Lee Vining - aka Poverty Flat - Hwy 395 - California
Leroy Vining and his brother, Richard, reportedly arrived in the Mono Basin around 1852 to prospect for gold. Not having much luck, they departed. But Leroy returned in 1857 and got into the logging and timber business, operating a small sawmill along a good-sized creek.
A man by the name of Chris Mattley purchased the area known as Poverty Flat (due to either its poor gold production or produce production) in 1926 and laid out a townsite. Originally named Lakeview, the name was later changed to Leevining, changed again in 1957 to Lee Vining.
Leevining, 1937
Today, Lee Vining is a beautiful small town, with restaurants, service stations, grocery stores and motels. Its location is a prime spot for visitors traveling to Mono Lake, or venturing up to Tioga Pass, or visiting the Ghost Town of Bodie. Situated right on Hwy 395, it’s a natural place to stop and relax a bit if you’re traveling north or south.
I drove through the town on a recent Ghost Town and abandoned places search, and stopped for a brief time to take a few pictures. I’ll have to do a more in-depth visit soon. But in the meantime, here’s a few snaps of some cool stuff.
Love this sign on the south end of town, so much promise along the two routes posted there. And “Scenic Route” doesn’t really do them justice.
It’s not everyday you see an upside down house.
“The Upside Down House was created by Nellie Bly O’Bryan (1893–1984), visionary, entrepreneur, and long time resident of the Mono Basin. Originally located along US-395 north of the Tioga Lodge, it was inspired by a children’s story—“Upside Down Land”. Upon her death in 1984, the Upside Down House fell into disrepair until it was rescued and moved to its current site in October 2000. The house became Mono County’s first “manmade” tourist attraction in 1956.”
Some cool neon signs can be found along the main street (395). Looking forward to seeing them lit up.
Thanks for reading along, any comments, please leave below. Love to hear from visitors.
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