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This is the Chamber tour and information center. Pick up brochures, a Newberry Springs Map (small charge), a copy of "A Short History of Newberry Springs." Also, Information about the community of Newberry Springs. (more info about Deel Plumbing to be placed here soon)
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In the 1930's this was known as "The Cliff House" It sported a gas station - cafe - cabins for rent - general store - post office - public swimming pool - flag stop for both Greyhound and Continental Trailways bus lines - and the location of the only telephone in the community until the mid 1950's. The phone was an old wooden box with a crank on the side to ring the bell. It had a mouth piece in the front and the separate ear piece hung from the cradle. Newberry was one long and one short ring. The Cliff House was a welcome shady rest stop for travelers along RT. 66.
Walk around the East side of the building and a short way up the drive. Look ahead and up to the right. On the side of the hill you will see one of the remaining stone water tanks used to service the facility prior to pressure tanks and submersible pumps.
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Before continuing, go west a bit to Kelly's just around the bend on the right.
Load up on munchies and beverages and be sure you have enough gas for the rest of the tour. Set your trip odometer to zero, when you get back to Deel Plumbing, then head East (right) on National Trails Hwy. ( Historic RT. 66.)
Just after you get through the road cut in the mountain, pull far over to the right shoulder of the road and stop. (W) Get out of the car and walk across the road (North). The old cottonwood tree stump on the N.E. corner of the little hill marks the approximate location of the original springs. If you look out N., E, & S. from this spot the clumps of large green that you see are Screw Bean Mesquite and they mark the area that used to be a marsh. In the 1920's it was covered with water much of the year. In the 1930's and 40's it was wet in the winter and covered with mesquite, tulles, salt grass and wild grapes.
The narrow area between the marsh and the Eastern slopes of the Newberry Mountains protected from the prevailing west winds, shady, good water, fire wood, lots of game, an ideal camping area.
This area was used extensively by the Indians. (H) For evidence of this, take a short hike (provided you don't have leather soled shoes) up the Indian trail on the E.N.E. corner of the hill. When you reach the top, take a look over the south edge of the hill. That narrow winding road that you see leading to the S.S.E. along the base of the Newberry Mountains is what was once the old original Hwy. 66 . It was originally built here to avoid the marsh and the southern tip of Troy dry lake further east. Back at the top of the hill, continue over the crest towards the W.S.W., then bear to the right. There are Indian writings on the West facing rocks about 20 ft. below the top of the hill. As you retrace the path back down to the springs, watch on your right about half way down the trail. You will see an Indian grinding hole with many flint chips around. Just look and take pictures only. Notice the small, smoke darkened, rock, shelter areas to the West and South of the grinding hole. Back at the springs, take a walk to the East and notice all of the broken dishes, tin cans, car parts, etc. This is evidence of the travelers of yesteryear: trappers, traders, Indian slave runners, horse and cattle rustlers, refugees of the dust bowl, gypsy's, etc. You can still see the remnants of Cattail reeds, tulles and other evidence of the marsh that existed here before the water table dropped in the area due to earthquakes and overdraft by man.
Walking back to your car, notice the light grey-green bushes that are predominant at the base of the hill to your right. This is Desert Holly. It has small red berries on it at Christmas time. It flourishes in high alkaline soil. The alkali and other borates that are in the little moisture that this plant uses, are deposited by the plant on its leaves that turn them from their true light green to white. This white color reflects much of the heat from the desert sun, allowing this plant to survive in this harsh environment.
Continue driving east on National Trails Hwy.
To your right is Echo Ranch which is behind Ward's Pistachio Orchard and was once the location of an artesian water source that fed ponds of water lilies.
The canyons that you see to your right on the N.E. sides of the mauve colored Newberry Mountains are riddled with many caves used by early man 20,000+ years ago. Newberry Cave and Schuilling Cave are two such archaeological sites.
It is interesting to note that these mountains are the home of Desert Big Horn Sheep, Chuckar Partridge and a species of mauve colored rattlesnake unique to this area.
Right turn (South) onto Newberry Rd. Mile 1.4 [34-49.40N] [116-39.77W]
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This building, built in 1957 by the citizens of Newberry, is used for the many community meetings and events throughout the year. It also houses the office of our Community Service District (CSD) that is our local governing body for our Fire Dept., Parks & Recreation, and street lighting. Yes, Newberry Springs can boast that it has a total of 8 street lights.
More about the Newberry CSD building from Delores Olson |
If you need a potty stop, the rest rooms in the park are open.
Make a "U" turn and head back North on Newberry Rd.
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As you drive on National Trails Hwy. note that most of the businesses are on the North side of the highway. This was true when it was Rt. 66 also. The raised highway acted as a barrier to the flash floods originating in the grey/brown Rodman Mountains to the south.
Jerry Scoggins moved to Newberry Springs in the early 80's and put in this state of the art Koi breeding facility.
It is now under new ownership and is known as Koi Heaven. Stop in and check it out. Take the virtual tour by clicking on the Name link above.
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(Much to be added about this historical location. It has been a Bar, an Ace Hardware, and now Auto towing & tire business.)
Turn right (South) at Ft. Cady Rd. Mile: 5.7 [34-48.80N] [116-36.59W]
Make a U turn just past the Newberry Gun Club road on your left and stop your car.
The Bodine clan; a three generation family that was a significant and important part of the community was one of the origional homsteaders in the valley. They raised alfalfa on their ranch as well as on several other lands in the valley totaling at one time 3,000 acres under alfalfa and sudan grass. This was for feed for their cattle ranch where they had a balck Angus that bred the entire herd of cows. This steer was replaced several times over the years.
In addition to this activity they raised chickens, 50,000 to 100,000 at a time and sold to Knott's Berry Farm and other meat markets. At one time they did the same with turkey. In the final years of the ranch, the late 80's, they added buffalo.
This ranch and the surrounding small ranches were once called Bodineville (D) by the locals. It was originally settled as a homestead by Mom and Pop Bodine. Every time they would marry off one of their daughters, they would provide the newlyweds with an adjoining parcel of land to build on. Thus Bodineville was developed.
After WWII, until the late 1950's, Pop Bodine held monthly square dances for the community, on his patio in the summer, in the barn during the colder months.
(More to be added about the Bodine Ranch)
Continue North on Ft. Cady Rd.
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Note: If you need a potty stop, snacks, gas, diesel fuel or ice cream parlor, continue straight ahead on Ft. Cady. WESCO truck stop is just North of the I-40 freeway overpass.
Turn left (West) on to National Trails Hwy. Mile:7.5 [34-48.80N] [116-36.59W]
This stretch of National Trails Hwy. was once the business district of Newberry. Many of the buildings on the right that once served travelers on Rt. 66, have now been converted to homes.
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This run down gas station was once a Whiting Brothers service station. Believe it or not, it is getting about as much action these days as a photo opportunity for foreign tourists and film companies as it did in the early 1950's when it was going strong.
Continue West on National Trails Hwy.
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This Cafe may look familiar to you. It was the site of the film "The Bagdad Cafe." Its "small cafe on a lonely highway" look makes it a popular location site for short films and T.V. commercials both foreign and domestic. Stop and go inside for a meal or refreshments. One wall of the back room is devoted to snap shots and posters of the many such films and commercials.
Armstrong House & museum/ Chamber office and resource center/ NationWide Real Estate Services. Originally built by the Schmitt family around 1927. There were no electric utilities available to the property at the time. The old well and its windmill, holding tank and reservoir still remain. It was erected of concrete and sported the first indoor toilet facilities in the area. It was cooled in the summer by a wind-operated fan with a water reservoir in a window (similar to our evaporative cooler). The kitchen was across the back with a wood cook stove for winter and a kerosene operated stove for summer. There was a larder porch which was later enclosed with the same concrete construction to serve as a utility/mud room. Electricity was installed when it became available. The Schmitt's sold the property to a family named Armstrong in the 40's. Mrs. Ruth Armstrong was a rockhound of great renown. When Mr. Armstrong passed away she was determined to make it on her own grit. She enclosed the large covered front porch and made a commercial rock shop out of the front half of the house. The back half of the house was her family's living quarters. Rocks were used to face the front of the house and it became known as the "Rock House". Customers from all over would contact her to find particular rocks for them. Ruth became ill in the 80's and sold the property to John Melito who loved to garden. He planted fruit and shade trees and did decorative borders with the many rocks left on the property. There is a bearing date palm grove, pears, almonds, apricots and black walnuts. John sold the property in 1998 to the owner of NationWide Real Estate Services. She is currently restoring the house and plans a museum of the area and the house's history. Creative work by members of the community will be welcomed for display. Locally grown pistachios are available for sale. The real estate office and the main office of the Chamber are located here. You may have to step over construction projects for a while but local resources and information are obtainable here.
Turn right (North) on to Newberry Road. Mile: 10.6 [34-49.38N] [116-39.77W]
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9.b. Notice the US Post Office on the right.
Newberry Springs has had its own Post Office and Postmaster for over 60 years. Having our own zip code (92365) gives our community its own identity. There are now two mail routes that deliver mail to the 1100 plus homes in the 117 sq miles known as Newberry Springs.
A slight detour is in order at this point. Instead of turning right onto Fairview Rd, continue
straight (north) on Newberry Rd.
1 mile up on the right is;
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The Seniors got together and started the Newberry Springs Senior Services Association in the late 70's. They met at the Newberry Community Center and held bingo games, bake sales and a variety of fundraisers to finally build the Senior Center you are now at. This building was built in the mid 80's from the proceeds of the funds raised and matching funds from the Government for original construction. All improvements and additions since have been from funds raised by the members by continuing the Bingo Games, operating a Cafe open to the public and selling arts and crafts. If you are there before 2pm you may be able to stop in and get a bite to eat and check out the nifty hand crafted goods they have for sale.
The Seniors Newsletter is published monthly and mailed to their members keeps the community informed about upcoming events and activities.
Continuing north on Newberry Road about a quarter mile to the intersection of Newberry Rd and Silver Valley Rd. You will see;
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This is where our children attend kindergarten through 5th grade.
Now turn around and go back down (south) Newberry Rd to Fairview Rd.
Turn left (East) onto Fairview Rd. Mile: 11.5 [34-50.21N] [116-39.79W]
On your right you will see one of our many sod farms. Grass is planted on very level fields covered with a plastic mesh netting. The grass grows through the netting . The grass is then cut in squares, placed on pallets and shipped to nurseries for sale as instant lawns. Fesgue is the variety of grass grown here.
Continuing East on Fairview the pavement ends. CAUTION: Take it slow on the dirt road and drive around the chuck holes.
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I know, you think the sign is a joke, but it isn't. This is one of the major water ski schools in the world. People come here from all over the world to learn to water ski and hone their skills in slaloms and jumps for competition in world class events. Like all lakes in Newberry Springs, it is man made and filled by water pumped from wells. The water table varies seasonally, but averages about 55 ft. below the surface at the valley floor.
Turn around at Fort Cady Rd. Mile: 14.5 [34-50.18N] [116-36.63W]
On the NW corner of this is an alfalfa field. On the south and east sides of the field you will see tall poles with platforms built on top. These have been erected for the convenience of hawks and owls to assist them in controlling the rodent population in the field.
From north bound Harvard, turn right (East) onto Silver Valley Rd. Mile: 18.5 [34-51.92N] [116-38.69W]
On the right is the home site of Darrell Manser, the inventor of Roller-Rain, the first commercial water sprinklers on wheels. This late 1940's invention eliminated the need to hand carry sprinkler pipe sections across the fields to new watering positions.
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This is a clothing optional private resort featuring RV and tent camping around a 2 acre, tree lined lake. Swimming, fishing, canoeing, paddle boating, shuffle board and table tennis are just some of the activities enjoyed by visitors from all over the world. This club is affiliated with AANR (American Association for Nude Recreation.)
Continue east on Silver Valley Rd. to the end of the pavement and turn around. Mile: 21.5 [34-51.96N] [116-35.54W]
On the right behind the chain link fence is the Smith place. Homesteaded in 1927 by Bill Smith, who developed the place over years of hard work. Bill had an underground bootleg still during prohibition, supplying the speakeasy's of Los Angeles with fine corn liquor. The pond visible near the road is one of five original ponds and was used as a breeder pond. Catfish from this location were delivered live for restocking fish-out lakes throughout Southern California. Bill was also the first to have lakes in Newberry and built most of the lakes in Newberry until his death in 1973.
From westbound Silver Valley Rd., turn right (North) onto Harvard Rd. Mile: 24.4 [34-51.95N] [116-38.70W]
Drive very slowly or stop and take pictures. Please stay in your car and do not disturb the birds. If you stop your car, these curious birds will come to you. This 80 acre ostrich farm is probably the largest in the nation. The ostrich is in the Ratite family and thrives in this desert that is so like its natural habitat. Eggs are taken from breeding pairs on the farm and hatched in the incubator building. Chicks are raised in special pens until they are large enough to be placed in larger pasture pens with other young adults. The shade structures you see are equipped with water misters to cool the birds. Adult ostriches are sold as breeding pairs or harvested. Breeding pairs have been sold for as much as $150,000. If harvested, nothing goes to waste. The meat is low in fat and cholesterol and used for human consumption. The skin is used to make ostrich leather gloves, belts, purses, boots and shoes. The feathers are used for ornaments.
From northbound Harvard Rd. Turn right (East) onto Valley Center Rd. Mile: 25.4 [34-52.80N] [116-38.67W]
From eastbound Valley Center Rd. Turn right (South) onto Fort Cady Rd. Mile: 27.4 [34-52.80N] [116-36.61W]
Proceed about 100 yards south on Ft. Cady Rd. then make a "U" turn and stop facing north.
Turn left (West) on Valley Center Rd. Mile: 27.7
Dutch was the first settler and homesteader in this part of the valley. He originally had to walk to his place 6 miles from Highway 66. Dutch prospected and explored the surrounding mountains and had a fine collection of cavalry and Indian artifacts that he had collected in his wanderings. Almost completely self sufficient, he even grew his own grapes and made his own wine. Dutch played the banjo and mandolin at community dances of the 20's, 30's and 40's.
From westbound Valley Center Rd., turn right (North) onto Newberry Rd. Mile: 30.7 [34-52.82N] [116-39.73W]
If the gate is open, drive in and ask for a look around. If it is the proper time of the year you may get a mini tour and see what it takes to process the nuts. They usually have nuts for sale there also. You can't beat the prices. So stock up for your friends.
As you leave Big Al's gate, turn right and continue North on Newberry Rd.
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This park offers R.V. spaces with hookups, fishing, horseshoes and recreation hall.
Make a "U" turn at intersection on Newberry Rd. and Riverside Dr. Mile: 32.7 [34-54.51N] [116-39.74W]
(If you had turned right onto east bound Riverside Dr. it would lead you over to Harvard Rd. and eventually to Interstate 15 to Las Vegas, NV.)
Now you are traveling south on Newberry Rd.
On the right you will see a lakeside development that is built around 57 acres of water. This is Lake Jodie.
This is the largest lakeside development to date in the community. The lake is very difficult to see from the road as it meanders around the home sites. This lake is stocked with bass, catfish and bluegill.
Not far south of Lake Jodie you will see one of Big Al's many pistachio orchards (D). On the right.
Continuing south on Newberry Rd. and make a right turn (West) on to Valley Center Rd. Mile: 34.6 [34-52.82N] [116-39.73W]
On the right you will see an earthen dike running parallel with and adjacent to the road. Stop when you are approximately mid way along the dike. Get out of the car and take a look over the top of the dike along side of the road. Looking north, the lake on your right is Cheyenne Lake, the one on the left is Sundown Lake. These are privately owned water ski tournament lakes.
Continue west on Valley Center Rd. Turn left (South) on to Hereford Rd. Mile: 37.6 [34-52.79N] [116-42.91W]
On the right is the only hardware store in town. Now Closed.
It was unique to say the least. How many hardware stores have you seen with a private lake in the yard. This store was started more by chance than design. The owner, Max Reiger was just an ordinary retired resident who happened to always have a good supply of plumbing fittings in his garage for his own use. It was common for residents to borrow fittings as needed, thus saving a special 40 (+) mile round trip to Barstow. A common term was, "check with Max before you make the trip to town." I think every resident of Newberry visited The Last Chance Hardware at least once a month or more. A trip to the Last Chance would save gas but not necessarily time. When you went to Max's you had to chat with the friends and neighbors you met there. I wish Max had had room for a big pot bellied stove and a cracker barrel.
Continue south on Hereford Rd. Turn right (West) onto Silver Valley Rd. Mile: 38.6 [34-51.94N] [116-42.91W]
This is a real "must see" on your tour and was featured on Huell Howser's Road Trip. The Liu family own and operate this truly unique breeding farm of show quality koi. There are several ponds and breeding vats. If they are not too busy, they will give you a tour as they are extremely knowledgable and rightfully proud of what they have accomplished.
Turn around and head back (East) on Silver Valley Rd. Continue on through the jog in the road at Hereford, back at Mile:38 [34-51.94N] [116-42.91W] continuing east on Silver Valley Rd.
Kenny and Julia Morris raised chickens for only one customer, Knotts Berry Farm in Buena Park. The chickens were raised under special conditions, the feed was specially formulated to the specifications of Walter Knott who at one time lived in Newberry Springs. Until recent times, all of the chicken served at the Chicken Dinner Restaurant at Knott's came from Newberry Springs.
(More about these Newberry Pioneers to be added)
Continue East on Silver Valley Rd.
Is another water ski lake. Surrounded by athol trees, the lake itself is not visible from the Silver Valley Rd., but I don't think anyone will be upset if you sneek a peak over the bank at the entrance road located at the N.E. corner.
This is by far the most beautiful private water ski tournament lake in the valley. The lake, surrounded by shade trees, flowers and manicured lawns is the site of many very prestigious water ski tournaments each year. You may have seen it on ESPN.
From Silver Valley Rd. Turn right (south) on to Mt. View Rd. Mile:40.6 [34-51.92N] [116-40.84W]
If you look south west, you will see the serpentine form of the large conveyor that brings the mauve colored rock from a quarry in the Newberry Mountains down to the crusher and grading yard of Hanson Aggregates. This conveyor is unique in that it is driven by electric motors until the weight of the rock moving down hill takes over. The electric motors are then switched and become electric generators that act as a brake for the conveyor and furnish electrical power that is sold to Southern California Edison offsetting the cost of the power used in the facility.
For Quarries in other areas of the country, check this place out.
Continue south on Mt. View.
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Between the section house site and Mt. View road is the Elementis specialties plant. This plant refines Hectorite, a clay of volcanic ash mined at Hector 13 miles east of Newberry Springs. Hectorite is used in many things that require a smooth consistency such as makeup, paint, hand cleaner, Alimite grease, etc. It was once used to coat M & M candies so that they wouldn't melt in your hand.
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Finally, Newberry's Watering Hole, the Barn
Get refreshed, or not, before going next door to the starting point.
Established by local independent pistachio growers to process their harvest. Owned and operated by members of the co-operative. Newberry Springs provides the environment necessary to grow the sweetest of nuts due to winter freezes and hot sunny days during the bearing season.
Home of the annual Pistachio Festival held on the first Saturday of November each year which exhibits the flavor and fun of a down-home country fair.
The Daggett-Barstow Airport, a 1082 acre county owned facility, affords access to the latest in air travel, with 50,000 sq ft of manufacturing space and hundreds of acres available for future growth.
From Route 66 it is accessed by turning right at the airport road then left (going west again) just after the tracks. (This road continues on into Daggett and goes by the next point of interest.) Then proceed about 1/4 mile and there is a sign on the right that will lead you to the lake. (2-1/2 miles west of Mineola on Vly Cntr.) Pay by the pound for the fish you catch here. Bait is available. Quiet atmosphere abundant with trees. The Moore's built this beautiful park from pure desert and it retains its natural beauty. There are stumps to sit on while you fish and barbecues to cook your catch on. A great family picnic area.
The Nation's first such commercial endeavor. It was no accident that the area was chosen for this plant. The natural elements of sunny days and wind at night make it a perfect environment to harness and generate electricity.
STAY TUNED FOR MORE. Next stop is Daggett, the spot where Santa Fe (now Burlington Northern - Santa Fe) railroad and Northern Pacific railroad come togeather to travel the last few miles to the Barstow Hub. This is a favorite spot for photographers to get their Rail Road photos. This is because of the variety of Engines that pull freight through the desert.