Benson, AZ High 81 Low 52
Jan and Bill told us that we really needed to include Gammons Gulch in our itinerary while in Benson. Saturday was the day.
I will admit I had my doubts about seeing a western movie set. I really thought it might be boring or nothing new. (Sorry Jan but that’s what I was thinking.)
Boy was I wrong. Jay Gammons is the builder, owner, and tour guide of Gammons Gulch and he definitely loves his work.
I took this from their web page:
“Step back into time” as founder Jay Gammons has and enjoy the fond memories of days gone by. Imagine yourself stepping back in time, walking down the main street of an old west town.
In the distance you hear sounds of a honky-tonk piano slip in and out of the still, eerie silence as you walk past the saloon.At any moment you expect to see a cowboy step out of the doorway, or hear the pounding of a blacksmith’s hammer.
Or maybe feel the rumble of driven horses as the stagecoach churns up the dust as it rolls into town.
The place is real; a little imagination is all you need to complete your authentic and memorable “step back in time” experience.
Jay’s Dad used to work on the sets of many old westerns either as an actor or as security and Jay has pictures of himself as a youngster acting with John Wayne and others.
Jay has spent over 40 years building Gammons Gulch and his love of the old west shows in his handy work. He is one of the most entertaining, politically incorrect, tour guides we have ever had. He brought the set to life for us. He also plays the piano and the banjo that are in the saloon.
He has lots of beautiful old cars that he’s restoring as well as working on restoring the old buildings. He does all of the work himself and his pride shows through when he’s telling you about what he’s done.
This place was definitely worth the $7 and if you don’t like the tour you don’t have to pay. It’s only 12 miles outside of Benson so add some fun to your tour of this area and visit Gammons Gulch.
The End??
Jim & Sandie,
ReplyDeleteSorry we missed dinner with you guys and Jerry & Suzy. We were trying for a late lunch or very early dinner since we had a going away party later in the evening. If you come back through Tucson in the next 3 weeks, give us a hollar.
We toured Gammons Gulch a few years ago and thoroughly enjoyed seeing the place and the character that built it. I took about 40 minutes of movies about the place and would like to go back again, but will wait for a visitor from the East to make the jaunt.
I've read your blog for a long time, but I don't usually join or subscribe. I update my blog when something interesting is going on, but don't update every day.
Looks like a great place to visit...what did Jim do to end up in the slammer?
ReplyDeleteLove you post Sandie. Good job. We will visit Mr. Gammons.
ReplyDeleteReminded me of when we were kids and my brothers and cousins would play cowboys and Indians. I always wanted to be the dance hall girl. I had no idea what they were. My only model was Miss Kitty on Gunsmoke. I know now what a sanitized version that was. :)
ReplyDeleteThat is a great place, we ran into by accident and had a great time. Glad to see he is still open and doing well. Did he tell you the story about stepping on a rattlesnake one night in the dark coming out of the hotel:))
ReplyDeleteYou've taken "The End" picture contest to a whole new level...and it's adjustable!!! :cD
ReplyDeleteLooks like fun to me! Thanks for sharing this.
ReplyDeleteArizona was the setting for many western movies years ago. Then, they said westerns were too violent but look what they replaced it with!
ReplyDeleteLooks like Jim has stepped on the wrong side of the law, hope he gets out soon.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you enjoyed it. It's hard to describe and it would have been nothing without the owner telling the stories and showing you around. His enthusiasm is contagious.
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed one of our most interesting local attractions. We need to go out again and see what Jay has added.
ReplyDeleteI loved visiting the old western towns. Thanks for taking me to Gammons Gluch, Sandie! I remember one that I wanted to revisit, and didn't, on my trip. Custer, ID. They were doing a wonderful job of restoring it when someone robbed many, many of the old relics. The history, especially the stories surrounding the old cemeteries, is fascinating.
ReplyDeleteI laughed when you mentioned the saloon--seems like every western had at least one may being thrown backwards out of the swinging doors. :)
I've been to the old west set near Tucson but this one looks even better. Will have to take that in when we get that way again.
ReplyDeleteI never heard of Gammons Gulch. We'll have to check it out. Yep, I guess that is the end.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a fun time and as others have said, never heard of it. Hope all is well.
ReplyDeleteI love anything to do with the 'old West'. And I know I'd love this Jay guy !! LOL
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