Murray's Dude Ranch facts for kids
Murray's Ranch was a special place in Bell Mountain, California. It was a "dude ranch" where people could stay and have fun. It was also known as the Overall Wearing Dude Ranch. The ranch was open from the 1920s to the 1960s.
It was located in Apple Valley, California, near Victorville, California. What made Murray's Ranch unique was that it was owned by African Americans. It mostly welcomed African American guests. It was also used as a set for "all-black cast" Western movies. One very important movie filmed there was the musical Harlem on the Prairie (1937).
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History of Murray's Ranch
Starting the Ranch
The land for Murray's Ranch was bought in 1926. It was about 40 acres (16 hectares) big. The ranch was started by a husband and wife, Nolie B. and Lela Murray. They were successful business owners in Los Angeles, California. They were also important members of the Black community there.
The Murrays wanted the ranch to be a fun place. They also used it as a special retreat. It was a place for African American children who needed a break.
Fun at the Ranch
For almost 20 years, Murray's Ranch was a popular dude ranch. It had many cool things for visitors. There was a swimming pool and several small houses. Guests could also enjoy tennis courts and a ball field. Horse riding stables were available too.
Many different people visited the ranch. Famous entertainers came, as did regular families. Anyone who could afford to come was welcome.
A Place for Everyone During Segregation
Murray's Ranch was very important for Black recreation. In the 1920s, many places in the United States had segregation. This meant Black Californians could not go to many public and private places. Resorts, hotels, and even public parks were often closed to them.
For nearly half of the 20th century, Black people had to use separate facilities for fun. Murray's Ranch was one of these special places. It offered a safe and welcoming spot for the Black community. Other Black-owned resorts also opened. These included places in Lake Elsinore, California and Val Verde, California.
Movies Filmed at Murray's Ranch
Murray's Ranch was a popular spot for filming movies. Four "all-black cast" Westerns were shot there. These movies starred Herb Jeffries. He was famous as a Black singing cowboy.
The films were made in the late 1930s:
- Harlem on the Prairie (1937)
- Two-Gun Man from Harlem (1938)
- The Bronze Buckaroo (1939)
- Harlem Rides the Range (1939)
Herb Jeffries sang songs in these movies. His backing group, the Four Tones, also performed.
Famous Visitors and Later Years
During its busiest time, from May to September, Murray's hosted many people. About 100 guests visited each week. Many famous people came to the ranch. These included singers like Lena Horne and Kate Smith. Famous athletes like Joe Louis also visited. Actors such as Hedda Hopper, Freddie Bartholomew, Hattie McDaniel, Clark Gable, and Louise Beavers enjoyed the ranch.
In 1955, a very famous singer and actress bought most of the ranch. This was Pearl Bailey. She bought 35 acres (14 hectares) of the 40-acre ranch. Pearl Bailey and her husband, Louie Bellson, renamed the property "Lazy B". They added modern things like telephones and new lighting.
Nolie Murray continued to live on the remaining 5 acres (2 hectares). He ran a small hotel there until he passed away in 1958. Pearl Bailey sold the ranch in the mid-1960s. In 1988, the old buildings were no longer useful. They were burned by the Apple Valley Fire Department for a training session.
