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12 Episodes 1998 - 1998
Episode 1
Sun, Jan 4, 1998 30 mins
History buffs recreate the 1542 landing of Juan Rodriquez Cabrillo on San Miguel Island off Santa Barbara. Also: an island tour by National Park rangers, and personal stories from Betsy Lester Roberti, who lived on San Miguel in the 1930s and '40s.
Episode 2
30 mins
Recalling the 1848 discovery of gold in the Sierra town of Coloma, an event that began the California Gold Rush and drew thousands of adventurers to the state. Included: a visit to Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park.
Episode 3
30 mins
A visit with members of the Blue Angels air squadron in their El Centro training facility, where pilots take host Huell Howser up for a ride in an F/A18 Hornet.
Episode 4
30 mins
Exploring the cultural heritage of Guadalupe, a Santa Maria Valley town where farm workers are seen harvesting celery and lettuce. Huell Howser also visits the nearby Guadalupe Dunes.
Episode 5
30 mins
A scenic adventure along the Mississippi River is part of a recollection of the Delta Queen paddlewheel steamboat's California beginnings. The boat was built in Stockton in the mid-1920s for service on the Sacramento River before its move in 1947.
Episode 6
30 mins
This chapter in the state's aviation history pays tribute to the China Clipper, one of the huge, luxurious boat-planes of the 1930s that connected the U.S. with the Far East. Also: a visit to the Bay Area's original terminal building on Treasure Island.
Episode 7
30 mins
Exploring the history of San Luis Obispo's original Chinese community, settled in the 1800s. Included: a tour of a vintage store, the only Chinatown structure still standing; a lion dance by local students; and a performance of the music of early Chinese settlers.
Episode 8
30 mins
Spotlighting the Mary See and the widely recognized products of her Western Avenue candy shop, which was started in 1921. Huell Howser tours the factory's "inner sanctum," where candies are made, and talks with employees.
Episode 9
30 mins
A visit to unusual desert sites, including a wind farm in Palm Springs; an open-pit borax mine and a monster-truck site in Boron; and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory's huge antenna dishes in the Goldstone area of the Mojave Desert.
Episode 10
30 mins
Recalling the history of Southern California's citrus industry and the mystique of its orange-crate labels that promoted "California sunshine" and "paradise" with every box. Included: a look at citrus tree varieties.
Episode 11
30 mins
Exploring the Arrowhead hot springs and hotel in the San Bernardino Mountains, once a favorite retreat for Hollywood stars in the '40s and '50s. The area is also known for its arrowhead-shaped landmark in the mountains.
Episode 12
30 mins
Huell Howser visits the historic Shasta Dam in Northern California and talks to some of the people who helped build it.