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

Brubaker Mann Inc.

Natural Colored Rocks

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, September 29, 2025

1. Brubaker Mann Inc. Marker

Inscription. Brubaker Mann Inc. started production in 1950 when two cousins, Ronald Brubaker and William Mann conceived a new project – naturally colored rock to be used for roofing and landscaping. Growing up in Pomona, the two men developed a love for the desert during Boy Scout trips to the Mojave. After serving in World War II, they went to college and a professor advised them to look for careers in construction because a post-war housing boom was underway. After graduation they bought the property where the company is still located and acquired an old crusher circa 1900, a wooden screen, and a dilapidated bucket elevator. The rock was broken with sledge hammers, fed into the mill and bagged in used sugar sacks. In 1979 Ronald Brubaker sold his share of the company to William Mann. After becoming semi-retired, Mr. Mann used his vast knowledge of the desert to author six guide books. Mr. Mann passed away in August 2006 and his wife became the sole owner.

captions (left to right):
• Bill Mann;s guide books are available at the Desert Discovery Center and the Mojave River Valley Museum.
• Dorothy (Dynamite) Mann and Bill (Shortfuse) Mann
• Ronald Brubaker 1926-2005
• QA340 rock crusher
• An American Products truck is loaded with rock and ready to head to San Diego. Early in the 1950's rock was transported

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in sugar sacks that were filled by hand.
• Front end loader

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1950.

Location. 34° 53.949′ N, 117° 1.479′ W. Marker is in Barstow, California, in San Bernardino County. It is at the intersection of North 3rd Avenue and East Main Street (Business Interstate 15), on the left when traveling north on North 3rd Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 239 E Main St, Barstow CA 92311, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Greater Los Angeles,

in the Mojave Desert,

in the Peninsular Ranges,

and specifically in the Transverse Ranges.

It is also in the American Southwest.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Ring of Fire,

in the Pacific Rim,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Gold (a few steps from this marker); Calico Mountain Mines (a few steps from this marker); Christiansen Memorial Plaza (within shouting distance of this marker); Father Garces (within shouting distance of this marker); Jedediah Smith (within shouting distance of this marker); John Charles Fremont (within shouting distance of this marker); Mojave Runners (within shouting distance of this marker); Kit Carson (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Barstow.

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, September 29, 2025

2. Brubaker Mann Inc. Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on November 24, 2025. It was originally submitted on November 12, 2025, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 55 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 12, 2025, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.