WrightwoodCalif.com Forum

Public Forums => Wrightwood History => Topic started by: Local on Dec 24, 02, 07:35:45 AM

Title: Locals
Post by: Local on Dec 24, 02, 07:35:45 AM

How far back to your roots go in Wrightwood?

our family's go back to after world war two, even though we do not live in Wrightwood any more, we do still own property and a very large house.

My father built and developed most of Wrightwood.

Wrightwood holds very special feelings for a lot of Wrightwood locals that no longer live there, but we all feel like we are still local people of the place you all live.

local

Title: Re: Locals
Post by: RobertW on Dec 24, 02, 08:05:18 AM

Title: Re: Locals
Post by: Local on Dec 26, 02, 05:18:10 AM

Yes i remember Al,
my father owned wrightwood consruction company, so i am sure our familys have past paths at some point.
i live in the middle of the ocean now, but i will all way's be a wrightwood local, we still own the house on lark and edna.

the old pictures of wrightwood bring back the feeling of wrightwood and all the kind people i grew up with, next time i am on the mainland i will try to get some old photos that my dad has of the area, and share them with you all.

local

Title: Re: Locals
Post by: WWMtnGal on Dec 26, 02, 05:29:11 AM

Local,
   So nice to hear from you.  Before I moved up here I started coming here in 1965 to play in the snow at Holiday Hill.  It is so nice that you have such fond memories and they can be kept alive here on our website forum.  

Welcome Home!

:D

Title: Re: Locals
Post by: RobertW on Dec 27, 02, 05:40:39 AM

Title: Re: Locals
Post by: Local on Dec 27, 02, 08:18:29 AM

RobertW,
Yes Joe Meluso is my father and that is our house. he moved to Wrightwood after world war two, and started a construction company.
He tells the stories of working on and building the water system, the first single seat chair lift at holiday hill(if you old timers remember that one!! i do), the microwave stations on top of blue ridge, and so on.
My mom Grace Meluso, taught in the old wrightwood school house when it only had three class rooms in it.

local

Title: Re: Locals
Post by: Local on Dec 27, 02, 08:24:47 AM

MtnGal,
Thanks for the WELCOME HOME, you live in a beautiful place.
LOCAL

Title: Re: Locals
Post by: WWMtnGal on Dec 27, 02, 09:18:50 AM

Local,
    You are so very welcome!  I do love it here and am so thankful that I am able to live here and enjoy the natural surroundings of our beautiful village.  I am so glad that you can come to this website and reminise about your family and your childhood.  That is such a special memory to have.  When I started coming here in 1965 my first visit was with my music teacher at the time.  She taught in the Fontana School District and she brought some of us who were in a special musical class up for the weekend.  Her name was Lorraine Joslin and she lived here for many years before having to be put in a home before she passed on.  Anyway, welcome back and so nice to hear from you!

;)

Title: Re: Locals
Post by: RobertW on Dec 27, 02, 04:06:05 PM

Local,

Here are some pictures showing your dad's handi-work around our cabin:

Before we had a Fireplace and rock porch in 1939:

(http://pages.prodigy.net/robertmorgan/Cabin1939.jpg)

New Fireplace and rock porch built by Joe Meluso:

(http://pages.prodigy.net/robertmorgan/Cabin1949.jpg)

Mom showing off the new Fireplace c. 1948:

(http://pages.prodigy.net/robertmorgan/NewFireplace.jpg)

You can take great pride in your father's work.  He did beautiful work and we have never had any problems with the fireplace even though it is nearly 55 years old.  The only thing we have had to do is add a spark arrestor on top.  It still drafts perfectly.

RobertW

Title: Re: Locals
Post by: Local on Dec 28, 02, 06:02:30 AM

RobertW,
Thanks for the pictures, i love the use of the old rock, i think used brick is way over used in California. he is a great mason.


pop built allot of homes in wrightwood, including his house, it used to be a "faced" log cabin. he turned it into a beautiful used brick house, the inside fireplace is 5 feet wide by about 4 feet deep.

Local

Title: Re: Locals
Post by: oldsub on Dec 28, 02, 09:28:16 AM

The little cabin I used to live in is made of stacked rocks--NO MORTAR. It holds up exceptionally well during earthquakes. I hear it was built by an Italian who learned the craft in Switzerland.  I am wondering if it is also his work. Or who might know?

Title: Re: Locals
Post by: Local on Dec 28, 02, 02:00:14 PM

oldsub,

no, he had nothing to with switzerland sorry.

local

Title: Re: Locals
Post by: jeff on Dec 28, 02, 04:54:25 PM

wow I used to know a guy named meluso in WW. Of coarse we had a few other names for him ( ch, wwf ).  ;D I remember he had this this thing for my moms cookies, in fact he probably survived on them :) and large meat forks ----E  Ouch!  SHHHHH, don`t let anyone find out you know me!!  I think I may have made them mad at me. waving a hand from one Local to another that misses home.

Title: Re: Locals
Post by: Local on Jan 01, 03, 07:51:31 AM

MMMM I MISS YOUR MOMS COOKIES, REMEMBER WHEN I WOULD BREAK INTO THE FREEZER AND MOW ON EM.. THANKS FOR THE MEMORY JEFF.
loCAL

Title: Re: Locals
Post by: Local on Jan 01, 03, 07:52:04 AM

BUT THAT IS WHEN WRIGHTWOOD WAS WRIGHTWOOD

LOcal

Title: Re: Locals
Post by: jeff on Jan 05, 03, 04:25:55 PM

dont feel bad local I miss my moms cookies also. WW is still WW just a new set of rowdys. I wonder what I`ll do when someone looks at me and says "flatlanders go home".       Jeff

Title: Re: Locals
Post by: Bud on Feb 19, 04, 01:46:39 PM

Who was your Father? Could he be Joe Maluso(spelling)I lived in Wrightwood 1953-1956 and my memories are very vivid even though I was just in first and ssecond grade. I still go there regular Love that place. Howard(Bud) Boylin

Title: Re: Locals
Post by: Wrightwood on Feb 19, 04, 01:59:56 PM

Bud,
"Local" is no longer an active member of the Wrightwood Forum. He had posted the answer to your question on the previous page.

Quote

RobertW,
Yes Joe Meluso is my father and that is our house. he moved to Wrightwood after world war two, and started a construction company.
He tells the stories of working on and building the water system, the first single seat chair lift at holiday hill(if you old timers remember that one!! i do), the microwave stations on top of blue ridge, and so on.
My mom Grace Meluso, taught in the old wrightwood school house when it only had three class rooms in it.
local

Quote

Who was your Father? Could he be Joe Maluso(spelling)I lived in Wrightwood 1953-1956 and my memories are very vivid even though I was just in first and ssecond grade. I still go there regular Love that place. Howard(Bud) Boylin

Title: Re: Locals
Post by: Local on Feb 19, 04, 04:54:41 PM

ALOHA,
JUST BECAUSE I DO NOT LOG IN EVERY TIME! I GUES THAT MEANS I AM NOT ACTIVE?.
JUST TO LET YOU ALL KNOW I PRETTY MUCH READ THE BOARD EVERY DAY OR TWO AT THE MOST!
AND YES BUD JOE MELUSO IS MY DAD.

LOcal

Title: Re: Locals
Post by: Wrightwood on Feb 19, 04, 05:25:11 PM

Well welcome back...

Title: Re: Locals
Post by: Local on Feb 21, 04, 05:15:36 AM

ALOHA
Thanks Wrightwood.

LOcal

Title: Re: Locals
Post by: Tom on Feb 21, 04, 09:33:02 AM

LOcal,
  I knew Joe.   When I bought my first cabin up here in '73 it was a "Meluso" house and I have always thought that the construction was excellent.  Glad to see that some of the family still has some contact with Wrightwood.

Tom

Title: Re: Locals
Post by: Snowbird on Feb 21, 04, 10:18:46 AM

Aloha, Local!
If I am not mistaken you must have been in the class of '81. If that is so: I'm the the one in that year's yearbook page 23 down and left of your pic.
Still am in close contact to my family in Wrightwood.

Title: Re: Locals
Post by: Local on Feb 22, 04, 06:28:24 AM

TOM,
WE still own the house on Edna and lark, dad (Joe) is still alive and doing real good, he even still does some work, and still owns a boat.

SNOWBIRD,
looking forward to talking to you, i do not have the 81 yearbook.
No family in wrightwood, but i do keep in touch with some good friends that live in WW.
We miss the skiing, even though we get snow in Hawaii it is not like wrightwood......lol

LOcal

Title: Re: Locals
Post by: Bud on Feb 24, 04, 12:58:53 PM

We used to live on Edna (half of the old Blanton house Half of it burned down)Then we moved to the corner of Victorville and Irene just catty corner from Bob Wog. I've posted several pictures on classmates.com under Wrightwood Elementry. As soon as I can find out how to post them on this site I'll transfer them. Most of them are from the early fifties . Many familiar faces and I know Joe is in a couple . Any of these names sound familiar  Don Boylin ,Al Meyers, Earl Imbouton(spelling)

Title: Re: Locals
Post by: Local on Feb 24, 04, 06:01:50 PM

Bud,
Al Meyers, yes i knew him.
The other names no.
would love to see the pictures,of wrightwood elementary, maybe some pictures of my mom will be in them.
she was a teacher when the school was just three rooms. her name was Grace Meluso.
Thanks LOcal

Title: Re: Locals
Post by: Bud on Mar 02, 04, 12:08:46 PM

If you ever went to Wrightwood Elementary School or any other school for that matter Check out classmates.com. It doesn't cost anything but I've gotten in touch with several people from Wrightwood and other old friends. To send messasages they do charge but I'm a paid member and will be glad to get send messages for anyone. Give it a try There's lots of pictures that bring back lots of memories.My first year the only two classrooms were the auditorium sepatated by a partition Mrs. Lewis and Mrs Goodspeed were the only two teachers.  Bud

Title: Re: Locals
Post by: llbank on Mar 04, 04, 12:33:35 AM

Hi Bud,
Glad to see you made it WrightwoodCalif.com. I posted some of the elementary pictures on classmates. I'm the one who grew up in the house your mom & sister live in today! It was two teachers when I went to the Elementary school too! Three grades in one classroom! School stilll looks a lot like it did then except a few more buildings. No problem with traffic back then!

Title: Re: Locals
Post by: Bud on Mar 05, 04, 11:51:26 AM

Hi Chris , My sister told me about this and now I'm trying to figure out how to post some pics. I want to transfer some from classmates. Maybe some day we'll meet again. I try to get up there at least every other month.  Bud

Title: Re: Locals
Post by: Wrightwood on Apr 02, 04, 10:13:42 AM

Local you'll probably enjoy this one  ::)

Here's a photo from 1949 that Pat Krig brought by to have scanned.

The caption on the back reads:
Pat Krig, Joe Meluso, Eunice Christionsen, ?, ?, ?, Grace Meluso

(I think that outdoor oven still stands right across the street from the WW Country Club )

(http://www.wrightwoodcalif.com/history/1949PatKrigJoeMeluso.JPG)

Title: Re: Locals
Post by: Local on Apr 02, 04, 05:51:14 PM

Title: Re: Locals
Post by: Artyce on Apr 09, 04, 01:35:20 PM

I am so thrilled to make contact with other people who have lived in Wrightwood. My Family lived there from about 1945 until 1951. My brother Vern Ewen worked for Joe Meluso, and also for Tex Couchane. I went to the little school with Mary Lewis as teacher. Then after I was going to Jr. High In Victorville, Grace Meluso was also teaching. I have many great memories of a more 'innocent' time, but I do have to agree with one person who wrote that it was rowdy. That it was. But we could hike all over and never feel afraid. We had movies at the school every week. My close friend was Jane Bennett. Our house was on the corner of Cedar and Edna. We went to the Community Church which met at a beautiful home a few blocks higher on the hill on Cedar Street. I remember Al Meyer and many other people I read about in the letters on this site.  It was a great time in my life and one I will never forget. Artyce Ewen Homan

Title: Re: Locals
Post by: Local on Apr 19, 04, 08:29:48 AM

Title: Re: Locals
Post by: betsylou on Jul 07, 04, 10:18:47 AM

I think my ex worked for Meluso, just a few years back.
Does he have a thick foreign accent?
He does some wonderful rock work, if this is the same man.  It gets me to
thinking, I haven't seen him in almost a year now, does anyone know if he's okay?
Or if this is the same man?

Title: Re: Locals
Post by: Local on Jul 07, 04, 06:30:02 PM

Betsylou,
Sorry Mr Meluso does not a have foreign accent, good luck in your search!!!

LOcal

Title: Re: Locals
Post by: GRAHAM_RANCH on Aug 13, 04, 08:41:55 AM

OUR FAMILY HAS BEEN IN THE WRIGHTWOOD SINCE AROUND 1961, MOM AND DAD (JOHN AND CAROL GRAHAM) OWNED A PRINT SHOP UP HERE, WE LIVED AND RAN ACORN LODGE FOR QUITE A WHILE (I WAS BAPTIZED IN THE ICY WATERS OF THE SWIMMING POOL, AND WE LIVED AND RAN THE MOUNTAIN STABLES. ONCE DAD HAD TO GRAB A HORSE AND ROUND UP THIRTY HORSES WHO HAD GOTTEN OUT AND DECIDED TO MOSEY ON DOWN TO WRIGHTWOOD. HE WAS IN A SUIT, PREPAIRING TO GO DOWN BELOW TO L.A., WHERE HE WORKED AS A COP. MEMORIES STILL FLOW STRONGLY ABOUT OUR LIFE UP HERE, KNOWN THE AHERNS, BURNS, STEINMANNS, THE LOVES...JUST SO MANY COOL PEOPLE IN A SMALL PLACE THAT WE STILL CALL HOME.

Title: Re: Locals
Post by: Local on Aug 14, 04, 06:04:20 AM

Title: Re: Locals
Post by: LasPulgas on Aug 16, 04, 09:06:24 AM

BOY

SOME things have really changed....      :'(

Title: Re: Locals
Post by: Tammy on Aug 22, 04, 03:17:23 AM

I've lived here full time since 1972(I'm now 40),started 2nd grade with Mrs.Ahern,and lived catty corner from the acorn lodge as a kid. My family has been around for ever too! I have 2 pics ,they belonged to my grandparents,that I think are from the 30's,one is at big pines, the arch is there and the other is the old zoo I'd love to add them but dont know how.
Local~ you knew my sister really well!!(shelley) I believe you may still have a scar above your eye from her!And them Burns Boys,they look exactly like they did when we were kids,its funny. sorry to say that Mr.Burns passed away recently,he'll be missed. I'm now raising my kids up here (14 and 15) couldn't think of a better place to raise them!
remember "the wall"at the top of town! it was recently tore down.also,we're trying to get those great dances started again at the community building for thekids,they havent done those since we were teens.we had a great reunion a couple of years ago,Its to bad you couldn't make it, youda had a great time!Tell Dena hi!

Title: Re: Locals
Post by: Local on Aug 22, 04, 02:19:39 PM

Aloha Damtam1,
THE WALL IS GONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! SAD DAY FOR THE OLD LOCALS AND THE LOCAL KIDS. I spent many of Wrightwood's warm summer nights meeting flatlanders on that wall.
YES i still have the scar, i will never forget that day!!!!
We did go to the reunion in Lake Arrowhead, but could make the one in Wrightwood.
It's great to know that a few LOCALS from our time in Wrightwood still live their and remember THE WALL and the dances, WHEN WRIGHTWOOD WAS WRIGHTWOOD.
Sorry to hear about MR Burns passing, i can still feel the pool on hot Wrightwood days, it was a sad day in Wrightwood when they filled it in.

LOcal

Title: Re: Locals
Post by: YosemiteSam on Aug 23, 04, 03:00:46 PM

After seeing the GRAHM RANCH post, I think I know you and went to school with you.  I remember a couple of boys, the twins and a girl.  We went to First Baptist ( Jack O'Neil Pastor ) and I got baptized in the same cold pool in 1963.  The church started in the Green house on Hwy 2 then moved to where Sunrise is now.  We lived at Skyline Farm from '58 - '63.  My parents (Doug and Betty) were good friends with Jack and Carol.

Teachers at the 3-room school were Slocumb, and Capron that I recall.  Principal was Joe Pratt.  I went to school with his son David.  The westerly room from the orrigonal school was the auditorium, stage, cafateria and 1st & 2nd Grade class room.  Every day around 11:00 some ladys would come in and set up for lunch.  

Yosemite Sam

Title: Re: Locals
Post by: Eric on Oct 03, 04, 04:18:39 AM

My goodness,I sat on that wall way too much
        Eric

Title: Re: Locals
Post by: Local on Oct 03, 04, 03:58:02 PM

Eric,
At least you had the chance too sit on the "WALL" too much.
It is gone, so just keep the memory of the "WALL" for all us old LOcals!!!!!!!


LOCal

Title: Re: Locals
Post by: Eric on Oct 04, 04, 03:31:12 AM

when did they tear that infamous " get ready for the dance" wall down local?
 I rember telling the rents "going to the wall"or " we're going to town".My kids don't go hang around like that  in this small Texas town.For one,the summer is just too brutal down here.Also all the electronics are here.It's kinda bitter sweet.I always know where they are  but................they're always here!
       Hey local,when are you getting up there again?

Title: Re: Locals
Post by: Local on Oct 04, 04, 05:03:36 AM

Eric,
I do not know when they tore the wall down, damtam1 one said it was torn down "recently".
I will be in WRIGHTWOOD the first week of November, to clean out my dads garage.

LOcal

Title: Re: Locals
Post by: raddog on Oct 21, 04, 07:09:37 PM

I am a relatively new local to Wrightwood.  I moved up here in 1989 and don't see myself moving away from it.  I'm 21 years old I went to Wrightwood Elementary, Pinon Mesa, and Serrano I love Wrightwood and I couldn't see myself living anywhere else.

Title: Re: Locals
Post by: sailup on Oct 07, 05, 08:34:21 AM

I used to have a boat on the same dock as Joe Meluso in Dana Point.  Heard all kinds of wonderful stories about Wrightwood through the years that I was down there.  You should be proud to call Joe your dad, as he has touched the lives of many people through the years.  Have not heard from them since 1998 when we moved to Texas.  Glad to hear that he is still doing well.   

Title: Re: Locals
Post by: Local on Oct 09, 05, 09:29:48 PM

Sailup what boat did Joe have? Consort or Radiant? And what boat was your's?
Well pops just sold the house in wrightwood sad day for us, but it's a good thing!!
He is going on his last Newport/Ensanada race in april, then going to be puting the boat up for sale. After all he just turned 87.....

Aloha LOcal

Title: Re: Locals
Post by: Local on Mar 04, 06, 11:47:20 AM

Don't really know how to say this without offending any of you "local" people that live in wrightwood now. A lot of my old LOCAL friends have e-mailed me, and mentioned that there seems to be nothing but bickering and nonsense going on in Wrightwood. We are all glad that we grew up in Wrightwood when WRIGHTWOOD WAS WRIGHTWOOD.

LOcal

Title: Re: Locals
Post by: 300 on Mar 04, 06, 12:07:29 PM

You need to explain bickering and nonsense.
How can old timers compare a growing town with a sleepy little village?
I've seen this town grow over the years and see more cooperation between local folks than ever before.

Title: Re: Locals
Post by: Naughty pines on Mar 04, 06, 12:12:32 PM

Quote from: Local on Mar 04, 06, 11:47:20 AM

Don't really know how to say this without offending any of you "local" people that live in wrightwood now. A lot of my old LOCAL friends have e-mailed me, and mentioned that there seems to be nothing but bickering and nonsense going on in Wrightwood. We are all glad that we grew up in Wrightwood when WRIGHTWOOD WAS WRIGHTWOOD.

LOcal

There is no more bickering or nonsense here in Wrightwood than there is in any place else in the world. :soap: :grouphug:

Title: Re: Locals
Post by: Local on Mar 04, 06, 12:50:29 PM

Maybe i should have not said bickering and nonsense in WRIGHTWOOD. BUT on this forum...... I read most of the post's on here, as well as my friends. and it is just an observation that we have made. Like i said i am not trying offend anyone!!
Our family has history going back to the late 1940's in Wrightwood.
LIKE RODNEY KING SAID CAN'T WE ALL GET ALONG?????


LOcal

Title: Re: Locals
Post by: wwpt on Mar 04, 06, 03:39:23 PM

 

     C'mon Local...you know the drill  ...the only thing you hear more about WW after how good a place it is...is how it's falling apart and isn't the same...They go hand in hand, don't they? LOL

   It just wouldn't be WW if you didn't say Hi to someone in Jensens, and every one  wants to know when the babys due. ::)

Title: Re: Locals
Post by: Naughty pines on Mar 04, 06, 04:11:17 PM

Quote from: Naughty pines on Mar 04, 06, 12:12:32 PM

Quote from: Local on Mar 04, 06, 11:47:20 AM

Don't really know how to say this without offending any of you "local" people that live in wrightwood now. A lot of my old LOCAL friends have e-mailed me, and mentioned that there seems to be nothing but bickering and nonsense going on in Wrightwood. We are all glad that we grew up in Wrightwood when WRIGHTWOOD WAS WRIGHTWOOD.

LOcal

There is no more bickering or nonsense here in Wrightwood than there is in any place else on the net. :soap: :grouphug:

Title: Re: Locals
Post by: hill okie on Mar 05, 06, 02:37:25 PM

Bottom line is, there is nowhere else in Calif. I'd rather live!!!!

Title: Re: Locals
Post by: Leftfield on Mar 05, 06, 09:44:50 PM

I can imagine that folks were a lot more polite back when people would bite their tongues instead of slighting one another so publicly like this forum.  I think it was a time when women wear heels in the kitchen. 

Title: Locals
Post by: sailup on Apr 11, 06, 12:27:13 PM

The boat was Reliant, and I did the 48th and 49th Newport Ensenda with them.  Also, spent one Christmas at the Laguna house with you all.  My boat was Andiamo, then Argus.

Your pop is the genuine article, no matter how much he likes to portray that rough italian exterior.  When talking with old friends, Joe Meluso's name always comes up, as he has positively impacted the lives of many people through the years.  His ethics, hard work and life's events have been passed down to me, and I am sure many others, as we always relate back to the time spent listening to him tell his stories while puffing on his pipe.  It is in that image we strive to be.

Title: Re: Locals
Post by: Local on Apr 12, 06, 11:02:09 AM

Thanks for the reply; I am still trying to figure out your name.

Pop sure did impact many people, and still does.
One of my old bosses here in Hawaii, was e-mailing a friend of his and my name was in the addresses. Apparently his friend had worked for pops many years ago recognized the "MELUSO" name. So the legend lives on.
Thank you for the comments.

LoCaL

Title: Re: Locals
Post by: kawasaki_girl on May 01, 06, 08:29:32 AM

My grandfather built a cabin here, in 1964. He passed away, and my grandmother dosen't remember what street it was on. I have one photo of it, I will try to scan into my computer and put on here, if anyone recognizes it.

We moved here 6 years ago... and it is a great place to live.

Title: Re: Locals
Post by: Local on May 02, 06, 11:29:22 PM

Robilin,
I am sure; if you post the picture someone will recognize your grandfathers cabin and the street.

Wrightwood is a great place to live; many of my Local friends still live there. If I were to live in America! I would be in Wrightwood or Idaho.

LOcAL

Title: Re: Locals
Post by: RobertW on May 03, 06, 11:21:58 AM

Title: Re: Locals
Post by: Bud on May 03, 06, 05:34:56 PM

And Wrightwood has spuds too :o

Title: Re: Locals
Post by: Local on May 03, 06, 07:20:58 PM

Title: Re: Locals
Post by: Flower on May 03, 06, 07:40:42 PM

My kids and I love IZ!!!  We are huge fans of the big man!

 :offtopic:  oops - sorry!   ;)

Title: Re: Locals
Post by: RobertW on May 03, 06, 07:44:13 PM

Title: Re: Locals
Post by: Local on May 03, 06, 09:27:29 PM

RobertW,
You should get
IZ in concert great cd if you do not have it.

Title: Re: Locals
Post by: kawasaki_girl on May 03, 06, 11:11:14 PM

I will do that.. when I can find a  spare minute!! thanks!

Title: Re: Locals
Post by: FirePig on Dec 02, 06, 05:22:47 PM

Hi all,

My father, Loren "Swede" Davis, was a resident of Wrightwood from about 1961-1964. My folks were divorced but I spent every other weekend in Wrightwood.  Dad was a test pilot at Edwards and also flew air attack for the Forest Service during fire season. There were a couple other USFS pilots in town at the time. One, Al Adolph, was dads best friend. Al was lost while fighting a fire in a B-17 in the mid 70's. There was another fellow in town that dad always said was one of the craziest pilots he had ever seen. Don't remember his name.

Dad was also on the ski patrol at Holiday Hill and Blue Ridge.

Dad moved overseas in 1964 when he took a job as chief test pilot for a German company. He was lost on a test flight in 1965. He was planning to move back to Wrightwood when his contract was up.

I remember Keenan Wynn, Lee Marvin and Steve McQueen as they all spent time in Wrightwood and the four of them raced motorcycles together. I fondly remember riding around town and in the hills as the monkey in Keenan's sidehack. There was also a gal in town named Jeannie that dad was dating. She drove a small pickup like a Ranchero or El Camino.

I went to GoogleEarth and looked up Wrightwood trying to see if I could remember where dad lived.  I think it was near Edna and Apple.  Must be about 25 years since I've been down that way. Could probably find it driving around but not from satellite photos.

Anyway, I found this site through an article and link on a wildland firefighter website (www.wildlandfire.com) I hang out on and wanted to say howdy.

Best,

Loren Davis, Jr.
Kenwood, CA

Title: Re: Locals
Post by: Gary_Armitstead on Dec 17, 06, 08:25:55 PM

Our family has owned a cabin in Wrightwood since 1925. My grandfather, George Gartling, built the place starting in '25. He added a second floor in the thirties and the cabin has remained unchanged since then. My mom and dad met up here in the late thirties. My late sister met Johnny Wakely, son of Jimmy and Inez Wakely (country singer and actor, who had a cabin here) in the early sixties. They were married in 1965. My sister passed away in 2004, my mom just this last September. My dad is stay going at 92, but doesn't come up anymore. I had to rent the cabin to pay for Pop's medical bills. I am going to hold on to the old place for my kids. My first time in Wrightwood was Easter 1944 and I've been coming up here ever since. It's God's Country.

Title: Re: Locals
Post by: Wrightwood on Dec 17, 06, 08:29:21 PM

Gary,
Welcome to the Wrightwood Forum!

Title: Re: Locals
Post by: Local on Jul 03, 07, 05:46:17 PM

OK all the old locals that we grew up together!!! make sure you look at the school reunion. in school news above.

LocAl

Title: Re: Locals
Post by: Local on Nov 05, 07, 06:10:12 PM

First snow of the season for us in Hawaii.

lOCal(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v633/biffsmith69/kukiogolfclubhouse0032.jpg)

Title: Re: Locals
Post by: Local on Nov 05, 07, 06:16:42 PM

Dogs at the beach.(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v633/biffsmith69/easter013.jpg)

Title: Re: Locals
Post by: Stitches on Nov 05, 07, 06:27:11 PM

Wow.   Snow.    LUCKY!!!! 

Title: Re: Locals
Post by: love_walnuts on Nov 05, 07, 08:45:38 PM

What is the elevation? Is that Diamondhead in the background, or another peak?

Title: Re: Locals
Post by: Local on Nov 05, 07, 09:16:49 PM

The snow is on Mauna Kea on the island of Hawaii, don't have my map handy but the elevation is around 13,798 from sea
Level. The tallest mountain in the world, if you were to measure it from the very bottom of the sea floor to the top of the mountain.
We are the only island in the Hawaii island chain that receives snow, on Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa.

Title: Re: Locals
Post by: Stitches on Nov 06, 07, 07:39:38 AM

Is the mountain easily accessible to skier?   If so, you can ski in the morning and surf in the afternoon.   That's why my husband loves it in Wrightwood.

Title: Re: Locals
Post by: Coach on Nov 06, 07, 12:30:16 PM

Hey Local,
Nice photos, the Islands are always great this time of year!  A few years back I heard some of your family was living in the Crestline or Running Springs area.  I hope that they did not experience any problems with all of the fires.

By the way, Wrightwood is still Wrightwood, as it was in our time, just a different set!  Always a cool place to be!

Coach

Title: Re: Locals
Post by: Local on Nov 06, 07, 05:59:53 PM

Title: Re: Locals
Post by: Merle on Mar 04, 08, 06:29:01 PM

Hi, my name is Merle and I lived in WW from 1965 to around 1972.  I don't know if anyone is still there that I would remember.  I remember the Carter's, the Steinmans when they owned Holiday Hill.  My family were ski instructors there and I taught the Heidi Kiddy Ski School.  Our first house was at the top of town called "Owls Nest".  Then we moved to a house on Apple, and finally bought Pop Drawerys (spelling?) house on Lark near the church "Our Lady of the Snows".  I remember Tom LaFetra.  I went to school at Apple Valley High, and went to school with a bunch of people from Wrightwood, but can't remember alot of last names.  Would love to find some of them.  I also remember "Lenny and Derek"  Two brothers who used to ride "choppers" and taught me how to ride.  If anyone remembers any of these people, please let me know.  Email is mlevy5@aol.com 
I miss Wrightwood terribly.  I don't even live that far, but my husband does not like the cold weather, so I never get up there.
I am sure alot has changed, but from the sounds of this web site, alot is still as it was when I was there.

Title: Re: Locals
Post by: Merle on Mar 04, 08, 06:34:07 PM

correction:  to the previous post,  it was Pop Drury's house.

Title: Re: Locals
Post by: RobertW on Mar 04, 08, 06:44:38 PM

Quote from: Merle on Mar 04, 08, 06:34:07 PM

correction:  to the previous post,  it was Pop Drury's house.

My grandfather was Al Schobert who lived just above you on Robin.  My brother and I would live with our Grandparents during the summers and holidays during the mid to late 60's.  We often looked down on Drury's house from our porch as we'd listen to the Dodger games (grandpa had outside speakers so he could listen to the game while watering the property).  Nothing much has changed on the lots between us.  Tanner's place across the street from Pop Drury's place is still there and looks pretty much the same and the 2 lots between Lark and Robin, between us are still vacant.  That is pretty rare now in Wrightwood as it seems all the vacant lots are being built on.

Title: Re: Locals
Post by: Merle on Mar 04, 08, 08:46:51 PM

ok, here is another question, Where and what is Wrightwood Country Club?  We used to go to Twin Lakes, but is that the same place?

Title: Re: Locals
Post by: Wrightwood on Mar 04, 08, 08:58:03 PM

Yes Twin Lakes is now Wrightwood Country Club however they did cover over one of the lakes and now there is only 1.

Title: Re: Locals
Post by: Merle on Mar 04, 08, 09:05:03 PM

Thank you.  I guess I am going to have to make the trip up there soon and take a look around.

Title: Re: Locals
Post by: Local on Mar 04, 08, 11:36:15 PM

You know i tried posting but was kicked out for some reason saying i was not logged in......... and i was logged in, so my novel and answers are lost darn..........


LOcAL

Merle you should get back up to WW i was there in November, spent the night cruised up to Inspiration Point....
Local

Title: Re: Locals
Post by: Merle on Mar 05, 08, 12:35:14 AM

Oh I do remember Inspiration Point!!  I would swear we saw ufo's.  Of course that was the late 60's early 70's.  Some of my best memories were sitting in the freezing cold in the middle of the night, with Heinz Stienman and the gang at Holiday Hill making snow.

Title: Re: Locals
Post by: Merle on Mar 05, 08, 11:20:15 AM

I just remembered a few of the names of people we used to hang out with:  Doug Henderson, Terry Pulver, Mike Gates, Randy, Tom, and anther brother Carter.  Are any of them still around?

Title: Re: Locals
Post by: roynlorimoore on Sep 13, 08, 01:07:02 AM

Hi.  I too had Lorraine Joslin for a madrigal teacher in 1968.  We made that same trip to her cabin on Apple, I think.  I went to Sequoia Jr. High then.

Quote from: WWMtnGal on Dec 27, 02, 09:18:50 AM

Local,
     You are so very welcome!  I do love it here and am so thankful that I am able to live here and enjoy the natural surroundings of our beautiful village.  I am so glad that you can come to this website and reminise about your family and your childhood.  That is such a special memory to have.  When I started coming here in 1965 my first visit was with my music teacher at the time.  She taught in the Fontana School District and she brought some of us who were in a special musical class up for the weekend.  Her name was Lorraine Joslin and she lived here for many years before having to be put in a home before she passed on.  Anyway, welcome back and so nice to hear from you!

 ;)

Title: Re: Locals
Post by: setagsunny on Dec 08, 15, 08:38:25 AM

I am a genealogist working with the Joslin family to compile remembrances about Lorraine Joslin, school teacher in the 1960's and 1970's.  People that knew her loved her.   Would love to hear your stories.  Thanks

Title: Re: Locals
Post by: walter k on Dec 08, 15, 02:15:30 PM

anyone know of a cabin builder here in 1920 named John Schoenkraut or something like that?   

Title: Re: Locals
Post by: duitoit on Jan 16, 16, 09:00:42 PM

Just found the this web page. What a trip back in time. My family started coming to Wrightwood around 1957 or so. We had a cabin at Quail and Phaesant and during some remodeling it burnt to the ground. My father replaced the cabin and we became full time weekenders. Summers at Twin Lakes and winters at Holiday Hill. I moved to Wrightwood around 1964. I had my first "legal" beer served by Mike Scruggs at the Yodeler. It was a great time. I worked for Eddy Scheider at Skyline Construction. But when it snowed we all went to Holiday Hill and worked there for Heinz Steinamn. Worked at Holiday Hill and installed the 2nd snow making equipment in Southern California after snow summit. All of us were on the volunteer fire department where Mike Scruggs was the fire chief. While hanging around the fire department there was a bulletin on the board about something to do with a traffic officer. Lonnie, who was the resident sheriff at the time, convinced me to take the test. I did and became a CHP officer and had to move from Wrightwood back to Los Angeles. I have always had a place in my heart for Wrightwood. I was a great place to live.

Title: Re: Locals
Post by: Local on Oct 20, 16, 10:37:30 AM

Just wanted to let you all know I am still around and do snoop the pages of this forum....I just got in contact with the owner of our old house and love the fact that he is keeping it original as possible.....

Title: Re: Locals
Post by: Local on Mar 17, 18, 02:19:14 PM

How is everyone doing? Me I am still living the good life in Hawaii I don't do winter......