The Desert Sun - 12/06/2020 Page : A22

22A | SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2020 | THE DESERT SUN

THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES Nellie Coffman had a vision for Palm Springs

Tracy Conrad town still depends. Special to Palm Springs Desert Sun She worked to establish the Board of USA TODAY NETWORK Trade, a precursor to the Chamber of Commerce. She founded the Welfare Where mighty Mt. San Jacinto gently and Friendly Aid Society, organizing the steps onto the valley floor may be found business community to provide for the site of The Desert Inn. Built through those in need. She was a trusted friend the imagination and vision of Nellie Nor- of her Indian neighbors. And she was a ton Coffman, The Desert Inn is the very tireless proponent of Palm Springs in- reason Palm Springs and the surround- corporating into a city. All the while im- ing Coachella Valley came into interna- proving the prospects for the town and tional consciousness over a century ago. for her hotel business. At its height, The That fame persists today and is directly Desert Inn employed over 200 workers attributable to the tenacity and fortitude to serve about the same number of hotel of Nellie Coffman, making the site of her guests. endeavors hallowed ground. She strug- World War II created a whirlwind in gled and built on this spot and “far above Palm Springs. Wealthy visitors could no our poor power to add or detract” we longer make the Grand Tour of Europe should not forget what she did here. Nel- and instead headed west to the allure lie arrived with big dreams of making and mystery of the desert. While The Palm Springs into “an attractive place for Desert Inn lost many of its employees to attractive people.” Her presence on the the war effort, more and more service- desert was transformative; a marvel of The Desert Inn, at the base of Mt. San Jacinto, is seen in this picture circa 1930. men and their families came to town, the fortitude and forward-thinking. PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE PALM SPRINGS HISTORICAL SOCIETY city saw a shift from wealthy tourists to She came with her husband, Dr. Har- everyman visitors. General George Pat- ry Coffman; Harry to start his medical ton brought troops to train at Chiriaco practice and tuberculosis sanatorium, ditch that ran across the property; and Summit and soldiers on leave from Nellie to start a little hotel. Marcus Pete, they built ramadas, covering porches Camp Young met their loved ones in a local Cahuilla man, met them at the with roofs made of palm fronds that pro- Palm Springs, fillinghotels and admiring Seven Palms train station and loaded vided shade from the withering desert The Desert Inn. After the war ended, the their belongings into his buckboard sun. And they hung out a sign signifying city experienced a population boom led wagon. He transported them across the they were open for business. by soldiers returning to the lovely vil- seven-mile stretch of desert that led to Within a few years though, Harry was lage. the village of Palm Springs. As they gone. Nellie, now a single mother, perse- When Nellie died in 1950 she had ac- came around the base of Mt. San Jacin- vered. With the help of a substantial complished her dream: the town was to, the wind suddenly ceased, the swirl loan from oilman Thomas O’Donnell, the thriving. Glamorous celebrities were of dust abated, revealing the little vil- tents and clapboard houses of the early commonplace. The place was so attrac- lage. There was no electricity, no tele- hotel were replaced with solid concrete tive, wealthy elite visitors were import- phones, no air conditioning and no in the fashionable Spanish-Mediterra- Mr. and Mrs. Thomas O’Donnell — he ing their own architects to build them paved roads. There were a handful of nean style so popular in 1920s Califor- loaned money for The Desert Inn — fancy new houses in the avante-garde, white settlers and many more Cahuilla nia. Designed by William Charles Tan- attend a rodeo with Nellie Coffman. new modern style. Businesses of all Indians living in close proximity to the ner, The Desert Inn eventually sprawled types were prospering. Five years after hot mineral springs which bubbled up, lazily over 35 acres, carefully pieced to- her passing, Nellie’s two sons sold The defining the center of town. gether by Nellie at the foot of the moun- camp for the winter and take up resi- Desert Inn to movie star Marion Davies, In September 1909, the Coffmans tain. dence at her hotel in sunny Palm William Randolf Hearst’s longtime com- paid $2,000 down on a two-acre parcel Nellie soon became world-famous for Springs. The siren call of the town was, panion, in a transaction orchestrated by across the street from the Palm Springs her gracious hospitality, impeccable “It’s lovely here!” Indeed, it was. Nellie Gregson Bautzer, Hollywood lawyer and Hotel at the corner of Main and Spring taste, good nature, devotion to quality, was setting the standard not just for the raconteur. streets, today’s Palm Canyon Drive and generosity and kindness to her neigh- desert but for hotels everywhere. To- The subsequent demise of The Desert Tahquitz Canyon Way. A thick-walled bors, guests and employees. The Desert gether with Frank Bogert, Tony Burke Inn is a tangled, sad story that illustrates house with a granite fireplace sat in the Inn was known for its elegant architec- and others, she set about building a lack of foresight, reverence and under- center of their property. Harry Coffman ture, specimen landscaping, outdoor name for this lovely but unknown little standing in the blind pursuit of profit. took down the original fences and re- amusements, upscale shops, capacious spot on the edge of nowhere at the foot During construction of The Desert placed them with a white picket fence. dining room and incomparable service. of the mountain. She ended up creating They erected tents near the Tahquitz Guests from cooler climes would de- an international cache upon which the See MEMORIES, Page 24A

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DS-GCI0541476-01 The Desert Sun - 12/06/2020 Page : A24

24A | SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2020 | THE DESERT SUN Memories Obituaries Continued from Page 22A Inn, Nellie was quoted as saying it was built to last for a hundred years. It was, in fact, incredibly difficult to de- molish, taking much longer and requiring the heaviest TODAY’S OBITUARIES AND DEATH NOTICES of equipment. Nellie would have built it that way: sol- Name Age Town, State Death Date Arrangements id, substantive. The lovely garden spot with scattered *Crist, Chris 85 - --- - bungalows and meandering paths was razed to the *Ferguson, Eugene 76 - 02-Oct - ground for parking and a shopping mall that failed *Gentry, Donald G. 82 Palm Desert 18-Nov - over multiple iterations, perhaps because of the sin of *Queen, Mary 71 Palm Springs 16-Nov Rose Mortuary & Crematory destroying The Desert Inn. *Rose, William J 87 - 04-Nov - Pausing now, 111 years later, in in tiny recognition of *Salinas, Amado Luis 85 Palm Springs 22-Nov - the work achieved by a singularly industrious woman, *Schwartz, Mary Jo 59 - 18-Nov - her dream of creating a destination out of barren des- *Segall, Eleanor Fae 92 - 16-Nov - ert does not seem so far-flung. Her efforts hallowed * Additional information in display obituaries the ground at the toe of the mountain. She defined the Obituaries appear in print and online at www.DesertSun.com/Obituaries Palm Springs desert for the decades after her arrival, inventing the very concept of a resort town, conjuring Eugene Ferguson it up out of mere sand and dust Nellie took the desert Amado Luis Salinas and with sheer ingenuity and industry transformed it Eugene Ferguson, 76, PALM SPRINGS - into an internationally recognized resort that balanced development with a congenial village life. More than passed away October Amado Luis Salinas, of 2, 2020, at Keck Hospi- one-hundred years later, a little deference to Nellie Palm Springs, passed Coffman seems just and entirely in order. tal of USC in Southern away on Sunday, No- California surrounded by The city’s new downtown park is sited on a small vember 22, 2020. He sliver of The Desert Inn, the hallowed ground that is his loving family. After was born in Combes, the true heart and soul of Palm Springs. The Desert undergoing 3 major sur- Texas on April 30, 1935, Inn, the life’s work of the remarkable Nellie Coffman, geries, his fragile condi- son of Antonio Salinas brought national renown to Palm Springs and secured tion finally succumbed Jr. and Felicitas Luis. He its reputation as not only a playground for the rich and to complications from famous, but a destination for those seeking the health was predeceased by his benefits of desert living. The city has a tradition and the final heart surgery. parents and brothers An- We are incredibly grate- long history of naming its parks after female pioneers tonio, Robert and Trine like Frances Stevens and Ruth Hardy. It is only fitting ful to the medical teams of Keck Cardiothoracic Salinas. He is survived by his wife of 66 years that we remember this history and name the new Hospital . Felipa Cano Salinas, his three sons Amado Cano downtown park after Coffman, the most important He was born May 29, 1944 in Indianola , MS to Salinas II (wife Janet), Raymon Salinas, and Robert civic leader of the 20th century, as it is the very Thomas Odell and Pearlie Mae Ferguson. Gene Salinas, and his three daughters Juanita Bradley, ground, the hallowed place, where she walked and eventually made his permanent home in Palm worked. Diana Wood (husband Richard) and Irma Cano Tracy Conrad is president of the Palm Springs His- Desert, CA, where he and his wife Tina had an Salinas (husband Kenyon) and his brothers Jesus, amazing career in Real Estate for many years. torical Society. The Thanks for the Memories column Antonio and Hector Salinas and his sisters Juan- appears Sundays in The Desert Sun. Write to her at Gene was preceded in death by his parents and ita Munoz and Viola (Maria) Senteno, his nine [email protected]. grandson Josh, sisters Dalthia and Elder Mae grandchildren Jermie Meyer (wife Davis), Alessa McClellan and brother Wallace. He is survived Carrina and Alexandra Cristen Salinas, Joaquin by his wife Tina, his daughters Kimberly Atkinson and Naomi Roibal, Robert Joseph and Amanda and Kelly Raper , step-daughters Genelle Newell Elizabeth Salinas, and Emma Sofia and Isabella and Kari Arendsen and all their families including Olivia Salinas-Potter, and five greatgrandchildren CALIFORNIA LOTTERY grandchildren and great grandchildren. Everyone Bryce Meyer, Aurora and Apollo Martinez, and loving their Papa Gene so very much. Mega Millions/Friday Charlie and Sebastian Wagenbrenner. Meganumber 8 A small gathering was held at the National Cem- Numbers picked 3, 19, 24, 44, 50 Amado worked for the City of Palm Springs, JACKPOT: $246M etery in Riverside where he is with his fellow ser- then joined the California Department of Trans- vice members... a truly beautiful setting. portation (Caltrans) where he retired at the age of SuperLotto Plus/Wednesday A Celebration of Life was held at his home Numbers picked 6, 8, 13, 31, 38 Meganumber 26 60. He was awarded California’s Highest award: PICKS WINNERS PRIZE where family and many friends shared a toast , The Gold Medal of Valor for Heroism and Carn- fond memories and stories of our Gene... he will 5 plus mega 0 $11 million egie Hero Fund (The Carnegie Hero Fund awards 5 no mega 2 $15,107 be missed. December 6, 2020 7:13 am (GMT -8:00) Powered by TECNAVIA the Carnegie Medal to individuals in the United 4 plus mega 10 $1,510 States and Canada who risk their lives to an ex- 4 no mega 251 $100 Eleanor Fae Segall traordinary degree saving or attempting to save 3 plus mega 431 $52 3 no mega 10,988 $10 (May 6, 1928 – the lives of others.) While on duty he rescued 2 plus mega 5,228 $11 November 16, 2020) a family from a burning car in August of 1977. 1 plus mega 25,503 $2 Our dear sweet moth- The Family requests you send donations to St mega only 38,164 $1 er, Eleanor Fae Segall, 92 Jude Children’s Research Hospital (stjude.org/ Tonight's jackpot estimate (drawing: 7:57 p.m.) $12M donatetoday). years young, went to be Powerball/Wednesday with our father, Jerold Numbers picked 28, 31, 40, 41, 46 Powerball number 4 Lee Segall, on November PICKS WINNERS PRIZE 16, 2020. Jerry left us on 5 plus powerball 0 $231 million June 9, 2006. 5 no powerball 0 $1,599,428 Mom and dad were 4 plus powerball 2 $22,579 4 no powerball 61 $370 both born six days apart Donald G. Gentry 3 plus powerball 178 $131 in Cleveland, Ohio. While 3 no powerball 3,267 $8 their mothers knew each other, mom and dad PALM DESERT - Don- 2 plus powerball 2,705 $9 never met until they were introduced to each ald G. Gentry, 82, Palm 1 plus powerball 21,830 $5 other while attending college in California. El- Desert, CA went home Powerball only 54,422 $4 eanor was one of the first women to attend both to be with his Lord and Tonight's jackpot estimate $243M USC and UCLA, earning her bachelor’s degree in Savior. On Wednesday, No- microbiology from UCLA in 1950. Daily Derby/Friday Daily 3/Friday Mother and dad established and operated J & E vember 18, 2020, after 1st place 09, Winning Afternoon numbers 8, 0, 9 Automotive on Highway 111 in Palm Desert from a long battle with lung Spirit Night numbers 4, 9, 2 1959 to 1996. In 1997 they moved to Sun City Del cancer, he left behind 2nd place 11, Money Match three in order for top prize; Webb to retire and life began anew. They were both the love of his life of 25 Bags combinations for other prizes. years…Eunice. 3rd place 07, Eureka involved in many community events, FIND Food Daily 4/Friday Race time 1:42.00 Bank, and Eleanor was a founding member of the Don passed away at Ei- Numbers picked 5, 9, 8, 5 senhower Medical Center under the care of two of Match winners and time for top Soroptimists International in Palm Desert in the prize. Match either for other prizes. Match four in order for top prize; early 1960’s and stayed in touch with members the most wonderful and caring doctors, Dr. Amy combinations for other prizes. until just before her passing. They both enjoyed Law and Dr. Nina Maw Maw. Fantasy 5/Friday Ladies & Mens Putter activities and were active Donald left his step children and 3 grandchil- Numbers picked 2, 10, 17, in the travel club and investment club. In his later dren who he gratefully loved. 26, 34 He was in the Navy for four years while stationed Match all five for top prize. Match years dad took up painting, which mom was able at least three for other prizes. to enjoy his many paintings after he was gone. on the USS Point Defiance. Don received his MS degree in Business Admin- Lottery information: Riverside offices: (800) 568-8379 Mother was the matriarch of the family and On the Web: www.calottery.com. was always looking out for her daughter, Donna istration at California State College Los Angeles. Ayotte Evans (John G. Evans), and her son, Daniel He was a stock broker with UBS PaineWebber for O. Segall (Casey). 36 years. He left the city and brought his knowl- THE LAW OFFICE OF Eleanor’s joy was being able to help her fam- edge, wisdom, and charismatic personality to the ily thrive, seeing her grandsons Chad R. Ayotte desert where he worked in sales for the Desert Sun. (Lillian) and Cody A. Ayotte (Hannah) become He was extremely active, in many ways, first successful and happy in their careers with Cal Fire and foremost the Community Church of Joy in NANCY and Palm Springs Fire, respectively. Rancho Mirage. Don was a regular contributor to Eleanor’s long and happy life, we are sure, was the CV Rescue Mission, Young Life and Salvation extended due to the birth of her great-grand- Army. He was a very compassionate and giving person in every aspect of his life. There is not a NOEL daughters, Elliana Ayotte (2) and Leila Ayotte person in Don’s life that did not adore him and (8wks.) SERVING THE DESERT FOR OVER 32 YEARS Eleanor is also survived by her granddaughters love him for his personality and humor. He will Sarah Segall and Rachael Segall, sister-in-law Vic- surely be missed. WILLS • TRUSTS • PROBATE ki Heimbaugh (Mark), great niece Chelsea Bu- Don belonged to the L.A. Horseback Riding chenauer (Jake) and their daughter, Kaylee. Also, Club, was a Sierra Club Leader, and an avid Ten- Maria and Erwin Evans and daughters Isabella nis player. He was on the Board of Directors at CALL FOR and Michaela. Suncrest Country Club until his death. The family will hold a private celebration of life In Memoriam, the family would suggest con- Free on December 20, 2020 at Forest Lawn in Cathedral tributions to the charity of your choice. Please City. Donations can be made to our local FIND know, due to the pandemic, a Celebration of Life Food Bank at 760-775-3663 or info@findfood- will not be held at this time. Thank you for your Trust Review bank.org. love, support and understanding. 760-346-8817 44694 Monterey Avenue, Palm Desert, CA 92260 (across from Westfield Mall)

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