The Bench People - Knott’s Berry Farm - California

Knott's Berry FarmCalicoGhost TownCaliforniaiPhone PhotographyExploratography

Oct 30

You’ve seen them, sitting there on those benches all day long, watching, ever watching the people go by. Always patient, never complaining about all the guests taking selfies with them, or getting “handsy” with them. What are they thinking? Don’t they get bored? Hungry? What do they talk about when no one’s around? You’ve seen them. And sometimes they’re on different benches. It’s a Ghost Town, afterall.

The Bench People of Knott’s Berry Farm.

Handsome Brady and Whiskey Bill were the first of many sculptures commissioned of Claude Bell by Walter Knott, more on Bell later. These two lads have been sitting on that bench on that porch by the Gold Trails Hotel since 1947, give or take a bit of time off for “cement surgery” over the years. Have you sat for a picture with them? If so, I’d love to see it and add it to this post. Please comment below if you’d like to oblige.

Kodak Film reported from their film processing labs (back when that was a thing), that this famous bench was one of the most photographed spots in all America. I believe it.

Bell’s next set of Bench People were the “Calico Belles.” They were modeled after two Calico Saloon entertainers, Marilyn Schuler and Cecelia Peterson. They took their seats in August of 1954. When the Belles were first introduced, they were actually wired for sound and could talk, like their buddy Sad Eye Joe (he’s still in jail). The talking only lasted about a year, why? Don’t know. They’re currently resting in front of the Calico Candy Shop.

The “Flappers,” over in the Roaring 20s portion of the park were also Bell’s creations, his last for the farm before retiring in 1986. Maybe Bell wanted more time to devote to Dinosaurs. His work also includes those two huge dinosaurs you see off the 10, in Cabazon. Dinny and Mr. Rex.

Bell was also a very talented artist and operated the portrait studio at Knott’s from 1951 to 1986. The portrait building is now the Rock and Geode Shop. Next time you’re in the park, take a look inside. Bell created the fireplace, mantle and relief of Mark Twain.

There are a number of other pairs of Bench People scattered about the park, I’m not sure which he created and which were done by others, but here they are (with the exception of the Fiesta Ladies who have temporarily disappeared).

The Lady and the Prospector. Is he trying to impress her with that chunk of gold? She doesn’t seem impressed. Currently, they’re hanging out at the old train station.

The Old Couple. My guess is, he’s been drinking. Which is why she’s sitting at the other end of the bench. They’re over by the candy store, near the coffee place that charges $7 for a hot chocolate.

These two Saloon Girls seem to be enjoying their afternoon, across the street from the Bottle House. Love the shoes!

Thanks for taking a gander at The Bench People of Knott’s Berry Farm, hope you enjoyed the pics. I’ll add the Fiesta Village Senoritas upon their return.