Out of the past and into the new . . . changes, changes, changes. Madelyn Martinelli and Judy Greeran are both children of Lake County; we grew up here in our younger teen years and witnessed the glory of the Resorts and Hey-Day of Cobb Mountain. We have witnessed the decline and the slow rebirth. During the 50’s and 60’s the great resorts of Cobb were still going strong. How lucky we were to be a small part of it. How lucky to have seen some of it before the end of the resort era.
Caught in the middle, we hear all those wonderful stories of the great nightlife, hay rides, horseback riding, baseball games at Hoberg’s; the revolving glass mirrored-light at Forest Lake Ballroom, over the slippery hardwood dance floor; the many dance floors at Hoberg’s; the great pool at Soigler Springs; the Gazcbo at Adams Springs with natural medicinal drinking waters overflowing for your pleasure; and the baths at Howard Hot Springs, where everyone went the “day after” to replenish themselves, so they could start over the next day!
The other great resorts were Harbin Hot Springs, Bonanza, and, of course, the largest Resort in Northern California, Hoberg’s. Guests of Hoberg’s included movie stars, celebrities, and the tops in Big Band names, such as Woody Herman, Gene Drupa, Xavier Couget, Harry James, Charles Laughton and Elsa Manchester, Lex Barker, Gov. Earl Warren, heavyweight champion Max Baer, Tennessee Ernie Ford, and many others enjoyed a stay at Hoberg’s. The Pine Bowl (the outer dance hall) had over a million people dance on this wonderful ballroom-style dance floor.
Last year, we drove by each day and watched the remains of the Pine Bowl disappear stick by stick, board by board, and then heavy snow collapsed it to the ground, Like in the Stephen King novel “The Shining.” You’d wish you could stop the car, walk to the remaining steps to the Pine Bowl, and on that first step, the lantern lights would go on, and the music would start playing again. At “The Upper Bar,” there were two gracious and happy young men bartending. The two. young men were Ron Garcia and George Hoberg Jr. All the customers loved them, young and old alike. They had the broadest smiles and a sparkle in their eyes for everyone. True Hosts! They remembered everyone’s name, greeted all, and made you feel truly welcomed. “Have a good time!”
George Hoberg Jr. was brought up in the hospitality business. His beautiful mother, Gertrude, and his handsome father, George, were also true hosts in every way. What a sad day it was for all of us when, one by one, the great resorts of Cobb Mountain closed. Hoberg’s was one of the last to close forever
About 35 years ago, young George Hoberg Jr. and his beautiful wife Eileen embarked on their own project. They opened the Country Club Restaurant at Hobergs Forest Lake Golf Course. Eileen was a successful model in San Francisco when she first met handsome and charming George Jr. They fell in love, married, and have two beautiful daughters, Sandy and Teri. For years, they have had the most popular place on Cobb to relax, enjoy fine food, and mix socially with friends and neighbors while watching the spectacular view of Cobb Mtn. on the greens. When George Jr. told everyone that he was about to retire, no one believed him; after all, he is part of the Mountain, the history, and the Glory!! George and Eileen have sold the Country Club, the last Hoberg business.
Eileen told us that since their retirement, life has not changed at all for them. In fact, it seems to be busier than ever; George Jr has involved himself more with the Golf Course itself. They miss their good friends and customers very much. We will miss you. We wish them much good luck in their retirement. Thanks for reading!
Story Courtesy of Madelyn Martinelli and Judy Greeran
