By Susan Wiggins
Mayor
Friendly Tehachapi
A Page of History
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These old brochures were used to promote Tehachapi back in the late 50s or early 60s.
Brochures are used to promote something, from weekend events, schools and cities. While searching through my mother Marion Deaver's files, I found some old brochures promoting Tehachapi.
I think the two that I found were created in the late '50s or early '60s, by their content and the graphics included in them. Both were sponsored by the Tehachapi Chamber of Commerce and encouraged readers to come to Tehachapi and perhaps live there.
One of them called Tehachapi "The Valley of Many Acorns and Good Water." There have been several phrases that attempted to define the meaning of the word Tehachapi and I believe this was one of those. The other brochure was entitled simply "Friendly Tehachapi."
The first brochure invited visitors to "relax, live and grow with our expanding community." Promoted were "climate, recreation, schools, and churches.
"For you parents, who are understandably concerned about the educational opportunities for your children, Tehachapi has finely-staffed and equipped school facilities which consist of five elementary schools and an excellent four-year accredited high school."
On the subject of churches, the brochure stated that there were churches of every faith and denomination. Shopping facilities were listed, as well as a 28 bed hospital and medical center.
There were also various organizations in the community where new residents could join and be active.
Climate was also touted as combining the clear, dry air of the desert with the moderate refreshing atmosphere "inherent in the area's 4,000 foot elevation."
Several photos showed areas of the community, including the new high school, which today is the community's junior high.
Businesses include a "fine weekly newspaper," Cement Company, horse breeding, turf farms, and a garment factory (which is now the new city Police Department).
In the second brochure, the front inside page claimed that the document was to be used to "promote orderly growth of the area."
The Tehachapi area was said to "provide an atmosphere in which families can thrive with emphasis on outdoor activities." These activities included golf, swimming, hiking and horseback riding.
The brochure emphasized that "juvenile delinquency is negligible with the schools and various youth organizations promoting good citizenship in our youths."
This brochure quoted statistics from 1968, listing 4,115 residents living within the city limits. The city was shown to have a bank, weekly newspaper, public library, escrow services and a "good selection of retail stores."
Water rates were charged by the month at a rate of $3.25 for the first 4,000 gallons. Over 4,000 gallons were charged 13 cents per 1,000 gallons.
A new master zoning plan was in the works, along with a master sewer plan, and a master water system plan.
The Tehachapi Valley boasted 1,086 acres in orchards, including pears, peaches, apples, and nectarines, and had 27,376 acres under cultivation for alfalfa, oat hay, dry barley and wheat, just to mention a few.
Inside of the "Valley of Many Acorns and Good Water" brochure.
The entire city has changed in many ways and has remained the same in others. The city continues to grow, bringing new housing tracts, businesses, and light industries.
Its Gran Fondo is in its second year, and attracts thousands of bike riders and others to watch the big event in September. The city also promotes, along with the Chamber of Commerce, several other events, such as the Tehachapi Mountain Festival.
Wineries are now in the Tehachapi Valley and residents and visitors can enjoy local wines and enjoy other events hosted by the vineyard owners.
Perhaps that is how the valley has changed, but the area still has wonderful weather and clean air. Check us out!
