Apple Valley Legacy Museum hosting Shindig at the Museum after inn tour

By L.J. Gambone
For the Apple Valley Review

Although the Town of Apple Valley was officially incorporated in 1988, it’s rich history dates back centuries.

The area was first inhabited by Native American tribes, such as the Shoshone and Paiute. In the late 1770s, California’s Spanish Mission founder Father Francisco Garces spent time in the area. And in the 1800s, Apple Valley was explored by Spanish gold seekers.

During the early part of the 20th century, apple orchard owner Max Ihmsen brought further recognition to the town after winning numerous agricultural awards.

From the 1940s through ‘60s, the Historic Apple Valley Inn on Highway 18 became a popular place for celebrities such as Bob Hope, Marilyn Monroe and John Wayne to hang out.

While the apple orchards and Indian tribes have disappeared, the Apple Valley Inn still stands as a historical treasure.

Most recently, the Apple Valley Legacy Museum began offering tours of the property in order to give locals and out-of-town visitors a chance to experience all it has to offer.

The next tour will begin at 3:30 p.m. on Thursday. According to Marcella Taylor, founder of the Apple Valley Legacy Museum, the tour will include all of the inn's interior rooms, outside grounds and vintage barber shop. The cost is $10.

“We will only be able to accommodate about 60 people, so tickets must be purchased prior to the event,” said Taylor. “This is an incredible opportunity to see the whole place and learn about its magnificent history.

“The owners of the inn, Leor and Sarah Lakritz, are doing a wonderful thing by opening up the property for this kind of unique experience.”

According to Taylor, the tour will be followed by another event at the old Bob Hope Cottage #153 called Shindig at the Museum at 5 p.m.

Admission to Shindig at the Museum is free and does not require a ticket for the tour. Food will be provided by Old Town Dogs and served by Roy Rogers’ nephew David O’Dell for $5 or $10 a plate. There will also be line dancing and live music from High Desert Jammers.

The nonprofit Legacy Museum is a sister project to the Legacy Trail effort, according to Taylor. Museum admission is free and made possible by the support of the High Desert Community Foundation.

Visitors will find vintage postcards, news articles, photos, books and other historical items that have been donated by local residents and/or organizations. The museum also houses Roy Rogers and Dale Evans memorabilia.

The Historic Apple Valley Inn is located at 20601 Highway 18. Tickets to the tour can be purchased at the Legacy Museum, which is located on the grounds of the inn at the old Bob Hope Cottage #153.

Hours of operation are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday.

For additional information about the Legacy Museum’s upcoming events, call 760-985-1918.