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Box S Ranch
Box S Ranch was among those ranches which contributed to Lucerne Valley's reputation during the late 1800s. It began life in 1886 when W.W. Brown and his family were its first occupants. Then, in 1896, Albert R. Swarthout bought it and dubbed it "Box S" for his cattle brand. But Swarthout did not last long-just a year later, he transferred his operations to Old Woman Springs Ranch.
That's when James and Anna Goulding entered the scene. They took over the ranch in 1897, and James Goulding-now widely known as the founder of Lucerne Valley-turned it into more than a cattle ranch. The ranch house served as a community center, with the first school, library, and post office. The early Fourth of July celebrations and other events were held there, giving the scattered settlers a place to gather.
The ranch was more than simply a place for people to gather-it was also named Lucerne Valley. Goulding was particularly suited to growing alfalfa, popularly known as "lucerne." Because of this, the name stuck, and Lucerne Valley was created. The adjacent Box S Springs and surrounding lands were also named after the ranch.
As with most of the old ranches, Box S Ranch also vanished. Only foundations remained by the early 20th century, and the final historic structure was torn down in 1989. Although the ranch is gone, its legacy continues to shape the development and identity of Lucerne Valley today.
Artesian well at Box "S" Ranch - circa 1909 (colorized, etc.)