Oakdale's Historic Graves & Then/Now Photo Comparison

[@BruceMBeals]

The transitions from the old buildings to the new buildings were fabulous.

[@Oyares5360]

I love the way you overlap the old photos over the new to see how much has changed. Great video and Happy Easter 😊

[@jbenziggy]

Thanks so much! 😊 happy Easter!

[@AB-ye7bw]

Excellent episode! Love the juxtaposition of the vintage photos of the past vs now. Great use of subtle music. Very well done.

[@barbaragraham6886]

Joe Rudi, "the most underrated player in baseball" was my favorite player. Thanks for sharing!

[@zcam1969]

i lke Joe Rudi too . that catch is classic .

[@joekeiser6221]

Wow that was great. Love the old pics. I use too work at oak valley hospital and knew dr. Favour. He was a really good man and a pleasure too work with. God bless him. Thanks jeff.

[@ravensbrood3544]

Great Vlog Jeff, l was born in Oakdale in The Oakdale Municipal Hospital on Laurel st way back when. A lot of nostalgia hit me while watching it. Thanks..😊

[@scottlundgren3467]

A.W. Mc Donald was one of my relatives. He died before the Stude family came to Oakdale from Nebraska. When his wife died the family went back and brought his remains to Oakdale and returned him next to his wife. Thanks for featuring him.

[@jbenziggy]

Interesting! A.W. wasn’t even from Oakdale then?

[@DavidNiehaus20]

Jeff would you fufill my suggestion by visiting the grave of John philip sousa please and you are the sweetest kindest most special guy on youtube♥️♥️

[@violetdreams1799]

​@@jbenziggyexcellent then and now matches.. really enjoy that

[@gregboyden564]

Thanks Jeff for exposing the lives of ordinary folks forgotten for the ages. Glad you call out our vets that paid the ultimate price for their service.

[@caroletomlinson5480]

I LOVE those shots of then and now. Sadly reminds me of picturesque buildings that were already old in my youth, but they contributed a cozy feeling of homeliness-and now gone, replaced by functional, practical, soulless boxes.

[@jbenziggy]

You said it well! Architecture today is rarely impressive and often thrown up quickly and cheaply!

[@marierie888]

Exactly... Banks that no one uses are now in their place and the old banks aren't even allowed to be seen inside. They should turn them into museums. Sad.

[@richs6205]

Wonderful history of Oakdale which I’ve driven through for years going to the Sierra mountains. Loved the way you inserted old pictures into current photos in the town.

[@jbenziggy]

Thanks! It's fun when I can do a then and now comparison!

[@jilliannesig1979]

My Nana & Papa are both buried in this cemetery. Loved the pictures of seeing what Oakdale used to look like.

[@bartgoins1782]

Another great history lesson, Jeff. It was great to see some of the old historic buildings remain, but sad to see that so many of the beautiful ones were no more. As always, Jeff, thank you for the history lesson.

[@halhunter1974]

Fully enjoyed the video Jeff. My mom is buried in Oakdale Citizen and the wife and I have our plots waiting on us. The overlays in the video of the younger years of Oakdale were truly enjoyed. Been a resident here since 1974. As with all your videos excellent job putting it together sir. Thank you.

[@jbenziggy]

Thank you so much, Hal! Let's hope you aren't planted anytime soon!

[@jakedavila538]

I really enjoy this channel. Every Sunday this is my window into the past. Thank you so much, Jeff.

[@jbenziggy]

You are very welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@stevestreet2825]

The time You two put in on these Episodes, Breathtaking, Thank You

[@suzanneochs1543]

LOVED today's walk back in time in Oakdale CA. How awesome to see before and after photo's of how things look today ! My ex husband and I would always stop in Oakdale on our way to Yosemite for a bite and to feel the vibe of the town and people. Miss those days ! Thank you Jeff and Sarah for another wonderful history lesson. Happy Easter !

[@jbenziggy]

That is awesome! Happy Easter to you too, Suzanne!

[@zcam1969]

Happy Easter. i remember Joe Rudi catching that baseball in 1972 .i tried to reenact it in my back yard . thanks for the memories Joe

[@KingColomonsdisciple]

Happy Easter King Jeffery. Looking forward to another History hunters video. Greetings from Glasgow.

[@cenvalleysteel]

Another great video. My Mom, Rema Rudene Brier, is buried in the newer section on the East side. We stop buy often to visit and leave flowers. Loved the before and after shots. The shots around the tower at the brought back a few memories. I used to ride the bus from Livermore to Oakdale to stay with my Grandfather. Got dropped off and picked up a few times at the stop. My Uncle worked for awhile at the Standard station, I think it was a Chevron station by then. I can remember getting gas there when in town.

[@Emmythelab]

Hi Jeff, thanks for sharing your video. Another veteran worth sharing who is burried here is Howard Hartley. First Lieutenant Howard Hartley served as a pilot on a B-26 Marauder during WWII in the 394th Bomber Group, Medium, 587th Bomber Squadron. He flew 50 missions and earned a rotation back to the States; however, he and most of his crew volunteered to stay on for 10 more missions because of the approaching invasion. Howard's B-26 flew two missions on D-Day to knock German gun emplacements that threatened the Utah Beach landings. Eight days after D-Day, Howard and his crew were shot down and killed over St. Peravy la Combe, France. He was flying his 60th (last) mission. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal (two Oak Leaf Clusters), and Purple Heart. He is burried next to his brother, Jack William Hartley, who fought at the battle of Iwo Jima. The two brothers took part of two major battles during WWII, D-Day and Iwo Jima. Lastly, they are burried next to their father, Russell Hartley. He served as the Chief Engineer on the "Tri-Dam" project you talked about on your video. He worked at the Oakdale Irrigation District for over 57 years.

[@jbenziggy]

Unfortunately I did not know about him but ironically on Sunday I met up with Lois Hartley Hunter (his sister) who told me about her brother dying in the war. Maybe in a future video? Thanks for mentioning him!

[@Emmythelab]

Thank you for the note. Yes, she’s my great aunt. Her brother Jack was my grandfather, and I’m named after her dad, Russell.

[@jbenziggy]

@@Emmythelab Lois looks great for 94!

[@dano8203]

Happy Easter Jeff and Sarah! Thanks for posting! Loved going to the water slides there as a kid! Loved the after and before pictures. Unfortunately everything changes for progress.

[@jbenziggy]

Wait. Water slides? Not in Oakdale. Do you mean Waterford or Oakwood Lake water slides in Manteca?

[@dano8203]

I may have had it confused with Manteca. As kids we would visit our aunt in Stockton and she would take us all.

[@conniebabcock2839]

I have lived in Oakdale since 1973 and we never saw waterslides. Can you tell me where they were and what time what year thank you.

[@lovehistory5305]

Loved going to those slides in Manteca as a kid so much fun. We would go to slides in Livermore too at Shadow Cliff lake. Good times.

[@ninaellyson814]

Wow! Incredible people and stories of Oakdale. I loved your then and now photos. Made me want to go back in time so much! Another wonderful show👏👏👏-Nina

[@rundown48]

Another...very enjoyable episode this week.... I really do like the way you blend the old and new photos, the visual drives home the vanishing pasts and the less-than-pleasing architectural present/future we are left with... anyway....best wishes..................... cheers

[@jbenziggy]

Glad you like them! I would agree with you that the architectural standards of this country have slipped in most communities. It seems like things were done with class, but today everything is done to be made quickly and cheaply as it can be.

[@conniebabcock2839]

This was a fabulous historical featured article. I live on the Stream Street that you were raised, called Pioneer. You did not go into the story about the Van Pelt fire department or fire truck business I wish you would have. It is a real blessing to be able to see this, thank you so much. I moved here to Oakdale in 1973. The accuracy of everything you did is spectacular. Someone needed to do this and I’m glad it was you. The comments of people who live in Oakdale are very interesting as well. If you had not written this, I would not know as much about the town that I love. But as you already know, I live in the valley home area, could you do an article on the German town of Valley home? There isn’t much left of the old valley home. Sorry to say. Keep up the fabulous work. Thank you.😊❤

[@petemoss1951]

Loved, loved, loved, my mother graduated from Oakdale, 1950! This was awesome! Thank you so much!

[@jbenziggy]

So happy to know that you enjoyed this video and a look back at the history of a town very significant to you and your family. Blessings to you.

[@chrisbyard29]

Jeff loved the before and after. Sometimes I wish they would leave the older buildings and fix them instead of destroying them. Thanks for sharing!! Great stuff

[@jbenziggy]

I agree with you! Unfortunately, a lot of these old brick buildings are very costly to rehabilitate, but I’m really not sure why they decided to tear some of them down that were pretty solid.

[@alanatolstad4824]

I'm sure some went to fire, some to decay, & some to old fashioned "don't want the old stuff anymore" mentality.

[@kimberleegreen4671]

I was born in the old Oakdale hospital in the 50's and attended Oakdale High School. I remember some of these old buildings, and it brings back so many memories. TY for producing this!

[@jbenziggy]

Thanks for enjoying this look back at Oakdale history, Kimberlee!

[@sharonbennett2953]

Dr Favour was my doctor at one time. I lived in Oakdale when I was a Junior in OHS in 1970 and many years after that. I loved the old photos fitted over the now a days locations. So nice. Thank you

[@Searles007]

Great episode! Brett Dennen and Eric Medlen went to Oakdale High School. RIP Eric.

[@janetceniza8091]

husband speaking age 81, When I see pictures of an old town and then what it looks like today, i often get a sad feeling especially if I grew up in that town like I did in Edmonds, Wash. I lived just 5 blocks from the Ferry dock on Puget Sound. I played on the beach, both sides of the dock, I could walk all over the small town even at age 6 on with no worries. There was the small Library with the Police dept. in the bottom. I remember in early grade school walking with our class (25 kids in line) down the 3 blocks from school to the Library to have a story read to us. The hill just 3 houses up from ours that all the kids in the area would sled down in the winter. ( In the 50's through the 60's ) we had snow every year. It is all changed now, few of the old buildings remain or have been remodeled into something else. The soda fountain counter, the candy display, that store is now a realty office. I remember the city park where on Easter all the kids in town would line up on a small bank, by age, and race down to look for colored eggs with numbers on them to match to a prize. I saw a softball in the prize window and that is what I wanted to win, and dog gone, I got that number. I was probably 7 or 8 years old.

[@lornahardin4563]

They tore down some pretty nice old buildings. Love the way you did the before and after. Cemetery visit was interesting too. Thanks Jeff and Sarah.

[@409rommel]

Good stuff Jeff.. Hope all is well with you guys

[@johnsaucerhunter]

Jeff... The super-imposing of the past pics with the current lay of the town was simply wonderful and well done! This is one of my top 5 History Hunters episodes and I thank you for your tireless efforts to present accurate representations and historical information.

[@jbenziggy]

Glad to hear that this was a favorite! Thank you so much!

[@dawnlefevre9172]

Love the "then and now" pics!! Always interesting to see the change that way!!!

[@jbenziggy]

Thanks. Apparently a lot of us enjoy the blending in of old into new! Turns out the old seemed more aesthetically pleasing to me!

[@dawnlefevre9172]

@@jbenziggy I agree!

[@Kenmurrillo1229]

Must say your videos are very well done, not my part of the country but made interesting to keep me riveted. Like the then & now pics. Enjoy your channel greatly, best to you and Sarah.....keep em coming.

[@jbenziggy]

Thank you very much! That pleases me greatly to read! Bless you!

[@Hawker900XP]

During the early 1970s I was a flight instructor out of Modesto. We would often fly over to Oakdale for touch and goes. I remember the Hershey factor with the Hershey Kiss street lights.

[@jbenziggy]

My dad used to do those out there too in Cessnas!

[@footballlvnlady]

Great video Jeff! I love the old and new pictures! It is so nice to see all the historical buildings you have spoken on all over the state of California! We had a wonderful downtown area back in the 60’s and 70’s. A variety of clothing, restaurants, drug, shoe, book and candy stores. The powers that be decided to build a big mall. Bulldozed the whole downtown area and opened the mall in 1977. The mall fell on hard times and was demolished in the early 2,000’s. Now all we have there are apartment buildings and parking lots. Sad! Loved the snippet about your brother and the dentist! 😊 Happy Easter to you, Sarah and the family! Blessings.

[@shawnmarengo494]

In the early 1970’s, my brother and I went to a store where Joe Rudi was signing autographs that particular day. I think the store was in the McHenry Village shopping center. Being a girl, and about 9, I didn’t know sports, as my brother did. What I remember is that Joe seemed shy. I can still see him looking up to me handing me that autograph.

[@wendygerrish4964]

Cherished memory.

[@jbenziggy]

By the way, my brother was in the store that day and he got their autographs for me…which I still have!!!

[@marierie888]

The overlap of the photos made me tear up... I wish we could go and visit the past buildings. I was just a girl in a Johnny jump up in the Live Oak hotel with my mom and dad before it burnt down. 😔 Never knew that the dry cleaners was a two story, wonder how the top level was lost.

[@jbenziggy]

I think the whole brick building was razed to build that dry cleaners. I doubt if the bottom floor presently was part of the old bank building. Thanks for leaving the comment!

[@frankmarullo228]

Good video Jeff thank you for this one PS I hope you and Sara and family all have a good Easter . Frank from Montana....

[@jbenziggy]

Thanks 👍 happy Easter to you too!

[@j1st633]

Very cool photos. Love the music. Why not a before and after of your childhood home?

[@davidj5718]

I really enjoy how you bring our locally history to light . As our country continues to forget about itself these videos are a shining light on our greatness

[@PattyLouM]

I have some northern California suggestions for possible story items. My Great Grand Aunt Annie Margaret Thomas son Shelton Chubbuck lived to be 3 months short of 101, dying when I was 4. I remember her very vividly and she lived a very interesting life. Her last husband was James Marquis Chubbuck, who served as Chico Constable, Butte County Sheriff, and was locally known as Marshall Chubbuck. He owned a flour mill in Durham. Her first husband, John Shelton was one of the Glenn County Sheltons. They had 3 children, one of whom died as a baby and Annie outlived all 3 of her sons. She lived in SF for many years and she adored me at 3 and 4 years old. Margaret as a name runs through our family and I am Patricia Margaret. Another local family of mine is the Shearers. Joseph Emerson Shearer was my Great Great Grandfather and he owned the first brick home in Chico along with a livery stable. My final family of local importance are the Thomassons. My Mother and Aunt Margaret were the first twins born in Enloe Hospital in 1914. The family came across the country from Scales Mound, Illinois to Chico, California by ox team in 1853. My Great Grandfather, George Washington Thomasson built a home in 1895. The Thomasson family first raised prunes which were hugely popular in the late 1800s and early 1900s. My Great Grandfather planted some of the first almond orchards in California. I could go on and on. I love history and genealogy and have tons of stories. Let me know if any of these interest you. Thanks! I love your cemetery crawls. My now adult kids still cringe when I remind them of our visit to all 13 Virginia City Cemeteries in search of my Great Great Grandfather, Edward Cooper who was killed in the late 1861 fire in the Gould and Curry mine. Turns out he is buried down the hill in Silver City!

[@princetonking30]

Thank you Jeff for doing Oakdale history. I’ve installed Cable tv all through Oakdale and I’ve always loved that place. Yearly, me and my wife use to go to the Oakdale Chocolate festival. The best. Now I know about the Rodden family. Drove on Rodden road a bunch of times with my Dish Network truck. Good history. Can you give us some history on Escalon? Have a blessed day Jeff

[@toddchrisman9075]

I lived in Oakdale for about 30 years I still have friends there I love the Show thank you for what you do

[@jbenziggy]

Thanks for letting me know you appreciated the video I did on Oakdale!

[@shirleydowning9383]

Another fascinating episode. I especially enjoyed the superimposed now/then pictures set to such haunting music. Thanks Jeff.

[@sside8]

Great job Jeff! Very informative. Love seeing those old pictures and how Oakdale has changed.

[@thetraveler2561]

Wonderful video man. We loved it. Superimposing the old pics of your home town before and after. Just great. Ma has a crush on you she is 96. 😃

[@jbenziggy]

I really appreciate the great remark and the comment about your Ma's crush on me has me smiling. Tell her Jeff said hi! You guys made my day!

[@thetraveler2561]

Will do.......All the best!@@jbenziggy

[@TrishaStarkweather]

The Lewis' are my family ❤ I'm the one that did the research and found that Melinda wasn't buried there and gave Annie her name back after 154 years. It was an amazing journey to find them and learn their story. Thank you so much for featuring them, made me tear up.... Trisha Starkweather ❤

[@jbenziggy]

Thanks for the information! It came in quite handy! Glad to include them in the video!

[@okiedean1112]

Hi Jeff, what an outstanding story and history of the families that contributed to the prosperity of Oakdale and the surrounding communities. My wife I have relatives buried at the the cemetery on east A street. I remember as a kid acting like Joe Rudy and Sal Bando. Thanks for the flash from the past.

[@mad4784]

Man...nailed it again..a new dimension of viewing,very nice...

[@janisoconnor6881]

Thanks Jeff always enjoy seeing comparison photos of what an area looked in the past.

[@jbenziggy]

Great! I will try to do more in the future!

[@SusanGK1]

My husband and I really enjoyed this episode. I grew up in Waterford and also went to Oakdale High. Great job!

[@jbenziggy]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@jrswackhammer8205]

I've saw one of those woodmen of the world stumps before local. Really nice and detailed never heard of them before. Too much history is lost on younger generations. Thanks for the history lessons!

[@larrystarr3044]

great job love the overlay pictures of the town, this must have taken a lot of work and I appreciate it thank you

[@jbenziggy]

It was! But it was well worth the effort! Thanks!

[@WildWestGal]

Bravo, Jeff!!! Great episode... the then-and-now pics were fabulous!!!

[@nicknichols3810]

Really enjoyed this, especially the before/after pics. So interesting to see how much (and sometimes, how little) things have changed.

[@kristybollan3872]

I really enjoyed this one! Your cemetery explores are the best. You provide lots of family details and long enough closeups of the markers so we can study them for ourselves. I share your empathy and sadness on the early passings of infants and children buried in these old cemeteries too. California, my home state, has so much fascinating history! I’m thankful for your History Hunters channel that brings this history to us.

[@UsualmikeTelevision]

This was an amazing video. I appreciate all that you do by bringing the past alive!

[@jbenziggy]

I appreciate that!

[@ednagreen62]

Thank you for a look into Oakdale's charming atmosphere. It is always a pleasure to view History Hunters episodes.

[@jbenziggy]

Our pleasure! Thank you Edna!

[@JamesTBearden]

Jeff Oakdale is a very fascinating little town always enjoyed it. My first wife's family was in Waterford and as you probably know if you want something you either go to Oakdale or Modesto. All of the kids went to High school in Oakdale late 60's and early 70's. Thanks for the great Oakdale story today. Jim Bearden in Hayward California

[@unnecessaryroughness4681]

What a great video. There is so much history in that cemetery of fascinating people. The overlay of pictures from now to then and back to now again, is great work because I love seeing the transaction of time more than once without having to backup. Great stuff!

[@juliogonzales5441]

THOSE NOW AND THEN PICTURES ARE GREAT 😊THANKS JEFF AND SARAH 😊

[@cnph7067]

Another great episode Jeff. Love all things historical, it’s obvious you put a lot of time in for your content. Thank you! Joe Rudi was a fantastic player. As a kid and an A’s fan living in the East Bay in the 70’s was magical. Still remember his game 5 HR which won the title in 74.

[@ralphowen3367]

As a freshman and Joe Rudi a senior at Downey, I walked into the main market in Waterford, 8 miles away or so. He was standing at the checkout and said how ya doin, Ralph? I had never met him, and do not know how he knew my name to this day.

[@rickmcelmurry1578]

Good video interesting old stuff Happy Easter

[@MarciaChauvin]

Good show. Really like the comparison photos from the and now. Good job.

[@jbenziggy]

Thank you very much!

[@darrenbender6035]

Luved how u lined up then and now pics. Thank u for all the history u bring to us

[@MaryWilliams-zl8ls]

We just seen your videos today. We've subscribed. Enjoying what we've seen so far. Thanks. We are from Tulare CA. We are in our 70ies and were born and raised here.

[@SierraRailway]

Great video, Jeff! Crazy to see how much has changed in this little town, most of it in recent history. Thanks for sharing!

[@jbenziggy]

Thanks for watching! Blessings!

[@jerrymestas1231]

Believable time doesn't stop the before and after photos were awesome.

[@HollywoodGraham]

Growing up there provided insight to your video but your research enhanced it so much. Thanks.

[@ralphbo]

Another great one Jeff! I really enjoy the before and current photos you post in your videos. They do make me think that the Valley really hadn't changed much between the 30's and 40's and when I visited these places in the 60's and 70's. I do seem to see a greater change between the time I grew up and now.

[@ronanderson5736]

Awesome video! I grew up in Oakdale back in the 50’s and into the 70’s! I also had the same dentist! Haha! I also family in the same cemetery! Funny thing about that railroad trestle, I actually rode across that in a car, one of the more stupid things we did back in the day! My dad had a gas station across from Rocha Trucking! Not sure if you remember it Andy’s Mobil Service! Anyway great video!

[@ralphowen3367]

My uncle Chet Owen with Price ran the Feed store in about '55 when one Saturday Chester Smith and his band played out front on a bandstand. I was about 6 and got a free pocket knife that day. Later, I ran the Yosemite Hotel for a year. This was the tear Elvis died.

[@ronanderson5736]

@@ralphowen3367 very cool! Thanks for sharing that!

[@jimmineo7517]

Keep up the good work Thank you for keeping our history alive

[@jbenziggy]

We will keep on as long as we are being watched! Tell your friends about us!

[@nancynorton9119]

Fascinating! Thank you for all of your research!

[@marty5859]

I just wanted to say, you got to be one of the best narrators out there. Enjoyed video.

[@jbenziggy]

Wow, thank you! I really appreciate the kind words!

[@SteveWebb-hg1pf]

Thanks for highlighting the Oakdale Citizens Cemetery.

[@jbenziggy]

Glad you liked the visit! Are you from Oakdale?

[@SteveWebb-hg1pf]

Born and raised here. But I just realized I used my hubbys email. This is Cindy McAnally Webb. I volunteer at the Oakdale Citizens Cemetery, and you also contacted me about a relative Kyle Anderson who was killed by a jet airplane

[@marydilley4455]

Love this one Jeff! Then and now pictures so neat to see. Thanks for putting this one together!❤

[@jbenziggy]

You are so welcome, Mary! Thanks!

[@redwhiteblue7831]

Great video... Always bringing light to the forgotten. Enjoyed the overlaying of the photos. Thank you for sharing, take care Jeff. 🇺🇲

[@jbenziggy]

Thanks, you too!

[@Springer12865]

Great video !! My grandfather , Leo worked at Van Pelts for over 20 + years. I used to get the shop tour on Sundays. This was back in the early 1960's . I have family buried in both Oakdale cemeteries.

[@paularogers3549]

Loved the video My family is buried there. Grandparents uncle mother and brother. I graduated in 76. My father worked at the Hershey plant for 40 years before it left I’ve lived here mist of my life Great pic lived it

[@im413]

Great video. I truly appreciate that you are preserving history by bringing those that have past to life by telling their biographies. God Bless you and your wife.

[@jbenziggy]

Thanks and God bless you too! I appreciate your good message!

[@oshtoolman]

Absolutely loved the photo show. Before and after really gives you a sense of history over time.

[@LaVaqueraMarin]

Wow so many changes!!! Thanks!

[@jbenziggy]

I know!! Thanks for watching!

[@regcook4087]

I love those before and after photos it really takes you back in time. 👍

[@jbenziggy]

Glad it was something you enjoyed!

[@carolynpurser7469]

Always enjoy seeing the historical photos paired with the current ones. Really shows how times change. Also find the cemeteries fascinating with all the history they hold.

[@ahbenjamin2889]

One of the best videos that you have done. The historical information, the music, the old photos over laid on what is now. Your videos are a door to the past that every Sunday I go through. Sometimes I wish I would lose sight of the door and wonder around in the past longer. Happy Easter to you Jeff and your family.

[@jbenziggy]

You stated it well, my friend! Before and after photos shows us concretely how things have changed! Happy Easter to you!

[@DavidsExecutiveTouch17]

Awesome video my Friend, thanks for taking us on the tour. Beautiful area for sure. Stay Safe and Be Blessed Y'all.

[@jbenziggy]

Thanks, you too!

[@SA.-ej8cy]

I found your channel by you growing up in Oakdale Ca. My mother moved from New Mexico to Oakdale when back in the 1940s my grandparents the Lee and Isabel Garcia my uncle Richard Valencia and my Aunt Creselda Valencia you are close to my age saw your video of you going to Oakdale high school you probably went to school with my cousin Raymond Valencia or Mark Valencia. I remember going to my grandparents house by turning right off the by an old stone brick church and going to the country store and drinking Nehi orange soda back in the mid 60s what a fond memory of Oakdale back in the 60s and 70s please more history of growing up in Oakdale and its people.

[@SA.-ej8cy]

I remember the Hershey plant and all the giant chocolate bars and kisses

[@Sharonhudson8874]

Loved this video great editing. but then we love all you and Sarah's video's thankyou Jeff we watch from East Hartford Connecticut

[@jbenziggy]

Awesome! Thank you! Love hearing from you guys on the east coast! Makes us proud!

[@patwitthoft3699]

Happy Easter Jeff. I met you at savemart one day(the red neck in the green ranger) you where so nice and I enjoyed talking with you. Love it when you do local history.(do more) how about one on Cruz history my pops use to race on paradise.

[@tomtransport]

Great job Jeff, the addition of the Now and B 4 photos were sooo interesting.

[@MCW1955]

So much history in every nook and cranny. Thanks, Jeff.

[@jbenziggy]

You are correct! Thanks for watching this video! Blessings!

[@dotell3359]

I think the old building where simple but had so much class. Jeff! I learn so much from you and you do a fantastic job. Thank you and happy Easter.

[@kemosabegt350geuss6]

Another great video. Always appreciate your historical research and the past and present pictures are amazing. I know this takes a lot of time and energy. Many thanks.

[@jbenziggy]

Thanks again! Yes it does take a lot of research, study and planning, not to mention standing on the street while you record and people look at you like @what are you doing?” LOL

[@sharylcherwa7369]

Jeff, I just want to say Thank you. That's a lot of work. Lining up the old with the new. I just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate it. That was my favorite part of this video. I know you have to do your due diligence to bring such Top Quality Videos to your Viewers. I just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate it ❤ thank you & God Bless. Safe Travels.

[@jbenziggy]

So for that I thank you very much! Yes, it took some figuring out where to stand when taking the comparison photos but it was a fun challenge. I so appreciate the very nice acknowledgment! Bless you and we'd love it if you keep watching!

[@randomvintagefilm273]

Ha! I just found a postcard from 1911 from Oakdale today. It was advertising a free meet and greet with two early aviators. Nice old Town.

[@jbenziggy]

I may have seen that post card!

[@renar3618]

I haven't spent a lot of time in Oakdale, but once lived nearby in Waterford - actually a few miles east of Waterford on Hazeldean Rd, where Tim Bell rd ends. I used to enjoy visiting the Oakdale Hershey Factory and Visitor's Center when they were there. The Hershey Kiss streetlights outside the factory were iconic. Loved the then and now photos. See you next time.

[@jbenziggy]

Where did you relocate to?

[@musiknbooks]

And thank you so much for your video! The cemetery tour was soooo interesting,,,,,,imaginig these folks venturing across America to the west looking for adventure and prosperity! The Then and Now is always a treat! I am constantly saying "WOW" to myself! Love it!

[@jbenziggy]

Our pleasure! We owe a lot to those early pioneers who braved the west and all of its dangers! I cannot imagine even crossing the Sierras in a wagon with no roads. Incredible if you stop and think about the obstacles they faced. No wonder so many of them died along the way!

[@jefflee1467]

Great video Jeff. Enjoyed see the early pictures of Oakdale and learning the history of its early residents. Have a wonderful Easter.

[@jbenziggy]

Thanks, you too!