From the Archives
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Trinity River - Lewiston Pre-Dam
What did the Trinity River look like before Trinity Dam? Here is a shot of both the Trinity River and the settlement of Lewiston 1920’s…
A - At the time Lewiston Bridge was a toll bridge.
B - Upstream (to the left) is the Lewiston Hotel that also served a stage coach transfer station. That’s right same building that is standing today and offering food/lodging.
C - Down River (to the right of the bridge) is misc. structures that still stand today. My brother modified the house and is currently the OLD BRIDGE CABIN.
D - The distant meadow reveals no Sub-division (A housing development that currently exists, constructed for those who worked on the dam.)
E - The lack of streamside vegetation is a reflection of an additional 80 miles of premier spawning/rearing and holding waters. (Upper Trinity River-East Fork Trinity-Stuarts Fork-Swift –Coffee Cr. Etc.). According to local fly fishing legends the late Bud Fine and Jess Freeman, spring-summer steelhead staged heavily in the upper canyon which now is Lewiston Lake. They both also indicated these were the finest fly fishing waters for spring-summer steelhead on the entire river. Their favorite fly—“Grey-Hackle Yellow.” Even pre-dam, flooding occurred throughout the upper river and it has been documented the entire town of Lewiston bordering the Trinity River was under water more than once--- estimated flows in the upper river exceeded 100,00cfs..
Spring time bass
The Beginning of a life long passion and lifestyle...
Springtime and bass fishing is like bread and butter - and goes together like warm apple pie.
Guess who? - Herb Burton (age 9) 1963. Caught this 10lb 4oz. largemouth at Big Bethel Lake in Virginia. Never too young to go fishing!
Allan's Oak Pit
Undoubtedly one of the finest eateries to ever impact Trinity County was Allan's Oak Pit. Established 1983, The Oak Pit Bar-b-que was very popular and known by most everyone that resided or visited Trinity County; especially popular to avid outdoor enthusiasts coming in from the field, lakes, rivers and streams as well as those who simply craved and savored quality bar-b-que delights.
Owner, operator and the man behind the scene with very gifted culinary talents was Allan Guggia. Master Chef, rubble-rouster and long time neighbor and good friend Allan moved up to Trinity County in 1983 and opened and operated the "Oak Pit" for 23 years. His passion for hunting, fishing and country living drove him north to Trinity paradise to fulfill a dream and long time void in Weaverville. Well known for his unique personality and up beat tempo added to the Oak Pit experience. Allan was always well in tune with the local scene and willing to share stories, events, rumors, fishing-hunting reports while serving up some outrageous grinds. No doubt his Friday night, "All You Can Eat" specials (only-$9.95) attracted everyone and were simply off the charts; a weekly highlight and gala event. Along with his restaurant operations Allan also catered special events and served as our chef, for 23 years, at our private Shad fishing camps. Wow! Do we have some stories and memories!
It is amazing just how many people still come in to the shop and inquire about the Oak Pit. In fact there isn't a day I drive through the east end of Weaverville and reflect upon all the good times and feasts, often chuckling to myself. Allan retired and sold the restaurant in 2006. He still resides in his riverside Trinity residence enjoying his home stretch fishing, hunting and making good times happen. Always in the stew, it was just like Allan to leave Trinity County residents a bit roughed up and with sour taste when he closed his business. Why? Because, "Nobody beats Allan's Meat", his trademark slogan and logo that successfully served him and all others for 23 great years.