Like everyone else in the Golden State, I was shocked to hear of the passing of Huell Howser. He was beyond cool, and his show was an essential watch for those of us who love to dig out the odd destinations in a state known for weirdness. (I still have yet to visit Slab City, but it’s on my list.)
Somewhere in my archives, I have a cartoon that featured him. It was during the recall back in ’03, when I was looking at possible candidates for Governor. I had Dianne Feinstein, Willie Brown, and a few others I can’t remember, but Huell was featured prominently with microphone in hand exclaiming, Golly!…Would you look at the size of that budget!
There will never be another like him. Rest in peace, traveler.
Amen.
Wikipedia has an informative entry on him.
It’s amazing that a folksy guy with a microphone and a cameraman managed to make a career of driving around California and chatting with regular people in interesting places. Including Treat Street.
Always hokey, usually very entertaining.
His close friends have been very tight lipped about the cause of death, but there were apparently rumors of a serious illness for the last couple of years.
He was a family favorite for years. He will be missed. We leaned some very interesting thing about our state.
And then there’s that mysterious clip of Howser with a bandage on his head, saying he’d been shot in the head. Hmm. Not just a travelogue.
Wow! Huell would surely say about the new Nevada City market that has opened just in time for the Wild and Scenic Film Festival.
Golly gee! How glad was I, in this frigid weather, to get a comforting hot sandwich there today. Dee-Licious!
They have coffee and take away food, staples, soon beer, and Boy, they are only just getting started!
Of course, the interior and exterior of the building are a tribute to the great work ethic of Rick and Carolyn Szekely who previously ran the store. They lovingly rehabilitated the building to its best function and it must be as much a pleasure to work in as it is to patronize.
There are a number of wonderfully intrepid new businesses in old Nevada City.
All the best to them going forward into 2013 and beyond.
Judith, I’ve never heard of “soon beer.” Is that a new brand?
TD, that’s what the sign said.
Maybe so.
I caught a bit of a HH special about his program and motivations. My brother and I were great fans of him and just can’t believe he is gone. He was a special person and his shows will live n forever about the Golden State. I really like the search for the five corners of California.