Twentynine Palms in San Bernardino County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Good Times at Smith's Ranch

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, June 18, 2014

1. Good Times at Smith's Ranch Marker

Inscription. Bill Smith arrived in 29 Palms in 1923, driving his Model T Ford. To provide for early homesteading needs he began the development of Smith’s Ranch. Bill and his brother, Harry, drilled a well and provided water to fellow settlers. Bill’s shower, swimming pool, and shade of his athol trees were a welcome place to cool off on hot summer days.

Thelma Mead came to 29 Palms with her parents in 1928. Bill delighted the matchmakers when he picked Thelma for his bride. They were married June 29, 1930. The marriage of Bill and Thelma was blessed with six children. They were acclaimed as the first of the homesteaders to have children born in 29 Palms. With lofty dreams and hard work, this ambitious pioneer couple developed an ice house, dairy, ice cream parlor, outdoor theatre, recreational hall, and trailer park.

Bill and Thelma inspired a love for the beauty of this desert in their children. Family and friends often return to sit together under the big athol trees and reminisce about the good times at Smith’s Ranch.

Erected 2002 by Action 29 Palms. (Marker Number 19.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Entertainment • Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1923.

Location. 34°

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8.358′ N, 116° 3.28′ W. Marker is in Twentynine Palms, California, in San Bernardino County. Marker is at the intersection of Adobe Road and Gorgonio Drive, on the left when traveling north on Adobe Road. Mural and marker cover the south side of the building at this address. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 6298 Adobe Road, Twentynine Palms CA 92277, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Cattle Days in Hidden Valley (a few steps from this marker); Jack Cones (within shouting distance of this marker); Keys' Desert Queen Ranch (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Flash Flood (about 400 feet away); The Desert Trail (about 500 feet away); Oasis of Mara (approx. 0.3 miles away); Minerva Hamilton Hoyt (approx. 1.2 miles away); Champion of the Desert (approx. 1.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Twentynine Palms.

More about this marker. Mural artist: Tim O'Connor of Twentynine Palms, CA

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Oasis of Murals • 29 Palms

Also see . . . Smith's Ranch Drive-in. First opened in 1954, the Smith's Ranch Drive-in is still going strong. It is a single screen drive-in that is open year round although they only show movies on the weekends

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, June 18, 2014

2. Good Times at Smith's Ranch Marker

during the winter or off-season. The drive-in is a great bargain at $5 admission for a double feature. But they only accept cash, so leave the credit cards at home. (Submitted on January 28, 2021, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

Good Times at Smith's Ranch Mural (<i>right detail</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, June 18, 2014

3. Good Times at Smith's Ranch Mural (right detail)

Good Times at Smith's Ranch Mural image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, June 18, 2014

4. Good Times at Smith's Ranch Mural

Credits. This page was last revised on January 29, 2021. It was originally submitted on January 28, 2021, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 195 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on January 28, 2021, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.