HISTORY RETOLD

July 4th, 1926

The value of the Laguna lands chiefly for recreation had become a foregone conclusion for Forest Service officials. A report on the 4th of July celebration of 1926 describes the growing success of the Lagunas as a public resort:

"Beginning July 2nd auto parties began arriving for their holiday vacation. 350 automobiles were counted July 3, more came all during the night and more all day July 4. A very conservative estimate from parties count(ed) during different periods, would be 3,000 on Sunday.The majority of Special Use permittees were on the Area and tree camp grounds were occupied by hundreds of campers. The last day started by flag raising by Patrol Boy Scouts of America at Laguna Resort and outside the roar of a few open cut-outs on the day was a quiet one, everyone having a joyful day but sane and peaceful, as there were no attempts to shoot firecrackers or fireworks. The Laguna Camp Ground was a wonderful sight Sunday night, July 4, with lights of over one hundred camp fires and many gasoline lanterns...." (Cleveland Bulletin 7-1926:10)

Source: Historic Resources Surveys & Evaluation Report: Residential Residences: Descanso District for Cleveland National Forest, USDA-Forest Service Pacific Southwest Region September 1995 by James D. Newland, Historian, CNF