March 19, 2023
Old Borego: The Historic Heart of Borrego Valley
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The Borrego Valley, nestled in Southern California, has a rich and storied history that began in the early 1900s when the first homesteaders arrived. Isolated and surrounded by rugged mountains on three sides, the valley posed many challenges for its early settlers. Acquiring essential supplies required a lengthy five-day round-trip to Brawley or a strenuous journey up Grapevine Canyon toward Ramona. Despite these hardships, a small community began to form, with Old Borego playing a crucial role in the valley’s early development.
By the 1910s, the first homesteaders had made their mark in Borrego Valley. In the 1920s, the opening of a road through Sentenac Canyon attracted more settlers, and the Ensign family made a significant contribution by installing the first deep well in the valley. A local school was established in 1928, followed by the formation of a chamber of commerce, known as the Borego Boosters Club, and the assignment of a deputy sheriff to the area. Eslie Wynn, the first postmaster, opened the Borego Post Office, marking the beginning of organized civic life.
In 1929, Wynn expanded his services by adding the valley’s first gas station and store, along with a branch library, creating a hub for the growing community. As the 1930s progressed, mail service, which came twice a week from Julian, became a vital lifeline for the valley. Eslie Wynn managed the mail until his death in 1935, after which several others took over, including Glenn DuVall, who also became the postmaster and storekeeper.
The 1940s saw changes in the area, with the Borego Post Office closing in 1940 due to declining business. Nevertheless, Eddie DuVall, the last postmaster, kept the community spirit alive by running the store and serving as Deputy Sheriff. In 1947, the focus of the valley shifted northwest to Christmas Circle with the emergence of Borrego Springs. By 1949, Borrego Springs had its own post office, and the modern spelling of the town’s name was officially adopted.
Through the 1950s to the 1970s, Eddie DuVall continued to run the “Borego” Store until the late 1950s. Today, Old Borego remains a vital part of Borrego Valley’s history. The preserved buildings and landmarks stand as a testament to the pioneering spirit of those who shaped the valley into the thriving community it is today. The legacy of Old Borego serves as a reminder of the resilience and determination of its early settlers, who overcame countless obstacles to establish a lasting community in the desert.
