Palomar Mountain History Resources

PALOMAR MOUNTAIN HISTORY RESOURCES
Peter Brueggeman
email: peterbman(at)gmail.com

A selective guide to historical resources pertaining to the history of Palomar Mountain in San Diego County, California. Website started in 2004

BOOKS

Palomar from Teepee to Telescope
Foundational book on Palomar Mountain history
Catherine M. Wood and Peter Brueggeman
Mount Helix, Calif. : Peter Brueggeman, 2020. Version 7. Edited, corrected & expanded from Catherine M. Wood's original work, which is in the public domain, and was originally published in San Diego by Frye & Smith in 1937. Uploaded to Internet Archive.
- PDF
Palomar Mountain : Past and Present
Second book on Palomar Mountain history
Marion F. Beckler and Peter Brueggeman
Mount Helix, Calif.: Peter Brueggeman, 2019. Version 6. Edited, corrected & expanded from Marion F. Beckler's original work, with permission of Stanworth Beckler, which was originally published in Palm Desert, California by Desert Magazine in 1958. Uploaded to Internet Archive.
- PDF
Elsie's Mountain: Memories of Palomar & Southern California 1897-1987
Diary of Elsie Roberts of Palomar Mountain
Barbara Anne Waite
San Marcos, Calif.: Palomar Mountain Bookworks, 2015
- Amazon Books
Born a Slave, Died a Pioneer: Nathan Harrison and the Historical Archaeology of Legend
Examines the myths and legends of Nate Harrison, and sets him in the historical context of his times. Nate Harrison lived on Nate Harrison Grade on the west side of Palomar Mountain, where Harrison Serenity Ranch is now located. Seth Mallios
New York: Berghahn Books, 2019
- Amazon Books
Palomar Mountain Views
- Volume 1 (1982)
  - Edward H. Davis' Palomar Mountain memoir (including Indians; Joseph Smith; Nate Harrison; George Van Dyche; Enos T. Mendenhall; George Doane; Theodore Bailey; Nellie McQueen; Harry Birch; Ben Lockhart; Clark Cleaver; Alice Hill; Winbert Fink; Frazier sisters; Bill Nelson; Louis and Hodgie Salmons; George Cook; French Valley; Iron Springs camping: Palomar Mountain trees and plants; telescope; Francis G. Pease)
  - Palomar Mountain Fire Department history
  - Project Hug-a-tree, Jimmy Beveridge death, February 1981
  - Grizzly bear on Palomar Mountain
  - Forest rangering in the old days: Phil Angel, Nellie Angel
  - Observatory then and now
  - George Doane beard growing contest
  - Artists view the Mountain
  - Luiseno lines
  - Mountain King snake
- Volume 2 (1983)
  - Palomar Mountain State Park history
  - Yoga Center, Mother's Kitchen and Store
  - Elsie R.H. Roberts' Palomar memoir
  - LeRoy "Roy" Bonham's 1921 Boy Scout trek to Palomar Mountain
  - Borden Cabin memories, Phoebe Borden. Including Ralph Payne Middlebrook, Camp Comfort rock
  - Palomar Mountain bear account, Otis Kilgore
  - Plane down on Palomar Mountain, Cessna 170B, March 21, 1983
  - Palomar Mountain Volunteer Fire Department, plus 1982 BBQ
  - Observatory, 1982-1983
  - Thelma Samsioe
  - Rodney W. Ballie
  - Pearl Schrader
  - Roy Tillinghast
  - Vic and Kay Butler
  - Mildred Koenig and Skyline Lodge (now known as Lodge on Palomar Mountain, at the end of Crestline Road), including Art Koenig
  - George Doane beard growing contest
  - Palomar photo album at Baileys, 1916
  - Mountain arts, crafts, and prose
- Available for purchase at the Palomar Mountain Store
- Available through Bookfinder.com
Palomar Mountain
Photograph-rich book on Palomar Mountain history
Brad Bailey
Charleston SC: Arcadia Publishing, 2009
- Available for purchase at the Palomar Mountain Store
- Available at Arcadia Publishing
My Palomar
Robert Haley Asher's memoir of Palomar Mountain and its residents. Robert Haley Asher, born in 1868, first visited Palomar Mountain in 1901, later settling there in June 10, 1903. Asher lived in the Pauma Creek / State Park area on Palomar Mountain until 1946. Asher continued to visit Palomar Mountain until 1951, and passed away in 1953 at age 85. Asher homesteaded, and ultimately had 160 acres. He donated land to the Baptist Church in 1933, more land came along later from Asher, and this was the beginning of the present day Palomar Christian Conference Center.
Robert Haley Asher. Peter Brueggeman, editor
Mount Helix, Calif.: Peter Brueggeman, 2022. Version 8. Uploaded to Internet Archive.
- PDF
George Edwin Doane of Palomar Mountain
Biography of George Doane who homesteaded in Doane Valley in Palomar Mountain State Park.
Peter Brueggeman
Mount Helix, Calif.: Peter Brueggeman, 2021. Version 18. Uploaded to Internet Archive.
- PDF
Clark Cleaver, Apple King of Palomar Mountain
Biography of apple grower Clark Cleaver who lived on Palomar Mountain outside the east entrance to the State Park.
Peter Brueggeman
Mount Helix, Calif.: Peter Brueggeman, 2021. Version 9. Uploaded to Internet Archive.
- PDF
Esther Parnell Hewlett, Butterfly Queen of Palomar Mountain
Biography of moth and butterfly farmer Esther Parnell Hewlett who lived on Palomar Mountain outside the east entrance to the State Park.
Peter Brueggeman
Mount Helix, Calif.: Peter Brueggeman, 2020. Version 2. Uploaded to Internet Archive.
- PDF
Palomar and the Stars
abridged and revised version of Edward Davis' 1947 memoir focusing on Palomar Mountain history, and covering Indian sites, Joseph Smith, Nate Harrison, George Van Dyche and his son Will Dyche, the Mendenhalls, George Doane, Theodore Bailey, Nellie McQueen, Harry Birch, Ben Lockhart, Clark Cleaver, Alice Hill, Winbert Fink, Frazier sisters, Bill Nelson, Louis and Hodgie Salmons, George Cook, French Valley
Edward H. Davis
Mount Helix, Calif.: Peter Brueggeman, 2022. Uploaded to Internet Archive.
- PDF
Reid Wallace and the Campsites subdivision on Palomar Mountain
History of the Birch Hill / Crestline area on Palomar Mountain which was originally known as Campsites
Peter Brueggeman
Mount Helix, Calif.: Peter Brueggeman, 2021. Version 2. Uploaded to Internet Archive.
- PDF
The Fraziers of Palomar Mountain
The Fraziers of Palomar Mountain, James Frazier and his sisters Maria and Elizabeth, lived on Palomar Mountain from about 1892 when James arrived, to 1918 when Maria died and Elizabeth left. They were well known, and were active locally. The Frazier sisters and Maria in particular became known for their hard work, and the death of Maria Frazier became part of Palomar Mountain legend.
Peter Brueggeman
Mount Helix, Calif.: Peter Brueggeman, 2022. Uploaded to Internet Archive.
- PDF
The Culture of the Luiseno Indians
search the text for Palomar
Philip Stedman Sparkman
University of California Publications in American Archaeology and Ethnology 8(4):187-234, 1908
With Appendix. Plants used by the Luisenos.
- PDF
Luiseno Social Organization
search the text for Palomar
Raymond C. White
University of California Publications in American Archeology and Ethnology 48(2):91-194, 1963
- PDF
The Religion of the Luiseno Indians of Southern California
search the text for Palomar
Constance Goddard DuBois
University of California Publications in American Archaeology and Ethnology 8(3):69-186, 1908
With Appendix I. Games, Arts, and Industries of the Dieguenos and Luisenos, by C. G. DuBois. Appendix II. Notes on the Luisenos, by A.L. Kroeber
- PDF
Handbook of the Indians of California: Luiseno and Cupeno chapters
search the text for Palomar
A. L. Kroeber
Smithsonian Institution Bureau of American Ethnology Bulletin 78, 1925
- PDF
The Hidden Cabin, a Pathetic Story in Condensed Form
Not a history; this is a long poem set at Palomar Mountain
David W. Edwards
Los Angeles : Commercial Printing House, 1909
- PDF

SHORTER WORKS

Nathan Harrison: Born Enslaved, Died a San Diego Legend
- Virtual Exhibit. San Diego History Center, 3/2021
- Virtual Exhibit Opening & Tour. San Diego History Center and Seth Mallios presentation. San Diego History Center, 3/18/2021
- How Archaeology Helped Reveal The Personal Life Of Nathan Harrison. Beth Accomando. KPBS, 3/23/2021
- The Most Important Story to Tell. SDSU Alumni, 3/2021
Seth Mallios' archaeological work at Nate Harrison cabin site: "The writers of history can make up anything they want, but old garbage doesn't lie."
- Archaeology team digs up answers to old questions on Nathan Harrison, San Diego's first Black homesteader. Lisa Deaderick, San Diego Union Tribune, 24 October 2021
- Archaeologist finds camp of San Diego's first Black homesteader. CBS 8 San Diego, June 16, 2021
- The Amazing True Story of Nathan Harrison. Daniel Weiss. Archaeology, March/April 2021
- Nathan Harrison: Discovering the Man behind the Legend. video of talk given on 10/10/2020 for the San Diego History Center (starts at 10:00)
- San Diego County Pioneer Nathan 'Nate' Harrison and the Historical Archaeology of Legend. video of talk given on 7/28/2020 for the San Diego County Archaeological Society.
- The Implications of Food Preservation at the Nathan Harrison Site. Haley Alexander and Seth Mallios, Proceedings of the Society for California Archaeology 34:155-160, 2020
- "Born a Slave, Died a Pioneer", the Nathan Harrison Story with Dr. Seth Mallios. Audio, The Archeology Show, episode 77, 2019
- Born a Slave, Died a Pioneer: Nathan Harrison and the Historical Archaeology of Legend. Seth Mallios. 1st edition. New York: Berghahn Books, 2019
- Digging deep: uncovering the history of Nate Harrison with Dr Seth Mallios. Audio. On the edge with April Mahoney, Blog Talk Radio, 9 October 2017
- Archaeological Myth Busting at Palomar Mountain's Nate Harrison Site. Seth Mallios. Save Our Heritage Organization, volume 42, 2011
- Scientific Excavations at Palomar Mountain's Nate Harrison Site: The Historical Archaeology of a Legendary African-American Pioneer. Journal of San Diego History 55(3):141-160, Summer 2009
- The Archaeology of Nate Harrison: Legends and Legacies of an African-American Pioneer in San Diego County. SDSU Library exhibit, 2008
- SDSU Archaeological Excavations Unravel Historical Myths on Palomar Mountain. Gina Speciale, SDSU NewsCenter, 2007
- Preliminary Excavations at the Nate Harrison Site. Seth Mallios and Sarah Stroud. Proceedings of the Society for California Archaeology 19:71-74, 2006
Uncle Nate of Palomar
article on Nate Harrison
Touring Topics 23(10):22-25, October 1931. Held by Peter Brueggeman
- PDF
Palomar Pioneers
Two articles on Nate Harrison, Joseph Beresford, and the Frazier Sisters
Jeff Smith, San Diego Reader, May 26 and June 2, 2010.
- PDF
The Hermit
Essay on George Doane, with Robert Asher photographs
Ethel Griffith Bailey. The Overland Monthly 52:363-368, July-December 1908. Uploaded to Internet Archive.
- PDF
Pedley Valley and Darby's Palomar Mountain Resort
Charles Darby was a home builder in La Jolla. He wanted mountain property that had snowfalls to enjoy as a side interest, and bought the upper 40 acres of Pedley Valley in 1951 or 1952; that area was called Old Bull Pasture. Darby built four cabins for their Darby's Palomar Mountain Resort. The Darbys spent most weekends and holidays at their property, renting cabins to visitors; the property was purchased for their enjoyment and not intended as a business endeavor. Charles Darby ran a ski operation starting late 1966, on property rented from the Bergmans. He put in ski runs and a rope tow; snow was made and applied. The ski operation opened in what turned out to be a warm winter, and closed the season thereafter. The Darbys sold the property in 1967 to three doctors from San Diego.
Robin Howell and Peter Brueggeman
Mount Helix, Calif. : Peter Brueggeman, 2020. Version 2. Uploaded to Internet Archive
- PDF
Marion Beckler's Palomar Mountain Memoir
Marion Beckler's memoir about teaching at the Palomar Mountain school, a Palomar Mountain childhood trip in 1900, and some local history
Marion Beckler, c1961. Edited by Peter Brueggeman, 2022. Uploaded to Internet Archive.
- PDF
Native Plants of Palomar
Excerpt from Catherine M. Wood's "Palomar from Teepee to Telescope," published in San Diego by Frye & Smith in 1937.
- PDF
Common Plants Found in the Territory Exploited by the Villages of Molpa and Cuca
Excerpt from: Archaeological investigations at Molpa, San Diego County, California. D. L. True, C. W. Meighan, and Harvey Crew. University of California publications in anthropology volume 11. Berkeley: University of California Press, 1974.
- PDF
Palomar Mountain's High Point and Taakwish Pu'shappila
Eleanor Beemer wrote My Luiseno Neighbors, Excerpts from a Journal Kept in Pauma Valley Northern San Diego County, 1934 to 1974 [Ramona, California: Acoma Books, 1980] about her extensive experiences with the Luiseno people. High Point is the highest peak in the Palomar Mountain range, and the Luiseno knew High Point as a Taakwish Pu'shappila. Taakwish is a devil and a Pu'shappila is a pounding up place where Taakwish ground up his victim's bones.
Peter Brueggeman
Mount Helix, Calif. : Peter Brueggeman, 2010. Uploaded to Internet Archive.
- PDF
Morgan Hill and Laqalqa
Eleanor Beemer wrote My Luiseno Neighbors, Excerpts from a Journal Kept in Pauma Valley Northern San Diego County, 1934 to 1974 [Ramona, California: Acoma Books, 1980] about her extensive experiences with the Luiseno people. Beemer writes of Laqalqa in the Morgan Hill area of Palomar Mountain, an exposed rock face about five miles beyond upper French Valley, and overlooking Frey and Aqua Tibia canyons. Young Luisenos would come to Laqalqa for a test of manhood and bravery, by trail from Pauma.
Peter Brueggeman
Mount Helix, Calif. : Peter Brueggeman, 2010. Uploaded to Internet Archive.
- PDF
Field-work among the Mission Indians of California
last Native American house on Palomar
J. P. Harrington. Explorations and Field-Work of the Smithsonian Institution in 1932. Washington DC: Smithsonian Institution, 1933. pp. 85-88
- PDF
Fire on the Mountain: Archaeology in Palomar Mountain State Park before and after the 2007 Witch/Poomacha fires, San Diego County, California
Arleen Garcia-Herbst, Proceedings of the Society for California Archaeology, Volume 23, 2009
- PDF
Palomar Mountain excerpt from: Out of Doors, California and Oregon
JA Graves. Los Angeles: Grafton Publishing Co. 1912. pp. 3-8, plates
- PDF
Armchair Tour of Palomar
Palomar Mountain history written by the students of Palomar Mountain School in 1965, covering the Observatory, schools, Gus Weber, French Valley, Mendenhalls, post offices, Skyline Lodge, valleys of eastern Palomar Mountain, Baileys, William Bougher, High Point, Nathan Harrison, George Doane. Includes maps.
Students of Palomar Mountain School, 1965. Held by Peter Brueggeman. Uploaded to Internet Archive.
- PDF
Hotel Palomar on Palomar Mountain
history of Hotel Palomar which was located at the Silvercrest picnic area in Palomar Mountain State Park
Peter Brueggeman
Mount Helix, Calif. : Peter Brueggeman, 2022, version 5. Uploaded to Internet Archive.
- PDF
Ski Palomar Mountain
A ski resort on Palomar Mountain opened in the winter of 1966/1967, and closed the following season. In May 1966, a San Diego County special use permit was granted to Charles Darby for a ski resort on an eighty acre site owned by Carl (Wog) Bergman, on the west side of the S6 road at the 5,200 foot level about a mile and a quarter north of the post office, and four miles from the Observatory. The temperatures were often too high for making snow, and snow falls were not numerous.
Peter Brueggeman
Mount Helix, Calif. : Peter Brueggeman, 2022. Version 4. Uploaded to Internet Archive.
- PDF
- YouTube: CBS TV Channel 8 film on Ski Palomar Mountain, broadcast on 24 December 1966: script in the YouTube video's description
Robert Haley Asher Paintings
Robert Haley Asher was born 28 March 1868, and first visited Palomar Mountain in 1901, settling on Palomar Mountain in 1903. Asher lived in the Pauma Creek / State Park area on Palomar Mountain, and also lived off Palomar part of the year working as a nurseryman. On Palomar, Asher took and sold photographs of campers, trapped animals for pelts, worked odd jobs around Palomar Mountain, collected and sold wild plants, etc. Robert Asher took a Maurice Braun class in oil painting at Mesa Grande, and Asher painted in a variety of locations around Palomar Mountain. Asher moved off Palomar Mountain in 1946 to his sister's (Mrs. Josephine A. Vacher) place in El Cajon, and continued to visit Palomar Mountain until 1951. Asher passed away on 25 April 1953 at age 85.
Peter Brueggeman
Mount Helix, Calif. : Peter Brueggeman, 2021. Uploaded to Internet Archive
- PDF
Gordon Stuart on Palomar Mountain
In 1904, Gordon Stuart stayed for a month at Samuel Striplin�s place in Pedley Valley on Palomar Mountain. Stuart writes about Samuel Striplin, camping there, and the people he met, including George Doane, Clark Cleaver, and Bill Nelson.
Peter Brueggeman
Mount Helix, Calif.: Peter Brueggeman, 2022. version 2. Uploaded to Internet Archive
- PDF
Ed Fletcher and Palomar Mountain
Ed Fletcher of San Diego and his involvement with Palomar Mountain
Peter Brueggeman
Mount Helix, Calif.: Peter Brueggeman, 2022. Version 2. Uploaded to Internet Archive.
- PDF
History of Palomar Mountain As Remembered by Hank and Florance Saddler
Hank and Florance Saddler were the first permanent or year-round park employees at Palomar Mountain State Park, from July 1, 1940 to April 24, 1948 (with a gap for military service from January 16, 1943 to November 30, 1945). The Saddlers write about his first trips to Palomar Mountain, starting and running the Palomar Mountain State Park, constructing a prison honor camp, building a reservoir in upper Doane Valley, the Park's apple trees and varieties, Robert Asher, Alice Hill, native American acorn gathering, and other topics.
Hank and Florance Saddler
Undated typescript photocopy held by Peter Brueggeman. Uploaded to Internet Archive.
- PDF
What Do You Do on Top of Mount Palomar?
Motorcycle ride to Palomar Mountain by the Quaff Barrel bar in Riverside
Choppers 8(11):20-25, November 1975. Held by Peter Brueggeman
- PDF
State Building Highway Link to Site of 200-inch Telescope on Palomar Peak
includes map of planned route, and photos of the 1936 state of the road and the contractors' camp
E. E. Wallace. California Highway and Public Works, April 1936. pp. 2-5. Held by Peter Brueggeman
- PDF
Big Eye on Palomar
Greyhound Lines travel magazine article on Palomar Mountain
The Highway Traveler 21(1):14-15,48, February-March 1949. Held by Peter Brueggeman
- PDF
San Diego History Center
- Palomar, After 50 Years ... about the telescope. Ronald Florence. The Journal of San Diego History 44(4), Fall 1998
- Palomar's Friendly Hermit ... about Nate Harrison. Laura M. James. The Journal of San Diego History 4(1), January 1958
Bailey's
- Bailey's Palomar Resort, Our History
- More Hours in My Day Soup - Terri Bailey on Big Blend Radio: Terri Bailey discussing the history of the Bailey family and Bailey's Palomar Resort. Terri shares Hodgie Bailey's "More Hours In My Day Soup" recipe (c.1920). Audio, October 20, 2018
- Bailey's Apple Pie Filling Or Preserves: Terri Bailey on the Bell's apples at Bailey's, and cooking with them. Video, September 10, 2013.
Historical Information, Bonnie Phelps
Forest Fire Lookout Association San Diego-Riverside Chapter:
Boucher Hill and High Point lookouts
History of Palomar Observatory
CalTech

FILM / VIDEO

The Virginian
1914 Cecil B. DeMille film had several scenes shot on Palomar Mountain, including this scene at George Doane's abandoned cabin in Doane Valley, in what is now the State Park.
- YouTube
Ski Palomar Mountain
CBS TV Channel 8 film on the Palomar Mountain ski operation, broadcast on 24 December 1966. The film script is in its YouTube description.
- YouTube
- PDF: history of Ski Palomar Mountain
The Crater Lake Monster
The Crater Lake Monster, a 1977 Crown International Pictures film, was shot at several Palomar Mountain locations and at San Vicente Reservoir. The Palomar Mountain film locations include: the Sasway cabin, on the west side of lower Crestline Road just up the road beyond the fire station; along Road S6; and the Summit Grove gas station and restaurant). The Palomar cabin of Joseph Sasway was used in film scenes, and Sasway played Ferguson in the film. Joseph Sasway taught theater at Mira Costa College in Oceanside, and led in establishing its theater department, and getting a theater built on campus. Cast/crew stayed at Skyline Lodge at the end of Crestline Road. In film publicity, special thanks were given to several people including Oliver Brown of Skyline Lodge, Bev and Ralph Kulk of Summit Grove, and Carl Bergman. Directed by William R. Stromberg. Written by Richard Cardella and William R. Stromberg. Produced by William R. Stromberg.
- Palomar Mountain and the Crater Lake Monster
  Peter Brueggeman
  Mount Helix, Calif. : Peter Brueggeman, 2021. Version 2. Uploaded to Internet Archive
- Richard Cardella photos
- Movie trailers: 1 and 2
Black Marigolds
2013 film shot at a Palomar Mountain cabin.
- Trailer
- Behind the Scences, including Palomar cabin
The Observatory appears in films, like Invaders from Mars (1953), When Worlds Collide (1951), Rocketship X-M (1950)
The Observatory appears in documentaries like Chariots of the Gods (1970)

BROCHURES

Campo Contento
Baileys on Bailey Meadow Road.
Card, 1907. $2.00 tent & board per day. Held by Peter Brueggeman
- PDF
Palomar Mountain
Covers Campo Contento (Baileys) and Hotel Palomar (owned by Smith & Son).
Brochure, 1907. Held by Peter Brueggeman
- PDF
Palomar Mountain
Covers Camp Contento (Baileys) and Hotel Palomar (managed by Milton Bailey).
Brochure, [1910. Enclosed with 28 May 1910 letter from Milton Bailey]. $10-$12 bedroom tent per week. Held by Peter Brueggeman
- PDF
Palomar Mountain Hotel
aka Baileys.
Brochure, c1914. $2.25 double tent & board per day. Circa year using an inflation calculator comparing to 1928 $4.00 rate for same. Held by Peter Brueggeman
- PDF
Palomar Mountain Hotel
aka Baileys.
Brochure, c1917. $2.50 double tent & board per day. Circa year using an inflation calculator comparing to 1928 $4.00 rate for same. Held by Peter Brueggeman
- PDF
Palomar Lodge
aka Baileys.
Brochure, c1918. $2.75 double tent & board per day. Circa year using an inflation calculator comparing to 1928 $4.00 rate for same. Held by Peter Brueggeman
- PDF
Palomar Mountain Hotel
aka Baileys.
Brochure, c1918. $3.00 double tent & board per day. Circa year using an inflation calculator comparing to 1928 $4.00 rate for same. Held by Peter Brueggeman
- PDF
Palomar Mountain Hotel
aka Baileys.
Brochure, c1919. $3.50 double tent & board per day. Circa year using an inflation calculator comparing to 1928 $4.00 rate for same. Held by UCSD Library
- PDF
Palomar Mountain, Camp Site & Club House
Associated with Reid Wallace's Camp Sites development on Palomar Mountain (Crestline/Birch Hill area), which started in 1921
Brochure, c1921+. Held by Peter Brueggeman
- PDF
Palomar Mountain Club
Associated with Reid Wallace's Camp Sites development on Palomar Mountain (Crestline/Birch Hill area), which started in 1921
Brochure, c1921+. Held by Peter Brueggeman
- PDF
Planwydd
Associated with Jack and Elsie Roberts.
Brochure, 1920-1923. Held by Barbara Waite.
- PDF
Planwydd
Associated with Jack and Elsie Roberts.
Card, 1920-1923. Held by Barbara Waite.
- JPG
National Forest Country Club
Membership sales office in Los Angeles. Associated with Jack Roberts.
Brochure, c1924. Photocopy held by Peter Brueggeman.
- PDF
San Diego Mountain Resorts
includes Palomar Lodge aka Baileys.
Brochure, San Diego Mountain Resorts Association, 1926. Held by Peter Brueggeman
- PDF
Palomar Lodge
aka Baileys.
Brochure, undated with handwritten note dated 17 June 1928. $4.00 double tent & board per day in 1928. Held by Peter Brueggeman
- PDF
Palomar Observatory Tour
Has advertisements for Palomar's Summit Grove Service Station (located at what is now Mother's Kitchen at the junction) and Skyline View Ranch (now known as Lodge on Palomar Mountain, at the end of Crestline Road)
1946 Palomar Mountain Stages bus tour brochure. Held by Peter Brueggeman
- PDF
Stately Palomar and the Mightiest of Observatories
1951 Escondido Chamber of Commerce brochure. Held by Peter Brueggeman
- PDF
Welcome to the Dedication of the Kitchen-Dining Hall, Palomar Mountain Camp
Brochure, November 19, 1958. Held by Peter Brueggeman
- PDF

PHOTOGRAPHS, POSTCARDS, SOUVENIRS, MATCHBOOKS, SHEET MUSIC

Palomar, July 1909, photographs
Unattributed photo album. Held by Peter Brueggeman
- PDF
Palomar Mountain Trip, 1911, photographs
Unattributed photo album. Held by Peter Brueggeman
- PDF
Palomar Mountain Stereographs
Stereographs aka stereo cards are two photographic prints mounted on card stock to be viewed through a stereoscope, producing a three dimensional view. Stereographs were a popular photographic medium, reaching a peak in the years 1902-1935. Stereoscopic pictures are almost identical, taken from slightly different angles. Stereographs held by Peter Brueggeman, 2022. Uploaded to Internet Archive
- PDF
Wieslander Vegetation Type Map Survey, 1930-1931, photographs
UC Berkeley Library photos from 1930 & 1931, compiled by Peter Brueggeman
- PDF
Observatory Site 1934-1935, and 1928 Fire photographs
Held by Peter Brueggeman
- PDF
Palomar Mountain Postcards
Compiled from eBay or other sources, or held by Peter Brueggeman. Version 5, 2022
- PDF
Palomar Mountain, 15 Historic Postcards
Brad Bailey. Charleston SC: Arcadia Publishing, 2009
- Available for purchase at the Palomar Mountain Store
- Available at Arcadia Publishing
Palomar Mountain Souvenirs
Compiled from eBay, Observatory website, or held by Peter Brueggeman. Version 4, 2022
- PDF
Thompsons Summit Grove
Matchbook. Located at what is now Mother's Kitchen at the junction.
Undated. Held by Peter Brueggeman
- PDF
Rincon Springs, On the Highway to the Stars
Matchbook. Located on Highway 76.
Undated. Held by Peter Brueggeman
- PDF
When it's June on Palomar
Sheet music
Words and music by Alice B. Tillinghast, 1925 (in the public domain)
- PDF

MAPS

1844: Pauma or Potreros de Paoma Rancho map
Disenos Collection California State Archives
- JPG
1845: La Huga or La Jolla Rancho map
Disenos Collection California State Archives
- JPG
1880: U.S. survey map: Township 10S, Range 2E
George Dyche's ranch at far left in middle, with East Grade road below it.
Township 10S, Range 2E, San Bernardino Meridian [map]. U.S. Surveyor General's Office, 1880
- JPG: Key to Palomar Mountain's township, range, and section numbering
- JPG 1880 U.S. survey map: Township 10S, Range 2E
1884: U.S. survey map: Township 9S, Range 1E
Doane Valley at lower left.
Township 9S, Range 1E, San Bernardino Meridian [map]. U.S. Surveyor General's Office, 1884
- JPG: Key to Palomar Mountain's township, range, and section numbering
- JPG: 1884 U.S. survey map: Township 9S, Range 1E
1885: U.S. survey map: Township 10S, Range 1E
Southern edge of Palomar Mountain range in middle.
Township 10S, Range 1E, San Bernardino Meridian [map]. U.S. Surveyor General's Office, 1885
- JPG: Key to Palomar Mountain's township, range, and section numbering
- JPG: 1885 U.S. survey map: Township 10S, Range 1E
1886: U.S. survey map: Township 10S, Range 1E
Southern edge of Palomar Mountain range in middle.
Township 10S, Range 1E, San Bernardino Meridian [map]. U.S. Surveyor General's Office, 1886
- JPG: Key to Palomar Mountain's township, range, and section numbering
- JPG: 1886 U.S. survey map: Township 10S, Range 1E
1886: U.S. survey map: Township 10S, Range 1W
Pauma Creek flowing out of Palomar Mountain range at upper right.
Township 10S, Range 1W, San Bernardino Meridian [map]. U.S. Surveyor General's Office, 1886
- JPG: Key to Palomar Mountain's township, range, and section numbering
- JPG: 1886 U.S. survey map: Township 10S, Range 1W
1886: Sketch Map of San Diego County
California State Mining Bureau, 6th Report
- JPG
1890: Palomar Mountain area excerpted from: Official map of San Diego County, California: compiled from latest official maps of U.S. surveys, railroad and irrigation surveys, county records, and other reliable sources
Thomas Dykes Beasley, 1890
- JPG
1892: U.S. survey map: Township 10S, Range 1W
Pauma Creek flowing out of Palomar Mountain range at upper right.
Township 10S, Range 1W, San Bernardino Meridian [map]. U.S. Surveyor General's Office, 1892
- JPG: Key to Palomar Mountain's township, range, and section numbering
- JPG: 1892 U.S. survey map: Township 10S, Range 1W
1892: San Diego and Part of San Bernardino Counties
George F. Cram, The Pacific Coast and World Atlas
- JPG
1894: Survey map of Sections 10, 11 + 14, Township 10S, Range 1E
Shows locations of Striplin and Willhite sawmill and boarding house, and cabins
Map of partial subdivision of sections 10, 11 + 14, of Township 10 South, Range One East, San Bernardino Meridian, - being the land owned by Davis and Williams, and Striplin and Willhite. As surveyd by me October 24th and 25th 1894. S. L. Ward, licensed Surveyor
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1895: U.S. survey map: Township 9S, Range 2E
Oak Grove in middle left.
Township 9S, Range 2E, San Bernardino Meridian [map]. U.S. Surveyor General's Office, 1895
- JPG: Key to Palomar Mountain's township, range, and section numbering
- JPG: 1895 U.S. survey map: Township 9S, Range 2E
1900-1901: Ramona Quadrangle
Surveyed in 1900-1901. U.S. Geological Survey, 1903
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1911: Automobile Road map, San Diego County
Albert G. Thurston. Security Trust and Savings Bank, Los Angeles
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1912: San Diego and Imperial Counties Road Map
Albert G. Thurston. U.S. National Bank, 1912
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1912: Plat book of San Diego County, California
William E. Alexander. Los Angeles : Pacific Plat Book Co., [1912?] Available Online
- JPG: Key to Palomar Mountain's township, range, and section numbering
- JPG:Township 9S R1W, page 82
- JPG:Township 9S R1E, page 88
- JPG:Township 9S R2E, page 89
- JPG:Township 10S R1W, page 90
- JPG:Township 10S R1E, page 91
- JPG:Township 10S R2E, page 92
- JPG:Township 11S R2E, page 103
1915: Automobile Road Map Touring, San Diego County, California
Automobile Club of Southern California, 1915
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1921: U.S. survey map: Township 9S, Range 1W
Pauma Creek flowing out of Palomar Mountain range at lower right.
Township 9S, Range 1W, San Bernardino Meridian [map]. U.S. Surveyor General's Office, 1921
- JPG: Key to Palomar Mountain's township, range, and section numbering
- JPG: 1921 U.S. survey map: Township 9S, Range 1W
1921: Palomar Mountain
Palomar Mountain Good Roads Association, 1921
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1925: Palomar Mountain area in: Native sites in part of southern California
Native American placenames from Sparkman, Culture of the Luiseno Indians: Awa' / Aguanga; Malamai / Agua Tibia; Yami / Site of Potrero ranch house (Cuca Ranch) / Ta'i / Peak of Palomar, near Bougher's; Wikyo / Highest Peak of Palomar Mountain; Takwish poshapila / Rocky Peak East of Wikyo; Paauw / Palomar Mountain; Kuka / Old Potrero village; Ahuya / Old village site above Rincon on road to Potrero; Pashkwo / Monkey Hill, San Jose valley; Paisvi / Iron Spring on Palomar; Wavam / Pauma Indian encampment during acorn-gathering season on Palomar; Shoau / Pala Indian encampment during acorn-gathering season on Palomar; Shautushma / Yapicha Indian encampment during acorn-gathering season on Palomar; Pavla / Indians of Kuka or Potrero encamped while gathering acorns on Palomar; Old village sites on Palomar / Malava, Wiya', Chakuli, Ashachakwo, Pahamuk, Tokamai, Mokwonmai; Springs on east side of Palomar / Pakuka, Atupa.
1925: Plate 57, Map, Native sites in part of southern California
Handbook of the Indians of California. A. L. Kroeber. Smithsonian Institution Bureau of American Ethnology Bulletin 78. Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office, 1925
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1928: F. G. Pease, His Map, Aug. 15, 1928
Francis G. Pease, California Institute of Technology, 1928.
From: Palomar Mountain Views, Volume 1. Sept. 1982. page 66
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1937: Palomar Mountain map
From: Palomar from Teepee to Telescope. Catherine M. Wood. San Diego: Frye & Smith, 1937.
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1938: U.S. survey map: Township 9S, Range 1E
maps northeastern section of Palomar Mountain range including High Point.
Township No. 9 South, Range No. 1 East, San Bernardino Meridian, California [map]. U.S. Dept of Interior, General Land Office, 1938
- JPG: Key to Palomar Mountain's township, range, and section numbering
- JPG: 1938 U.S. survey map: Township 9S, Range 1E
1938: San Diego County
California Division of Forestry
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1939: Palomar Mountain Quadrangle
Aerial photography 1939. U.S. Geological Survey. Copied in 1947 from 1:62,500 Palomar Mtn 1942.
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1939: Map of San Diego County Showing Locations of Principal Mineral Deposits
California Dept of Natural Resources
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undated: Automobile Road Map from Oceanside to Warners Hot Springs
Automobile Club of Southern California, undated.
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1946: Boucher Hill Quadrangle
From 1946 aerial photographs. U.S. Geological Survey, 1948
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1946-1947: Palomar Observatory Quadrangle
From 1946-1947 aerial photographs. U.S. Geological Survey, 1949
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1948+: San Diego County
Automobile Club of Southern California, undated. Map Number 1935. Held by Peter Brueggeman.
Map shows Vail Dam, which was built in 1948.
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1949: Palomar
No attribution. Undated but shows 1949 approx mean declination. Map is based on U.S.G.S. maps. Held by Peter Brueggeman.
Map has numbered locations for Boucher's House, Nate's Grade, Bob Asher's House, Bob Asher's Cabin, The Wier, Gordon's Cabin, and Palomar School. Indian camp sites are marked.
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1955: Early Homestead Sites, Palomar Mountain State Park
State of California, Dept of Natural Resources, Division of Beaches and Parks
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1955: Palomar Mountain State Park
State of California, Dept of Natural Resources, Division of Beaches and Parks
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1958: Palomar Mountain map
From: Palomar Mountain Past and Present. Marion Beckler. Palm Desert, California: Desert Magazine, 1958.
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1963: (Indian) Village Locations and Mapped Rancheria Territories in the San Luis Rey Basin
Indian tribal boundaries which extend onto Palomar Mountain
Luiseno Social Organization. White, Raymond C.University of California Publications in American Archeology and Ethnology 48(2):91-194, 1963, Figure 1
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1970: Cleveland National Forest, Palomar District
U.S. Dept of Agriculture, Forest Service, California, 1970
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1974: Locations of Major (Indian) Sites in the Middle San Luis Rey River Drainage, Including Both Summer and Winter Villages and the Trails Connecting Them Where These Are Known
location of Indian summer villages and trails on Palomar Mountain. Palomar Mountain archaeological site outside Doane, French and Iron Springs creeks are as follows: 530= Silvercrest Picnic area; 535= low knoll at headwaters of Cedar Creek at 4900 ft; 536= eastern edge of Dyche Valley; 537= point of land overlooking San Luis Rey River canyon at 4400 ft; 538= SE end of Will Valley; 539= SW rim of Palomar Mtn at 4600 ft; 548= SW rim of Palomar Mtn at 5300 ft; 593= Cedar Grove campground; 594= Nate Harrison spring; 1286= Crestline
Archaeological investigations at Molpa, San Diego County, California. D. L. True, C. W. Meighan, and Harvey Crew. University of California publications in anthropology volume 11. Berkeley: University of California Press, 1974, Map 4
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2004: Palomar Mountain State Park
From: Palomar Mountain State Park. California State Parks, July 2004 revision.
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2015: Palomar Mountain State Park
From: Palomar Mountain State Park. California State Parks, 2015.
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PALOMAR MOUNTAIN GOVERNMENT AND OTHER RECORDS

Palomar Mountain Residential Chronology
This Palomar Mountain residential chronology compiles names from U.S. and California census records, San Diego County voter registers, and other sources like San Diego city/county directories. These are available via ancestry.com except where noted. It is imprecise, since people could be living on Palomar before and/or after those years. These listings can be limited to head of household and/or voters, so children are not always listed. Palomar Mountain was known as Smith Mountain in earlier years. Voting and census residence names for Palomar Mountain residents vary over the years, perhaps due to registration practice, lack of established placename, and multiple residences. Palomar-specific placenames appear infrequently in earlier years. Some people were listed in off-mountain locations where they voted, went to the store or received mail perhaps, so it can be difficult to tell from census and voting records whom lived on Palomar Mountain. The boundary history for a Palomar voting precinct, when there was one, is unknown to the author, and may extend down mountain to the base. Therefore some people listed below are certain to have lived below Palomar Mountain, such as Jose Trujillo.
Peter Brueggeman, 2022. Uploaded to Internet Archive.
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LAND PATENTS are deeds from the U.S.government conveying title, and recorded by the government. The U.S. Public Land Survey System divides land into 24-mile tracts that are subdivided into 16 townships that are 6 miles by 6 miles, or 36 square miles. Each township is divided into 36 one-square-mile sections. Each section is 640 acres, and then sections would be halved and quartered, etc. For example, a Robert Asher land patent dated January 16, 1911, specified Township 9 South, Range 1 East, Section 31. Some patentees bought their land for cash, others homesteaded a claim, and others came into ownership via a donation act passed by Congress.
- JPG map key for Palomar Mountain: a 1903 map overlaid with Township, Range, Section numbering
- PDF list of names issued land patents on Palomar Mountain from 1871 to 1984: names are associated with Palomar's Township and Range grid (no section number/aliquot). This list is useful for name verification in a general area on Palomar Mountain. Peter Brueggeman, 2022. Uploaded to Internet Archive.
- BLM's General Land Office Records of land patents. Look up names to identify the specific land granted with its Township, Range, Section Number, and Aliquot.

OTHER SITES OF INTEREST

Escondido History Center
Escondido Public Library Pioneer Room
San Diego History Center
Valley Center Historical Society
History of Lost Valley [Schoepe Scout Reservation at Lost Valley]
Native Peoples:
- Pauma Band of Luiseno Indians: Pauma Band
- Rincon Band of Luiseno Indians: Rincon Band
- Cupa / Cupeno people [National Park Service]
- Quechla / San Luis Rey River [National Park Service]
BLM Land Patent Records
- General Land Office Records: searchable database of land patents
- Navigator Map: (click on "PLSS Tools" and add PLSS CadNSDI Layer to Map) Shows PLSS Township & Range numbering over a topo map
Overview of Land Records [rootsweb]
USGS, The National Map: useful for Palomar Mountain placename location
Historical Topographic Maps [USGS National Geospatial Program]
California Fire History Map: Palomar Mtn fires back to 1917 [Data Basin]
San Diego County, GenWeb [US Geneweb Archives, California]
California Cemeteries: [The Tombstone Transcription Project]