On February 21, 2019, Twin Peaks Archive tweeted an oneline schedule from the first day of shooting for the Pilot Episode of Twin Peaks. This schedule included scenes from the Double R Diner and the infamous traffic light at the intersection of Bendigo Boulevard and North Bend Way in North Bend, Washington. It also included a deleted scene with Cooper and Truman that took place near the Gazebo. Luckily, brother Jer shared two photos from this scene which helped me locate the film location.
TWIN PEAKS PILOT ONELINE SCHEDULE
First thing before you read this story, please make sure you are following @TwinPeaksArchve on Twitter or checkout the Twin Peaks Archive website for some great insight into a series we both love.
The image above is the oneline schedule dated February 19, 1989. The cameras rolled a few days later on February 21. The deleted scene at the Gazebo would have been first scene shot with Cooper and Truman together.
The first appearance of the gazebo didn’t take place until episode 1.005 when James and Maddy discuss family history and secrets. This gazebo was located in Malibou Lake Mountain Club in Agoura Hills, California. Sadly, it was destroyed in the Woosley Fire in November 2018.
So what would have taken place at the gazebo in the Pilot Episode? Here is part of the “Northwest Passage” script, the original name for the series from December 7, 1988. I’ve added the revised dialogue as it appears in the episode for ACT FOUR.
GAZEBO IN ACT ONE OF THE TWIN PEAKS PILOT
EXT. TWIN PEAKS TOWN SQUARE – DAWN
The picturesque center of the town of Twin Peaks; a small, neatly manicured park with a pristine white gazebo its centerpiece. Fronting the park is the ’30’s-style streamlined, concrete and glass City Hall. An early rising MAN walks two Irish setters through the square.
Most likely would have been an establishing shot similar to the opening credits. I wonder if the Giant Centennial Log to the place of this scene.
MICHAEL ONTKEAN;KYLE MACLACHLAN
GAZEBO IN ACT FOUR OF TWIN PEAKS PILOT
EXT. TOWN SQUARE – EARLY EVENING
Cooper and Steadman (ed. note – Truman’s original character name) walk through the town square, past the gazebo, towards city hall.
COOPER
(stopping to look at the gazebo)
First Draft – “I’ve seen these in pictures before, but there is an actual gazebo, right here in your city square. That is beautiful.”
On Screen – “You know, I’ve seen these in pictures, but there is an actual gazebo, right here in your city square. This is beautiful.”
STEADMAN/TRUMAN
First Draft – (looks at his watch) “You know we’re gonna be late for that meeting -”
On Screen – “You bet.”
COOPER
(continuing on)
First Draft – “You know, I’m from Philadelphia and a thing like this, a gazebo, in a town square that is so meticulously maintained (head snaps around, noticing another detail) – look how these hedges are clipped.”
On Screen – “You know, I’m from Philadelphia and a thing like…”
STEADMAN/TRUMAN
On Screen – “Cooper. Cooper, you’re gonna make us late for that meeting.
COOPER
On Screen – (pointing to carved bear) “This is a bear carved from Douglas Fir.”
TRUMAN
On Screen – “Yes it is.”
COOPER
On Screen – (exits scene) “Take for instance these hedges…”
TRUMAN
On Screen – “Cooper.”
COOPER
On Screen – “These are very meticulously maintained…”
TRUMAN
On Screen – “Cooper old buddy.”
This scene would have been placed just before the Town Hall meeting. How can Cooper be Truman’s “old buddy” if they just met that morning?
MICHAEL ONTKEAN;KYLE MACLACHLAN
GAZEBO IN ACT FIVE OF TWIN PEAKS PILOT
FADE IN:
EXT. TOWN SQUARE – NIGHT
The gazebo in the empty square. Silence.
GAZEBO IN ACT SIX OF TWIN PEAKS PILOT
EXT. TOWN SQUARE – NIGHT
The gazebo.
Appears to be mostly establishing shots.
Finding the film location for this scene was pretty easy since the Pilot Episode was shot in Washington State. I searched Google Maps for a Gazebo in Snoqualmie and North Bend and easily found it.
Located at the corner of Railroad Avenue and SE King Street in Snoqualmie, Washington, the Gazebo is located just down the street from the Giant Log.
It’s also located across from one of Cooper’s prospective properties in episode 2.012.
We also almost catch a glimpse of it in Twin Peaks Part 14 on Showtime. Sarah Palmer walks along Centennial Trail while on her way to Elk’s Point #9 Bar in the episode. In the image above, the gazebo would have been located on the right side.
Here’s the gazebo as seen from SE King Street. Sarah would have walked by the left side of the gazebo.
This is the exact gazebo where they shot the scene as the details from the roof support and white railing match. I’ve been unable to locate any historic photos of the gazebo but its roof was replaced in 2016.
In this image you can see the entrance to Smokey Joe’s Tavern which was the location for Elk’s Point #9 Bar.
Notice the sign and lighting behind Truman and Cooper in this scene.
It’s the sign (now replaced) and lighting from the Snoqualmie Market located on Railroad Avenue. The image above is from 2007 so the original partial Coca-Cola sign must have been replaced sometime after the Pilot Episode was shot. I haven’t found photo reference for this spot prior to 2007.
In the scene, Cooper mentions this bear was carved from a Douglas Fir tree.
Jerry Horne from Twin Peaks Archive shared a photo of the actual bear. If you want to see more props from the series, check out his awesome site – Twin Peaks Props. Thank you again to brother Jer for the help with this story.
