Clubhouse — Photo by Unknown Approximately 1945-1955

The following information is from a brochure of the Searles Valley Historical Society.  Be sure to pick up something from the Gift Shop when you visit the museum.

OLD GUEST HOUSE MUSEUM

13193 Main Street

Hours:

MONDAY, WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY, SATURDAY– 9am-Noon

TUESDAY, FRIDAY – 10am –1pm

or By Appointment (call)

(760) 372-4800 (760) 372-4884

(760) 372-5230 (760) 372-5885

(760) 372-5064 (760) 372-4600

HISTORY HOUSE

83001 Panamint Street

By Appointment Only

SEARLES VALLEY POINTS OF INTEREST

SALT WELLS CANYON (POISON CANYON)

This canyon commonly called “Poison Canyon” because surface water usually present in the upper part of the canyon was believed to contain poisonous chemicals.

The rock-walled canyon was carved originally by the Owens River when that river flowed into Searles Valley at the close of the last two ice ages.

When traveling west through the canyon, at one point on the north wall an outline of the rocks closely resembles the profile of Abraham Lincoln.

When traveling east, a rock formation resembling fish may be seen. These rocks were originally known the “Whale Heads” but the name later changed to “Fish Head Rocks”.

A few Indian petroglyphs are located in one of the canyon.

TRONA PINNACLES

A spectacular group of calcareous tufa towers located in the southwest corner of Searles Valley. This National Natural Landmark is about 12 miles south of Trona and is accessible via a 5-mile dirt road (not recommended in wet weather) from the end of State Highway 178.

The Pinnacles formed in the ancient Searles Lake from upwelling ground water.

MAGNESIUM

This siding on the Trona Railway about 1 mile southeast of the end of State Highway 178 (and on the road to the Pinnacles) is the site of the terminus of the Magnesium Monorail road which ran from this point across the Searles Lake to haul Epson salt from a deposit 14 miles south/west of Death Valley.This unique monorail system was abandoned in 1926 after having been in service for about two years.  from more about the monorail go to: Epsom Salts Monorail Rail Road Pictures

TRONA, CALIFORNIA

Trona, California is located in Searles Valley in the northwest corner of San Bernardino County and is adjacent to Inyo County on the north, Directly west of Trona about 15 miles, is the Kern County boundary. Historically Trona is near the old Jay-hawkers Trail leading out of Death Valley, and is geographically in the Greater Mojave Desert.

SEARLES LAKE BORAX DISCOVERY

California Registered Historical Landmark No. 774

The landmark reads as follows:

Borax was discovered on the nearby surface of Searles Lake in 1862. With his bother, Dennis he formed the San Bernardino Borax Mining Company in 1873 and operated it until 1897. These chemicals in Searles Lake which include borax, potash, salt cake and lithium were deposited here by the runoff waters from melting ice age glaciers. John Searles discovery has proved to be the world’s richest chemical storehouse, containing half the natural elements known to man.

The Plaque placed by the Death Valley ‘49ers. Inc., the American Potash & Chemical Corp., and the West End Chemical Division of Stauffer Chemical Corp. November 8, 1962.

INDIAN JOE’S CANYON

A large spring in a canyon about one mile south of Great Falls. The canyon is not accessible by car. John W. Searles planted a garden and fruit tress at this spot and named it Indian Joe Spring. The Produce was intended to help feed the workers at the borax operation on the Searles Lake. Some of the fruit trees and grape vines still grow there.

VALLEY WELLS

State Registered Landmark No. 443

The landmark reads as follows:

In this area, several groups of Midwestern emigrants who had escaped from hazards and privations in Death Valley in 1849 sought to secure water from Searles Lake. When they discovered its salt nature they turned north and westward in despair and with trial crossed Argus and other mountains to reach settlements on central and southern California.

This Historical Monument was placed by the Trona Lions Club and dedicated in June 1982.

GREAT FALLS CANYON

An intermittent stream, from springs on the east side of Argus Peak, tumbles over rocks and a cliff about 25 ft. high at this point. The flow of water generally diminishes to a trickle in the fall and early winter.

HOMEWOOD CANYON (Wibbet Canyon)

A desert mountain residential community about 10 miles north of Trona in the Argus Mountains. Yards and gardens are watered from local wells.

The historical Ruth mine, at the end of the paved road through the canyon, is an inactive mine which operated to World War II.

Dr.Homer R. Evans and Fred Austin Sr. backed Doug Graham each receiving a 1/4 interest in the mine. Graham retained 1/2 interest. Doug Graham lived in a small cabin that once belonged to Theo Wibbit not far from where the canyon starts as you as you leave the flat land and start up the canyon from the Trona road. The cabin was on the right side of the road going up the canyon up on a little rise maybe 40′ above the level of the road. There wasn’t a lot of it left in the 60s. Graham was attacked at the cabin by a relative from the east who believed he had gold stashed in the cabin. He beat Graham up pretty good. By the time Graham was able to get into Trona for help riding a burro. He died several days later as a result of the beating and exposure. At some point in the 30’s the Ruth was leased to the Burton Brothers. They are the ones that built all the building and the mill. At one time there was a school for the miners children, assay office, blacksmith’s shop, bunkhouse, good water system, in short it was pretty much a small village.

SLATE RANGE CROSSING

This point on the Trona-Wildrose road affords a magnificent view of Panamint Valley and the Panamint Mountains, including 11,049 ft Telescope Peak, generally covered with snow in the winter an spring.

From this point the old stagecoach and wagon road built in the late 19th century by Remi Nadeau, the top freighter of the Panamint Valley as well as other areas, can be still be seen where it winds through the hills and heads straight across the Panamint Valley.

HISTORICAL SOCIETY

The Searles Valley Historical Society was organized in 1979 as a non-profit corporation. Its primary purpose is to bring together people interested in history, especially in the history of Searles Valley and to preserve the history of Searles Valley for future generations.

The Society publishes a quarterly newsletter “The Ol’ Timer”, sent to all museum members

HISTORY HOUSE

One of the oldest residential houses in Trona (built around 1920) located at 83001 Panamint Street. In 1986, Kerr-McGee Chemical Corporation, the resident chemical company, donated the house to the Historical Society. With the acquisition of this property, the Historical Society really began to flourish.

Caboose – In the lot adjacent to the house is the “Trona Railway” caboose. Built in 1958, this caboose was acquired from the Trona Railway in 1993.

OLD GUEST HOUSE MUSEUM

This building was built around 1912 and is one of the oldest buildings in Searles Valley. It was originally built as 4 apartments; then remodeled into a guesthouse with 12 rooms for visitors to Trona since there was no housing. The building has been remodeled several times since with the addition of evaporative coolers and gas heaters. Originally it was heated with steam from the Chemical Plant.


In 1991, North American Chemical Company donated the building at 13193 Main Street to Historical Society, which we named the “Old Guest House Museum”. There are 8 rooms designated to show events in Searles Valley from early mining days (changes in plant ownership) to current day. The activities and organizations of the residents are reflected here also. There is an excellent source of information for research in our file room.

The chemical companies or residents and friends of the museum donated all display items.

The museum is open to the public and tour groups are welcome. New members are also welcome and dues are $15.00 per family per year. Life membership is $200.00 dollars.

Donations from visitors are appreciated but not required.