Then and now: Orange Julius once a mainstay
Orange Julius disappeared with redevelopment. Photo/Private Collection
Since the 1960s, Orange Julius was on the lake side of Highway 50, separated from Ski Run Boulevard by a corner Chevron gas station which today is relocated on the opposite corner.
Some of OJ’s menu items then included: fries = 30 cents, hot dogs = 35 cents, onion rings = 35 cents. Notice the Santa on the window.
A time share sits where Orange Julius once stood. Photo/Bill Kingman
Redevelopment in South Lake Tahoe started in the early 1980s. Orange Julius was approximately where the blue Lake Tahoe Vacation Resort letters and stone half-wall stand today, seen near-center in this photo.
— Bill Kingman
Orange Julius! That place was great! My best friend , Doug Van Zandt,and I went there after open gym night at STHS.We would shoot some hoops at the high school basketball court and then afterwards go to the Orange Julius for a big drink of fresh squeezed orange juice and an order of french fries. The french fries were so long I called them octopus legs.(wha?) Good times to be sure!
Thanks again Bill, OLS
A one hour photo was there after Orange Julius and it was a victim of redevelopment in June of 1989. OLS, the OJ they served was not fresh squeezed it was a secret mixture. Not very good IMHO.
Lou Pierini, I recall Orange Julius having empty cases of orange boxes outside the place. Yes, they did add some powder and an egg(?) to make the drinks.
Many years before that there was a hardware store in that area where I took clarinet lessons from the owner sitting behind the counter toodling away on my “licorice stick”.
‘ So yes, I took music lessons in a hardware store! People buying a box of nails and an extension cord and there I am playin’ the damn clarinet. Good memories. Strange, but good! OLS
Love to see what businesses and buildings have come and gone over my 40 years here. In fact I hope someone might create a book with photos and stories about the past up here. I know Bill Kingman has many to share. I think the book would sell fast. Any ole timers have the drive to participate and make it happen?
Phil Blowney, I would LOVE to see a book on Tahoe history and I think Bill Kingman would be the perfect author. The Saga of Lake Tahoe is great but a newer version would be great!!!
I’ve got plenty of stories to tell myself. Dating back to the 50’s till now. There are lots a folks around here with pretty good memories to share with everyone.
Some of mine, are shall I say, things that are not tales that are proper for public consumption. Abit self incrinminitory and some just damm right embarasisng! If you get my meaning, if you get my drift!
So Phil? Throw out a few tall tales of your own. I’ll show my hand if you show yours! This could be fun ! OLS
The Orange Julius ‘fronted’ the property of the Earhart Motel, whose offspring Danny Earhart was killed in Vietnam on his 21st birthday. . .Danny was a contemporary of mine (graduating class at South Tahoe High) but was active in the community even at a young age (after high school) – Earhart’s name is on the plaque at City Hall as one who participated in the creation of the Airport in the early ’60’s. . .
Lou: ‘Orange Julius’ was not supposed to be ‘orange juice’, as the “secret ingredient” made it “malted”, w/crushed ice.
In all these scenes, we cannot leave out those who believed in South Lake Tahoe. . .
My family had the Bijou 5 and 10 cent store later Western Auto. It was between the Standard Station and the Earhart’s motel. The OJ was on the other side. I graduated in 1965 and I always love these old stories and photos.
Garry Bowen, Yes, The Earhart Motel was right down the street from our family’s old place, The Echo Motel.
Next door to Earhearts was a womens clothings store called Tahoe Togs. They sold ,or tried to sell, topless womans bathing suits. That fad didn’t last long! Too much public outcry!!!! Oh, the shame!!!
Across the street was a newly built Ski Run Center, by Rudy Gersic ,the owner of the property, which had The Burger Bar on the corner (best damn burgers in town!), a slot car track, Cefalus laundromat and at the end of the center was Deweys Liquor store. Some other businesses jammed in there as well.
Just a few memories, OLS
FYI
My friends bought Earhart Motel and turned it into the first version of the Fantasy Inn.
Each room designed for fantasy and complete with X rated VCR tapes, etc. I think HBO came along and took care of the movie fantasy part.
Too much information Les, especially because your wife was my history teacher.