Real Twin Peaks 2026 – Propping Peaks: A Conversation with the Twin Peaks Prop Department

The final free panel discussion for the Real Twin Peaks 2026 was held on Sunday, February 22 at Boxley’s in North Bend, Washington. Twin Peaks Blog author and long-time prop collector Vinnie Guidera spoke with Twin Peaks prop master Jeff Moore and assistant prop master Stephen Gibson about their work on the show’s second season.

PROPPING PEAKS AT BOXLEY’S IN NORTH BEND

The final panel discussion was held from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at Boxley’s in North Bend, Washington. Local Washington resident Jeff Moore has been attending the Real Twin Peaks events since 2023. His behind-the-scenes stories about woking on Twin Peaks are always a treat to hear (see conversations from 2023, 2024 and 2025).

Around 10:00 a.m., Vinnie welcomed everyone to Boxley’s Jazz Club. The brainchild of Danny Kolke, this venue has been a staple in the North Bend community for years. In 2019, Kolke moved Boxley’s to their current spot at 228 W North Bend Way, adjacent to the Hartwood Cafe. The club is part of  JazzClubsNW, a nonprofit organization started in 2010 that is dedicated to supporting live jazz performance and educational opportunities in the Pacific Northwest region.

The room was again packed with Twin Peaks fans from all over the world. It was a delight seeing attendance at these free panel discussions this year. Every experience had eager fans who were very engaged with the topics. I’m glad the panels and conversations have become a staple of the Real Twin Peaks event.

Here is a reply of Vinnie’s conversation with Jeff and Stephen from the Twin Peaks Blog YouTube channel.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE PROPPING PEAKS CONVERSATION

Stephen and Jeff shared stories from the first time they met. Stephen wore a fedora and overcoat as he was introduced to Jeff whom was sporting an overcoat and beret. It was an instant friendship for the young duo (both called each other “brother). Jeff brought printed photos of the image from Franklin Canyon Park in California circa 1991. They were shooting scenes of Windom Earle’s cabin for Twin Peaks‘ late second season. Look carefully and you’ll see Stephen wearing an officially licensed Twin Peaks Sheriff’s Department t-shirt.

Stephen shared how David Lynch loved 8-inch Coca-Cola bottles so the prop team included them in multiple scenes. They removed or hid the bottle label since Coke was not a sponsor for the show. One bottle, however, caught the attention of a producer who yelled at Stephen and Jeff for the noticeable appearance.

Stephen, who admitted he is rather passive aggressive, got revenge for the scolding. When the Twin Peaks Sheriff’s Department returns to Owl Cave in episode 2.019, he placed a Coke bottle in plain sight. Look in the center left of the image above to see the bottle’s iconic outline.

Vinnie asked Jeff about Donna Hayward’s birth certificate, specifically about Dr. R. Robinson who returned the certificate of birth.

Jeff explained that Dr. R. Robinson was actually the other assistant prop master on Jeff’s team, Rich Robinson. It’s not the first time that the prop team would add their own name to on-screen props. One of the most notable is a gold Jeff Moore name tag worn by a Great Northern Hotel bellman played John Charles Sheeham in episode 2.019.

Jeff also used his sister’s name, Toni Ann, on what would become a Great Northern Hotel key given to Mr. Tojamura when “he” checks into the hotel.

You could tell Stephen and Jeff had a wonderful working relationship. Their memories flowed seamlessly and each story offered insight into their work made Twin Peaks what it is today. As young individuals in their profession, they were both scrappy and always found a way to make something happen. Jeff trusted Stephen and Rich completely to finish prop tasks when he would be off set purchasing items for future scenes. Stephen recalled Jeff being the more artistic one of the bunch.

It was Jeff who put together the photo album found by Donna in the attic. Stephen helped capture photos with the actors like Jan D’Arcy and Richard Beymer.

Stephen explained “Greeking” to answer Vinnie’s question about the term. The process is covering or obscuring manufacturing labels on props so cameras could not pick them up. You can see this happen with many notable props found in the show. The crew would cover labels with tape so it wasn’t easy to discern company names.

Stephen continued with a story from episode 2.014 when Mayor Milford points a shotgun at Dr. Jacoby and Lana. Both Jeff and Stephen stressed the importance of gun safety on set. They treated every fake gun as a real, loaded weapon. For this scene, Stephen needed to clear the gun before shooting would commence. The camera crew walked away until he was permitted to check the gun.

Vinnie did a wonderful job facilitating the conversation, striking a balance of asking interesting questions while the pace of the discussion moving.

Being a fan of all the details, Vinnie asked some rather unique props used such as the crime scene investigator’s giant camera seen in episode 2.001. The investigation scene at the Johnson house opens with a giant flash. Vinnie noted that David Lynch had a penchant for using such vintage camera. Jeff and Stephen said they used a flash panel during the scene to help with the flash effect. They would also scour antique shops and thrift stores in search of the flash bulbs.

Vinnie also asked about the Great Northern Hotel employees holding vintage snare drums during the Diane Keaton-directed episode 2.015.

Jeff spoke highly of his time working with Diane. The instruments were rented from Studio Instrumental Rentals (SIR) in Los Angeles, California. He said there is a photo somewhere in his files of his fully loaded convertible carrying the snare drums to set. How I’d love to see it!

After the conversation, fans were invited to see Vinnie’s collection of props from the show. You can read many stories about these items on the Twin Peaks Props and Set Decorating page or via his Instagram account – @TwelveRainbowTrout.

I loved seeing details on the real estate contract from Twin Peaks episode 2.009. The text isn’t seen on screen so examining what Jeff and Stephan added to the contract was fascinating.

Stephen spoke with several guests after the chat. It was great having him at this year’s Real Twin Peaks event.

Jeff also spoke with folks including long-time prop enthusiast and Twin Peaks fan Jason Mattson (center). A handful of Jeff’s Circle Brand t-shirts were still available for purchase. This was the logo he created for the fictional shoe company in the series.

Thank you to Stephen and Jeff for their time and I give big kudos to Vinnie for another spectacular prop-themed panel. I can’t get enough of these!