Newberry Springs Chamber of Commerce
W W W . N E W B E R R Y S P R I N G S C H A M B E R . O R G

      A slight detour is in order at this point. Instead of turning right onto Fairview Rd, continue straight (north) on Newberry Rd. 1 mile up on the right is;

9.c. Newberry Springs Senior Services Association

      The Seniors got together and started the Newberry Springs Senior Services Association in the late 70's. They met at the Newberry Community Center and held bingo games, bake sales and a variety of fundraisers to finally build the Senior Center you are now at. This building was built in the mid 80's from the proceeds of the funds raised and matching funds from the Government for original construction. All improvements and additions since have been from funds raised by the members by continuing the Bingo Games, operating a Cafe open to the public and selling arts and crafts. If you are there before 2pm you may be able to stop in and get a bite to eat and check out the nifty hand crafted goods they have for sale.

      The Seniors Newsletter is published monthly and mailed to their members keeps the community informed about upcoming events and activities.

      Continuing north on Newberry Road about a quarter mile to the intersection of Newberry Rd and Silver Valley Rd. You will see;

      This is where our children attend kindergarten through 5th grade.

      Now turn around and go back down (south) Newberry Rd to Fairview Rd.

      Turn left (East) onto Fairview Rd. Mile: 11.5 [34-50.21N] [116-39.79W] 10. Sod farm (D) Mile: 13.1 [34-49.95N] [116-38.06W]

      On your right you will see one of our many sod farms. Grass is planted on very level fields covered with a plastic mesh netting. The grass grows through the netting . The grass is then cut in squares, placed on pallets and shipped to nurseries for sale as instant lawns. Fesgue is the variety of grass grown here.

      Continuing East on Fairview the pavement ends. CAUTION: Take it slow on the dirt road and drive around the chuck holes.

      I know, you think the sign is a joke, but it isn't. This is one of the major water ski schools in the world. People come here from all over the world to learn to water ski and hone their skills in slaloms and jumps for competition in world class events. Like all lakes in Newberry Springs, it is man made and filled by water pumped from wells. The water table varies seasonally, but averages about 55 ft. below the surface at the valley floor.

      Turn around at Fort Cady Rd. Mile: 14.5 [34-50.18N] [116-36.63W]

      On the NW corner of this is an alfalfa field. On the south and east sides of the field you will see tall poles with platforms built on top. These have been erected for the convenience of hawks and owls to assist them in controlling the rodent population in the field.

      From north bound Harvard, turn right (East) onto Silver Valley Rd. Mile: 18.5 [34-51.92N] [116-38.69W]

      On the right is the home site of Darrell Manser, the inventor of Roller-Rain, the first commercial water sprinklers on wheels. This late 1940's invention eliminated the need to hand carry sprinkler pipe sections across the fields to new watering positions.

      This is a clothing optional private resort featuring RV and tent camping around a 2 acre, tree lined lake. Swimming, fishing, canoeing, paddle boating, shuffle board and table tennis are just some of the activities enjoyed by visitors from all over the world. This club is affiliated with AANR (American Association for Nude Recreation.)

      Continue east on Silver Valley Rd. to the end of the pavement and turn around. Mile: 21.5 [34-51.96N] [116-35.54W]

      On the right behind the chain link fence is the Smith place. Homesteaded in 1927 by Bill Smith, who developed the place over years of hard work. Bill had an underground bootleg still during prohibition, supplying the speakeasy's of Los Angeles with fine corn liquor. The pond visible near the road is one of five original ponds and was used as a breeder pond. Catfish from this location were delivered live for restocking fish-out lakes throughout Southern California. Bill was also the first to have lakes in Newberry and built most of the lakes in Newberry until his death in 1973.

      From westbound Silver Valley Rd., turn right (North) onto Harvard Rd. Mile: 24.4 [34-51.95N] [116-38.70W]

      Pachyderm Paradise on Harvard Road is a private residence but could pass for a ‘mini-museum’ and the owners, Dee & “Castro” are very hospitable and like meeting new people. If you call ahead (760/257-9236) they would love to show off their collection of over 3,300 elephants.

      Dee has been collecting for over 30 years and has elephants from all over the world in just about every shape and form imaginable.

      There are 65 collections within the collection i. e., cookie jars, plates, toys, spoons, Dumbo, mugs & glasses, wind chimes, salt & pepper shakers, candles, tea sets, music boxes, buttons, picture frames, book marks, key chains, teapots, Precious Moments, Babar, clocks, etc., etc. In the month of December they also have an 8’ Christmas tree loaded with (only) elephant ornaments!

      The property has a lake with waterfall and lots of shade trees and was included in Huell Howser’s Road Trip in May 2001. Huell Howser called it a little Paradise. Dee and Castro think so too. They are relatively new to Newberry Springs but have found the ideal spot for their retirement.

      Drive very slowly or stop and take pictures. Please stay in your car and do not disturb the birds. If you stop your car, these curious birds will come to you. This 80 acre ostrich farm is probably the largest in the nation. The ostrich is in the Ratite family and thrives in this desert that is so like its natural habitat. Eggs are taken from breeding pairs on the farm and hatched in the incubator building. Chicks are raised in special pens until they are large enough to be placed in larger pasture pens with other young adults. The shade structures you see are equipped with water misters to cool the birds. Adult ostriches are sold as breeding pairs or harvested. Breeding pairs have been sold for as much as $150,000. If harvested, nothing goes to waste. The meat is low in fat and cholesterol and used for human consumption. The skin is used to make ostrich leather gloves, belts, purses, boots and shoes. The feathers are used for ornaments.

      From northbound Harvard Rd. Turn right (East) onto Valley Center Rd. Mile: 25.4 [34-52.80N] [116-38.67W]

      From eastbound Valley Center Rd. Turn right (South) onto Fort Cady Rd. Mile: 27.4 [34-52.80N] [116-36.61W]

      Proceed about 100 yards south on Ft. Cady Rd. then make a "U" turn and stop facing north.

      Turn left (West) on Valley Center Rd. Mile: 27.7

      Dutch was the first settler and homesteader in this part of the valley. He originally had to walk to his place 6 miles from Highway 66. Dutch prospected and explored the surrounding mountains and had a fine collection of cavalry and Indian artifacts that he had collected in his wanderings. Almost completely self sufficient, he even grew his own grapes and made his own wine. Dutch played the banjo and mandolin at community dances of the 20's, 30's and 40's.

      From westbound Valley Center Rd., turn right (North) onto Newberry Rd. Mile: 30.7 [34-52.82N] [116-39.73W]

      If the gate is open, drive in and ask for a look around. If it is the proper time of the year you may get a mini tour and see what it takes to process the nuts. They usually have nuts for sale there also. You can't beat the prices. So stock up for your friends.

      As you leave Big Al's gate, turn right and continue North on Newberry Rd.

      This park offers R.V. spaces with hookups, fishing, horseshoes and recreation hall.

      Make a "U" turn at intersection on Newberry Rd. and Riverside Dr. Mile: 32.7 [34-54.51N] [116-39.74W]

      (If you had turned right onto east bound Riverside Dr. it would lead you over to Harvard Rd. and eventually to Interstate 15 to Las Vegas, NV.)

      Now you are traveling south on Newberry Rd.

      On the right you will see a lakeside development that is built around 57 acres of water. This is Lake Jodie.

      This is the largest lakeside development to date in the community. The lake is very difficult to see from the road as it meanders around the home sites. This lake is stocked with bass, catfish and bluegill.

      Not far south of Lake Jodie you will see one of Big Al's many pistachio orchards (D). On the right.

      Continuing south on Newberry Rd. and make a right turn (West) on to Valley Center Rd. Mile: 34.6 [34-52.82N] [116-39.73W]

      On the right you will see an earthen dike running parallel with and adjacent to the road. Stop when you are approximately mid way along the dike. Get out of the car and take a look over the top of the dike along side of the road. Looking north, the lake on your right is Cheyenne Lake, the one on the left is Sundown Lake. These are privately owned water ski tournament lakes.

      Continue west on Valley Center Rd. Turn left (South) on to Hereford Rd. Mile: 37.6 [34-52.79N] [116-42.91W]

      On the right is the only hardware store in town. Now Closed.

      It was unique to say the least. How many hardware stores have you seen with a private lake in the yard. This store was started more by chance than design. The owner, Max Reiger was just an ordinary retired resident who happened to always have a good supply of plumbing fittings in his garage for his own use. It was common for residents to borrow fittings as needed, thus saving a special 40 (+) mile round trip to Barstow. A common term was, "check with Max before you make the trip to town." I think every resident of Newberry visited The Last Chance Hardware at least once a month or more. A trip to the Last Chance would save gas but not necessarily time. When you went to Max's you had to chat with the friends and neighbors you met there. I wish Max had had room for a big pot bellied stove and a cracker barrel.

      Continue south on Hereford Rd. Turn right (West) onto Silver Valley Rd. Mile: 38.6 [34-51.94N] [116-42.91W]

      This is a real "must see" on your tour and was featured on Huell Howser's Road Trip. The Liu family own and operate this truly unique breeding farm of show quality koi. There are several ponds and breeding vats. If they are not too busy, they will give you a tour as they are extremely knowledgable and rightfully proud of what they have accomplished.

      Turn around and head back (East) on Silver Valley Rd. Continue on through the jog in the road at Hereford, back at Mile:38 [34-51.94N] [116-42.91W] continuing east on Silver Valley Rd.

      Kenny and Julia Morris raised chickens for only one customer, Knotts Berry Farm in Buena Park. The chickens were raised under special conditions, the feed was specially formulated to the specifications of Walter Knott who at one time lived in Newberry Springs. Until recent times, all of the chicken served at the Chicken Dinner Restaurant at Knott's came from Newberry Springs.
(More about these Newberry Pioneers to be added)

      Continue East on Silver Valley Rd.

      Is another water ski lake. Surrounded by athol trees, the lake itself is not visible from the Silver Valley Rd., but I don't think anyone will be upset if you sneek a peak over the bank at the entrance road located at the N.E. corner.

      This is by far the most beautiful private water ski tournament lake in the valley. The lake, surrounded by shade trees, flowers and manicured lawns is the site of many very prestigious water ski tournaments each year. You may have seen it on ESPN.

      From Silver Valley Rd. Turn right (south) on to Mt. View Rd. Mile:40.6 [34-51.92N] [116-40.84W]

      If you look south west, you will see the serpentine form of the large conveyor that brings the mauve colored rock from a quarry in the Newberry Mountains down to the crusher and grading yard of Hanson Aggregates. This conveyor is unique in that it is driven by electric motors until the weight of the rock moving down hill takes over. The electric motors are then switched and become electric generators that act as a brake for the conveyor and furnish electrical power that is sold to Southern California Edison offsetting the cost of the power used in the facility.

      For Quarries in other areas of the country, check this place out.

      Continue south on Mt. View.

      Between the section house site and Mt. View road is the Elementis specialties plant. This plant refines Hectorite, a clay of volcanic ash mined at Hector 13 miles east of Newberry Springs. Hectorite is used in many things that require a smooth consistency such as makeup, paint, hand cleaner, Alimite grease, etc. It was once used to coat M & M candies so that they wouldn't melt in your hand.

      From Mt. View Rd., turn right (West) on to Pioneer Rd. Mile: 43.1 [34-49.74N] [116-40.84W]

      From Pioneer Rd., turn left (South-East ) on to National Trails Hwy. Mile: 44.0 [34-49.91N] [116-41.80W] On the left is Calico Gas
A chance to get more munchies and sodas before returning to Deel Plumbing

      Finally, Newberry's Watering Hole, the Barn
Get refreshed, or not, before going next door to the starting point.

      The Newberry Springs Chamber of Commerce wishes to thank you for taking some time and seeing just a portion of our area. The real Newberry Springs is in its people. Spend some time here and get to know us.

© Newberry Springs Chamber of Commerce 2002