Page 87 - SLO Visitors Guide Spring 2024

neck broken and body a “mass of lacerations and bruises.” He died on the way to Paso Robles.
Pilgrimages to local memorials
James Dean merchandise, shirts, cups, posters, and more can be easily purchased, and every fan has at least one item with the star’s image. But, the only place you can see the memorials to Dean and his last stop is locally.
The sites from Blackwell’s Corner to the accident site and the nearby memorial sculpture are included on travel sites such as Discover Central California, Roadside America, TripAdvisor, Yelp, and more. A quick search of the internet turns up an uncount- able number of personal accounts written by fans of all generations who have made personal pilgrim- ages to the local memorials.
For locals and visitors to San Luis Obispo County, it’s just a short drive out of Paso Robles to experi- ence the James Dean memorials that others travel hundreds of miles to see.
Blackwell’s Corner, on the cor- ner of Highways 46 and 33, opened in 1921, is a local home for James Dean memorabilia, such as posters and his racing goggles, along with the old Hollywood-themed diner called Forever Young Restaurant. Outside are giant cutouts of Dean that have become landmarks. “Today, we’re a favorite pit stop for people passing through from all over the world,” reads Blackwell’s Corner website. It’s also a great place to stop for locally-grown nuts and gourmet items.
Starting at Blackwell’s Corner, pull onto Highway 46 heading west.
James Dean and his Porsche Spyder, reportedly taken in Sherman Oaks, about 4 & a half hours before the accident. Photo courtesy of James Dean official website.
Paso Robles
and died in car crash in 1981. Turnupseed gave just one
interview following the crash, to the Tulare Advance-Register, and never spoke about it publicly again. He died of lung cancer at age 63
in 1995.
At the time of Dean’s death, “East of Eden” was the only movie that had been released. “Rebel Without a Cause” was released a month after his death and “Giant” was released in 1956. Dean received posthumous Oscar nominations for “Rebel Without a Cause” and “East of Eden,” and was awarded a posthumous star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1960.
Dean was buried in his home- town of Fairmount, Indiana. Born in 1931, Dean would have been 93 years old on February 8, 2024. Ironically, shortly after finish-
ing filming for “Giant” and days before the accident, Dean recorded a public service announcement with actor Gig Young in which he said, “Take it easy driving– the life you save may be mine.” Watch the video on Youtube.
—Sadie Mae Mace
Following the ghostly tire tracks of Dean’s Porsche Spyder, travel a few miles to the accident site at the intersection of Highways 41 and 46 (formerly 466). Fans have decorated the roadside and fence with their personal memorials to the star.
The intersection was dedicated as the James Dean Memorial Junc- tion in September 2005. If you feel the urge to stop, be sure to pull off of the highway, only exit your ve- hicle if it is safe, and be very aware and careful.
A few more miles west, find the Mission Trails Cider House (for- merly Jack’s Ranch Café) in Chol- ame, and the metal-sculpted James Dean Memorial wrapping around
a tree of heaven. The memorial was constructed in 1977 for $13,000 by a Japanese businessman from Kobe.
Cholame isn’t the only place you can find remnants of Dean’s tragic passage through the area. The original coroner’s inquest, dated October 11, 1955, is securely locked at San Luis Obispo Superior Court. The report can be viewed
by the public with an appointment and a copy is available for a fee. For more information call
(805) 706-3600.
Final words
Wuetherich recovered from his injuries after several surgeries for his hip injury. Reports claim that he suffered from lifelong psycho- logical problems resulting from the accident. He returned to his native Germany shortly after the accident
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