Borrego Sun - Since 1949

On or around the second Sunday of every November the Borrego Springs Civic Foundation gets the keys to Old Borego, and opens it to the public from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. The fourth grade class writes up a history of old Borego, and awards are given to the best essay’s. The fourth grade class has done this each year for some time now. They all have a good time, and the essays are fun to listen to. The store is mostly empty, but makes a good place to show old movies advertising Borrego Springs in the early fifty’s. The house is furnished by the current owners who purchased it in the mid-eighties.

My Dad, Ed DuVall purchased the property in the early thirty’s. He ran the store into the early 60’s when he closed it down. I lived there from 1939 through 1961, until I got married. I remained living in Borego full time up to when my Dad passed away in 1973. I moved my family to Escondido so my Mother could be closer to medical facilities. She passed away in 1974. The property remained in me and my sister’s name until it was sold to the Garner family ten or so years later. My Dad had become quite a collector, and it took me several years to get rid of all stuff that he had gathered up.

This event is something I look forward to every year. As I walk through the old house, memories come flooding into my mind. I am reminded of a quieter time that was a lot slower and calmer that life is now. I am very fortunate to have grown up in Borego. I am still in contact with many of the people I grew up. We find Borego to be a catalyst that keeps our friendships alive and well. This and many other adventures will come to life in my autobiography (written from my panel trucks point of view) I am told that it will be done in 2016, or else! I still enjoy setting under the Tamirisk trees during the winter seasons I spend in Borego. Lots of great memories for me to remember and relive in my mind. There was a good size gathering for this years opening. All enjoyed going through the store and the old house. If you haven’t been to this annual event, you should do it at least once, in your encounter of Borego Springs. Everything wound down around 3 pm. I pointed Henry towards Julian for a leisurely drive home.