History tells us the Serrano-Cahilla Indians were the first inhabitants
of the valley.
The museum takes you back to an 1842 land grant established
by Antonio Maria Lugo and the pioneers who followed and settled in the valley.
In 1910 a big land sale changed the valley into an apple and grain producing
mecca. The weather proved too warm for apples and peaches replaced them. In
the early 40's the peach trees were pulled and the valley was discovered for
its beauty, weather and comfortable living qualities and was replaced with
homes for many senior citizens.
Postmasters, early churches, schools, homes, businesses and the war years are
but a few of the exhibits.
Personalities like the Stater Brothers, Spider Woman, Congressman Harry Sheppard
and many more are memorabilia of earlier years.
The California Department of Forestry is represented as their firemen lived
in the building which is now the museum.
The valley includes the Dunlap, North Bench, Middle Bench, Oak Glen and the
South Bench
(Calimesa).
We look forward to your visit!
