Two Famous Men Buried in the Placerville Calif. Cemetery

Confession: This is a re-run of the video we first published three years ago. It gives us a chance to catch up with video productiom.
Jeff checks out a cemetery in Placerville to revisit the lives of TV western star Ralph Taeger and Olympic ski champion Spider Sabich who was the focus of a sensational manslaughter trial in Aspen, Colorado.
#RalphTaeger #SpiderSabich #Placerville #HistoryHunters
* * * * * *
CHECK OUT OUR MANY VIDEOS! All of our videos may be found under the video tab!
Tell your friends about us, History Hunters! We have surpassed the 132,000 subscriber mark thanks to all of you!
We always are grateful when folks reach out and ask how they can financially support our channel. The best way would be via Venmo @History-Hunters.
We also accept PayPal payments at [e-mail] which obviously is our email address. Thank you for supporting us with our travel expenses!

[@carolynpurser7469]

I remember the Spider Sabich trial. I was a teenager but still thought it strange she received such a light sentence.

[@danporath536]

This happened when I was in high school at Truckee. It was a shock to many, and the trial was a media circus. The one person who stood out was Andy Williams who supported his former spouse.

[@ednagreen62]

Thank you for sharing the lovely green space of Placerville. Ralph Taeger seemed to be the real deal; the kind of person you would like to get to know. Concerning Spider Sabich, that was a tragic situation. If someone doesn't want to be with you, if you care anything for them, you let them go.

[@philmcmurray]

DANG IT - I clicked on this 42 seconds after you posted, and I STILL wasn't the 1st view!! I'll keep trying.... LOL!

[@irishgip71]

Sorry. I made it at 41 seconds. 😅Hope you have a great day.

[@dano8203]

I’ve been the 1st like, 1st view and 1st comment a few times before. It doesn’t mean you’ll get a comment or even a like lol. The key to being the 1st on all 3 is turn on You Tube at 7:25 don’t wait for notifications. Keep it on History Hunters it will come on before the notification. Watch and like immediately. Go to comments start writing then post during or as soon as the video is over.

[@ebenezerwheezer2957]

Here's your medal..🥈

[@lornahardin4563]

I remember this. I was in my thirties and had moved to the Placerville area in '71. I drive past the cemetery every time I come into town. It is a beautiful cemetery. Thanks Jeff and Sarah for the visit again.

[@rhondaz356]

Two very diverse stories, but both very interesting. I vaguely remember the Western. I was older when Spider was killed. I do recall the sensationalism. I can understand why his family would be very upset. Thanks, Jeff, for giving these two individuals some recognition. 🙏🏻👏🏻👏🏻🙏🏻

[@paulloya3902]

Love placerville :) one should read “Age of Gold” …. All about the gold rush n placerville n the “placers” are prominent in the book :)

[@vickiesizemore6486]

Always enjoy your historical history blogs

[@jimbullard441]

An interesting look at two people that have been - for better or worse - forgotten by history. Another great job, Jeff!

[@zcam1969]

Sunday's wouldn't be the same without you Jeff ,thanks for the entertainment

[@jbenziggy]

Thanks for withholding your bizarre humor. Just kidding.

[@zcam1969]

@@jbenziggy i feel sane today .lol

[@jefflee1467]

Thanks for bringing back history. It’s really true how fast we forgets the past. You do a great job of keeping history alive.

[@jbenziggy]

Our pleasure! Thanks for watching, Jeff!

[@stflaw]

Longet later married her defense attorney, and they remain married to this day. The only good thing to come out of the tragedy was the SNL skit about the Claudine Longet Accidental Skier Shooting Championship, in which they show skiers repeatedly wiping out to the sound of gunfire. The sportscaster comments, "Oops, looks like Claudine Longet just accidentally shot another skier." It was in incredibly bad taste, and absolutely hilarious.

[@gerrymaitland9799]

Two interesting stories. I remember the Spider Sabich story. I was a skier at the time. So, I followed a few of the sports notable figures. His death came as a shock to many. Sad story, with a dissapeointng outcome...

[@dotell3359]

I remember watching it as a teenager and I enjoyed it very much. Thanks for bringing this to us.

[@irishgip71]

Just in time. Hope u have a great day sir and thank you for entertaining us all.

[@jbenziggy]

You bet! Glad you enjoyed this!

[@SteveHelms]

Hello Jeff..., this is Steve again...., I grew up in the Bay Area of Pittsburg and been to Placerville many times and your video was great. I believe Claudine Longet married her defense attorney Ronald Austin and still lives in Aspen, CO.

[@webchuck1]

Hello Jeff, Thanks for sharing this story on the famous men buried in Placerville. I like to wish Sarah a Happy Mother's Day .Enjoy your day.

[@jbenziggy]

Thank you very much, Chuck!

[@johndavis3921]

The Stones wrote the song "Claudine." on this subject during their "Some Girls" sessions. When the album was released, the Stones left off this track out of fear of litigation. Only recently has the song been officially released to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Some Girls sessions.

[@rosezingleman5007]

Thanks for this Jeff. I remember both these folks. Spider Sabich was such a big deal. Of course back then I think most Americans paid more attention to sports because we had no smart phones and didn’t imagine we could each influence wars being fought in remote parts of the world without our troops. I don’t think it was a more innocent time, but it was a more reasonable time. Thanks again for these memories.

[@CameronMcCreary]

Jeff, at 2:02 you called the actor of the television series, "Highway Patrol" Roger Crawford; his name was Broderick Crawford. I remember "Hondo". I didn't watch it much; I think that it clashed with another "more important" show.Thank you for your presentation. I had forgotten about this actor.

[@johnmcgowanireland695]

I used to visit Placerville quite often as we lived in Roseville, now we live in the Ozarks of Arkansas. Never know what life has in store for us. Thanks again for a local History lesson, now that I think about it, I need to share some AR History with you, only been here 1 month though.

[@A-uf3so]

Good morning Jeff and Sarah, happy mother's day!

[@jbenziggy]

Good morning! If you are a mom, happy Mother’s Day to you!

[@baconwahoo7538]

Enjoyed the content. 20 kilometers = 12.5 miles to us Americans.

[@user-wx6mu7pf9r]

Pretty amazing story for me. Though I grew up in Oakdale with you, the vast majority of my family was in Placerville & all of those small gold rush towns in every direction from there. Literally dozens of my relatives now reside here in Wood Hill on Cold Springs Rd. Though I have lived in NV for 30 yrs now, I'll be over in Oakdale & Sonora in a few days. On another note; if you would be interested, a Celebrity Historian will be in your neighborhood through this next week. Mark Hall Patton fron NV will be attending Grand Council of E Clampus Vitus @ Sonora Fairgrounds this week. He will be easy to find, & is very approachable if you would be interested in catching him. Keep on keeping on Jeff. Great stories & Thank you. Mike Sea

[@donnawoepke8861]

What a beautiful cemetery. Interesting

[@jbenziggy]

It really is! Thank you so much for watching and leaving the come!

[@dam00k]

I met Spider Sabich and Billie Kid at a ski race at Welch Village MN in ‘74. They were doing meet and greets and were heroes to us. Dual elimination, last man standing, so hardcore. I was racing CUSSA and Billie said I was a good skier and Spider said I had good skis (K2 Comps). This brings back memories, love this channel.

[@jbenziggy]

Awesome. Thanks for sharing! What was Spider like in person?

[@dam00k]

I’m sure there were a lot of places he’d rather be than at a Minnesota anthill ski area watching a mid level USSA race but both those guys were genuinely nice and receptive to their fans. It was a big deal for us, they were at the bottom of the slalom course talking with the coaches and parents and giving the kids advice. I had just finished my second run and He just overheard Billie complimenting me and he saw that I had the same skis he used so he said it jokingly. I’m sure he didn’t see me ski but Billie did. It’s funny, a couple weeks later I was picking up a new pair of skis at a little ski shop in Edina and Hank Kashiwa (another pro,former World Cup and Olympic racer) was there picking something up and chatting with the owner. We talked for quite awhile and he imparted tons of wisdom to me that I still use to this day. All were really nice guys and for a 12 year old kid it made a lasting impression. All of us little racer grommets really looked up to those guys. I really enjoy this channel, it kind of stirs the memory synapses a bit which I’m sure is a healthy thing.

[@dsinavich5141]

Hi ...a very interesting story...I remember the Spider Sabich story with Andy Williams wife ....I didn't remember he was a skier .... Ralph Traeger never heard of the story but he sounds like he was an interesting guy...thanks for all your dedication to vlogging us your great work. Take care. Deborah 🇨🇦

[@theburtseoni]

I had relatives who lived in Placerville, and visited there a lot in the '70's and '80's. I had never heard of Ralph Taeger, but remember well the tragic story of Spider Sabich and his killer girlfriend. It's a good thing she never treated Andy Williams the same way when they split up! I enjoyed the trip back memory lane Jeff!

[@concerned1313]

yeah, I remember the episode where Claudine Longet was in McHale's Navy. Thanks for the video, excellent!!

[@DarkDioStudio]

I just wanted to let you know that what you do is so important. I appreciate you taking the time to educate us. I love history too but I have to admit, some of the people you highlight I’ve never heard of. Thank you for creating your channel. It’s definitely one of my top 5 channels on KZbin.

[@jbenziggy]

Wow, thank you! That’s a real otter to make your top five channels! So happy that you find enjoyment in our content! Have a great day!

[@DarkDioStudio]

@@jbenziggy My pleasure Jeff 💙

[@TheRandallraplee]

What a beautiful place to be laid to rest. I think I have seen it in one of yours and Sarah’s adventures together. Thank you Jeff and Sarah !

[@elgato894]

sorry never heard of these men,and i grew up in the 60s 70s ,but very interesting,THANK YOU

[@karenmiller2642]

Love this kind of video, and all your history videos.

[@jbenziggy]

Glad you like them!

[@richardbeee]

Klondike inspired me as a boy. I grew up and became an extractive metallurgist. Worked primary in gold,silver, and copper ores. I still consult occasionally. Worked in your neighborhood back in 1979 in Auburn at a testing mill. Also Worked my best Placer mine in Paradise. Most of my career was in NV. Friendlier than CA.😊

[@ralphromeo7066]

Ralph was known for his "wooden" quality on camera. In acting terms..he was stiff as a board. Personally, l always enjoyed his work. Another great one, Jeff.

[@pigoff123]

I play a game called Klondike. I never heard of his show. Thank you for sharing.

[@allisonmarlow184]

I had no idea Hondo only ran for 18 episodes. I discovered the series a few years ago on GetTV and I loved it.

[@sistergoldenhair2231]

Lovely cemetery!

[@aletabowling4389]

Thanks, Jeff. We always enjoy your videos.

[@jbenziggy]

I appreciate that! Thank you!

[@ninaellyson814]

Very interesting and I have never heard of them either! Wonderful way to bring them back. I loved the clips of them when they were alive. I am a skier and been to that area many many times and never heard of the story of Spider. Thanks Jeff for another great episode!! -Nina

[@mov1ngforward]

I so remember the Spider Sabitch story. What a tragedy. You did a great job describing Spider and his family. I never knew, or don't remember his background. Makes you wonder what Andy Williams was thinking, probably hoping for true love and was duped himself. She was a one hit wonder, a friend in school told me to listen to "Love is Blue," every day at 4pm. lol. Was AM radio that predictable? I have to search out Hondo now...see what you've done? You're teaching us all! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@jbenziggy]

I learn so much doing these videos too! So we’re learning together! Thanks!

[@gregorykacsandy5005]

Great job Jeff! ..🙏👍... Haven't seen your better half around.... 😂 Lol..

[@jbenziggy]

Thanks 👍 You will see Sarah soon!

[@robertbiastre6037]

Thank you Jeff !

[@carolgillis5265]

Thanks Jeff

[@centaur1a]

This show is eye opener. You tell of people, places, and things that made them well known too. Even to the viewers old and new. At times you did a stories that happened very near where I worked, and lived too. Keep it up, you’re doing a great reporting.😊

[@jbenziggy]

Thanks for the mighty words of encouragement! It means a lot to us!

[@marilynkirby-roach187]

Absolutely lovely memorial garden. Excellent video as always. Thank you.

[@jbenziggy]

Glad you enjoyed it!!!

[@jimeaton805]

Thank You

[@joelhurley2678]

Great video Jeff and I do remember that story. Thanks for sharing.

[@lesliegriffith9830]

I remember watching Hondo. I was 13 then. And I especially remember the Spider Trial.

[@bartgoins1782]

Thanks for another great history lesson, Jeff. I really enjoyed this one.

[@m.e.c.1007]

Thank you for remembering the forgotten.

[@jbenziggy]

My pleasure! Thank you!

[@richardsmith4187]

Jeff Another look back in recent history and what happened in the lives of two people. My opinion is Claudine Longet shot Spider and it was no accident. Thank you for dusting off often forgotten stories and people as it is always very interesting in the way you tell each story.

[@UsualmikeTelevision]

Fantastic Episode! Very interesting stories of both men!

[@patmoritz5213]

Huh, never really knew about Ralph Taeger. Thanks for sharing

[@jbenziggy]

Thanks for watching!

[@alichtenwalter]

Thank you for keeping the memories a live

[@Luanne21]

I didn’t remember the first one, but knew the story about spider. Once again,you did a great job.

[@johnhalley974]

Fascinating as always.

[@jbenziggy]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@lindsaymacpherson8782]

Another great video Jeff loved it seen Hondo you keep making me feel so old Thankyou for sharing with us yet again

[@CentralCalPiper]

Great video! Thanks for sharing it with us!

[@jbenziggy]

You’re welcome! Thanks for enjoying this one!☝️

[@Smithsgold]

well done !!!

[@teresapaskell5459]

Another great video

[@Serrano46571]

Wow Jeff, the story about Spider was a good one. Sounds like she got away with it and not only still living but got married about 10 yesrs later. Really enjoyed this episode.

[@jbenziggy]

Fantastic! Love pleasing my audience!

[@brittbrittingham9871]

Yes I remember these 2 stories ! Great job

[@jbenziggy]

Glad you like them!

[@tjernst6488]

Another fascinating video, I really enjoyed the Spider Sabich story.

[@johnpeddicord4932]

Thanks again for sharing, Jeff and Sarah, sad story

[@jbenziggy]

Our pleasure!

[@rickmcelmurry1578]

Very good, i spent a couple summers hauling logs up around camino , i am old enough to remember Hondo and the spider Sabich incedent, thank you for the nice video

[@musiknbooks-jn1wz]

Thank you for reminding me of these two.....so sad.....if someone doesn't speak about those that are gone, they WILL be forgotten. I now remember Hondo, and I now remember Spider.......I tend to favor those actors that are not always seeking the bright lights and cameras. It shows they have a life outside the glitz. I had also forgotten about the Spider murder, and, yes, it was murder. What a shame....thank you, Jeff, for bring these two back to my memory. May they rest in peace.

[@161papa]

Two interesting stores I had never heard before. Thans or sharing.

[@bradfordbarrettluckotheIrish]

Another great video Jay!

[@jbenziggy]

I do appreciate the kind words!

[@airgunnersc9335]

Always enjoy your show. Thank you.

[@jbenziggy]

Thanks for watching!

[@petemoss1951]

Thanks Jeff, you keep history alive for me!

[@jbenziggy]

Glad to hear it! Thank you very much for letting us know, Pete!

[@monicakelloway3953]

Thank you for these interesting stories and where they are buried ❤

[@redmccoy8633]

Well done. I remember hearing about the shooting of Spider and some people do think she got away with murder. Only 2 people know for sure. God and Claudine.

[@kenuber4014]

Thanks Jeff!....Happy Mothers Day by the way!

[@jbenziggy]

Thanks so much!!!

[@evanswinford7165]

I have been to that church several times. A few times as kid with my aunt's family and for my cousin Mike's wedding about 20 years ago. Very nice church. My great uncle built a US Forest Service summer home not far from the ski area there on 50. We used to hike the slopes in the summer looking for valuables dropped by skiers in the winter. Mostly we found alcoholic beverages containers dropped under the lifts.

[@MCW1955]

Always something interesting and I learn something new with every video. Thanks, Jeff.

[@jbenziggy]

You're very welcome! Glad that you liked it!

[@tonylani2015]

Jeff, what a great video about Ralph Taeger and others! So well laid out. The backstories about them and Placerville are fantastic. 😎

[@jbenziggy]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@mattkramer4132]

Thank you Jeff for your excellent research and great production values on every video! Always fun to watch!

[@jbenziggy]

I appreciate that! Thanks!

[@lorraineweeks4083]

Your postings are so informative. Enjoy them so much. You also have such a great voice!! This was another great one!

[@jbenziggy]

Thank you so much! You flatter me and I appreciate it!

[@kiera_kayaks7521]

I placed flags at that cemetery for memorial day last year with my husband and his great Uncle Bill a WW2 veteran who's 101 years old

[@pattyboymccull9647]

Interesting!

[@Aztec73]

Nice video I remember hearing stories about the people you are talking about when I was a kid.

[@leahreposa4599]

Great video Jeff!

[@jbenziggy]

Glad you think so! Thank you!

[@kevinhampton6002]

Love watching your videos, always interesting, educational, and very well presented...dont get ahead of yourself you said a lovely day in June, it's still May...😎 I'm getting old fast enough!

[@jbenziggy]

Well, I have something to tell you. This video was released about three years ago and it was shot in June but I decided to bring it back because it didn’t get a lot of views and I’m behind in my video production so that stack explanation there.

[@kevinhampton6002]

Ok, I'm the idiot! Siding even read the date, so sorry

[@beverlybaez7560]

L0ve your show keep them coming

[@jerryfountain7921]

Good evening Jeff & Sarah, I feel a bit of deja vu in that this seems to be a second video on these 2 gentlemen, am I just getting old or can I predict the future? It was very well done Jeff and your weekly posting are right on, man! Thank you!

[@jbenziggy]

Forgive me for the re-run but I was on vacation and fell behind in video editing and felt an old video rereleased would be better than none since l am a have a lot more subscribers than I did three years ago!

[@jimellison6157]

I looked up those 2 TV shows of Ralph Taegers, and unfortunately neither one was on for very long. As usual, you have posted another awesome video. Thanks.

[@jbenziggy]

My pleasure! Thanks so much!

[@jamesbeasworrick1843]

Enjoyed the history lesson. A good job as always.

[@jbenziggy]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks, James!

[@stevemellin5806]

A great video thank you . Have a great week

[@jbenziggy]

Thank you! You too!

[@lindakelling6647]

I love the show Hondo I thought it was a 👍 good show 🤔 I watched it every week and still watching it. 👀 😅 😳 😐 ❤❤

[@Trillproductions89]

Howdy Jeff! IT is always a pleasure tuning in to your channel, but were pretty sure you have covered these ones before in previous episodes.

[@jbenziggy]

Forgive me for the re-run but I was on vacation and fell behind in video editing and felt an old video rereleased would be better than none since l am a have a lot more subscribers than I did three years ago!

[@JedCurrie]

Good video thanks.

[@jbenziggy]

Thank you too!

[@dennishelvey-cw8fe]

Great job Jeff .love what you did on Truckee home town.

[@conniephillips8217]

Great video! How well I remember both of them and have no idea where they were very. Thanks and hello and love to you and Sarah

[@jbenziggy]

Our pleasure! Thanks Connie!

[@marydilley4455]

Good stories on today's show....thank you for paying tribute to two men who aren't completely forgotten due to your diligence to sharing their history. Well done.

[@jbenziggy]

Our pleasure! Thanks, Mary!

[@bill2066]

Hi Jeff...Great Video as usual. Perfect example of how important it is to keep the Memories of these people still Alive, based upon the fact that know one even knew who these two people were. Kinda Sad. I remember the Spyder story quite well. I could be wrong, but He might've been on Unsolved Mysteries, but im not 100 percent on that...Looking forward to the next one of yours...

[@vonwebber7852]

Hi Jeff! I remember those two. Funny how folks end up in areas you would not think of. When I was younger, I watched Spider race in Colorado on TV, never in a million years thought I would live in Colorado. Always thought I would live in California.( I'm not in Aspen LOL, too much money for me.) Great job as always on your videos!

[@MattWoodworth]

Great video sir

[@jbenziggy]

Thanks!

[@jbthor9032]

Claudia Longet is 82 now. Where does she live, and I imagine she still remembers all of this.

[@dmzabo3914]

Somewhere quietly! lol. Wouldn't want your neighbors knowing who you are and how you got away with murder.

[@RichardJenkins-nv2wv]

Thank you Jeff, very interesting!!!😊9

[@jbenziggy]

Glad you enjoyed it!!