In January 1942 my parents, Leonard “Skipper” and Margery Steimle purchased from Pacific Electric Company the PE employee vacation camp near Blue Jay, California. It consisted basically of 40 cabins, a lodge, swimming pool and several out buildings located on a beautifully wooded 20 acres between Blue Jay and Agua Fria on highway 89. The slogan was: Families with Children Preferred
The first name chosen for the camp was Beverly Pines. Skipper had taught several years at Beverly Hills High School. Around 1944 the name was changed to Pine View Lodge, by which it was known until our father died in 1974. It never operated again.
Everything is gone now (2008). All that remains is the lodge’s fireplace and chimney, remnants of the fire ring, and acres of magnificent trees. Pine View was an unusual resort…made so by two special energetic and talented people who encouraged their four children to get involved. If you were one of the many who remember the Steimles and Pine View Lodge, we would love to hear from you.
Larry Steimle lawrencesteimle@gmail.com