Turn of the 20th Century

at the Top of the Hill

Aug 11, 1900

The first “locomobile” arrived in the village to “bonfires and cheers.” Dr. Walter Lindley was the driver.

1901

• “Idyllwild Sanatorium” opens for tuberculosis patients with much fanfare

• First reference to the “San Jacinto Peak” appears on U.S.G.S. survey maps

Summer 1902

The Hemet-Idyllwild Stage Coach opened daily, first-class service.  The jolting ride took at least a half a day and the horses were rested and watered at shady Oak Cliff.

July 1903

Idyllwild Sanitorium closed, was remodeled and reopened as “Strawberry Valley Hotel: The Pleasure Seeker’s Paradise.” Ralph A. Lowe remained as manager.

April 20, 1904

During a ferocious Wednesday snowstorm, Idyllwild’s famous Strawberry Valley Hotel burned to the ground.  Within 40 minutes, only one upright piece of the main structure remained. Ten cottages, the store, bowling alley, electric plant and steam laundry were saved by local volunteers.

Summer 1905

A new, single-story hotel was opened called “The Bungalow,” which it remained for only a year before it was repurchased by Los Angeles real estate magnates Strong & Dickenson and renamed “The Idyllwild Inn.”

1906

The newly remodeled “Idyllwild Inn” opens.

1914

Cecille B. Demille and fifteen actors resided at Keen Camp during the filming of “The Squaw Man.”  “The Girl of the Golden West” was also filmed there at that time.

September 1915

Fire destroyed the main lodge at Keen Camp.

Spring 1916

“The largest ballroom in Riverside County” was opened at Keen Camp along with a newer, bigger hotel with a dining room capacity of 200 guests.

November 1917

With increasing competition at Keen Camp, Claudius Lee Emerson, a San Jacinto Banker, purchased the Idyllwild Inn and surrounding 1,000 acres for $100,000. 

1925

Tahquitz Boy Scout honor society was created.