There were two main ditches built to disperse water through Palm Springs in its early days; the Tahquitz Ditch and the Whitewater Ditch.
Explore Palm Springs: City is Filmmaker Haven
Varied landscape transports audiences to Africa, Arabia, or a western town
The Palm Springs International Film Festival draws thousands of film enthusiasts from all over the world to the Coachella Valley, but the desert has for many decades been a haven for filmmakers.
Explore Palm Springs: Thanksgiving by the Pool
Hotels, restaurants welcomed holiday diners dating back to the 1940s
While other cities across the nation fight freezing temperatures, Palm Springs celebrates the Thanksgiving holiday poolside.
Explore Palm Springs: City of Swimming Pools
By the mid-1960s, city had more than 2,000
By the mid-1960s, Palm Springs could claim the highest per capita pool rate, one for every six residents or a staggering 2,000 pools.
Explore Palm Springs: Picnic Under the Palms
In November of 1955, the Palm Springs Historical Society, Palm Springs City Council, and Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce organized an event to celebrate the pioneers of Palm Springs.
Explore Palm Springs: Chi Chi Chef Ernie Glaser
Recipe contest winners received dinner, show at Starlite Room
During the 1950s, the Palm Springs Villager magazine ran a monthly recipe column entitled, “Gourmet at Large” featuring Chi Chi Chef Ernie Glaser, who organized a recipes contest.
Explore Palm Springs: La Plaza Shopping Center
Considered ahead of its time for the 1930s
Still a thriving shopping center, La Plaza breathes life into Palm Springs’ downtown shopping district just as it has done for more than 70 years.
Explore Palm Springs: Sportsman’s Headquarters
Rifle range attracts attention of actor Errol Flynn.
In addition to owning Sportsman’s Headquarters and its Palm Springs rifle range, Harry Mann and his wife Ruby were quite the hunters.
Explore Palm Springs: 139 Club
1930s gambling house was once a private residence.
Opened in the early 1930s, the 139 Club was housed in what was a private residence in Cathedral City, and the name was derived from its numerical address.
Explore Palm Springs: Summer in the City
Villager Magazine ad shows hot summer buys in 1955
Though they may not be apparent to an outsider, there are many alluring things about Palm Springs from June through August.