By Ken Brafman, Image from Ken Brafman Collection
TITLE: MOUNTAIN HISTORY 101 – PART 3: Following completion of Lake Arrowhead Village some of the lakeside land was subdivided and sold for private homes and secluded north shore estates. Many Hollywood stars stayed at the hotels during that era, and some purchased homes in the resort. The lake enjoyed a wide variety of water activities including sailing in the 1930s, this week’s image. The studios frequently used the area for locations for making films. A domestic water system, pumping water from deep in the lake, supplied the homes, and the structures were connected to a very efficient sewer system. During the war years, Lake Arrowhead Village was a popular rest and recuperation area for servicemen. Because of gas rationing, tourists were scarce. In spite of lot sales, financial troubles developed, and the Arrowhead Lake Company went into receivership. In 1946, the Los Angeles Turf Club (owners of Santa Anita Race Track) purchased the lake and surrounding properties, known as Arrowhead Woods. Several million dollars were spent by the Turf Club within the first few years of their ownership in improving the properties. There were no lots sold to speak of during the Turf Club ownership; however they made several donations of land to various organizations, such as the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, San Bernardino County, and churches. In addition to land donated to the Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange (the builders of the hospital), they also donated $50,000 toward the construction of the hospital. The famous North Shore Tavern was donated to the University of California and is now a popular conference center. From the arid deserts to the tallest alpine mountains in Southern California, the San Bernardino Mountains are recognized as a top destination for people escaping the urban grind for a peaceful retreat in nature. Whether it’s the comforts of the Village, or activities such as camping, hiking or fishing, the mountains offer something for everybody.