Pioneertown

Driving back to Palm Desert, after our wonderful week in Ojai, we took every back road we could find to avoid the freeway.  As the day began to turn to night, we started our search for a place to camp.

Pioneertown showed up on our map with a little tent, so we headed for it.  By the time we finally saw the Pioneertown sign it was quite dark. We couldn’t quite figure out where the campground was located and once we determined its location, we couldn’t find the road to get to it.  The few lights marking the town were mostly blinding or for “mood” only and did a poor job of lighting our way.  Once found, we discovered the campground was a parking lot.  Outhouses and a scattering of picnic tables were the only amenities.  The price, $10.00 per person.    For one person, quite the bargain.  $20 for two not too bad so we stayed.  I’m so glad we didn’t drive in with three kids.  Fifty dollars would have sent us out into the desert for boondocking, pronto.  

The next morning we went out exploring.  Pioneertown is indeed cute and we thoroughly enjoyed wandering around.  Nothing was open, but because the buildings
are also residential, it didn’t feel deserted.  Also, while we were there two commercials were being filmed.  One was a dance group of about 20 dancers.  The other consisted of about half a dozen motorcycle cops.  But, back to Pioneertown.  It consists of one street, called Mane Street.  Roy Rogers cut the town ribbon back in 1946, when it was first opened.  After several years of fame and success, Pioneertown hit some rough spots, turning into a place for the down and out.  These days it is enjoying a bit of a revival, with lots of visitors and care being poured into the buildings, together with serving as a backdrop for commercials and films again.

This first photo is of the Post Office, in operation since 1946, and still serving the community.

Nearby is Pappy and Harriet’s, and on the Sunday night we were there, it was packed.  Inquiring about dinner we were told “no way”.  The restaurant was part of the original Pioneertown, but Pappy and Harriet did not own it until 1982 and continued until Pappy’s death.  The new owners must be carrying on in Pappy’s fine tradition concluded  from the crowd we saw.

And, there’s nothing like horses clomping down the street to make the scene perfect.

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Until we meet again, may the good Lord take a liking to you.

Roy Rogers