[K9luvr]

As for the Recreation Hall being able to be rented out, my understanding is that it has to do with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliance.  The bathrooms are not handicap compliant.  Of course not.  It was built in 1926.  With it being a Historical Building... there is a mound of red tape in doing any modifications or possibly getting variances to ignore those regulations.  There lies the problem.

It would be nice if it could be rented out and bring some much needed funds into our part of the Forest, but until that happens, it is nice that it can be used occasionally, from time to time, for meetings among the local agencies, volunteers or the Historical Society.

There is a handicap ramp at the west end.  You wouldn't believe all the gyrations we had to go thru to get that in! (and the parking space...) I think they only have to modify one stall in each mens and womens restroom to make grade.  Also, the "Big Pines Flushers" across the street were modified right after the historic building was reconstructed.  They put handicap stalls in there and it is the same era.  It may just be funding.  The preliminary budgets for the Forest Service for FY 12 are looking very grim.  Here on the Cibola in NM, I think we are probably going to be looking at either sending a LOT of people on fires or having to furlough permanent people.  I doubt we even get a real budget but will be plagued with continuing resolutions for all of FY 12 like FY 11.  Then it will be after the election and new congress is installed before we see a FY 13 budget.  Only 4 more years till I'm eligible to retire....

[firefightersteve]

Those must have been some hardy souls! I like how the one tent is set up against the side of the car. And it sounds like there has already been some work done in the direction of ADA compliance. That's great!

Sorry to hear about those budget pitfalls K9LUVR, that seems to be the case everywhere we turn.  These are tough days.

Here's another flier which promotes the, "One Day Scenic Loop Trip". That would of been a long day on the road! It looks like the route on this flier was pre- Interstate 10.

[firefightersteve]

This is a photo I took of one of the pictures that is hanging on the wall inside the Big Pines Rec Building, so the quality isn't the best.  If I were to be able to scan this image we would be able to read what it says on the cloth napkins on the lower left. I believe this image is actually of the interior of the Swarthout Lodge which burned, but it probably a good example of decor which would have been seen in many of the Big Pines buildings.

[Wrightwood]

Steve,
Did you notice that it's only 3.5 hour drive from Los Angeles ?

How about:
- there is to be a golf course
- company controlled stores
- water piped to every lot
- sewer system
- telephone and later a lighting system

[Wrightwood]

I believe this image is actually of the interior of the Swarthout Lodge which burned, but it probably a good example of decor which would have been seen in many of the Big Pines buildings.

Is it possible that's the inside of the Fireside Inn? (only a guess)

[KathySC]

It also said there would be a sewer system!

[Iris]

Also said "any woman motorist can take the children up without the least cause for nervousness." Funny!

Really neat to see all these images, etc. My grandfather used to own property up here and I wonder what it was like when he first discovered Wrightwood.

This ball is a neat idea 

[firefightersteve]

From the way they worded these pamphlets, it looks like the promoters were trying to paint Big Pines in a positive light and at times with a bit of artistic license, not that they had to.

And I had the pleasure of visiting with Barbara VanHouton yesterday and had the opportunity to look through her collection of Big Pines photographs. She has an impressive collection. Several of the photos got my attention and I've posted them below. The second  image is from Barbara's collection and the first and third I found in digital archives on the internet.

It might be a little difficult to make out, but the second image was taken in the archway.

John, I asked Barbara about the photo of the dining hall and she's pretty certain that that was of the interior of the Swartout Lodge.

[MojaveSidecar]

Karen and I had a great time at the Big Pine's Fireman's Ball.

Here is a link to some pictures we took.....

http://share.shutterfly.com/view/flashShareSlideshow.jsp?sid=0AbM2jhi1YsWjz4

You folks in the pics know who you are.. 

[WWMtnGal]

Absolutely great pictures!!  What a fun time it looks like you had and it was great to you all!

[c._smith]

Randy,  I would love a photo of Summer & I.  I tried to order one but as usual my computor skills would be better served by a pencil.  I agree it was a wonderful evening with lots of good folk enjoying the building, Barb's very informative talk, the great photos on the walls, great music, and most of all being able to assist the Lion's Club help our firefighters.

My Granddaughter Summer truly enjoyed the evening. Her chat with Colonel Craig of his exploits serving our coutry in WW11 was something she will never forget. She was my date and I felt so fortunate she agreed to attend with me as my Sweet & Perfect Bride was in Sacramento caring for our twin granddaughters.

Thank all who put this on and I look forward to next years event.

Smitty

[Wrightwood]

Big Pines Recreation Hall