The Desert Trail

The Desert Trail. Bill and Prudie Underhill. After barnstorming across the United States from his native Wisconsin in 1914 and serving his country in World War I, the urge to homestead brought Bill Underhill to 29 Palms in 1928. He helped build roads and the first swimming pool, and was active in the area's first civic organization, American Legion Post 729., Seven years after arriving in the area, Bill's desire to help the community led him to establish a weekly newspaper, which he named The Desert Trail. The four-page inaugural issue published on April 18, 1935., "Watch Twentynine Palms Grow!" proclaimed a front-page announcement that included Bill's vow that the newspaper would "do all within its power to foster and perpetuate harmony and be of mutual assistance as behooves any enterprise, especially in a practically new community such as this.", In 1941, Bill married Prudence Mason of Pasadena and the two set out to provide their friends and neighbors with wholesome fun and entertainment through the newspaper, their indoor movie theater, drive-in theater and roller rink. Bill Underhill was an originator of Pioneer Days, and the first Old Timers Reunion was held at the couple's home here in 1960., Proud parents of Ann and William James, the Underhills were active in community affairs as a couple until Bill's death on Jan. 22, 1984. As this mural was dedicated, Prudie continued to be an integral part of life in Twentynine Palms, maintaining her membership in a number of civic groups and attending community events on a regular basis.