By Allene Arthur Photography by Paul Pospesil courtesy of the Palm Springs Historical Society What did Walter E. Disney do for fun in the desert? He loved to ride horseback. He was crazy for lawn bowling. And more than a few neighbors recall Walt's attempts to get them to invest in some cockamamie amusement park. How did the man who
Explore Palm Springs: Historical Society 2015 Calendar
Color photos take recipient through city's changes
Celebrating its 60th anniversary, the Palm Springs Historical Society’s 2015 calendar is a tribute to how the city came to be.
Mamie Van Doren Celebrates Palm Springs Connection with Exhibit
Historical Society slates tours, evening benefit
The Palm Springs Historical Society celebrates 1950s blonde bombshell and former Miss Palm Springs, Mamie Van Doren with the opening of her exhibit Oct. 25.
Explore Palm Springs: Jilly Rizzo
Was known to be Frank Sinatra's bodyguard
Jilly Rizzo, known as Frank Sinatra’s right hand man, opened his nightclub called Jilly’s in Palm Springs on Oct. 15, 1965.
Explore Palm Springs: Western Week
October event included parade, rodeo, carnival street dance and deep pit barbecue
Historically, Western Week, an annual event held during the month of October, marked the end of the summer and the beginning of the brand new season.
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: Tahquitz River Estates
Most ambitious housing development ever attempted for its time period
Palm Springs pioneer developer Pearl McCallum McManus teamed up with Los Angeles developer, Paul Trousdale, and planned a 200-unit housing development that would stretch between Sunny Dunes Road and Mesquite Avenue.
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: Merrill Lynch Building
Helped comprise city's financial district
On Sept. 11, 1971, the iconic Merrill Lynch building took its place among eight distinctive architectural treasures comprising the Palm Springs Financial District.
Explore Palm Springs: Aerial Tramway is Christened
Dignitaries pay $1,000 each to make first ride to top of Mt. San Jacinto
On Sept. 12, 1963, 400 dignitaries came from all over the world to be part of the inaugural ride of the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway.