Cantil in Kern County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Florence "Pancho" Barnes

Photographed By Michael Kindig, January 15, 2012

1. Florence "Pancho" Barnes Marker

Inscription. Florence Leontine Lowe was born July 29, 1901 in Pasadena. Through an arranged marriage in 1921, she became the wife of a minister, Rankin Barnes. She ended her relationship with him a few years after bearing a son, Billy.

Florence acquired the nickname "Pancho" on a trip to Mexico in 1927 and returned to purchase her first airplane after her solo flight in 1928. She began performing stunts in airshows and movies. Soon she was winning races and toppling speed records. Pancho formed the Woman's Air Reserve and the Motion Picture Stunt Pilot Assoc.

In 1935, Pancho bought 80 acres of land near here and established the "Happy Bottom Riding Club", a ranch, bar, and civilian pilot's school. The club became the unofficial de-briefing room for pilots and engineers from the nearby flight testing center.

Pancho and her fourth husband, Gene McKendry, bought this property in 1958. She toured the world as a lecturer, honored by the Air Force and aviation organizations.

Pancho's heart failed in 1975 at her home in Boron, where she died. Her sense of adventure, integrity and independence is an example for all.

Erected 2000 by The Ancient and Honorable Order of E Clampus Vitus, Peter Lebeck Chapter No. 1866.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic

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lists: Air & Space • Industry & Commerce • Women. In addition, it is included in the E Clampus Vitus series list. A significant historical date for this entry is July 29, 1901.

Location. 35° 17.757′ N, 118° 0.387′ W. Marker is in Cantil, California, in Kern County. Marker is on Aerospace Highway (California Route 14), on the right when traveling south. Marker is located in front of the Jawbone Canyon Store. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 32629 Aerospace Highway, Cantil CA 93519, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 7 other markers are within 13 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Josephine Stephens Bishop (approx. 0.4 miles away); Desert Spring (approx. 3 miles away); Red Rock Canyon State Park (approx. 5 miles away); William Henry "Burro" Schmidt (approx. 10.8 miles away); The Randsburg - Mojave Road (approx. 11.7 miles away); California City Veterans Memorial (approx. 11.8 miles away); 20-Mule Team Trail (approx. 12.9 miles away).

Also see . . .
1. "Pancho "Barnes. The official website of "Pancho" Barnes and the Happy Bottom Riding Club. (Submitted on January 24, 2012.)

Photographed By Michael Kindig, January 15, 2012

2. Florence "Pancho" Barnes Marker

2. Florence Leontine "Pancho" Lowe Barnes (1901 - 1975) - Find A grave Memorial. (Submitted on January 17, 2012, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California.)

Florence "Pancho" Barnes image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Wikipedia

3. Florence "Pancho" Barnes

Photo used on her pilots license.

Credits. This page was last revised on November 5, 2019. It was originally submitted on January 16, 2012, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California. This page has been viewed 1,965 times since then and 66 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 16, 2012, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California. 3. submitted on January 24, 2012. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.