music you added in as well!! Excellent episode!!

  • @keithmanning8031
    @keithmanning8031 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thanks for sharing this treasure of History! It bothers me to see parts of these areas simply rotting and decaying. Lost to the public and not appreciated. Thank you for your work and your endeavors to jar our minds to remember where we come from and where.we are headed.

  • @patsinnerdickey8440
    @patsinnerdickey8440 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    My Uncle was one of the Ridge Route Terrors❤️

  • @nicholedecker2979
    @nicholedecker2979 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thanks for all the wonderful Cali history!

  • @richarddavenport31
    @richarddavenport31 9 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I LOVE ALL THE DETAIL YOU PUT INTO YOUR STORIES!!!! THE LITTLE FACTS ARE SOMETIMES THE MOST INTERESTING!!!!

    • @jbenziggy
      @jbenziggy  9 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Glad you enjoy it! I will remember your comment in the future!

  • @privatepilot4064
    @privatepilot4064 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I’ve traveled near there many, many times going over the Grapevine.

  • @scottlebaron2994
    @scottlebaron2994 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    This episode was one of your best yet. I've driven past there so many times yet didn't know the history of it at all. As usual, you did a great job of matching up old photos with the present day landscape.

  • @martinez209
    @martinez209 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    I drive by there every other weekend and would have never known that was there. Thanks History Hunter!

  • @jackhenry5974
    @jackhenry5974 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thankyou so much for your show. Watching from South Central Montana. Had alot of family in California. They're all passed on now. I love to see the history of places they may have mentioned. Thankyou for the wonderful tours!

  • @rrelectric5159
    @rrelectric5159 ปีที่แล้ว

    Very nice. Another piece of California history to be remembered.

    • @jbenziggy
      @jbenziggy  ปีที่แล้ว

      Yes indeed! Thanks!

  • @granthryze2694
    @granthryze2694 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    In the early 80's, a friend of mines Dad owned a cabin in Lebec ( in the hills to the west ), where we went deer hunting. Also toured Fort Tejon, which is pretty cool. Plus I used to drive hazardous waste tankers from Long Beach to Taft and Fellows about once a week. Awesome video !! As always !

  • @markdraskovics5274
    @markdraskovics5274 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Hey, Hello Sarah & Jeff how are you guys doing well just wanted To stop bye and wish you and everyone a HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY Wich I think I these times Everyone need some kind of happiness...And I really appreciate this type of Vidoe old Road's, town's, house's, buildings, people, you know the kind of stuff you usually do Wich I find so informative and learn so much from and places I'll never get to I get to see but through your cameras so thank you take care, stay safe, and God bless MARK D

  • @edk6092
    @edk6092 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Love your channel and watched many episodes now. I love American history and how you present it. Carry on the good work Thank you. 🇺🇸🇬🇧

  • @theodoredugranrut8201
    @theodoredugranrut8201 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    That was great Jeff,
    so much history and detail
    Thanks
    Central California Watching

  • @timothygreener6045
    @timothygreener6045 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thanks again Jeff and Sarah. I look forward to Sunday mornings to see what's new.

  • @randybrown6795
    @randybrown6795 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Hey Jeff great video that's a neat looking place I love california my aunt and uncle lived outthere I love it when I would go visit them a lot of history outthere you and Sara are awesome Randy from Kentucky.

    • @jbenziggy
      @jbenziggy  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Thank you! Randy we really do appreciate your comment and spirit if friendship!

  • @JaimeExploring
    @JaimeExploring 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Wow! Dead Mans Curve! And Jan & Dean Dead's Man Curve song "Is No place to play" Thank You for sharing

    • @stevewitten
      @stevewitten 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Different "Deadman's Curve"... The subject of the Jan & Dean song is a tight corner of Sunset Blvd near UCLA Drake Stadium. The song mentions Sunset & Doheny Blvds by name and "popping the clutch at the lights". Sunset/Doheny are nowhere near the Deadman's Curve on the Ridge Route..and there are certainly never were any traffic lights there. The Deadman's Curve on the Ridge Route had been long-abandoned by 1964 when Jan & Dean recorded their song.

  • @TheOldcardave
    @TheOldcardave 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thank you for your historical coverage of Lebec Hotel and the Restaurant, and Gas station, I was at the Lebec Restaurant in 1945 when I was only six years old, my parents took me up to play in the snow, later I used to take the Greyhound bus from Burbank myself when I was 13 and even later drove up to play in the snow near Frazer Park and Mt Pinos. You did a great job and I loved the old pictures.

    • @jbenziggy
      @jbenziggy  2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I really appreciate you sharing about your connection to Lebec! I think as I get older my most fondest memories are of the time that I was a child with my grandparents. Life seemed so much simpler back then.

  • @fridgeratorsam4042
    @fridgeratorsam4042 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    As usual, great research, filming, editing, narration and full of interesting information. It's become a part of my Sunday morning ritual. Thank you.

  • @annetteburchfield1067
    @annetteburchfield1067 ปีที่แล้ว

    Wow! Memories. We use to travel the Grapevine often.

  • @kcgunkerstein5061
    @kcgunkerstein5061 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    One of my favorite shows so far. I like when you're on location then show a corresponding historical photo, so we can see what the location looks like now and what it looked like back in the day. You guys are great editors! Also, great intro- very informative.

    • @jbenziggy
      @jbenziggy  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Thanks so much!

  • @Riker-eq2yv
    @Riker-eq2yv 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Please wish Sarah a HAPPY VALENTINES DAY💕

  • @ELECTRIC_WIZARD_
    @ELECTRIC_WIZARD_ 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I used to work for Turnupseed electric out of Tulare Ca and I met old man Turnupseed once, he was the man that hit James Dean on his way home from cal poly....great family terrible circumstances

  • @winkieblink7625
    @winkieblink7625 ปีที่แล้ว

    I love out of the way long ago places of history. Never knew about the hotel and this area. Thank you.

    • @jbenziggy
      @jbenziggy  ปีที่แล้ว

      Glad you enjoyed it! Not many folks know about the Hotel Lebec but they do now!

  • @dancurran8977
    @dancurran8977 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Ha, I am glad that I am not the only one freaked out by Mrs. History Hunter walking around with bare legs in snake habitat. Interesting segment. Thank you!

    • @jbenziggy
      @jbenziggy  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      E-hem, that's Mr. History Hunter; the Mrs. stayed in the car on this one. LOL

  • @decoconstruction
    @decoconstruction 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Just have to say, with all the thousands of different channels to watch, yours is absolutely one our favorites, great work

    • @jbenziggy
      @jbenziggy  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      That’s very nice to hear. Thank you for watching and thank you for being a huge fan!

  • @CaliforniaFly
    @CaliforniaFly 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I used to drive the Grapevine between Fresno to San Diego and Ontario. I had never heard of the Lebec hotel. I-5 was not the best choice some times of year due to snow or fires in the summer, I've eaten at that Carl's Jr in Gorman a couple of times. Except for some of the knucklehead drivers on I-5 and 99 I miss the drives. Thanks for the video and hope you gave Sarah a big box of chocolates for Valentines Day.

    • @jbenziggy
      @jbenziggy  3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Thanks for the feedback. And yep, Sarah is getting a box of chocolate today and something special too. Thanks!

    • @HistoryHunterSarah
      @HistoryHunterSarah 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Yep I got some chocolate 🍫!

    • @CaliforniaFly
      @CaliforniaFly 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@jbenziggy I actually ate at the Carl's Jr at the Grapevine turnoff. Gorman was just a place to get gas and move along to Fresno. It was very seedy looking.

    • @409rommel
      @409rommel 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@HistoryHunterSarah atttta girl!!

  • @jamesmunro8783
    @jamesmunro8783 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Very cool, had no idea about that Hotel. We went over the Grape vine every summer for Vacation, thanks I love this kind of delivery about local and State history.

  • @patrickwalker2357
    @patrickwalker2357 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    My family use to stay at the hotel up till the mid sixties, it became quite rundown and had an unsavoury reputation at the end .

  • @wallypaul1431
    @wallypaul1431 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    My dad would tell me stories about dead mans curve on are way to Disneyland from seattle we would stop and look it's pretty cool. Great video

  • @sourpatchkid394
    @sourpatchkid394 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I love these videos. I never knew about this. Thank you. lived for a while in pine mountain club and I remember we would take some crazy side road starting in castaic trying to get through the crazy traffic there would be going north.

  • @rustypugh123
    @rustypugh123 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I already commented earlier, but I just wanted to tell you how nice it was to see someone research and explore and do a video on the old ridge route. I absolutely eat this stuff up. Sometime in the early 1990s, I "discovered" route 66, and started taking road trips on old route 66 in 1996. After making many trips up and down old 66, I became fascinated with old highway 80, from Tybee Island Georgia to San Diego. Old 80 runs through my home state of Mississippi. About the same time, I became very interested in the ridge route. I've done quite a bit of reading on it, but I was so pleased to see your video. Very well done. I have subscribed to your channel and I look forward to seeing many more videos.

  • @stephenskinner4857
    @stephenskinner4857 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great job of research and your commentary delivery is the best. I know this area well because of recreating in the area for years. I also have a great appreciation for Junior Lindbergh, as being in the aerospace business for decades . I also have been slightly involved with gliders and knowing of Lindberghs local involvement. The San Diego Glider Club brought me to launch off the same cliffs of Blacks Beach as Charles and wife did in the 30' as founders of that club. AMAZING COUPLE. He brought her to a World of adventure.

  • @pamelahsmithsmith2366
    @pamelahsmithsmith2366 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Very interesting. I like seeing pictures of what it used to look like.Buildings and people come and go, but the mountains remain the same...

  • @MsNevadakid
    @MsNevadakid 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    very kool "jeff n sarah" ! history at its best .... ...happy trails always....

    • @jbenziggy
      @jbenziggy  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Thank you! Happy trails to you too!

  • @carlupthegrove262
    @carlupthegrove262 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I've driven by there literally hundreds of times and knew very little about the history of Lebec. You could drive most of the old ridge route with a 4WD vehicle until a few years ago. I believe it's now blocked from vehicles but I no longer live in the area. Thank you.

  • @rhondaz356
    @rhondaz356 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    This was absolutely amazing, Jeff. I thoroughly enjoyed it, as always. Thank you both for the research, location shots, historical references and visuals that accompanied the presentation. AWESOME, simply
    FANtastic... 👏🔥📣🤗

    • @jbenziggy
      @jbenziggy  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Wow, thanks Rhonda! Glad you enjoyed it and gave us that fantastic feedback!

    • @jerrysullivan8424
      @jerrysullivan8424 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@jbenziggy
      I see a building north of the old gas station, you did not talk about it, is it still being used? Thank you. At the 9:31second mark.{ I'm also replying here to make sure that you might see the question. :) }

  • @Jbennyho
    @Jbennyho 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Fascinating! Great research and period photos and films. Thank you!

  • @secret_garden_path1111
    @secret_garden_path1111 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    That plant was actually a Yucca bush it is native to Lebec 😊 great video. I live right around the corner where the later cabins were built.

  • @jerrycochrun4444
    @jerrycochrun4444 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    This is a great documentary piece of work, thank you for making this film!

    • @jbenziggy
      @jbenziggy  6 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Glad you enjoyed it! You wouldn't even know it was there! What a rich history at that place! Thanks for watching!

  • @heathergraham652
    @heathergraham652 ปีที่แล้ว

    I was thinking, "he should have a metal detector with him at some of these sites" and a few moments later you said the same thing, funny!

  • @trismahaffay2813
    @trismahaffay2813 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great show.....i had the day off from work..... and have been watching your channel all day ...Im a fan now !

    • @jbenziggy
      @jbenziggy  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Wow thanks! That’s really nice to hear! We appreciate your support and amazing compliments!

  • @WendyWilliamsLiving
    @WendyWilliamsLiving 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    What a wonderful lesson, thank you! My grandparents traveled the Old Ridge Road numerous times and I heard tales of how harrowing it was.

  • @ronaldwilson1511
    @ronaldwilson1511 ปีที่แล้ว

    I've been driving this highway since the late 1950s. Thank you for the information I did not Know!

    • @jbenziggy
      @jbenziggy  ปีที่แล้ว

      Glad to help! Thanks for watching, Ronald!

  • @bartgoins1782
    @bartgoins1782 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Thanks for another history lesson.

  • @sirwilliam1662
    @sirwilliam1662 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I LIVED UP THERE IN THE TRAILER PARK THAT WAS IN GORMAN IN LATE 50'S.

  • @frankcasey7423
    @frankcasey7423 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Awesome! What a gem! This was a really cool video Jeff! I love learning about past people, places and locations and one’s we might not ever heard of, but then again I’m on the east coast lol!
    Thank you for the history of this place and all the time and research you did to present this to us. As always a superb job!
    Take care now and look forward to seeing the next one! Frank from Philadelphia, PA.

  • @Riker-eq2yv
    @Riker-eq2yv 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Damn,, another great video by the greatest history channel on TH-cam

    • @jbenziggy
      @jbenziggy  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Thanks! Wow! That's quite a compliment! Thank you for being so supportive!

  • @rdo1231
    @rdo1231 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Another great video - thank you!

  • @daltonbrown9660
    @daltonbrown9660 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    I enjoyed watching and learning about this stretch of Ca.

  • @jenniferlapaglia686
    @jenniferlapaglia686 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    So cool !!! Thanks for bringing that interesting piece of history alive !!!

    • @jbenziggy
      @jbenziggy  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Our pleasure! Thanks for watching and commenting!

  • @greyferguson9319
    @greyferguson9319 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    We live a mile or so from the ruins of the Joe Louis (Boxer)
    training camp. (SW lower Michigan) Burned down by squatters in the 1990s. It was very high class in its time, had an outdoor boxing ring, huge house and outbuildings. Local kids always thought it was one of the
    Al Capone houses (it wasnt).
    A supposed Al Capone house was farther down the road, down a two track and out in an open field. Capone liked to be able to see around his property to see who might be lurking about. Makes a good story.

  • @metallampman
    @metallampman 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    As always very good.. If you had been my history teacher in high school.. i wouldnt have fallen asleep..

  • @1969floridagirl
    @1969floridagirl 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thank you for another great show.

    • @jbenziggy
      @jbenziggy  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Thank you very much. We appreciate all of our viewers out there!

  • @darlenejohnson8864
    @darlenejohnson8864 ปีที่แล้ว

    Enjoyed the video. Sad that all the buildings of different time are gone. Thanks for showing.

    • @jbenziggy
      @jbenziggy  ปีที่แล้ว

      Thank you, Darlene! It's too bad that grand building was destroyed by fire (likely squatters)!

  • @djfingersflores
    @djfingersflores 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

    This was very interesting .. I love these types of shows, looking forward to more of your videos !

  • @stringalongmike1953
    @stringalongmike1953 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thanks for the video. This was really interesting. The old photographs were wonderful. I subscribed.

  • @bonnieperkins6296
    @bonnieperkins6296 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I've visited Fort Tejon a few times, they used to have a Civil War reenactment every year.