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Historic Holcomb Valley

12
Feb 2012

After you have caught your limit of fish and taken advantage of the many recreational facilities in the immense area of Big Bear Valley, take a trip into the past and visit the nearby mining camps which reached their heyday more than 100 years ago.

There are good graded roads for passenger cars into these back country areas.  From these graded toads dirt trails go to even more remote sites which can, however only be reached by four-wheel drive vehicles.

A spectacular view of Big Bear Lake and the surrounding area can be seen from the connection between the Delamar Mountain Road which leaves Fawnskin and the Holcomb Valley Road.  This connection (usually called the Blue Quartz Road) is easily negotiated by passenger cars, but not recommended for large campers or trailers.

One of the most interesting passenger car junkets is through HolcombValley just north of Big Bear.  The trip is 12 miles and takes approximately three hours.  In their informative brochure, rangers of the San BernardinoNational Forest call this self-guided tour the “Gold Fever Trail.”

And gold fever it was that changed this small, peaceful valley from a scheduled home fo bear and deer into one of the most boisterous and rip-roaring mining camp of the Old West.  More than 50 murders were committed during its short span of 20 years.

It all started in 1860 when William ”Billy” Holcomb shot a grizzly in Bear Valley and then trailed the wounded animal over the mountain and into the valley which today bears his name.  While resting he picked up a piece of quartz.  It was laced with gold!

Within a few weeks there wasn’t a pack animal left in San Bernardino, the jumping-off place for the trail up the Santa Ana riverbed to HolcombValley.  And within two years there were an estimated 1500 prospectors jammed into the small valley.

A town soon grew on a rich flat near Holcomb’s original discovery site.  In addition to the many saloons, there was one store, two butcher shops, two laundries, one bakery, three carpenter shops, two blacksmiths, one stamp mill and one sawmill.

As in all early-day mining camps, the saloon was not just for drinking.  It was the social hall, courthouse, town meeting hall and a place to get the latest information on the latest strike, murder or robbery.

Mrs. Jed Van Dusen, wife of the blacksmith, made a flag from her petticoats for the town’s first Fourth of July so the sentimental miners named the new town Belleville in honor of her pretty daughter, Belle.

In the presidential election of 1860, Belleville cast 307 votes for Abraham Lincoln and missed by only two votes taking the county seat away from San Bernardino.

Belleville’s sister city was Clapboard Town whose great claim to fame is the Tree of the Living Cross which commemorated the fatal duel of two miners named Charlie the Chink and Greek George.

When Charlie accused Greek George of jumping his claim there was no peaceful way of settling the dispute.  A coin was flipped to see who would choose the type of weapons, Charlie won and picked the weapon of his ancestors- knives.  When the duel was over both men lay dead at the foot of a tree.  A cross was cut into the tree.

Unfortunately, the tree and the site of ClapboardTown are now within a restricted area and not open to the public.

Another notable tree, however, is still standing.  Hangmen’s Tree is a symbol of miner’s justice for it was from this stately juniper the citizens hanged many a murderer after a hasty trial.  When a victim of a hanging was cut down the branch from which he hung was chopped off.  So by counting the cuttings today you can tally the number of hangings.

These and many other stories and directions to the various historic sites are presented in the Forestry Services “Gold Fever Trail” brochure.  Before taking the trip, stop by the Big Bear Ranger Station near Fawnskin and pick up the brochure and the free map of the San Bernardino National Forest Area (Trail Map).

Then head for HolcombValley and a trip into the past when men’s lives- although sometimes short -were packed with adventure in their search for gold.

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Big Bear Lake News

08
Feb 2012


The news for Big Bear Lake includes Snowshoe the Bear, plans for the new pool, Amgen Tour of California Route Announcement and advice on how to clean up your credit.

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Plunge into Big Bear Lake

01
Feb 2012

Benefit Special Olympics

Big Bear Lake, Calif. February 1, 2012 – Big Bear Lake’s water gets rather frigid in the wintertime with lake temperatures dipping into the low 30s, sometimes into the 20s. So why would anyone deliberately take a dip in the lake during these freezing conditions? The only reason that makes rational sense is to raise funds for people in need. On Saturday, March 10, the most brazen will take the Polar Plunge into Big Bear Lake to raise money to benefit Special Olympics athletes.

Organizers are now seeking fearless men, women and children to sign-up for the inaugural Big Bear Lake Polar Plunge, which helps sponsor year-round sports training programs and athletic competitions for children and adults with intellectual disabilities in the Inland Empire Region of Special Olympics Southern California. All proceeds from the event give people with intellectual disabilities continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills, accomplishments, and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.

Individuals who take the Polar Plunge challenge are asked to raise at least $50 through pledges from family, friends and co-workers. Participants who reach this goal will get an official Polar Plunge t-shirt. Special Olympics supporters who prefer to stay out of the water can opt to register as a “Chicken.” They receive an “I’m too Chicken to Plunge” t-shirt, which helps raise money for the Special Olympics charity. Additional prizes are given to people who raise more than $50, and also for those with the most creative costumes. Sponsorship opportunities called EVENT FAN are available for businesses, organizations and individuals who want to pledge $500 or more.

“All it takes is a few seconds in the chilly water for plungers to discover why we refer to it as Freezin’ for a Reason,” said Special Olympics Southern California Regional Director Abbey Leffler. “They will immediately feel their hearts warm-up with joy because they know they are giving to a great cause. Nothing is too cold for a warm heart!”

Each plunger gets a moment in the spotlight with a public service announcement that briefly portrays each plunger and why he or she is taking the plunge. Plungers are encouraged to invite people who give a pledge to the event to prove that they really take the plunge, and to see first hand how bonkers the plungers really are. Spectators are encouraged to take photos and video. Costumes have become a staple with Polar Plunge events. Awards are given to participants with the best costumes, which are judged by creativity and all-around wackiest. Activities include a family fun area, guest emcee (TBA), DJ music, a souvenirs stand, vendors, and a raffle drawing with great prizes. There is a free BBQ lunch for participants. Spectators have the option to purchase BBQ lunch tickets.

The inaugural Big Bear Lake Polar Plunge is Saturday, March 10 at Meadow Park, 41220 Park Ave. in Big Bear Lake. Registration is from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. Opening ceremonies, which includes a torchlight lighting ceremony and singing of the National Anthem begins at 12 noon. Plunges into frigid Big Bear Lake directly follow after opening ceremonies. Admission to watch the plunge is FREE, but donations are accepted. To register as a plunger for the Big Bear Lake Polar Plunge visit www.sosc.org/bigbearplunge or call 951-672-7707 or email aleffler@sosc.org. For lodging accommodations log onto www.bigbear.com or call 800-424-4232.

About Special Olympics Southern California:

Special Olympics Southern California has been changing lives through the power of sport for more than 40 years and offers opportunities for children and adults with intellectual disabilities to participate in year-round sports training and competition. For more information about how to compete, coach or contribute, visit www.sosc.org.

Southern California Special Olympics;

 

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