In 1960 fresh out of school, I worked for the Calif. Division of Highways surveying the proposed new alignment of I-80 through Truckee and over the existing I-80 alignment North of Donner Summit above Donner Lake. We stayed at the old Maintenance Station ( now called the Sugar Bowl Housing ) that had a 100-bed housing and dining facility for the men and storage for snow removal equipment used in the winter. This facility was also used for housing engineers in the summer constructing the massive I-80 alignment. I was all over that sight when not working, climbing the peaks, looking at the railroad tunnels and snow sheds as the huge old steam locomotives strained to haul their loads over the top. A lot of history is located at that spot, and I am proud that I contributed some of my skills to what it is today.

@elliana2

Жыл бұрын

By chance, was the Oakland Ski Lodge close to that Sugar Bowl Housing?? Thanks!!

I have fond memories of Donner pass and the surrounding areas. During the late 50's to early 60's my family drove to King's beach (North Lake Tahoe) almost every weekend. Highway 40 was the only way after leaving the Sacramento area that took you to Tahoe. When we crossed the Arch bridge, I knew we were getting close to Tahoe. Driving through Donner to Truckee then, it was a ghost town all boarded up except for the train station. Back then we took the "Truckee short cut" that would bring you to the Brockway area of North Lake Tahoe. The short cut would later become state route 267. On our many trips we could see the progress of Highway 80 being constructed. I would call Highway 40 a legacy road. You had to drive slower to be safe and you were able to take in all the wonderful scenery which you miss driving the interstate. I live in Portland and we have the Historic Columbia river Highway that takes you to Hood River and beyond. Multnomah Falls and Vista House a just a few of the sights you'll see along the way. Of course if you want to make time you can just take I84 the interstate. Thanks for posting this Historical fly over Donner Pass, truly amazing views!

Enjoyed the video and notations of specific items in the view, including historical pictures when available.

FYI; The "Lincoln Highway", which passes my house in Dublin, CA, is more likely the Dutch Flat Wagon Rd the CPRR built BEFORE the railroad to get supplies up and over; at 2:02 minutes (Tunnel-6) you can see Im correct as the wagons are on the same trail. I also remember coming over this road as a boy and there was a GreyHound bus in the ditch under the Donner Bridge (and a few cars over the ages.) I was born 1958; My family came here from UK in 1956 and the first time dad drove on Hwy-40 was taking a Land Rover diesel to Farm & Tractor Show in Omaha, NB 1960. Sadly there is TOO much traffic daily over Donner now, wasnt that long ago this was wilderness

I remember the wooden snowsheds when my dad took me up there as a kid.

Thanks for the memories. I was able to see the old snow sheds west of tunnel 6 when I was a kid and we went from Nevada to the Bay area. Later on, I spent time on the summit working for a public utility and a National Ski Patroller at DSR. SO much history in a small area of the world.

Wonderful! Many thanks.

Grew up there, I know every square foot of that area. Such a pity what the chimps with spray paint have done around those tunnels.

@DavidHuber63

Жыл бұрын

Chimps were there first

Having spent the first 18years of my life at Soda Springs and Kingvale was interesting to see everything from the drone's perspective. I miss it and feel blessed to grow up there. Lynn Aro-Anthony Truckee class of 1968.

Great bit of film & FABULOUS History up there... we've even raced Motorcycles up that road from the gate near Donner Lake to the Summit; I won all classes the first time out! Was great day, but not a place to make a mistake. Great work

Great video.

I have always been curious about the exact route the Donner Party and the Stevens Party took over this pass. Can you show the trail on a map?

@donnersummithistoricalsoci5675

Жыл бұрын

A good question James. Although many routes have been proposed, no one really knows the exact route(s) that the rescue parties used to bring the survivors through the pass.

Does not take a rocket person to see what we did to that beautiful mountain, God Bless the Natives wherever they were put.❤️🙏🏼

@jennfaire8726

Жыл бұрын

More native BS

@jennfaire8726

Жыл бұрын

@@DavidHuber63 those beautiful natives had slaves and were murderers so start crying

@jennfaire8726

Жыл бұрын

@@DavidHuber63 where does it end with america evil and white man bad crap.

@TeachAManToAngle

Жыл бұрын

Yes. Humans have been changing the face of the earth and displacing other peoples as long as we’ve existed. Look at the human impact on the island of Manhattan. Or the San Francisco Bay area. Donner Summit is only different in that it is been less impacted.

@DavidHuber63

Жыл бұрын

@@TeachAManToAngle you are good but i am the best, ✌🏽out brother

what is a DFDLWR ?

@donnersummithistoricalsoci5675

Жыл бұрын

It stands for the Dutch Flat Donner Lake Wagon Road which was the freight road over the summit before the railroad was built.