Idyllwild Experience

JULY 4, 1889: “Young couples came in canopied surreys; families came in wagons; young men bro’t their sisters in
buckboards; and boys rode on donkeys,”
the Banning Herald newspaper reported as San Gorgonio Pass families gathered in Banning for Independence Day 137 years ago.

Highlights: A baseball game between “the Beaumonts and the Bannings,” (Banning “surprised everybody” by winning 12-8). The Declaration of Independence, read by the Beaumont Gazette newspaper editor. A patriotic speech by the Banning Herald editor; patriotic songs by everyone; and of course, lots of ice cream and lemonade on a sizzling summer day.

In the lot across the street from present-day Banning City Hall, The Banning (later called the San Gorgonio Inn) was decorated red, white, and blue inside and outside. Lunch and dinner were followed at nightfall by a fancy ball in which people danced together all night long.

“The day was an entire success,” The Banning Herald reported. “The best of feeling prevailed, and everybody was impressed with the imposing crowd that our Pass could muster.”
(Pictured, The Banning during this era, unknown occasion, courtesy of Banning Library District.)

Dr. Kate Kramer shared a wealth of information about our beloved lemon lily as well as the original foundation of the Lemon Lily Restoration Festival (which she was a part of). I’m happy our beloved Bruce Watts died thinking he had found the mother of all Lemon Lilies with 26 blooms on “Big Mamma”. Kate’s presentation revealed specimens with well over 50 blooms!!! Humans have brought this species to the brink of extinction. 😢 Let’s cherish and protect what few are left on our mountain!!! ⛰️

This is the elusive rein orchid … if you’re not careful, you could mess or step on this little beauty!