Above: Brochure image from the private collection of Eileen Downey.

Sometimes in historical research, you get a puzzle piece at a time. This was the case with this story, three unrelated events came together to form a picture of Fawnskin’s past.

The first event occurred last year when I was watching the television show, History Detectives.

A Kentucky man was searching his grandfather’s Ohio attic when he stumbled upon a reel of 35mm nitrate film in a canister marked “Dangerous Hour - Eddie Polo.”

Could this snippet of film be an actual copy of an Eddie Polo silent film? Eddie Polo was a legendary stuntman in the 1920s silent film world, but very few of his films remain.

The history experts ran the film, Devil Dog Dawson, (filmed at Bartlett’s Camp in the Big Bear Valley) and found out the Universal Studio western star was Jack Hoxie. View the Jack Hoxie clip now.

Above: Photo from the movie, The Highwaymen (Public Domain)

Coincidentally around the same time one of the Fawnskin shop owner’s told me that one of her customers found Tom Mix’s waffle recipe (another Universal Studio western actor) in one of the cabinets in their cabin.

The last piece of the puzzle came when a friend gave me an old brochure advertising Fawnskin.

What do all of these events have in common? They reveal that Jack Hoxie, a silent western star, was an early resident of Fawnskin.

The brochure indicated that Hoxie’s cabin was at the first milepost from the Big Bear dam. So, with my husband at the wheel, we drove one mile from the dam and found ourselves at a beautiful forest lease cabin with a breath-taking lake view–and the location where Tom Mix’s waffle recipe had been found.

Now Jack Hoxie did not just live in Fawnskin–he was an example of the Fawnskin hospitality that still exists to this day.

In fact, his message in the brochure invited people visiting Fawnskin to stop by his hangout. (Which was said to be filled with an interesting historical collection of Indian relics.) Hoxie left the latchkey out at all times for just such visitors.

Above: Headshot of Jack Hoxie

Jack Hoxie made over 121 western films most of them silent. He was a true cowboy and had been a star in the Wild West shows before becoming a Hollywood star.

His unique gun was a cross-draw rig, with the reversed holster on his left hip but this holster was not what made Jack special. What made him unique was that he believed that he had a responsibility to young fans to not smoke or drink liquor.

Jack Hoxie worked to keep his actions honest and highly value moral behavior.

So, who he played on the screen reflected who he was off the screen. Jack also donated a large amount of time to visiting children in hospitals.
When asked, “Why do you help others?” His reply was, “I have tried to consider other men’s feelings as much as my own and to do good whenever and wherever I had the opportunity.”

After Jack retired from acting he returned to the Wild West shows and even joined the Downie Brothers Circus.

How ironic that it is so close to my last name!

I was so touched this early Fawnskin character that I decorated my bedroom in a western style with Jack Hoxie artifacts.

Above: Jack Hoxie one of the early Fawnskin Folk

In alignment with Hoxie’s tradition, many of today’s Fawnskin Folk continue to invite neighbors and visitors over–and we hope that one day you too will stop by for a visit.

About the Contributor: Eileen Downey bought a home in Fawnskin as a retreat from the fast pace of the big city. Living here she has found inspiration, a renewed spirit, an endless amount of creativity and curiosity. Off the mountain, Eileen is an elementary teacher for children with autism but for the last three years, her passionate hobby has been to collect, read, and sort through the history of Fawnskin and its founding settlers. She hopes you will enjoy her series and be inspired by the first Fawnskin residents who called themselves “Fawnskin Folks.”

If you have any additional information you would like to share, or have questions about the history of Fawnskin, please comment below.

Post from: Fawnskin Flyer: News and musings from the southern California Mountains near Big Bear, California

Fawnskin History: Everything is “Hoxie Totsy” in Fawnskin

Above: Up the Creek in Fawnskin

Not too long ago someone emailed about the dump location. (Just drive down North Shore to the East End of the valley and it will be on your left just past Baldwin Lake.)

However, Fawnskin residents may take advantage of the 3rd Annual Free Dumpster Day this Saturday (May 17th) called, “Beautify Fawnskin Day.”

The event is sponsored by Candy Hallstead of Century 21. She is also having a drawing for a $50.00 gift certificate to Butcher’s Block as part of the event. Drop by anytime 12:00-4:00 PM on Saturday May 17th.

Just a note to say that it was so successful last year that the town overflowed the first roll off. This year Candy Hallstead has rented two roll off dumpsters.

Candy provides the service to those who are cleaning up around their cabins so they don’t have to make a trip to the transfer station. However please note that hazardous materials and heavy construction scraps (like concrete blocks) are not allowed. Lumber is allowed if it is cut up in four foot or smaller lengths. Bags of pine needles are allowed.

Meditation Temple

On Sunday, May 18th (after 11:30am) local Fawnskin residents are welcome to drop by the Meditation Temple to give you best wishes to our local Monks as they celebrate finishing the temple. I got to get a short glimpse last week and it looks fabulous.

Big Bear Marathon

Valley residents are invited to the next General Meeting of the Fawnskin Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday, May 27 at 6:00 pm at the Big Bear Discovery Center meeting room. The topic will concern the marathon that is coming to Big Bear on September 6, 2008.

Rick Bates, Director of Event Resources for Big Bear Valley, will discuss the event. Thousands of people are expected to attend and the roads will be closed as the runners race through the valley. Find out how this will affect you and your business and what you can do to be part of it.

Big Bear’s First Marathon starts at 6:00 am in the Village and will continue around the entire lake. The event will include a bicycle tour, half-marathon, 5K run, and a Kid’s Fun Run. It will also feature an Expo in the village with live music and other post race activities.

For more information on the event call (909) 867-9058 or for information about the Fawnskin Chamber meeting call (909) 866-3414.

Post from: Fawnskin Flyer: News and musings from the southern California Mountains near Big Bear, California

Dumpster Day, Meditation Temple, Big Bear Marathon

Above: Vintage Postcard of Fawn Lodge

Thanks to Snoop Sister Deb who helped me with this update:

Recent scuttlebutt is that a developer is interested in buying the Fawn Lodge. The word is that he does not want to tear it down and plans to open a restaurant downstairs, hotel rooms on the next floor, and a health center on the top floor. The developer has not yet talked to the current owners and will be talking to Keith the inspector to see what all needs to be done to bring everything up to code.

I also heard recently that some notable movie industry people visited Fawnskin (hosted by the Inland Empire Film Commission) and have expressed a continued interest in Fawnskin as a filming location. Rumors indicate that some discussion occurred over what it might take to do some surface repairs to Fawn Lodge.

What I find strange about the interest in Fawn Lodge is that neither party has discussed their plans for Fawn Lodge with the current owners–which I would say is putting the cart in front of the horse.

Fawnskin Festival & Blue Grass

As previously mentioned, the Fawnskin Festival will be held on Saturday July 26–the same day the Discovery Center is having a blue grass festival. The festival fee is $35 which will gain you a wristband so you can come and go as you wish all day long. (Only 600 tickets will be sold.) The plans are to get a trolley to loop through Big Bear to the Discovery Center and to the Fawnskin Festival.

Quagga Mussels
Invasive species remain a problem in this area with special concerns over a potential Quagga Mussel threat. It was reported that Irvine Lake and Lake Henshaw already have the mussel. Big Bear is trying to prevent the invasive species from getting into Big Bear Lake. The MWD are even putting barriers (such as big boulders) where people launch their boats from their homes and private launch ramps.

The effort is aimed at forcing boat owners to use only launch sites where the boat will be checked for mussels prior to putting the boat into the lake. Concerns are currently focusing on solutions for the holiday weekends when there will be a ton of boats trying to launch.

Captain John’s crew already caught one vessel carrying quagga mussels and prevented them from launching prior to inspection and clean up.

Captain John suggested that maybe some of the marinas could have inspectors stationed there and let people launch for free.

Finally, Happy belated birthday to Art Voltz!

Post from: Fawnskin Flyer: News and musings from the southern California Mountains near Big Bear, California

Fawn Lodge & Other Musings

First, Happy Mother’s Day!

Grout Creek is still running. For those of you worried about the trout–only three remain up near the falls. Up stream things are still moving pretty good but as you can see, the falls are shrinking and are only coming down through one of the arches now.

If you are in town tomorrow night. The NSIA Potluck is at 6pm at the Old Miller Park School House.

Fishing Report for Mother’s Day Courtesy of Big Bear Marina:

Trollers using lead core at 2.5 to 3.5 colors with Needlefish in the bikini pattern and Rapalas in rainbow and fire minnow pattern have been working the middle of the lake from Windy Pt. to Papoose Bay scoring limits of holdover trout to 3 pounds.

Large trophy sized rainbow trout will be stocked in the lake this week as part of the Jim Hall Memorial May Trout Classic. In addition to numerous cash and tackle prizes for the 425 entrants, several fish reared in pens over the winter could break the lake record of 14.68 lbs. set during the 1995 Classic. Look for these fish to be caught next weekend and in the weeks to come.

Post from: Fawnskin Flyer: News and musings from the southern California Mountains near Big Bear, California

…and then there were three

Above: Live Performance at the Theater of the Stars in Fawnskin, California

One of the most interesting and well-known landmarks of early Fawnskin was The Theater of the Stars. It was the dream of Fannie Charles Dillon, a local Fawnskin resident, who was also a world famous composer.

It was Dillon’s dream that Fawnskin develop an outdoor theatre similar to the Bohemian Grove, an outdoor theater in Monte Rio, California. She hoped to facilitate an atmosphere of beauty and good fellowship in the new Fawnskin artist colony.

Miss Dillon gained the financial backing of two town developers, Waybright and Thompson, toward this goal. One of her first actions was to invite Arthur Farewell, a well- known musical play producer and composer, to help develop the outdoor theater.

Above: Fanny Dillion & Arthur Farewell in Fawnskin Circa 1925

Fannie Dillon had pre-selected several sites for Mr. Farewell to view, but after hearing how sound carried at the meadow (next to the Rim of the World highway and behind Pederson’s sawmill) that was the location he selected for the Theatre of the Stars.

According to the theater’s August 1925 program, Mr. Farewell claimed that this natural mountain amphitheater was devoted to the progressive, experimental development of the arts of music, drama, and light (electricity).

His goal was to take a single stroke out of the usual and conventional environment (in art) and link them to heroic and primitive nature, to bring back the vanishing romance and wonder, and send it forth newborn and charged with a new message of release and beauty of humankind.

Above: Day Time at Theater of the Stars Circa 1925

In June of 1925 Fawnskin Folks attended the Saturday night music and color productions and by August 1925, two Sunday night performances were added. Locals paid their entrance fees (50 cents per person) in town and then walked the short distance to the theater.

Many nestled at the scattered campfires provided for comfort. There were several different options for seating, some were on clean decomposed granite covered with pine needles and others were on the smooth rocks and boulders around the site.

For those needing extra comfort there were log seats or cushions–and camp chairs could be rented for a nominal fee.

The first season started with many orchestra performances and closed in September with the play, The March of Man. The musical pageant by Farewell portrayed the man’s destructiveness to nature.

Above: Fawnskin Folks at Theater of the Stars March of Man Performance 1925

The March of Man began with the trees and rocks fearing their destruction by the woodman who cuts down a tree, an engineer who plants a blast of dynamite, and human partiers who start a forest fire.

Fortunately, the elements of nature come together and create a storm that extinguishes the fire. The world soul fears that the progress of civilization will not protect nature.

Nature calls for a sign that this spot shall be held sacred. In response, a singer appears 40 feet above on a towering rock and his prayerful song reaches the heavens–awakening the light of a new day.

What an experience it must have been to see them cut a giant pine tree, use lights to create a brilliant flare of fire in the canyon, and hear the hills echo with the sound of dynamite–all at the Theater of the Stars in the artist colony of Fawnskin.

About the Contributor: Eileen Downey bought a home in Fawnskin as a retreat from the fast pace of the big city. Living here she has found inspiration, a renewed spirit, an endless amount of creativity and curiosity. Off the mountain, Eileen is an elementary teacher for children with autism but for the last three years, her passionate hobby has been to collect, read, and sort through the history of Fawnskin and its founding settlers. She hopes you will enjoy her series and be inspired by the first Fawnskin residents who called themselves “Fawnskin Folks.”

If you have any additional information you would like to share, or have questions about the history of Fawnskin, please comment below.

Post from: Fawnskin Flyer: News and musings from the southern California Mountains near Big Bear, California

Fawnskin History: Theater of the Stars

The plaque that disappeared during the repaving at the Old Miller School House is back. The Park District placed it in the middle of the peace sign that the NSIA planted late last year.

Shadow’s mom asked if there would be signs related to the dedication of Highway 38–yes there is at least one. You can read more at the KBHR Website since they wrote about this event on May 5th. Below is a snap of the unveiling courtesy of KBHR.

Finally, I heard additional news about First Friday–that at least one business stayed open later and benefited from visitors. As usual, everyone has their opinion but not sure if everyone is wearing their watches!

Perhaps we need a clock tower in the middle of town….

Post from: Fawnskin Flyer: News and musings from the southern California Mountains near Big Bear, California

More Signs in Fawnskin

Above: Five yr. old Cody Hipwell of LaVerne landed a 6.46 lb Big Bear rainbow trout while trolling a flatline CD Rapala off Eagle Pt. on May 1st. Photo courtesy of Big Bear Marina.

Trout fishing on Big Bear Lake was great last weekend and reports are that the “Trout Triangle” (defined by Eagle Pt., the Observatory and Lagonita Pt.) still turned out a lot of fish. Surface temperatures are in the 54 (USD 83.85) degree range. Shore anglers working the North Shore from Windy Pt. to the dam have also seen limits soaking Nitro bait and inflated night crawlers on two to four foot leaders.

Above: 7 yr. old Josie Hipwell brought in a 2 lb rainbow trout on April 25th that was one of the tagged fish from the 2007 October Troutfest. Both of the “fishing kids” received Eagle Claw goody bags. Photo courtesy of Big Bear Marina.

First Friday Flops

Did I get an earful upon arriving back into town. As you know the First Friday in Fawnskin launched last Friday. We all thought it was a good idea but good ideas are nothing without follow through.

I know at least one potential vendor who inquired about a booth and whose impression was that there wasn’t a lot of interest from the person representing the event. Then I heard from some neighbors and visitors that some of the participating businesses/exhibitors decided to close at least an hour early.

Those who walked into town or that drove to town for the event–only to find it shut down early–were not happy about it. When I drove through town about 8:00pm it was already dark.

Better luck next month.

Many people suggested that the event should have banners and additional flyers or announcements throughout the valley to promote it. I did see it posted on the events calendar but the detail page didn’t work.

Let’s hope that the next event sticks to the original schedule.

Fawnkin Festival

Last week hermit girl (aka GG aka me) also missed a joint meeting of the leaders of Moose Lodge 2085, the Fawnskin Chamber of Commerce and the North Shore Improvement Association.

Many of you know that the Fawnskin Festival has been in limbo for the past couple of years. Originally a private individual spearheaded the Fawnskin Festival and then it went into committee. Concerns prompted additional actions–from a recent notice:

“Part of the meeting was to decide the fate of the Fawnskin Festival and the progress of the Doo Dah Parade Committee….”

I heard that it was so noisy that nobody could hear the speaker but it wasn’t clear if that was because of the crowds at Moose Lodge 2085 or the vocal opinions of those attending the meeting.

Ultimately, the decision is that the Fawnskin Festival will be organized and managed by the Fawnskin Chamber of Commerce, with Janet Dooley serving as this year’s chairperson.

Kathy Murphy, the person who heads up the Doo Dah Parade, has been sick and it seems as if the torch for that event will also be taken up by one of the town organizations. The Doo Dah Parade will be discussed at another meeting in a couple of weeks

Flags in Fawnskin

Anyone know about the mini-flags spread out in different areas of the North Shore? I first saw a large American flag being displayed near Serrano Campground. Then it was gone and clumps of mini-flags are on display in a few different areas of North Shore Drive. I wonder if they were part of the dedication recognizing Highway 38 as the 1st Lt. Jared Landaker US Marine Corps Memorial Highway. Let me know if you know…

Rock Slides?

Last night I was surprised to find the Arctic Circle blocked by road crews who were busily clearing out big boulders and gravel. CalTrans crews will be working along Highway 18 every night this week removing rock and debris. Crews began work last night and removed an estimated 700 tons of debris. Motorists can expect some delays, nightly from 8pm to 6:30am through May 9th as CalTrans continues the project.

Post from: Fawnskin Flyer: News and musings from the southern California Mountains near Big Bear, California

Something Fishy in Big Bear

Above: Postcard of Grout Bridge in Fawnskin

The following article is part of a new series in the Fawnskin Flyer. Today Fawnskin remains home to a large number of artisans–which seems to mirror the early history of the town. You’ll discover the “sister community” that inspired some of the flair found in Fawnskin and also learn the early motto of the residents who called themselves “Fawnskin Folks.”

One of my favorite things to do in Fawnskin is to take a stroll and look at the architecture of the older homes and buildings. The styles of the older cabins are uniquely beautiful and often not seen in other parts of the valley.

As reported in the Los Angeles Times and Fawnskin Folks (1924) these designs were not by accident. The design of the homes, the town’s businesses and even the Theater of the Stars came from a western town in New York.

According to one newspaper article, two musical composers, Arthur Farewell and Fannie Dillon, had composed some of their best work in Fawnskin. It was from their great success that the idea of having Fawnskin become a community similar to the western town of Chautauqua, New York became a reality.

Lewis Miller and Dr. John Heyl Vincent, a Methodist minister, founded Chautauqua (1874), now Chautauqua Institution, a summer retreat for the arts and continuing education near Lake Chautauqua in New York.

Above: Arches leading into the Chautauqua Amphitheater Ravine in New York

As one of the first non-profit communities, they believed that everyone should have access to the arts, not just the wealthy. Every summer they would have concerts and speakers.

Trivia: Mr. Miller’s daughter Mina, was married to Thomas Edison and had a home in Chautauqua.

The community of Chautauqua has many different types of buildings and homes. One of the public areas looks like it could be in Fawnskin, with its tree branch rails and rustic appearance. This style and community spirit would serve as the design for the new town of Fawnskin.

The developers of Fawnskin, Cline and Miller, and later Waybright and Thompson, became committed to this idea. They hired Farewell upon Dillon’s suggestion, to select the site and direct the performances for the Outdoor Theater. The residents of Fawnskin were proud of their little artist colony and new theater.

Above: Miller Park in Chautauqua, New York

The first residents wanted the designs of the homes and businesses to reflect the spirit of the colony. The design was so important to these residents that they began an architectural department for the town.

Fawnskin Folks took the time to remind home and businesses owners that Fawnskin was a distinctly artistic community and that all homes/businesses must be in harmony with this ideal.

At the time there were three styles of suggested siding for the exterior, vertical, horizontal logs and board and bat. Many of these early homes still exist today.

The Fawnskin founders also had a slogan that I think represents the spirit of the town both past and present, “It shall be done.”

Next time, the town developers, William Cline and Clinton Miller what a legacy they have left behind for all of the current residents of Fawnskin.

About the Contributor: Eileen Downey bought a home in Fawnskin as a retreat from the fast pace of the big city. Living here she has found inspiration, a renewed spirit, an endless amount of creativity and curiosity. Off the mountain, Eileen is an elementary teacher for children with autism but for the last three years, her passionate hobby has been to collect, read, and sort through the history of Fawnskin and its founding settlers. She hopes you will enjoy her series and be inspired by the first Fawnskin residents who called themselves “Fawnskin Folks.”

If you have any additional information you would like to share, or have questions about the history of Fawnskin, please comment below.

Post from: Fawnskin Flyer: News and musings from the southern California Mountains near Big Bear, California

Fawnskin History: Architectural Roots & Town Motto

Yesterday I ambled down to Fawn Harbor for a break. Captain John & Docker (aka “Dock”) escorted me down to the docks so I could see the new boat acquired by Fawnskin Fire Station 49.

Above: Dock, the marina cat, supervises the visit to the fireboat at Fawn Harbor.

The pontoon is outfitted with satellite navigation, flashing lights, a winch, and a pump and attachments for fire hose.

In addition to the boat, a school of carp are hanging around the docks. Soon they will be frolicking around the shoreline in a frisky frenzy much like the trout have been doing up Grout Creek.

Just a reminder that tonight is the First Friday in Fawnskin event. Some merchants will be staying open until 8pm. Here is another blurb from the Fawnskin Chamber:

The Fawnskin Chamber announces First Fridays in Fawnskin, May through October. Businesses and restaurants will be open until 8:00 for the public’s enjoyment. Other organizations and individuals are encouraged to also set up booths or tables. A very generous donation allows the Fawnskin Chamber of Commerce to offer six $100 gift certificates to Fawnskin establishments. Each month, on the first Friday, a drawing will be held for one of these gift certificates to participating Fawnskin businesses.

Post from: Fawnskin Flyer: News and musings from the southern California Mountains near Big Bear, California

Fawnskin Fire Boat & First Friday

It was a sad and disturbing sight to see that someone destroyed one of the deer in the Fawnskin Triangle this week. We discovered it two days ago.

The blooms surrounding the broken figure are cheerful and it makes me wonder who in the heck would be so nasty to destroy something that has been in place for many, many years and positioned in an area that has been so lovingly tended.

This destructive behavior has been rearing its head in the valley over the past month or two. Graffiti is another ugly addition to the valley and up the highway on the way to all of the mountain resorts here in the San Bernardino Mountains. We found it even in the adjacent forest to the West of Grout Creek.

You can glimpse the ugly marks throughout town and adjacent to the highway.

Not too long ago we were having a discussion about some misbehavior in the East end of the valley. Some time ago it seems that someone allowed their dogs to run loose wrecking havoc on other people’s animals. After one vicious attack, the dogs were said to have been at the veterinary for treatment before the victims.

The fencing and dogs disappeared and a note was left on the door suggesting the irresponsible pet owner relocate.  Which he did.

Not too long ago someone told me about the dogs who killed the local beavers. The same guy allows his animals to chase wildlife today–despite warnings and tickets. So why can he still continue these activities without change?

I remember when graffiti did not exist and a time when people didn’t leave their trash or mess behind for others to deal with.

What a sad state of affairs…and your opinion?

Post from: Fawnskin Flyer: News and musings from the southern California Mountains near Big Bear, California

Vandalism in Fawnskin