Sign up to save your podcasts
Or
Share #23 The Golden Road
Share to email
Share to Facebook
Share to X
Share to email
Share to Facebook
Share to X
Or
#23 The Golden Road
State Route -223 also known as Bear Mountain Blvd was the road that took us through the agricultural land that took us up to Taft.
Fun Fact
Taft, California was once known as Moron (and before that, Siding Number Two and Moro). After a fire destroyed much of the early town, the name was changed to Taft in honor of then–President William Howard Taft in 1909. With its rich oil and natural gas resources, Taft quickly boomed as a major oil-producing community.
Every five years in October, Taft celebrates its history and incorporation with a birthday tradition that began in 1930. The first celebration started as a parade and civic luncheon. After World War II, in 1946, the Taft District Chamber of Commerce revived the celebration and made it permanent. A contest was held to name the event, and the winning name was Oildorado—a week-long celebration honoring Taft’s oil production and exploration history.
Oildorado features oilfield-type skill contests such as welding and pipe work, along with community events like beauty pageants where an Oildorado Queen is selected, facial hair contests, talent shows, barbecues, street fairs, and even motocross races (added in 2005).
During the celebration, many people dress in cowboy boots and hats all week. It is traditional for men to grow facial hair—if a man doesn’t, he must buy a permit and wear a bolo tie or lapel pin called a Smooth Puss Badge. If someone is caught clean-shaven without a badge, they may be “arrested” by the Sheriff and Posse, a group dressed in western attire. The Posse carries pistols and rifles loaded with blanks, and the offender may be placed in a jail truck called the Hoosegowand driven around town for all to see. Citizens can even purchase playful “Wanted—Dead or Alive” warrants. Don’t worry though—everything is overseen by the Grand Marshal and is all part of the fun tradition.
The Oasis Bar in Taft was a historic building reportedly dating back to 1910, known during the oil boom era for gambling and entertainment. In later years it operated as a Bar & Grill where locals gathered for food and live music. Unfortunately, it has recently closed permanently, with the business citing California taxes and state demands as part of the reason.
View all episodes
By Jesse and Jasmine HudsonState Route -223 also known as Bear Mountain Blvd was the road that took us through the agricultural land that took us up to Taft.
Fun Fact
Taft, California was once known as Moron (and before that, Siding Number Two and Moro). After a fire destroyed much of the early town, the name was changed to Taft in honor of then–President William Howard Taft in 1909. With its rich oil and natural gas resources, Taft quickly boomed as a major oil-producing community.
Every five years in October, Taft celebrates its history and incorporation with a birthday tradition that began in 1930. The first celebration started as a parade and civic luncheon. After World War II, in 1946, the Taft District Chamber of Commerce revived the celebration and made it permanent. A contest was held to name the event, and the winning name was Oildorado—a week-long celebration honoring Taft’s oil production and exploration history.
Oildorado features oilfield-type skill contests such as welding and pipe work, along with community events like beauty pageants where an Oildorado Queen is selected, facial hair contests, talent shows, barbecues, street fairs, and even motocross races (added in 2005).
During the celebration, many people dress in cowboy boots and hats all week. It is traditional for men to grow facial hair—if a man doesn’t, he must buy a permit and wear a bolo tie or lapel pin called a Smooth Puss Badge. If someone is caught clean-shaven without a badge, they may be “arrested” by the Sheriff and Posse, a group dressed in western attire. The Posse carries pistols and rifles loaded with blanks, and the offender may be placed in a jail truck called the Hoosegowand driven around town for all to see. Citizens can even purchase playful “Wanted—Dead or Alive” warrants. Don’t worry though—everything is overseen by the Grand Marshal and is all part of the fun tradition.
The Oasis Bar in Taft was a historic building reportedly dating back to 1910, known during the oil boom era for gambling and entertainment. In later years it operated as a Bar & Grill where locals gathered for food and live music. Unfortunately, it has recently closed permanently, with the business citing California taxes and state demands as part of the reason.