PULSE PUBLICATIONS

August, 2023

Did you know in past months of August in the 1950s had some interesting events?

For example, on August 1959, construction began on “Lucerne Valley Skating Ring.”

Plans call for the skating ring to have a 150’ x 70’ foundation. The flooring will be of high-quality maple, and the building will also house a concession bar. Boy, I can’t wait to find my skates and head over there. On Sunday on August 22, 1959, our L V Volunteer Fire Department put out a fire at Double J Ranch. The fire was out in a very short time. Fire Capitan P E “Red” Stilwell also commented: There was an extremely good turn-out of volunteer firemen.” In August of 1957, the Department of Fish & Game put out this bulletin: When you are out hunting, wear as much yellow so that you won’t be mistaken for a deer. Female hunters should also wear yellow, even though they are dears. (???, it’s the 50s). Also, in August of 57, Lucerne Valley Burros & Wranglers entered in the 42 miles annual Burro Derby. Yes, we use to have “Burro Races.” The races started in Apple Valley and finished in Big Bear Lake. 1957 was the 9th annual run. And our very own Ray Kellison of Jack Rabbit Corners Garage finished second.

You could buy Ladies Nylon Hose for 59 cent or boys Jeans for $1.79. Girls Dresses were around $1.98 to $2.98. Just come on down to Desert $ Store. Or maybe you wanted to make your own cloths. Desert $ Store in their yardage dept had Remnants for 39 cent a yard. And yes, we did do allot of sewing back in the 1950s. For those who went to the market, Leo’s Supermarket had Veal Roast at 39 cent a lb., pears & peaches at 2 lbs. for 25 cent, or Breeze Detergent with a free bath towel for $1.29.

If you needed to get around Lucerne Valley, head over to Talbert Chevrolet in Victorville. For $1,688, you could buy a brand -new 1957 Chevy ½ ton truck to ride around Lucerne Valley. Oh, by the way, gasoline started out in 1951 around 27 cent a gallon. But our residents had to deal with their own raising gas prices when gasoline rose to 29 cents by 1959. Some things just stick around.

So, go out and make some August historical memories of Lucerne Valley of your own. Check out the Chamber of Commerce Digital Bulletin Board to see what is happening. Visit our museum web site for stuff. Join our museum to further plan our activities.

For more interesting historical stuff, see our book “Lucerne Valley: A Wild West Town of Character(s)” now on sale at our market. And now you know Museum Digs for August 8/5 Museum Outdoor Yard open from 10 am to 2 pm … We are next to our library and it’s free ….

Donations of historical interest wanted. Your museum is always looking for historical donations that highlight our rich history. Give us a call.

Lucerne Valley Museum

Located Between Library & Pioneer Park / Comm