How One Small Town in the USA Changed over a Century

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Jeff visits the very historic town turned city of Waterford, California, in a brief look back at it's history and to do a then and now comparison of the many buildings still standing; and show how buildings disappeared over time.
Waterford is a small city in Stanislaus County that pre-dates the biggest city in the county of Modesto. It was founded in 1857 when William W. Baker homesteaded and established the first home and a ferry to cross the Tuolumne River.
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Опубликовано:

28 июл 2024

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Комментарии : 885

@dougdegraff5892 Год назад

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..

@jerryfountain7921 Год назад

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. Год назад

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

@gentlespiritjw4904 Год назад

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

@ednagreen62 Год назад

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

@reggieviolataylor4800 Год назад

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 10 месяцев назад

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

@nospin1394 Год назад

A lot of work producing these, well done Jeff.

@jbenziggy Год назад

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 9 месяцев назад

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

@ScarletSyn2.0 Год назад

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 Год назад

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 Год назад

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

@ScarletSyn2.0 Год назад

@@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 Год назад

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

@jbenziggy Год назад

@@BurgerTaco that wasn’t me.

@dennisrogers5106 Год назад

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.

@jokeroneninesevenzero Год назад

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

@donsmith7138 Год назад

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

@lailamiller9914 Год назад

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 RU-vid 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❤❤❤

@jackhenry5974 Год назад

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!

@THEWRENCH343 Год назад

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 Год назад

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!

@stflaw Год назад

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.

@marilynstout5118 Год назад

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.

@dstu322 Год назад

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.

@dano8203 Год назад

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!

@brianhurst2740 Год назад

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

@ThomasThomas-wn3km Год назад

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.

@UsualmikeTelevision Год назад

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

@petemoss1951 Год назад

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.

@aulii11 Год назад

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 Год назад

Wow, thank you! Love the comment!

@jewhackman4179 Год назад

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!

@ScratchGlass9 Год назад

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 🇺🇲

@cameronmccreary4758 Год назад

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.😊

@michaelkrumm1198 Год назад

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 Год назад

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.

@rosezingleman5007 Год назад

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.

@susanpeterson8529 Год назад

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

@kemosabegt350geuss6 Год назад

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

@edwardf6229 Год назад

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.

@dorisodermann3297 Год назад

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

@ford32able Год назад

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

@skimmer8774 Год назад

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 😊

@privatepilot4064 Год назад

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

@jbenziggy Год назад

Great to hear! Thanks so much!

@tanyaford8458 Год назад

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!!

@johnbarton8683 Год назад

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 Год назад

Glad you like them!

@halhunter1974 Год назад

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

@littlejoe8359 Год назад

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

@talesfromanoldmanpatoneal6372 Год назад

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.

@AT1881Cowboy Год назад

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

@d.r.morgan3934 Год назад

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.

@TheSpaghetti64 Год назад

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.

@dawnberthold3894 Год назад

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

@kristybollan3872 Год назад

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 Год назад

Glad you enjoyed it!

@KeithBeougher Год назад

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

@WildWestGal Год назад

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!!!

@jimbullard441 Год назад

Love seeing small town histories.

@susancarden749 Год назад

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++++😊😊😊😊

@carrolle7101 Год назад

I loved this story, especially before and after pictures. I kept rewinding to see the before, then after. I loved the music also!!! thanks Jeff and Sarah.

@KU25746 Год назад

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!

@allenchalupnik3889 5 месяцев назад

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❤

@AB-ye7bw Год назад

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

@RoadTripsWithYogi1968 Год назад

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

@richnunn9633 Год назад

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

@MrMark2024 Год назад

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.

@user-qv2cq5kv1h 4 месяца назад

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!

@sharronmitchell304 Год назад

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.

@MickMickey Год назад

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.

@rickphillips9690 Год назад

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 🙏🇨🇦

@normahird9059 Год назад

Good morning.......Sunday morning and my favorite RU-vid 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 ....

@lynngraham2934 Год назад

I lived for about 11 months at Waterford when I was 16. Got there in Jan 1960, and returned to Arkansas in Nov or Dec 1960. I remember swimming and fishing in the river, picked some fruit, and caught some chickens for spare change. It was a great place.

@jymnmeier3527 3 месяца назад

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 :)

@brentgardner5103 Год назад

The towns from the past had more character than they do today. Loved the before and after pictures. Thank you for the excellent video.

@jbenziggy Год назад

You are spot on! More character is right! Thank you for that very complimentary feedback, Brent! We are so encouraged by your words! Blessings!

@adriannafosse2485 Год назад

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

@jbenziggy Год назад

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

@tillitrueheart971 Год назад

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 Год назад

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

@bcoxify 11 месяцев назад

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.

@nancynewhoff2223 Год назад

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.

@rickharms1 9 месяцев назад

Born in Modesto, attended Empire Church of the Brethren, but often visited the Waterford congregation. Thanks for the memories.

@georgemccoy219 Год назад

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

@stuartstuart866 Год назад

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

@richarddavenport31 11 месяцев назад

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

@williamclifford9757 Год назад

Thank for the show, fantastic info. Well done- stay well

@prowrestlingisart6742 Год назад

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

@loumartell7687 Год назад

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

@glennyee5607 Год назад

VERY nice touch with the before and after shots; links yesterday to today!😊

@jabbasan12 Год назад

Fascinating! Thanks for sharing Jeff.

@skiptalaska8603 Год назад

I to, grew up in a small town. Although I no longer live there my wife and I go back about once a year. It has changed, like Waterford, tremendously in 65 years. Your before and after pictures are hauntingly melancholy.

@Sleeperdude Год назад

I stop at every plaque I can. I love them

@garywatt4546 Год назад

Very nice job! Well researched and informative.

@richs6205 Год назад

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.

@miguelnavarro2571 Год назад

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!

@barbarapistella2819 Год назад

Loved it. Thank you 😊

@livelife153 Год назад

Really great work, thank you! Keeper coming!

@rochellezimmerbishop4681 9 месяцев назад

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!

@colinbrown364 Год назад

That was fantastic Jeff , really enjoyed the travel through time, you took us on .

@WayneKline Год назад

What a wonderful video Jeff, absolutely loved it, especially the before / after / today shots, great idea and helps put history and progress into perspective, well done!

@lindsaymacpherson8782 Год назад

Beautifully done bit of history. Love the now and before photos Thankyou Jeff for the time to share it with us

@philipcollins5440 Год назад

Gr8 Job Jeff😊, interesting as always. Thanks

@GpaEric5931 Год назад

That is a phenomenal video/ history. TY Sir. Cheers y’all.

@user-xt8tw7pm7m Год назад

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!

@whip-its_dad4239 Год назад

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

@kenjackson5491 Год назад

Another great video! I really like the comparison photos. Good job!!

@dsinavich5141 Год назад

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 🇨🇦

@terry7937 6 месяцев назад

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 месяцев назад

Thanks! I appreciate the nice review!

@jessesmall86 Год назад

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.

@sonofhawaii4227 Год назад

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 🤙🏼

@jeffvinson4875 Год назад

Well done! Thank you for sharing ! 👍🏻👍🏻

@jbenziggy Год назад

Thank you! Cheers!

@webchuck1 Год назад

Hello Jeff, Happy Sunday! Thanks for sharing your Hometown and it's History. Have a wonderful day.

@user-nn4bc9pv5f 5 месяцев назад

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.

@DarylChamberlainJr Год назад

Really enjoyed the before and after pictures...Thank you for sharing.