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. It is mostly remembered as being a bar/saloon or restaurant by long time locals. Some have claimed that this building actually started out as a stagecoach stop in the 1800's, but records show it was built in 1930. This date could be wrong and it could have been built earlier. Many of the older buildings in the Knolls area have been given estimated build dates on official records because actual dates have been lost. In the early 1900's it supposedly served as a small church for a time, which would give it a build date of earlier than 1930. 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.

True Blood in Simi Valley

In early May of this year my sister Diane, our friend Jean and me decided to hike around the Tapo Canyon area of Simi Valley. Our purpose was to see if we could gain access to the Big Sky Movie Ranch in order to photograph the former "Little House on the Prairie" film location. We meandered up and down small roads, photographing wild peacocks, checking out the old ranches and talking about the history of our hometown. Finally, we headed up Bennett Road, where the Big Sky Movie Ranch is located. Unfortunately we were unable to access the road leading to the former "Little House" set, but we did stumble upon some scenes being filmed for HBO's popular vampire series, "True Blood." Never one to miss an opportunity, I turned on my camera and captured some shots of the house.

Naturally, being the curious type (some would say nosy!) I wanted to know more about this little old house, it's use in the "True Blood" series, as well as it's history.

To find out more about it's purpose in the "True Blood" series only one person came to mind, Gary Wayne, webmaster of the "Seeing Stars" website. I have often utilized his informative and interesting site when seeking information regarding filming in the area. Gary was more than happy to help and he didn't disappoint. Not only that, he was silver-bullet quick with his responses! According to Gary, who took the time to re-watch older episodes in his efforts to provide identification, this house appeared first in Episode 12 of Season 3, when Hoyt surprises Jessica with her new house. But instead of telling you all about his discovery here, I invite you to visit his website and read for yourself. Gary has done far more justice to describing the scene than I ever could. Besides, I wouldn't want to deny you the privilege of having a look through the rest of his superb website.
Hoyt & Jessica's House - True Blood - Seeing Stars Website

Regarding the history of this quaint little ranch house, I believe it was originally part of the Tapo Rancho, which in 1904 was purchased by the Patterson Ranch Company of Oxnard, who intended to use this land for raising horses and mules, as well as grains and hay for feeding them. A 1911 map drawn up by Dessery & West, Civil and Hydraulic Engineers, shows this area of Bennett Road with a number of buildings identified, including the cook house, bunk house, Superintendent's house and the blacksmith shop. It is my belief that this was the former Superintendent's house. While part of the Tapo Rancho this area was known as the Home Camp, which indicated that this house was built before 1904. Later, this property was purchased by the Tapo Mutual Water Company, and is now owned by the Big Sky Movie Ranch.

If you'd like to view or purchase digitally filtered prints of this house please visit my gallery at:
Hoyt & Jessica's House gallery

Matilija poppy (Romneya)

Article written by Diane

Who doesn't enjoy setting their eyes on an open field of wildflowers? When you stumble upon the Matilija Poppy your eyes get a delightful surprise!

Also known as tree poppies this wildflower is native to southern California and northern Mexico.

The name Matilija (pronounced ma-TIL-i-ha or ma-til-EE-ha) appears to be of Chumash origin, possibly deriving it's name from Chief Matilija of the Chumash Indians of Ventura County, Ca. The name is also noted in Matilija Canyon above the community of Ojai and Matilija Creek in the Los Padres National Forest.

First noted by the author of the 1897 book, “The Wildflowers of California" Mary Elizabeth wrote “The Matilija Poppy must be conceded the queen of all flowers.”

A photographers delight; this dazzling and defiant wildflower grows where she wants, when she wants defying weather conditions and it's environment. Usually the Matilija poppy inhabits dry washes and canyons below 4000' in coastal sage scrub and chaparral away from the immediate coast and blooms from May to July.

Towering as high as 8' tall the showy white flowers are the largest of any plant native to California. It's bright yellow stamens and a single large pistil is the centerpiece of six crinkled pure white petals. Bees, butterflies and birds busily feed on the pollen of the large centerpiece the flower provides.

A little history tells us that In 1832, Thomas Coulter collected this species, most likely in the San Luis Rey River valley. Later In 1845, William Harvey, who introduced many of Coulter's collected plants to botanists in Europe and America, wanted to name the genus after him. However, another plant already bore his name, so he gave the genus name, Romneya, in honor of Coulter's friend, Reverend T. Romney Robinson, an astronomer, and the species name, coulteri, to honor Coulter. The common name, Matilija poppy (pronounced ma-TIL-i-ha or ma-til-EE-ha) is said to be named after Chief Matilija of the Chumash Indian Tribe.

In the stalk of the flower, there is a clear to yellowish liquid substance that the Cahuilla Indians used to drink. The Native Chumash Indians valued the plant for its medicinal value as well. The plant was used medicinally for skin and gum problems and stomach upset. The folklore of the the Chumash people believed the petals of the flower were made from the soul of a maiden, who died of a broken heart. Their Chumash gods transformed her into the pure white petal.

If you’re thinking about planting Matilija Poppies in your garden, keep in mind that the plant is 'normally' difficult to grow, but when the poppies take root, they can take over your garden so give them space to flourish. They are not called defiant without reason.

According to homeopathic medical advisors today, the tea or diluted tincture, as a drug analgesia, works well as a wash for skin pain and inflammation caused by an allergic reaction, chemical irritation, heat rash, or mild burns or sunburns.

As an astringent, it is a quality antimicrobial, and can be used as a powder to help with more common skin fungi. Though the diluted tincture is not very palatable, it apparently inhibits microbial growth in the mouth, lessens gum sensitivity, and decreases plaque buildup.

Painful and debilitating but not serious bacterial gastroenteritis can be soothed with the tea or tincture, helping to inhibit the bug, lessen the pain and cramps, and act as a mild sedative.

Warning: information on the herbal properties of this flower have been gathered from the Internet and has not been validated by the author. Always do your own research before using any herbal remedy.

Unfortunately, the species is slowly declining in areas of California where development is taking place a may soon become an endangered species.