A very nice gentleman pulled up to View Crest Lodge a couple of weeks ago with a curious question, "was this place once called Billingsley Auto Court?"

Now I have heard a few things interesting things about View Crest's past, but this was a new one.  I told the gentleman that I did not know, we exchanged email addresses and a couple of days later I received the most amazing photo.  Enjoy!

A WWII era aerial photo of Trinidad hangs in the Humboldt County Building Department's office.  A clerk there was kind enough to allow me to take a digital picture of it.

It is interesting to see how little of Trinidad is developed near the head.  Of course, the bustling part of Trinidad, at the time, was along the highway (now Patrick's Point Drive) and is not in this photo.

There is a great book called "Touring the Old Redwood Highway - Humboldt County" which was written by Diane Hawk of Piercy, CA.  In her book, she has compiled some fantastic photos and information about the communities up and down the 101.

Regarding View Crest Lodge, she found some directory listings from books similar to the current AAA Touring Guide and a photo which appears to be from the 1930's when View Crest Lodge was Myers Redwood Cottages.  Here are the listings: 

1934 - Shell Directory

Myers Redwood Cottages - 5 miles north (Trinidad).  Private toilets and showers, kitchen with dishes, restaurant and grocery near.  Locked garages. $2.50-$4.00. 

1939 - Travelers Motor Court Service

Myers Redwood Cottages - All cottages with private bath, gas for cooking.  Open all year.  One of he beauty spots of the highway, overlooking the ocean.  A place to spend and ideal vacation, fishing, hunting, cafe, service station. Reasonable rates.

1951 - Unknown Publications

View Crest Motor Court.  4 miles north (Trinidad).  Modern insulated cottages for 2-8.  Excellent ocean view.  Ocean sport fishing.  Good beds; hot water 24 hours; garages.