Flying J in Lebec/Frazier Mountain, California

Discussion in 'Truck Stops' started by bthomann, Jun 5, 2021.

  1. bthomann

    bthomann Medium Load Member

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    Hello again, current and retired drivers!

    It's been a while. Life's gotten so busy I haven't had time to get on this forum in a while. Quick question: does anyone know what the old Flying J building in Lebec/Frazier Mountain used to be before it was a J? I know it's been torn down and remodeled in the last couple years, but the former building with the clock tower, covered diesel canopy, and motel really fascinated me. It kind of reminded me of the Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, Colorado (only without the ghosts). Any input is appreciated. As always, stay safe!
     
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  3. kemosabi49

    kemosabi49 Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    It maybe needed to get torn down, but they used to have a decent bar there back in the day.
     
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  4. rachi

    rachi Road Train Member

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    I never really cared for that flying J but they did have plenty of truck parking.
     
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  5. bthomann

    bthomann Medium Load Member

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    Wow, I never knew that. Thanks, Kemosabi49! Was it near the motel part or the main lobby?
     
  6. bthomann

    bthomann Medium Load Member

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    It did have an odd, confusing layout, so I can see why many didn't like it.
     
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  7. Allow Me.

    Allow Me. Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    I believe it wasn't a truck stop originally, flying J added fuel pumps and capacity when they bought it. But I could be wrong. I haven't been thru there in long time
     
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  8. bthomann

    bthomann Medium Load Member

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    Thanks, "Allow Me"! I had a feeling the Motel 6 portion (which is still standing) might have been there first. At any rate, it was a cool building, especially with the clock tower portion
     
  9. Dna Mach

    Dna Mach Road Train Member

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    The old Flying J started out in the 1920’s as a Standard Oil station to serve travelers on the then new Hwy 99. It was continually added onto throughout the years with the additions of a motel and larger buildings. Not sure when Flying J bought the property, probably in the 1980’s.

    The original station and property was once owned by a member of the Ralph family who founded the Ralphs Supermarket chain. The family owned several thousand acres of land including the land that is now Lebec and Frazier Park.

    When PFJ bulldozed the property in 2018 to build their new location they had a hard time tearing down the clock tower. It was built to withstand “the big one” as the property is pretty much sitting right on top of the San Andreas fault line.
     
  10. bthomann

    bthomann Medium Load Member

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    Thanks, DNA Mach! I figured it was something unique but didn't know the property went back as far as the 1920's. I was sad to see the old structure go but I realized it was not a very efficient layout. Many drivers got lost in those long hallways, I'm sure!
     
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  11. bentstrider83

    bentstrider83 Road Train Member

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    Didn't know they tore the place down and remodeled it!! But since that was 2018, that makes sense. Haven't taken a semi over any CA roads since 2011. That year was probably the last time I saw the place.
     
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