On the way home from our trip, we took a detour on SR-41 that connects I-5 to 101. It goes through the town of Cholame, which is notorious for an event that happened decades ago.
James Dean was an actor, idol, and heartthrob. In a young 24 years, he starred in a few movies, television spots, and a number of commercials.
He was also an avid sports car driver, and his philosophy of "Live fast, die young" (not a Dean quote) was a self-fulfilling prophecy.
On his way to Salinas, he was stopped by an officer for speeding. After the warning, he sped off again, and that was his fatal mistake. He died in a crash in Cholame, on what is now known as James Dean Memorial Highway. There is a marker near the site of the crash, and an ongoing dedication where fans leave flowers, gifts, and notes for him.
At the site of the memorial is a diner where they have the usual diner fare such as burgers and fries, other fried foods, and milkshakes. It is also a small James Dean memorial of sorts where they sell souvenirs along with good food.
Visit the
James Dean Memorial Crash Site on your way through San Luis Obispo County.
No comments:
Post a Comment