Sunday's Column - Pioneertown

Pioneertown was a movie set in the mid forties.  The above saloon started out as only a one-sided facade, called the Cantina.  Roy Rogers and Gene Autry and some friends named the town after Rogers' group "The Sons of the Pioneers."  Today it has a number of the original buildings, including Pappy and Harriet's Saloon which is a popular haunt for riders of horses and Harleys.  There is also a motel and a bowling barn where Rogers bowled the first ball - naturally it was a strike.  The little town is only open from Thursday's through Sunday's so it's a real ghost town on the other days.

Sunday's Column - Pioneertown

This Sunday's column is about the small township of Pioneertown, CA.  It's a very small place that was originally built by Roy Rogers, Gene Autry and their pals in 1946 to make movies.  Some of the places were just one wall backdrops like the Cantina, which is now Pappy and Harriet's Saloon.  The couple bought the place in the 50's and it's still a popular place for visitors on the weekends.

These big fellows are new additions since I was there about two years ago.  Pioneertown had a big fire come through just before my last visit, and I did wonder if there would still be signs of the damage, but Mother Nature has worked her magic again and there was no sign left.  As well as the saloon there is a small bowling alley, and a motel, which is very reasonable priced.  It's always fun to visit.