Mentryville the first California Oil Town Turned Ghost Town

Jeff and Sarah check out Mentryville, the town that was established near Newhall. It is at this location that oil was first discovered for the first time (in September 1876).
This former town has been classified as a ghost town but was also used as a TV show and movie filming location, mostly because of the beautiful Pico Cottage, Charles Mentry's historic home, and the historic Felton School.
Michael Landon and Victor French came here in 1984 to film the "Plane Death" episode of the NBC-TV series, "Highway to Heaven."
Sarah will check out the fake house used for the filming of "Return to Green Acres" in 1990.
#mentryville #filminglocations #historyhunters

[@starrens]

I had never heard of Mentryville until this video. So many pieces of history that are right beneath our noses in this beautiful state. Thanks for bringing them to life for us!

[@kskollections2142]

This was fascinating. I love the fact that you added the film clips in with the shots of your video.

[@mylerism]

We love day trips like these. Particularly fond of Coloma. Really helps to feel connected to our history by imagining what life must have been like back then. Thank you two for sharing the history with us.

[@jbenziggy]

Thanks Mike! We appreciate your time watching and commenting! It makes things worthwhile!

[@jekylltraveler]

That "saddle" you found is actually a saddle form, used to make and repair saddles.

[@jbenziggy]

Interesting what we learn from our audience! Thanks so much!

[@kramsnilloc52]

My grandfather retired from Standard Oil. I know at one time he worked in the Taft area. I had no idea it actually started in Mentryville. Loved this video!!!

[@JMVideos7676]

I can't think of any other KZbin vlog that seamlessly blends historic pictures and video into the commentary. Your history lessons are special because of the complete job you do researching, narrating and blending today's scenes with those of the past. Thanks again.

[@WyomingTraveler]

This I think was one of your most interesting videos. Imagine a community going from a oil town, to a ghost town, to a movie set, to a tourist attraction. I particularly enjoyed the way you interspersed the current views with the TV and movie shots that were made in the town. I like seeing the green acres house front. I remember the house from the TV show.

[@conniephillips8217]

Thank you for taking me along on your little excursion! It's always so fun to join the two of you and explore a rich part of History. God bless you both! And thanks again!

[@danielgoss2467]

Another good Sunday, my coffee and a new History Hunters episode! Thanks Sarah and Jeff!

[@jbenziggy]

Our pleasure, Daniel!

[@alanatolstad4824]

Who knew! I don't get over that way very often, usually just use that section of the LA HILLS as a corridor for ventures East!---Hmm, rethink Santa Ana winds! They blow from East to West, shushing down the western slopes toward the ocean, which heats up the air.---I grew up in North Dakota, & am very familiar with outhouses! The best ones all were TWO-HOLERS!

[@skimmer8774]

Just think,you stood right where the king of cowboys was. So cool. This was a good video. Thank you both.

[@jbenziggy]

Thanks 👍 It was very cool!

[@harrymarnell8669]

I grew up and lived my first 50 years in Los Angeles County but never once heard of Mentryville until this evening. I was well aware of the original oil discovery there, but you've added a whole new page to the story. Thanks a million!

[@dotell3359]

What can I say !!! Always great to watch your videos and listening to you about history. Thank you so much.

[@garymckee448]

I just thought it's about time for your weekly video and I was within one minute ☺️

[@MattRing-zv7pk]

There àre no cowinky dinks

[@bcoldgoalie]

Lee Bryant,the actress you showed from the show, "Highway to Heaven, is still alive. I remember her as the hysterical woman being slapped in the movie,"Airplane ". Cool little historical area. Too bad there wasn't more to it but still interesting. Thanks guys! 😊👍

[@webchuck1]

Hello Jeff & Sarah, Thanks so much for sharing the history of this site. It is great to learn something new especially when your not from California. Thanks for taking your time doing what you do. Have wonderful Sunday🌞

[@ronalddawson3873]

I don't always leave a comment but I find your videos very enjoyable,and educational.I am 77 and remember watching the "Cowboy" movies as a kid. I love seeing the "Actual Sites" that were used in the movies.I know I will never be able to see them in person.I live in a small town in the extreme NE corner of Md. bordering,Delaware and Pa.If you happen to run into Gene or Roy,tell them Ron says ,"Happy Trails.

[@muhammadsalaam]

Another great episode and a learning experience. Keep up the great work!

[@Viral__TV]

How ironic that the place where gold was first found in California at "The Oak of the Golden Dream" in Placerita Cyn State Park, is not too far from this site. You guys should do an episode on that place.

[@marciachauvin3890]

I love history and you bring these towns and people to life and give so much information. I enjoy them all. This place was a new one to me. We hear about gold all the time but not so much about oil.

[@shadrana1]

A lot of old oil and mines in that area,the starting source of Calif.wealth.Thanks for that Sarah and Jeff.I like the way you blend the old film scenes into the current locality Jeff.

[@jamespaquin5639]

February 2023. Thank you Jeff and Sarah. I enjoyed your documentary. I had never heard of this town before. God bless you guys. 🙂

[@jbenziggy]

I am glad you watched and enjoyed this journey!!!!

[@memyself7413]

An absolutely fascinating video, featuring so much interesting information about yester-year. From a rainy UK, to the hot plains of California, it's the only way I'll hear about any of this history and see this lovely place. "Thank you."

[@jbenziggy]

You are very welcome! Thanks so much for touring Mentryville with us from the UK!

[@johnnyjesus8]

Love seeing the old movie clips of where you are actually standing its so interesting it opens our eyes how life on this earth is so temporary. brilliant job as usual Jeff and Sarah. Love this.

[@theodoredugranrut8201]

Thanks Jeff and Sarah, I love these little nuggets of California history. Central California Watching

[@rhondaz356]

This was so very interesting. I am glad that the area is left for people to meander around, and get a sense of the history. However, with its past movie/TV pedigree, and the town's *own history, it's a shame it's just going to further deteriorate, unchecked.? I wish there was a happy medium... I always love, and appreciate the research, the traveling, the visuals and audios you insert, Jeff and Sarah. Thanks, so very much...👏👏

[@redheadkd1565]

Hello Rhonda. 'Friends of MentryvilIe' is a volunteer group located in Santa Clarita Valley & surrounding areas. They & others do volunteer to help with the upkeep. It may be hard to tell but work has been done here since the 1994 Northridge earthquake destroyed what was left of the town. Donations keep them going. I am not affiliated with them but know of them through our local Boy Scout troop. Have a great day!

[@janblake9468]

My father worked for Chevron 21 years , 1950-1971, in their La Habra research dept as a senior geophyicist. It's the reason we moved to CA. Off to the west from Newhall is Santa Paula, the birthplace of Union Oil of California. A museum is there. I worked for UO 1968-1974 as a paleontologist in the exploration dept. They then moved from LA to Houston, but I didn't want to live there so quit. From 1957 to 1968, I lived near the old oil field town of Olinda (Orange County), and attended a two room school, built 1909, for 7th & 8th grades. Olinda was demolished about 1961for construction of a flood control dam. But there's an oil field museum there too.

[@THEWRENCH343]

Another beautiful Sunday morning with a big 'ol cup of Joe and our friends Jeff and Sarah! Thank you both for another winner!

[@pamelakern2849]

Mentryville is a charming old town. I guess its charm is the reason they filmed movies and television there . I enjoyed this video. 😊😊

[@marceyvogt2007]

I love those old houses. I wouldn't mind living there. Thank you.☮️💖🎶

[@benedictox9085]

Just want to say, you guys are awesome! Been loving your videos every sunday!!

[@jbenziggy]

Thank you very much friend. We really appreciate your support and your enthusiasm.

[@CC-te5zf]

Happy Sunday! Great Video!

[@jbenziggy]

Thank you very much.

[@jefflewis5546]

Great Vlog. Thank you Jeff and Sara !! Keep doing what you do ! Your true calling !!

[@jbenziggy]

Thank you! Will do!

[@speedspeed121]

Correction: The Santa Ana Winds blow from the desert in the Great Basin to the oceans. Great video as always

[@jbenziggy]

Every once in a while I learn things from my videos like when I make statements that are incorrect. I spoke off the cuff and I thought that the winds were actually came out from the ocean because that’s typically how it works in California. Glad you liked or video.

[@speedspeed121]

@@jbenziggy I grew up in Orange County and I study physics. I wouldn't expect other people to know about something like the wind patterns in a region of the US. Like a balloon, high pressure in the Great Basin pushes wind through the canyons and passes that divide the desert and the coastal basin (LA, OC, Riverside etc). As the wind squeezes through the mountain passes, it heats and gains kinetic energy. Yes. great videos.

[@DanFarrar]

Cool how you meshed in the scenes! Fun. ❤️

[@bobpeckinpaugh2550]

Thank you for another fascinating episode. I love seeing the California landscape, hills, mountains. Here in Ohio it's all flat farmland.

[@tractorhyatt7044]

Enjoyed watching this video! Thank you Jeff and Sarah. I often wonder where the 80's and 90's went. Seems like it was only yesterday, yet it was 30, 40 years ago. I think it is neat that you are able to find movie and television clips of the locations you are talking about in your videos. That's some intense research I am sure. Thanks again!

[@jbenziggy]

You are right! Lots of research! Thank you so much for your reflection!

[@jaykay5945]

Thank you for the tour. All of these years living out here, I wasn't aware of its existence.

[@IDNHANTU2day]

Sarah and Jeff. I had missed this episode somehow. this is great. Just another place I "pinned" on my map of places I need to see. Thank you so very much.

[@foxmulder4269]

Thanks guys! Always great 👍 just perusing videos I haven't seen yet

[@curtgomes]

Thanks Jeff & Sarah. Another great episode with excellent editing.

[@lindsaymacpherson8782]

When you walked into this place it just looked like many other old places till you put all the shows in and then it clicked how many i had seen. Really enjoyed this Jeff and Sarah and was surprised Sarah didn't have that wee dog on her lap :) Thankyou for sharing it

[@jbenziggy]

Sarah doesn’t actually like little dogs because they tend to be obnoxious like this one. Lol

[@HistoryHunterSarah]

I would have befriended the dog but it wasn't friendly just obnoxious. It ran after me like it was going to bite my ankles but I just ignored it and he gave up.

[@JimmyLoose]

Thank you so much for this video. Another Highway To Heaven location mystery solved! Thank you! I can't believe how many hundreds of times I drove past this on my way to and back from Los Angeles, and it's right of The 5. I recognized that house from an episode of The A-Team, but I can't remember which one it was. I love how you show clips of H2H then match it up with your location. Your effort in editing does not go unappreciated.

[@jbenziggy]

I really appreciate your nice words!

[@Israel11609]

Love getting up Sunday morning having my coffee and watching some awesome history. Thanks Jeff and Sarah.

[@jbenziggy]

Well we really appreciate the smell of coffee with you in the morning. Lol

[@Xpyburnt_ndz]

Always look forward to your fascinating "hunts" Jeff & Sarah! Very well done! Gr8 vid!

[@jbenziggy]

Glad you enjoyed it, Chris!

[@TandysHandcraftedCreations]

That was so awesome! Thank you Sarah and Jeff!

[@stevensmith516]

Thanks for another good one. I know it's not PC but I 🖤 oil.

[@frankmarullo228]

Good morning Jeff Good morning Sarah thank you guys for another good episode, I look forward to Sunday's for your shows . THANK YOU FRANK FROM MONTANA....

[@jbenziggy]

Thank you Frank in Montana. What did you think of this episode?

[@frankmarullo228]

@@jbenziggy Jeff this and all of your other episodes are AWESOME, I love history and you do a fine job or relaying history in all your shows I can't figure out how you find all this info. But glad you do Also it is good to see Sarah in the show as well. In montana we have 59 ghost towns. Haven't been to them all yet but would love to.. Take lots of beautiful pictures and put together a book of ghost towns. You two guys would love it up here.. Sarah would go crazy looking at all the deer ,and other animals.....

[@SR-zi6eo]

Loved the tour! Very interesting! I love how you show snippets of tv shows and movies that had been filmed at the location! Thank you so much and keep up the excellent videos; much appreciated…..🌝

[@jbenziggy]

Thank you! We love your compliments!!!

[@y077er]

Thank you Jeff/Sarah, great vlog.

[@lornahardin4563]

This was very interesting Jeff. Glad Sarah could be with you. Just hate to see these historic places left to fall into decay.

[@haroldnelson3734]

Great video! Thanks for taking us there with you.

[@davesargenti6641]

Great video Sarah and Jeff.... It was my "Wonderful World of History Hunters" Sunday, with dinner..THX.

[@jbenziggy]

Hi Dave! Happy to be your dinner show! Hope it was appetizing! LOL

[@mrshiney2]

HI Jeff, I grew up in Santa Ana, the Santa Ana winds blow from the east desert area. this is partially why they are so devastating. It usually occurs late in summer/early fall when it is very dry and fires are easily fanned

[@michaelgadbois3187]

Awesome job as always. Thanks

[@harpor1914]

Also a more recent movie was filmed here. Close Range with Scott Adkins. Watching the movie on Dutch television as we speak. Great video guys, keep it up.

[@jbenziggy]

Thank you! I appreciate the information too. Did not know about Close Range.

[@treebuck]

Looks like the porch was rebuilt after the earthquake, but fun to imagine all the conversations that took place on it over all those years. Thanks, guys! Steve

[@jbenziggy]

If you could only go back in time and see things as they were and listen to conversations people had in those same locations.

[@janicecanfield9211]

👋 Hi Jeff, Hi Sarah, Oh how coooool was the overlay of windows with the gal leaning out. Great job. 👌 Not sure I'd heard of Mentryville, so once again, thanks for the great job and research and...sharing.

[@jbenziggy]

We appreciate you watching and commenting. Sometimes if we have the photos ahead of time we can line things up.

[@mauiswift6391]

Very cool! Love Sarah, she knows her animals ❤️

[@jbenziggy]

She loves animals! Thanks for leaving us your nice comment!

[@liberalliar9216]

I really like the music you chose for after the intro.

[@maureengill6031]

Interesting and unique video, Jeff and Sarah! I enjoyed seeing the clip of a young Roy Rogers! I’m still a fan of Roy’s!

[@sarahdutcher6933]

Thank you for taking me on a warm, sunny trip with you. Gloomy here in Ohio. Couldn't wait for a great history lesson.

[@Dick_Shinn]

I spent a lifetime, one year, in Cleveland, Ohio... 11-68 to 10-69! It was gloomy in the winter months!

[@jstewardjr]

A new place for me. Thanks Jeff & Sarah.

[@concerned1313]

This is super high on my bucket list as I have and currently work for oil companies in Southern California via a contractor. So thank you for reminding me. SUGGESTION: Please visit the Orcutt Ranch in the very western side of the San Fernando Valley. It is regarding Union 76, the first petroleum geologist and indirectly with naming the town of Orcutt by Santa Maria. I have been several times and it is a wonderful place. Wonderful video, thank you!

[@glenacebrown9995]

Very interesting place. It's always a bonus to see old filming locations.

[@Jbennyho]

Very interesting. Thank you. I always thought Petrolia, CA was the first commercial oil well in CA. I’ll need to dig a little deeper into both.

[@juneclary1964]

Hi Jeff and Sarah thank you for sharing a another wonderful video I have never heard of this place but it looks like a neat place to visit hopefully some day I would like to see this place every Sunday I wondered where are Jeff and Sarah going to take us for a history lesson love ❤️ and blessings laurie

[@meljohnson5926]

Very cool history here! I've added it to our hit list. Thank you

[@miqsh70]

Im glad we can hear Sarah very well :) I like her contribution to the videos!

[@greggwatkinsjr.4308]

It's amazing that the old house is still around today, now I really want to watch the classic Roy Roger movie. 🤠 Happy trail to you Jeff & Sarah. Thankyou as always for great videos.

[@Kana7782]

Watching your video Sunday morning with my coffee. Perfect way to end the weekend

[@jbenziggy]

Happy to hear that you enjoy your video!

[@WestVintage]

Love watching you! But oh my goodness the dog barking in the background is driving me nuts lol!

[@jbenziggy]

He drove me crazy too!

[@harveycaldwell2409]

Thank you Jeff and Sarah for this video

[@davidj5718]

Thanks for another great episode Jeff I really enjoy these

[@jbenziggy]

Thanks very much!

[@fountainbiker]

I've never heard of Mentryville before this, thanks Jeff & Sarah for bringing us along with you on your trip there. I love how you dig up all the Hollywood connections and film clips that you overlay on your pictures. Cant wait for next Sunday's trip!

[@jbenziggy]

Glad you liked it Jerry!

[@davidclark9150]

Thank you Jeff and Sarah for another very interesting episode.

[@jbenziggy]

David, we really appreciate the wonderful comment!

[@mariemorgan7759]

So glad they saved something of that town, so much history in it! Was that little dog with it's owner's? I kept thinking it was abandoned there!

[@jbenziggy]

No. the little dog was the pet of the on-site manager.

[@mariemorgan7759]

@@jbenziggy Thanks so much for the reply! I love animals, people abandoning their pets always makes me sad!

[@brucecrider2001]

Thanks Jeff and Sarah another great one you give I enjoyed very much appreciate your hard work well I'm off to a gun show 😀 I will be waiting for your next great one

[@cameronmccreary4758]

Lee Bryant is still extant at 77 years old. Jeff, I also had not heard of this town. The Santa Ana winds (sometimes called devil winds) are strong, extremely dry downslope winds that originate inland and affect coastal Southern California and northern Baja California. They originate from cool, dry high-pressure air masses in the Great Basin.

[@richardrichard9953]

I have lived in California all of my life and never knew about a lot of these places. Thanks to you and Sarah the wife and I have places to go for our Sunday drives. Thank you.

[@unbiasedobserver]

Loved your video! You all never disappoint! :-) Have a blessed Sunday!

[@jbenziggy]

You too! Thanks!

[@nickbakker6963]

What a wonderful adventure Jeff and Sarah! Thanks for taking us along and providing yet another awesome narration of the Mentryville history! Looking forward to the next trip!!

[@jbenziggy]

You are welcome, Nick! I appreciate the great feedback! Jeff

[@garythompson5053]

Very interesting episode of History Hunters. I had never heard of Mentryville.

[@tangie777uk]

Wonderful episode, I hope that poor dog has a home as it looks so abandoned now. Thank you Jeff and Sarah

[@jbenziggy]

I am almost certain that that dog belongs to the caretaker the lives next-door to that mansion. So don’t worry about him. Lol

[@tangie777uk]

@@jbenziggy Thanks Jeff, like Sarah I am an animal lover too.

[@corinnestearns6661]

Always look forward to your videos

[@cherylpearson1963]

You are so good at what you do in your videos. I appreciate you very much! ❤

[@jbenziggy]

I really do appreciate that, Cheryl! Thank you for the love and support!

[@joehiker5573]

GREAT JOB =) THANK YOU FOR SHARING!

[@jbenziggy]

You are welcome! Thanks Joe Hiker!

[@TaborEaton]

Man, I wonder what Michael Landon would think about our country if he were alive today. An off topic comment to my usual "good work, great video" (although the intent is still there).

[@davidmartin1051]

Loved the history, thank you.

[@Sparose3]

Wow, Mentry was only 53 years old. He looks much older in the pic of him. Love your videos Jeff & Sarah!💕

[@bobbauer2287]

Very well done, all aspects filming story ect Jeff ! Beautiful area ! 40 plus years ago 90s and 80s 30 plus Yikes ! Thanks for reminding me 😟 😑 good job Thanks for This. Bob

[@davec9244]

Like always job well done, you and Sarah, make a great team. LIKE George and Gracie, Lucy and Rickey, Roy and Dale! thank you. Might get more oil if we frack, but not a good idea, near the Sa Andreas Fault thank you ALL stay safe

[@jerrymestas1231]

Time to check it out! Thank you Jeff👊🏻

[@jbenziggy]

You should! Do you live near there?

[@Gwillya]

Hi Jeff and Sarah! Thanks so much for showing this little town. It is so interesting to see this and the company "Standard Oil Company". This company was where my grandfather had worked/retired from and then moved to Utah to the Standard Oil here. My father had then worked there for a short time. I remember when Chevron had taken over. Pretty interesting. Loved to see the shows you had provided. You guys make history so very interesting. Thanks for all you do.

[@Andi-tu6gd]

Thank you for taking us on another interesting adventure! We always learn so much from your videos. Top- notch!

[@jbenziggy]

We appreciate the words of affirmation, Andi!. Glad you like the video and learn something from it.

[@shigella63]

Another great video!

[@nicholedecker9124]

What a fascinating place! Wonderful place to tour in such a beautiful day!

[@greyghostjay]

How cool is that! Another great video!

[@jbenziggy]

Thank you, Jennifer! Cheers!

[@texas6060]

Thanks for sharing this Video. I never knew this Town existed. This is cool. ❤️ love it. Jeff and Sarah Thank You for exploring an filming all this. Funny I'm sure the Orginal Owner would be very Happy his Place lives on.

[@jbenziggy]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@richardbaxter1808]

Great video, Jeff. Some people like to claim that Petrolia was the first, but they fizzled and were not successful. This was the first successful oilwell.

[@jbenziggy]

Thanks for weighing in, Richard! Glad you watched and enjoyed!

[@Jbennyho]

That was my presumption, and hence, my comment elsewhere regarding this video. Thanks for the clarification. I’m going to look into both a little more. Your comment helps me see the distinction between the two.