65 years ago – 1949 So much snow had fallen during January that plans were underway to organize a ski club on the Hill. 60 years ago – 1954 Newlyweds Marilyn Monroe and Joe Di Maggio spent a honeymoon weekend at the Lloyd Wright cabin in Idyllwild. 55 years ago – 1959 Idyllwild old-timer Henry…
65 years ago – 1949 Idyllwild experienced 4 feet of snow over a 10-day period in which temperatures never rose above freezing. 60 years ago – 1954 Willard Payne recalled the early days. He and his wife came for camping trips in 1909 when Fern Valley was waist-deep in ferns with only an occasional tree….
65 years ago – 1949 The Chamber discussed a plan to identify the Hill community with the back country, approving the theme, “Gateway to the Mt. San Jacinto State Park Wilderness.” 60 years ago – 1954 When Norma DeMent opened the Idyllwild Department Store Thursday morning, billows of gaseous smoke poured forth so Norma ran…
65 years ago – 1949 A cold snap brought a high of 30 degrees and a low of 7 degrees one day, freezing pipes and Mrs. Eric Holm’s breath on her coat. Emax reported that even the squirrels were shivering 60 years ago – 1954 The California Public Utilities Commission approved Idyllwild Water Company’s request…
65 years ago – 1949 The Women’s Association of the Idyllwild Community Church was considering setting up a “bank” of food and clothing for needy families on the Hill. 60 years ago – 1954 Snow finally arrived — 9 to 11 inches of it. It was welcome, for Idyllwild had been through a very dry…
65 years ago – 1948 Not a single crack appeared in the rock work of Fern Valley Market, despite a terrific shaking in the earth. Town Crier declared it was a tribute to Bill Jolley’s skill as a stonemason. 60 years ago – 1953 Someone dropped off a load of pitch-gooey pine for Mr. Gruey’s…
65 years ago – 1948 The Banning Water Company reported that 10 inches of surface water was added to its supply after the earthquake. Officials weren’t certain whether it was due to the quake or the storm. 60 years ago – 1953 Efren Reveles, U.S. Forest Service foreman in Idyllwild, was stunned that he…
65 years ago – 1948 “Ma’s New Husband,” the first production of the Mountain Players, was a big hit. Evie Kretsinger and Leigh Dutton headed the cast. 60 years ago – 1953 Boxes were placed in village stores for gifts of food and clothing for American Indians on the Santa Rosa reservation. 55 years ago…
65 years ago – 1948 Work was begun on the Idyllwild Fire House between the Trading Post and Ice & Fuel. 60 years ago – 1953 Joan Crawford, Kathryn Grayson and Elizabeth Taylor were in holiday pictures at The Rustic Theatre. 55 years ago – 1958 Santa Ana winds pushed the temperature to…
65 years ago – 1948 Hollywood came to Idyllwild when the Rustic Theatre presented the first showing of “One Sunday Afternoon,” starring Dennis Morgan. Morgan made an appearance at each showing. 60 years ago – 1953 Idyllwild Rotary became an official club. The organization had been forming for about a year. 55 years…
