Idyllwild
California
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Idyllwild Area Historical Society
Our mission is to preserve the historical memories of long-time residents and the remaining buildings and artifacts of the San Jacinto Mountains. Our Museum is now open to display the photos, furniture, and other memorabilia of the mountain communities encompassing, Idyllwild, Garner Valley, Pine Cove, Pinewood, Stone Creek, and Mountain Center.
The spectacular San Jacinto mountain setting which awaited early visitors and settlers features the granite peak of Lily Rock rising above a dense forest of sugar and ponderosa pines. In the valley below, lush ferns and wild strawberry plants grew in profusion along the meandering trout filled stream. Strawberry Valley as Idyllwild was known in the 1870's was a pristine alpine area.
The mountain meadows were a favorite destination of sheepherders during the early years. The Domenigoni family of San Jacinto Valley came to this region and homesteaded a parcel in the early 1880's at the current site of Idyllwild Arts Academy. Driving cattle up from the valley floor, they pastured them in Strawberry Valley during the months when grasses afforded good grazing.
Utilizing the steep Strawberry Valley Toll Rd. built by Joseph Crawford in 1876, the mountain was soon opened to new settlers, lumbermen and an occasional vacationer. With the use of the toll road in 1889, Strawberry Valley Lumber company promoted camping at 50 cents per month, use of wood and water and amusements such as hotel, dance hall, crochet sets, swings, etc.
In the summer of 1890, George Hannahs and his wife Sarah opened Camp Idyllwild, to become the nucleus of an up and coming resort area. In 1893 a post office was established at the Hannahs' store and George Hannahs was appointed as the first postmaster. Later Idyllwild Sanatorium was built and promoted (1901), to treat tuberculosis patients. After 2 years it closed and the property remodeled into a resort called "Idyllwild Among the Pines." The name was shortened to Idyllwild after several years. In 1914 there were 50 permanent residences. The beauty and serenity of strawberry Valley entices Southern Californians today just as it did so many years ago.
The spectacular San Jacinto mountain setting which awaited early visitors and settlers features the granite peak of Lily Rock rising above a dense forest of sugar and ponderosa pines. In the valley below, lush ferns and wild strawberry plants grew in profusion along the meandering trout filled stream. Strawberry Valley as Idyllwild was known in the 1870's was a pristine alpine area.
The mountain meadows were a favorite destination of sheepherders during the early years. The Domenigoni family of San Jacinto Valley came to this region and homesteaded a parcel in the early 1880's at the current site of Idyllwild Arts Academy. Driving cattle up from the valley floor, they pastured them in Strawberry Valley during the months when grasses afforded good grazing.
Utilizing the steep Strawberry Valley Toll Rd. built by Joseph Crawford in 1876, the mountain was soon opened to new settlers, lumbermen and an occasional vacationer. With the use of the toll road in 1889, Strawberry Valley Lumber company promoted camping at 50 cents per month, use of wood and water and amusements such as hotel, dance hall, crochet sets, swings, etc.
In the summer of 1890, George Hannahs and his wife Sarah opened Camp Idyllwild, to become the nucleus of an up and coming resort area. In 1893 a post office was established at the Hannahs' store and George Hannahs was appointed as the first postmaster. Later Idyllwild Sanatorium was built and promoted (1901), to treat tuberculosis patients. After 2 years it closed and the property remodeled into a resort called "Idyllwild Among the Pines." The name was shortened to Idyllwild after several years. In 1914 there were 50 permanent residences. The beauty and serenity of strawberry Valley entices Southern Californians today just as it did so many years ago.