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Apple Valley Inn
The Apple Valley Inn was more than just a hotel; it was a pivotal part of Newton T. Bass and Bernard "Bud" Westlund's vision for Apple Valley. When the inn opened on Thanksgiving Day in 1948, it was designed to help lure wealthy land buyers to invest in the newly developed Apple Valley Ranchos. Bass and Westlund's land development company sought to turn this Southern California desert town into a bustling community, and the inn was a significant feature of that plan.
During its peak years in the 1940s, 1950s, and 1960s, the Apple Valley Inn became a favorite getaway for Hollywood's elite. A-listers such as Bob Hope, Marilyn Monroe, John Wayne, and even political figures like Richard Nixon were among its regular guests. The inn wasn't just a retreat for the famous; it also featured live entertainment. One of the standout performers was Texas Rose Bascom, a renowned trick roper and cowgirl celebrity whose performances added to the inn's Western charm.
One of the inn's more intimate stories revolves around country music performer Jack Rogers, who frequented the inn in the 1960s. Jack was a close friend of the owner, Newton Bass, and major stars like Roy Rogers and Gene Autry. Even Richard Nixon was a fan, often requesting Jack to play his favorite song, "El Paso," during late-night visits to the inn's bar.
However, the inn's early history is also marked by its exclusionary practices. The Apple Valley Ranchos Land Development Company's covenants initially restricted access to white Christians, a common practice in some areas during that era. Over time, particularly with the influence of the GI Bill in the 1950s, these policies were gradually relaxed, allowing for a more inclusive environment.
The inn was also a backdrop for Hollywood productions. In 1954, Roger Corman filmed parts of Highway Dragnet at the inn, showcasing its lobby, pool, and exterior in the movie. Two years later, the inn was featured in the 1956 film There's Always Tomorrow, where it was depicted as the 'Palm Valley Inn.'
In 1965, the inn's legacy grew even more vital when Roy Rogers, the "King of the Cowboys," and his wife, Dale Evans, moved to Apple Valley. Roy leased the inn and renamed it Roy Rogers' Apple Valley Inn. This rebranding turned the inn into a popular destination for those looking to experience the Western lifestyle that Rogers embodied. The Outdoor Steak Fry and Roy Rogers' Riding Stables became huge attractions, offering guests haywagon rides and horseback riding adventures. Cowboy artist Earl Bascom and his son John also worked at the inn's stables, adding to its authentic Western atmosphere. Roy's famous horse, Trigger Junior, was often kept at the stables, adding an extra element of allure for fans.
The Apple Valley Inn remained a beloved part of the community until it closed its doors to the public in 1987. Though it fell silent for a time, the Lakritz Partnership purchased and restored the property in 2003, breathing new life into this historic desert landmark. While it no longer serves the same high-profile clientele, the Apple Valley community still fondly remembers the inn's past.
