HISTORY OF BEAR VALLEY
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The huge bedrock mortars, once used by the California Native Americans to grind acorns, rest on each side of the colorful history of Bear Valley. There are tales of notable personalities like Jedediah Smith, who appeared in the area as early as 1827 on a return trip to the Great Salt Lake. Major John Ebbetts, the man after whom the pass was named, recommended this region for Trans-Sierra railroad and is credited for the original route that is now Highway 4.
Early Bear Valley Summer Vacationers - 1890
When Harvey Blood arrived in "Grizzly Bear Valley" gold seekers and immigrants had already passed through while crossing the Sierras. During the 1860s, Harvey Blood and Jonathan Curtis arranged an agreement with the Big Trees ~ Carson Valley Turnpike Co. to finish the route over Ebbett's Pass, to maintain and repair the road, plus collect assessed tolls for wagons and livestock.
A Car Rally at the Blood's Toll Station - 1920
Blood's Toll Station & Hotel were built on the present Bear Valley Meadow site and were run by his wife, daughter Reba and the family Chinese cook. Legend has it that the red-haired Reba would "borrow" freshly baked pies cooling on the windowsill to take to the survey men working on Ebbett's Pass. In appreciation, the men named a prominent mountain after Reba. The Bloods ran the toll station until 1887 when their contract expired.
A Young Reba Blood
The toll road then became a public thoroughfare in 1910 and was incorporated into the State Highway System called "Alpine Highways".
The Bear Valley area was also home to many mountain men and trappers. One who attained notoriety was Monte Wolfe. Actually an ex-con named Archey Wright, Monte trapped the present Mokelumne Wilderness Area for pelts which he sold in Stockton and San Francisco. This end of an era mountain man disappeared mysteriously without a trace. One of his early log cabins is still standing several miles from Bear Valley village, a tribute to a mountain man's life.
Local Trapper and Mountain Man Monte Wolfe
During the winter months in the early 1930's, U.S. Forest Service Ranger, Harry Schimke, began to ski from Camp Connell and Tamarack to Bear Valley and points beyond to measure snow depths and for personal recreation. Harry was instrumental in the development of Mt. Reba Ski Resort three decades later.
US Forest Ranger, Harry Schimke Backcountry Skiing on Mt. Reba
In 1952, Bruce and Jim Orvis, and their father William purchased Blood's Meadow (the present Bear Valley Meadow) from Bishop Land and Mining Co. The fourth generation San Joaquin Valley ranchers brought their cattle to Bear Valley to graze in the meadow during the summer. It was Bruce's inspiration and efforts that began the initial development of Bear Valley Village and the Bear Valley Lodge. Maury Rasmussen, who owned a local logging and mill operation collaborated in the development and opening of Mt. Reba Ski Resort in 1967, now referred to as Bear Valley Mountain Resort.
An Aerial View of Bear Valley Village and Resort Before Being Developed
As of 2005 Bear Valley and Bear Valley Mountain now have a conglomerate of owners; Dundee Realty USA, Chuck Toeniskoetter, Kevin Compton and Doug MacKenzie. Bear Valley's new partnership effectively merges accommodations, real estate and the ski area.
For more history on the area, browse through these web-sites:
Become a member or supporter of Ebbetts Pass Historical Association:
EPHA, P.O. Box 5203, Bear Valley, CA 95223.
Yearly membership forms can be picked up outside the Museum/Office in the BV Lodge Commercial Center. Stop by and enjoy the current displays.
Hours: Friday thru Sunday, 1:00 - 4:00 pm
Often open other days, dependent on volunteers. Give us a call!Home | Arts & Entertainment | Calendar of Events | Camps | Dining & Nightlife | History | Local Links | Lodging | Maps | Photos | Quick Directory | Real Estate | Sports & Recreation | Shopping | Weather
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© Bear Valley Business Association
P.O. Box 5444
Bear Valley, CA 95223
