I have lived in Waterford since the early 90s and love these historical views of the town. Jeff I know of your past here in town, gone are the days of a lot gentler way of life but the people here are still good hard working Americans That I am proud to call friend and neighbor..

A lot of work producing these, well done Jeff.

@jbenziggy

Жыл бұрын

Thank you very much, and you are right about the fact that these videos take more time than people realize. I appreciate you acknowledging the effort! Sending our blessings to you!

@michaelgmoore5708

10 ай бұрын

Yes a lot of equipment and information needed for weeks of work Jeff!

Another video related to my childhood upbringing where we went for a week every summer down to my uncle's peach farm in Hickman, California - and we had a blast floating down the canals on automobile inner tubes, jumping from the haystacks in the barn, milking cows, riding the little Honda motorcycle in the fields and falling in the soft levees that were made for the irrigation. Those are great memories and I wouldn't trade them for anything. My cousin still runs the farm but all the peach trees are gone and they've been replaced with almond trees. Thanks for your video and all the small town information, before & after pics are my favorite and the historical cemetery visit was very cool. I appreciate all your research Jeff and Sarah, bless you guys.

@1_Fish.2_Fish.Red_Fish.

Жыл бұрын

All ya see in SJ county now almonds, almonds, almonds.

@gentlespiritjw4904

Жыл бұрын

I love your memories of the childhood summers. I would have loved to have had a childhood like that. I grew up in Anaheim.

Thank you for today's episode. Small towns are integral to the fabric of society more than ever before.

@reggieviolataylor4800

Жыл бұрын

Hey you two Jeff and Sarah my two favourite people ..Jeff plz Hun let the worms stay where they belong in the compost bin ..you do great videos...I'm a 70yr old lady I grew up in Vacaville for a short time Daddy was a fighter pilot Edwards Base ..I grew up in Texas and Oklahoma... Jeff your also a wonderful son you made me cry when I saw you talking to your mom through the door and I think you said that was the last time ..if I can say this with out offending you I would give you a mom hug Sahra your adorable darling ..oh yes I'm watching from Australia. Plz keep up the great work..how can I donate to your work .. Love you both ...oh Jeff your voice is just right ..I had a brother Jeff you sound just like he did .. Hugs and love..from down here ..Australia

@michaelgmoore5708

11 ай бұрын

That is great Jeff and Sarah! Need some horses near that cemetery for Sarah!! Pretty girls in those old family photos.

👍👍! Loved the before and after pictures. Nice to see some of the old buildings still standing and some are still in use.

The overlays were very well done. Must of taken lots of work indeed. Thanks for your effort. Another outstanding job on bringing California history to the forefront.

Incredible amount of work you put into this video. Its awesome to watch a real history hunter. Thank you

I'm always moved seeing how proud they were in these tiny towns, standing in front of their homes and businesses for photographs. Well done, History Hunters. ❤

@jbenziggy

Жыл бұрын

Thank you very much. As I put this video together, I thought that everyone of these keep business people in town have all passed away. Life is so short.

@emptypockets2525

Жыл бұрын

Enjoyed the before and after photos but made me sad at the same time.

@ScarletSyn2.0

Жыл бұрын

@@emptypockets2525 I had a couple more than a few tears personally and I have never been there. It's comparable to my hometown. I live in an old blink-and-you'll-miss-it area of Oregon House/Dobbins in the Sierra Foothills. Most of the buildings, dating as far back as the 1850's, have disappeared and the ones still standing lay forgotten or are damaged by damned disrespectful human hands.

@ScarletSyn2.0

Жыл бұрын

@@jbenziggy ⭐ "Life is so short." ⭐ I wish everyone would remember or realize that.

@jbenziggy

Жыл бұрын

@@BurgerTaco that wasn’t me.

Jeff, thank you so much for your beautiful videos they mean so much to me. I have been wanting to leave a comment for a long time. Your videos are so professional and enjoyable. I have terminal cancer and I spend most of my time at home. I watch a lot of KZread and your videos are like a life line for me. My childhood years we’re in a little town In Illinois out in the country, and my teenage years I grew up in the San Bernardino area in the 60’s. I so miss that Way of life. It was so simple and sweet. Your tone of voice and presentation is perfect so I hope you don’t change. Sarah is a hoot !!! God bless you both❤❤❤

I first visited Waterford in the 90's to see my aunt, my wife and I even stayed there for a short time. At that time it the city seemed to be evolving into a suburb of Modesto. My aunt is now in the Robert's Ferry cemetery. The photo transitions were well done BTW.

Excellent video Jeff. I worked in historic preservation for years and people often moan about the loss of a beautiful mansion. But I point out that the real history is in the smaller buildings, the ones most people don’t care about because the architectural detailing isn’t high style. It’s these “small” buildings, the post offices, the downtown grocer, the old bus station, that are worth saving because that’s where the majority of people came, went, and lived. We should try to keep them intact.

I loved this episode! Another way of remembering the people that built our country and all their hard work giving us a wonderful place to live our lives. Thankyou for all your hard work too that helps us remember those we owe a great debt!

I think the older photographs of Waterford show a town with a lot more character than the photos of today. I live in Modesto and have lived in Stanislaus County most of my life. I love seeing and hearing about the past of these small towns in California. Thank you for taking the time to bring history alive.

VERY NICELY DONE JEFF! You really knocked this one out of the park! The amount of time and effort that you spent clearly showed. I sure miss the pride in the old architecture as compared to the "low bid get's the job" of today." Thank you for another great episode of HH.

@jbenziggy

Жыл бұрын

Much appreciated! Yes, Paul, this one was excruciating in terms of how many trips I had to make and all the photo gathering! But it was all worth it in the end! It's being watched, which kind of surprises me!

I love this then-and-now approach. I know it can be very time consuming tracking down locations, but I hope you have the opportunity to do more of this in the future.

Old towns are so rich with history and charm. The before and after pictures are amazing you get to see the way things were and the people who are now buried in that cemetery. This really reminds me of my home town of Clovis Ca next to Fresno. I just went into my grandparents 86 year old home for the 1st time and amazingly enough I took pictures were my grandparents and father once stood in their pictures. It’s an amazing feeling. Thank you for sharing and all your research!

Love love the before and after pictures! My grandpa lived and worked in La Grange at the old powerhouse. I have been across that old bridge so many times! Thank you for your many hours of hard work you put into each video.

Great video. It’s crazy seeing all of the essential small businesses that are now obsolete. Tremendous change in 100 years.

Amazing lesson Jeff. Didn't know you were responsible for those small town history books. What a small world indeed. One of my nephews raised two sons in Waterford. I retired from Foster Farms 9 years ago and drove through there hundreds of times on road calls to many grow ranches. I really enjoy videos of local history that you bring to all of us out here thank you so much.

@ralphowen3367

Жыл бұрын

I grew up with some of the Foster's. Mrs. Foster was our den mother in cub scouts. She picked me up hitchhiking once in her Rolls Royce and sent 25.00 in a Christmas card because she knew I was broke.

Hey Jeff, I appreciate your time and work on this episode. I feel your pain of losing history, like you said. I loved the before and after section of the video.

This episode was fantastic. The store owners standing out the front of their businesses were always so proud. Great video!

Thank you for the video. My wife's great grand dad was a butcher in Waterford for many years. He and many family members moved to lodi in the 1940's.. We've been through this little town many Times!

Thank you Jeff for taking us through Waterford, CA. I liked the comparison pictures from the past to today. I must say that quite a few buildings remain but their fronts were changed as well as updated to look more modern. I knew a person who lived in Waterford at one time; they moved to Auburn, CA where I lived and still visit much of the time. As for the bronze plaques with historical information on them, I do try to find them if I know where they are located. mounted Thanks again, Jeff.😊

What a surprise it was for me to come across your take and historic video about our little town of Waterford! I've only lived here for 20 years, but there are some still here that have been a lot longer! It's a great little town and I really do love it. We now can boast of a McDonalds and a Burger King! I would liked to have learned more about the old winery, but I think you did a great job and thank you for featuring our little community of Waterford!!

Love seeing small town histories.

I love seeing how the towns looked in the early years and don’t particularly like the changes. I especially enjoy seeing the original buildings being used today. Thank you for what you do. Enjoy your videos

No doubt a lot of research and hard work went into this video. Great job Jeff!

I am fascinated how you did a picture history so many years ago of the town that you grew up in. And now today, with the side by side pictures of then and now really allows one to see the hard times that those pioneers went through and had to endure. You bring to life everything that you do; Waterford's story is one that I have never heard or known of...thx

As usual, and shamefully, because I’m a native Californian, I’d never heard of Waterford, California. I especially enjoyed your old and new comparison photos, which must’ve been difficult to put together, and I commend you for that! It looks as if many of the old buildings were kept up with just slight changes. Kudos to Waterford folks for the preservation efforts! Thanks for this interesting and informative video, Jeff!

@jbenziggy

Жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it!

Great work Jeff ! They paved over paradise and put in a..... subdivision. Thank you for the journey and fantastic history you provide. Cheers from Detroit 🇺🇲

Your productions are very professional and worthy of any documentary I see on TV. I like how the audio fits in with the visual.

Another thoroughly enjoyable and educational episode - you never fail to amaze me with your attention to detail! So sad to see so many of the beautiful old buildings gone, all in the name of progress...

@jbenziggy

Жыл бұрын

Wow, thank you! Love the comment!

Excellent job Jeff. These type of videos are so appreciated as we all need to know and remember those who went before us and the buildings, and businesses that were carried out so many years ago. We cannot let history be forgotten. Thanks for all you do keeping the memory of places, peoples and locations alive.

I really like the small old town visits you do. I'd prefer living back then for quite a few reasons. As long as aircraft were plentiful 😊

I love the old time pictures and stories about the people that lived back then. Thank you, Jeff!

Oh my goodness Jeff I believe this is my all-time favorite episode of History hunters! I loved seeing the old photos compared to the way the town is today. I thought it was wonderful that the library was named after their longtime librarian. Hated to see some of the old buildings gone but it was really nice to see the ones still standing. I bet you people have no idea of the history of a building they are standing in. Also Jeff thank you for the tribute to your high-school friend at the end of the video. You can see and hear the emotions on your face and in your voice. You are correct far far too young. God bless you Jeff and as always thanks for taking us on the adventure.

My wife and I love your videos, especially the cemetery episodes! Thank you for all the hard work you do to educate us on our local history.

@jbenziggy

Жыл бұрын

Glad you like them!

Alan here again thanks Jeff he brought tears to my eyes I had forgot about Waterford that spent a lot of time there as well mostly going through there on my way to Coulterville I also lived in Delhi for many years so I went through there A lot of times headed up to Coulterville I used to stop at the Chinaman store and get Chinese food there's also a Mexican restaurant there called Sue Casitas hey there hundreds of times I think but that was many years ago now like a lot of times I miss many of those places in California they had a lot to do with my growing up thank you you do a wonderful job on the before and after my folks took us over the old original bridge when we were back moved there in the early early 60s I still remember that❤

Thank you Jeff! I absolutely love the before and after pictures! I stop the video to really look over the changes!

@jbenziggy

Жыл бұрын

Great to hear! Thanks so much!

Love the video. It's amazing some of those buildings are still standing. The before and after photos are spot on. Great job matching the percise locations. Keep up the great content.

Very well done indeed. Makes me pause on how our towns have changed over the years; some for the better, some not. The before and after segment was impactful, the music was especially well suited. The ending tribute to your high school friend is a reminder how grateful we should be for all we have.

It’s a bit emotional to look at the expressions of people’s faces way back then, and to know they are no longer with us. Kinda sad even though I never met these people. A lot of the original buildings are gone or heavily remodeled but a fair number are still recognizable. Very cool. Thanks Jeff

I love seeing small towns and how they keep so many of their older, historical buildings. Understandably many are modernized in some capacity, but overall you can still see much of the character and charm from earlier years. Thanks for sharing these then and now photos! Loved it!

Jeff, I have lived in Oakdale for 40 years and never knew all that history about Waterford. Always learn something from your videos.

I appreciate your appreciation for small towns or historical places in general. I hope to visit some of these places you showcase. It is sad to see things change and unappreciated. Thanks for another great episode of History Hunters

Nice video, I love before and after stuff, it’s interesting to see how some buildings stand the test of time while others fade away

Jeff, This was a wonderful tribute to my childhood home (1978-1987). I was moved by the shots of the hotel because I lived nearly across the way. The home you see on the other side of Tim Bell Road was our neighbor Dolly Price's home, and we lived just on the other side. I have always been a huge fan of History; you never knew the History of Waterford. So again, thank you. The photo you shared of Mr. Baker stuck with me because it sure looked like our beloved middle school teacher (Waterford Elementary at the time), Mrs. Baker. I wouldn't be surprised if she was a descendent of the Founding father :)

It good to see some of historic buildings are still there, even though quite a few are lost over time. Another great look at a towns history of Waterford. Before and after photos were fantastic Jeff, A++++😊😊😊😊

Thanks for the before and after photos. Both small and large towns have interesting history. It was nice to be taken back in time and quickly return to the present. Thanks again, Jeff and Sarah.

I, too, grew up in small towns. This was so fascinating. Thanks for sharing your book and pictures. I love history.

Thank you Jeff for showing us the then and now of the town. I enjoyd the episode.

I am so fascinated with these small town “then and now” stories. We don’t have much of that out here in Hawaii. We’ll be moving to Washington State in the next couple of years and visiting some of these towns is ranked very high on our bucket list. What a great video! Aloha 🤙🏼

Really enjoyed this episode. So appreciate all the work you’ve put in to make this.

Jeff, I LOVED this! What a lovely little town, and how wonderful that so many of the original buildings are still standing, even if altered (was bummed about the Park being turned into a housing tract, thoough). I loved the then-and-now pictures and the great music track! You did such a wonderful job honoring the town that was your home for so many years. Well done!!!

Outstanding job. It’s sad to see how many of the old buildings are gone. I love the charm and architecture of the pre 50’s.

I live in Keyes, Waterford is just down the road from me. Since I moved to Keyes 11 years ago, I have been researching the area and how Keyes started. Love watching your channel.

It’s nice to see a good portion of the original structures are still standing and in use.

Thank you for all your hard work putting these videos together. Very well done as always, Jeff!

Thank you Jeff, HistoryHunters, for this wonderful historic view of Waterford, CA. So much has changed over the years and sad to say, not necessarily for the better. Well, some people might say, that's progress. Ya, maybe so but I believe they should try and save as much as the past as you can. I really enjoyed your before and after pictures of Waterford, the town that you grew up in and the place that holds so many memories for you. I did not know that you wrote that book about Waterford, CA, that's wonderful, it really is. I very much enjoyed this video as I enjoy all your videos. Every time I watch one of your videos, it's like a history lesson for me. Don't get me wrong , history was always one of my favorite subjects in school. Pretty soon I will be turning 64 and I will never stop learning about our past. Because without our past we would not have our future. Thanks again, Jeff.

Jeff, that was fascinating...job well done. Time marches on, they say, and necessary changes are, necessary, I suppose. Every community needs this type of painstaking work done...and apparently, continuously. What an eye-opener. Congrats on this work !

The before and after pictures made me want to cry! Awesome video! I live in New Hampshire and New England has so many small towns like this one. Things are changing drastically! That's! Love History!

My husband works with a descendant of Joe Prouty of the blacksmith shop. What a treat you were able to include a picture in your video. Well done, we enjoy seeing places we are familiar with.

Good morning.......Sunday morning and my favorite KZread vlog. Your channel is just the best. Your channel is well-researched and professionally presented. Thank you for this presentation of the history of a small California town. Until next week ....

Outstanding video as always Jeff! I truly love the then and now imagery and stories you post. Very sad to see these old structures gone forever. From Canada, thank you for your time and hard work as always 🙏🇨🇦

I stop at every plaque I can. I love them

ILOVE ALL THE HARD WORK AND RESEARCH AND THE DETAILS THAT YOU COME UP WITH!!!!!!!

I`m sure everyone appreciates the huge ammount of effort that goes into these vlogs Jeff. Keep going!

@jbenziggy

Жыл бұрын

Glad you like them, Robert! Yes, they take a lot of my free time! Thank you for that very complimentary feedback! We are so encouraged by your words! Blessings!

You kept me captivated throughout the entire episode! I love history and I enjoy everything you bring to this channel!❤

@jbenziggy

Жыл бұрын

Wow, thank you for that very complimentary feedback, Adrianna! We are so encouraged by your words! Blessings!

Thank you for doing such a beautiful presentation on all your historical videos. The pictures when available of before and after, and your commentary are extremely enjoyable and informative.

Thank you Jeff! You're right there is a lot of history there at Waterford boy you got in some really excellent shots and I love the way that you show it how it was and how it is now! Your number one fan Lou Martell

On behalf of all those who live in, or have lived in, small towns across America, this invoked wonderful memories.

You named your channel perfectly . Thank you for helping me to learn about the great history of our beautiful state .

Loved your presentation! Back in the 60’s and 70’s my father was a member of the Waterford Sportsman’s Club. I remember the summer barbecue that would be held for members and the days when dad and I would come to practice our shooting skills at the target range. Good memories and glad to enjoy them again. Thanks!

Another amazing vlog! The history, the old-to-new/past-to/present pics were so well done and must have taken a lot of time and effort. Thank you!!

@jbenziggy

Жыл бұрын

Thanks so much! Yes, it took a LOT of time and trips out there!

I love the before and after pictures, they always make me emotional.

I spent every summer of my youth on my grandma Florence Zimmer's ranch on Yosemite Blvd in Waterford. She knew the Prouty's and several other families you showed. She grew peaches and walnuts for Del Monte. I remember the library, Copeland Lumber, the elementary school, a church and 2 little grocery stores, but mainly we drove into Modesto for shopping, etc. She was out closer to Robert's Ferry, though. Thank you!

Beautiful capture of Waterford History, yesterday and today. Thank you for the hard work and research you always do.

Been here for over 28 years. We love our small town. Thanks for the video.

@jbenziggy

8 ай бұрын

Thanks for watching!

Fantastic video Jeff. You do this area justice like no one else does.

I am always impressed with yesterday/today comparisons! Thank you, Jeff

@jbenziggy

Жыл бұрын

Glad you like them!

Very cool ! Im surprised that there are so many vintage photos of the town and so many buildings still standing , remodeled but sill standing. Good perspective on the way life was. It gives me that look into the past that us history nuts find so interesting. I need a Time Machine to go back but return. Thanks

The world needs more giving people like you; all presentations always interesting, informative and educational.

Thanks for sharing City of Waterford. I love small towns I grew in one as well. It's sad that a lot of the old buildings are no longer there.

I am always amazed with your photos of days gone by. They capture the pioneer spirit of those who came before us. Very good presentation. Thank you for all of your hard work.

Great job and Thank you Jeff! There is nothing like growing up in a small town. I Grew up In the small town of Loomis CA, I always love going back to visit when life allows. It’s always bittersweet to see old structures torn down in the name of progress but that’s the way things go.

The before and after segment provides, as always, a roller coaster of emotions. ❤️

Thank you for sharing the over looked city of Waterford, CA where you raised your kids. The before and now pictures were awesome, loved it. I stop every time I spot out a Clamper Monument, been erecting them for 18 years now. That's awesome to see one in the town you wrote a book about. Thank you again for sharing. Take care Jeff. 🇺🇲

Hi . Great vlog . The before and after pictures captured the historic buildings , cemeteries ,clothes , hairstyles of the early years to today . The people were so serious and stood so straight . Times back then were much harder then now a days . Thanks for your great vlogs. Take care . Deborah 🇨🇦

I'm a Korean who is watching in Korea It's very interesting to see American history and small towns. Thank you for the video!

I absolutely love the past-present photo comparisons!

It is great to see that Waterford did not see the fate so many other small towns have and are just wiped off the map. A great look at Waterford then and now. I have driven my truck through Waterford several times a year for many years, its strange how you may not notice the constant changes going on there. Great video thank you Jeff.

Thanks for another great history lesson, Jeff. As for the before and after photos, it always pulls at the old heart strings when you see history destroyed. I loved the buildings that still had some of their old town charm. You said you raised your family there, what did you do as a career back then. I know you authored they book there, but I also know there must be more to your history as well. Thank you again for your hard work on these videos.

Thank you for this! I grew up in Hickman and spent a considerable amount of time in Waterford. A lot of this history I never knew about. I remember going to Valley Food Center in its old location and have fond memories of Mr. Chiu.

Love the before and after photos. I really love to see how towns change over the years. Thank you for bringing this to everyone…your love and passion always shows through.

@jbenziggy

6 ай бұрын

Thanks! I appreciate the nice review!

Loved the"then and now" comparisons. Another great video. Please keep the content coming and many thank you's for bringing to light the rich history this great state of ours contains!

Another great job Jeff. Small town, big in history. So, so enjoyed the “ then and now” pics. It’s like the people, businesses, structures, buildings, that started Waterford were just spirited away in the before and after pics. Again Jeff…great work, thanks for your videos. Definitely a fan.

All the history is almost gone,Thank you for sharing

@jbenziggy

10 ай бұрын

You bet! Thank you for watching and commenting!

It's always fun to see then and now pictures and sometimes not. Thank you. Jeff.

Thanks for taking us on a tour through Waterford.

Hi Jeff! I especially enjoyed this episode. I grew up in Modesto, ( 1966-1978) but my grandparents owned an almond orchard out on Priscilla Lane. In fact, they were the first to live on that road and therefore had the privilege of naming it. They chose the name, Priscilla, after their first grandchild. I spent a lot of time on the ranch. One thing I remember about Waterford was the meat locker. I can't remember where it was located but remember going there with my grandmother to pick up meat when she ran low at home. Such fond memories. Thank you for this wonderful look back!

@jbenziggy

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the history of Priscilla Lane! I think there was also an actress named Priscilla Lane and I wondered about its origins. As far as the meat locker, are you referring to Blagg's which was on Bentley right next to the two-story Gordon Building (now Pizza Plus)? I really appreciate how you shared your experiences there. By the way, my first job was at the Foster Farms chicken ranch on S. Indiana Avenue.

@nevaboone

Жыл бұрын

@@jbenziggy Jeff, it was so long ago that I don't remember the name of the meat locker but I was thinking it was on 132, on the left as you went east through town. Grandpa also raised chickens. He had 2 large chicken houses and of course, we loved playing amongst the baby chicks when new ones arrived. I don't know any details other than he raised meat chickens. Maybe he had a contract with Foster Farms??? What was your job at the Foster Farms ranch? That is so interesting.