Arts & Entertainment

Huell Howser's golden moments: The lessons Huell taught Southern Californians

Huell Howser at the top of the Golden Gate Bridge.
Courtesy Huell Howser's assistant

Kim Bui and Matt Lee | January 7, 2013

We asked you how Huell Howser inspired you, what he taught you, and what places you visited or bits of history you tucked away because of him.

We've found, on video, the golden moments you mentioned.

Thanks for the memories, Huell!

Share with us your lessons and memories of Huell. Post on our Facebook post, or tweet us @KPCC.

View the story "Huell Howser's Golden Moments" on StorifyHuell Howser's Golden MomentsWe asked you how Huell Howser inspired you, what he taught you and what places you visited or piece of history you tucked away because of him. We've found, on video, the golden moments you mentioned. Thanks for the memories, Huell!Storified by 89.3 KPCC· Mon, Jan 07 2013 16:14:10An elephant and her trainer reuniteThe one episode that broke my heart, was when he reunited a circus performer with his elephant that he trained and worked with her for many years, after he retired the elephant was donated to the San Diego zoo. Huell brought them together in front of the cameras, she recognized his unique whistle and fast walked toward him. Warm and nice reunion. Huell just left the cameras and the microphones rolling, the trainer was talking to her and giving her treats all the time, at some point the trainer said that this was his last good bye, he won't be coming back again because he was too old and needed help to go to the zoo, which would be an impossible thing to do, he walked away from the elephant area, silence.Rogelio ArmandoHuell Howser Videolog "Elephant Man" (original segment)mrhuellhowserThe Baghdad CafeThe Baghdad Cafe episode is a hoot!Linda SaslowHuell Having a Ball at the Bagdadseanstead1 William S. Hart Park in Newhall

A 265-acre park and museum in northern Los Angeles County.

The most recent thing I learned from him was about William S. Hart Park in Newhall...loved it! Hope his programs still stay on the air!Russell StearnsCalifornia's Golden Parks #153 - WILLIAM S. HART PARK AND MUmrhuellhowser A dog who loves avocados

Possibly our favorite video of the bunch, an avocado farm with an avocado-loving dog.

"If you're an avocado farmer, your dog likes them too," says the farmer with Huell.

@KPCC Huell found joy in the simplest of things, e.g. a dog that loved to eat avocados. He shared that joy & taught us to be mindful.J. J. Jacks® Huell Howser, Avocados and a Dog that Eats Avocadosxfleeger John Wayne's boat

We found the full episode, in three parts, of the tour Huell got of John Wayne's boat — the Wild Goose.

On Board John Wayne's former boat...the Wild Goose!Charlotte MillerHornblower's Wild Goose Documentary Part 1hornblowercruisesHornblower's Wild Goose Documentary Part 2hornblowercruisesHornblower's Wild Goose Documentary Part 3hornblowercruises The treasures of Bakersfield

Huell runs into the same women he ate at the Wool Growers Restaurant with at Dewar's Candy the next day.

So many trips owed to Huell. The Wool Growers Restaurant and Dewar's Candy in Bakersfield are annual treats now, parts of The Ridge Route, Phillippe's Original French Dip, etc. etc.Sally Weigold CharetteDewars Ice Cream & Fine Candy - Huell Howserdewarscandy The history of In-N-Out

The whole history of Southern California's beloved burgers. Really.

@KPCC Huell Howser taught us about the history of In-N-Out Burger & for that were are eternally grateful. #RIPHuell @EdgarAguirre2GirlsonaBenchIn-N-out Burger exclusive interview by Huell Howsercplai The Donut Man

"These really are good donuts, aren't they?" Huell comments.

I learned to appreciate what I have in my own backyard. That i didn't need to travel far to experience beauty, fun, and even some cool culture. It was b/c of Huell that I had my first strawberry donut at Donut Man, and b/c of him that I heard about Pink's hotdogs, just to name a couple places. He was so much a part of LA and California itself.Henny Augustina LiemVisiting...With Huell Howser #815 - DONUT MANmrhuellhowser The beauty of Death Valley

This video is of Huell driving to and arriving at the edge of Death Valley.

I'm not a big fan of the desert but after watching his show on Death Valley, I convinced my family that we needed to go visit. What an amazing place! Thank you Huell, for opening my eyes!Marie Benes MacLeanHuell Howser Road Trip Through Death Valleyxfleeger The original Hot Dog on a Stick

The first Hot Dog on a Stick, on the beaches of Los Angeles.

My wife and I did a Huell Howser Day and drove around to places he visited. The Munch Box in Chatsworth, the Lake Shrine Temple and then the original Hot Dog on a Stick on the beach.Michael TannerVisiting...With Huell Howser #622 - HOT DOG ON A STICKmrhuellhowserVisiting...With Huell Howser #622 - HOT DOG ON A STICKmrhuellhowser More donuts: Stan's Donuts

The best part of this promo is at the end. You'll see.

The doughnut that bears his name, the Huell, is a chocolate and peanut butter doughnut. Just in case you were wondering.

.@KPCC I can never go into Stan's Donuts without thinking of Huell. While Huell may have moved on, the donut bearing his name remains. RIP.bruinrob11Visiting...With Huell Howser #1613 - STAN'S DONUTSmrhuellhowser Inside the Golden Gate Bridge

Amy shares with us one fact from this show:

@KPCC, Huell Howser taught me that when they finally finish painting the Golden Gate Bridge, they have to start all over again.Amy DuddlestonHuell Howser @ the Golden Gate Bridgexfleeger The swallows of Capistrano

This promo video has a cute clip of children welcoming the swallows back.

He taught me that no one really knows why the swallows return to Capistrano.Andres A. AndrieuCalifornia's Gold #2003 - SWALLOWSmrhuellhowserA PSA narrated by HuellSave Trestles PSA - California Coastal Commissionsurfriderfoundationand a video tribute to Huell A tribute to Huell Howser of California's Goldtoodeadfordreaming