Lost in the Fog

Wow! I just realized that it has been over a month since I last updated my blog. I have been mentally “lost in the fog” of so much work on different projects that time has kind of flown past me. I have been out and about with my camera, for pleasure as well as for work. Additionally, I am now being paid to write historical articles for an internet forum. Here are a few of my shots taken over the past month.

On The Shelves!!!

Some great news. My book, "Randsburg" The Mojave Desert's Liveliest Ghost Town," will now be available on store shelves at Red Rock Books in Ridgecrest, California! That makes three stores who stock and sell this book.

New Book Description

I have finally motivated myself to change up the official description of my book. No doubt I can do more, but it is a start, LOL!

The new description:

A combination history, photographic journey and travel guide to the historic living ghost town of Randsburg, California, located in the Mojave Desert. Take a step back in time and live the Old West! This old mining town has a lot of tales to tell, some of which you will find in the pages of this book. With a population of nearly 3000 in it's hey day, Randsburg saw it's share of excitement, murder, hi-jinks and disasters, often gaining mention in the larger newspapers. See where Billy Bob Thornton made his supporting speaking role debut in the movie "Chopper Chicks in Zombietown." After months of thorough research I reveal the true identity of Randsburg's most famous red-light madam, French Marguerite. Read the scandalous headlines about the woman vampire seeking new virgin blood! Explore the stories of some of those buried in the Rand District cemetery, who, until now, have been forgotten to history. Learn all the details behind the murder of Emily Davidson, shot dead on Butte Avenue in broad daylight by her husband. You will also learn about some of Randsburg's current residents and shop keepers, and how they manage to keep the history of Randsburg alive for future generations. Full of photographs, both color and black & white.

Randsburg Book - New Cover!

I have updated the cover art for my book, "Randsburg: The Mojave Desert's Liveliest Ghost Town!"

Available at: CreateSpace eStore: https://www.createspace.com/3962524
Or, if you want to save a few dollars, buy it direct from me at: http://www.cindynunn.com/books.htm

Old West Days at Randsburg, CA

Hey all, I have just returned from a fabulous and wild four days in Randsburg, California, located in the Mojave Desert. This little town was founded in 1895 by three gold miners and has been hanging on ever since. The population might be under 100, but the place is still alive and kicking. It is actually a living ghost town and is about as authentic as it gets, with many original buildings still standing and quite a few in use as homes and businesses. Little did I know that when Scrappy, one of the owners of the Cottage Hotel / Goat Sky Ranch, told me that dressing up for the festivities was encouraged that I would get pulled in and made PART of the entertainment. I dressed as an old west bordello madam and ended up getting arrested, thrown in jail and busted out by the Ghostriders outlaw gang three times, got to rob the stage twice, joined the parade through town and was included in a historical documentary being filmed about the town. So, it was a busy and enjoyable four days where I made many new friends.


Photos are still being processed, so in the meantime enjoy a few videos of the wild and woolly fun...

Thank you, Bruce Little...

I just want to take this opportunity to thank Bruce Little, owner of Select Travel Network in Camarillo, for using my photography/artwork to illustrate a story about one of our local historical buildings, the Strathern House. You can read it on his Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/#!/bruce.little.

Thank you, Bruce!

The Santa Susana Cantina, aka "Wallie's"

The Santa Susana Cantina, now owned by SRM Properties and used as office space, has had a long history in Simi Valley. John Wayne and other movie cowboys hung out here and Jay Leno paid a visit as well. It is even rumored that Charles Manson stopped by to "wet his whistle" once. Although it is mostly remembered as being a bar/saloon or restaurant by long time locals, this building actually started out as a stagecoach stop in the 1800's, and in the early 1900's it even served as a small church for a time. It was in the year 1932 that the first liquor license was issued for this building to be operated as a drinking establishment. Since then it has been known by many names, such as "Scotty's," "Irene's," "Jave's Reef," "Rod's," "Otto's Oasis," "Otto's Beer Bar," and even, in 1984, "Olde Susana Restaurant." But most seem to remember it as "Wallie's Hideout."

"Wallie" was Lottie W. Matthies, who bought "Otto's Beer Bar" in 1986 and renamed it "Wallie's Hideout." Lottie herself was quite an interesting character, who, at age 14 learned to be a butcher from an uncle. In 1944 she joined the Marines and became a drill sergeant. After leaving the service she headed for California, where she worked for 33 years as a butcher in various grocery stores. She finally retired from the trade and bought the bar, which she dedicated 18 more years of her life to. "Wallie passed away from cancer on January 30th, 2003. But, she saw a lot of life and colorful events at her little bar in "Santa Susana," including the filming of one of the "Terminator" movies in her parking lot, as well as scenes for the televison shows "The X-Files" and "Twin Peaks."

Here is "Wallie's Hideout" in the X-Files, season 9, Episode 10, about 30:35 minutes into the show. As you can see on the photo, this is supposed to be taking place in Canada, LOL! I have my friend Gary Wayne, of the Seeing Stars website to thank for finding this for me. If you want to find out about Simi Valley locations to be found in movies or television shows Gary is the man to contact.

This shot of "Wallie's Hideout" can be found in the old television series "Twin Peaks." This is from season 2, episode 18, called "Masked Ball." Apparently "Wallie's" also shows up in season 2, episode 22, "Slaves and Masters," but I haven't looked yet.