In August of 1932, a casual remark, “Wouldn’t it be nice to be up there on the mountain right now?” made by Carl Barkow, publisher of The Desert Sun and the Banning Record, began a 30-year journey toward the completion of the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway.
Barkow made his comment in front of the right person, Francis Crocker, manager of the Palm Springs office of the California Electric Power Company, as they drove along Highway 111.
Crocker took the comment to heart by leading the exploration of constructing a tramway up the side of Mt. San Jacinto. Crocker, an electrical engineer, enlisted the aid of desert pioneer and co-manager of The Desert Inn, O. Earl Coffman.
Over the next 30 years, Crocker and Coffman persevered through many obstacles and challenges to see the tram project become a reality.
Crocker’s dream was realized in 1963, and in 2016, Crocker’s and Coffman’s tenacity and vision has given Palm Springs one of its greatest year-round attractions.
There is a multitude of ways to Explore Palm Springs, which turned 75 in 2013. One of the more intriguing methods is by exploring Palm Springs history.
The Palm Springs Historical Society will share a weekly story whose time and place corresponds with today.
The Palm Springs Historical Society is located at 221 S. Palm Canyon Drive.
Visit www.pshistoricalsociety.org for more information.