The museum contains a small gift
shop where the visitor can purchase a variety of items unique to the upper
California desert area.
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NEW ITEM:
Video on DVD and VHS Tape
The history of Searles Valley began in 1850 when three groups of Death Valley ‘49ers passed through to escape the harsh desert. While none actually died in Death Valley, two pioneers died here. What these pioneers did not know was that more mineral wealth was available in the crystals and salty brines in Searles Valley than any gold or silver they might have found in the mountains of California. This movie is the story of how that huge mineral wealth has been tapped by imaginative entrepreneurs, chemists and engineers for more than 130 years. Produced and edited by Jim Fairchild
Historical research by Margaret Brush, Curator, Searles Valley Historical Society Historic photographs from:
Photos of Jayhawker Pass, Manly Pass and Gold Bottom Canyon by Jim Fairchild Music by SmartSound Quicktracks Running time: 45 minutes Recorded in DVD+R format. May not play in DVD players more than 2 years old. Also available in VHS video tape. Either are $17.00 at museum, tax included. Available by mail for $15.75 plus $3.00 shipping (California residents add $1.25 sales tax). Write to address below. All proceeds from the sale of the movie benefit the Searles Valley Historical Society. Copyright 2004 Cover by Bonnie Fairchild
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A good selection of books about the upper California desert area are available. Some of these books have a very limited distribution and can be purchased at just a few locations. |
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A large selection of post cards is available. All are produced by the Searles Valley Historical Society and are available no where else. One series has pictures of early Trona. There is also a wildflower series and a Trona Railway series. |
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Mineral specimens from Searles Dry Lake can be purchased. One of the minerals, Hanksite, is found at just Searles Lake and one other remote lake in Africa. Over 99% of the World supply of Hanksite is in Searles Lake. |
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T-shirts can be purchased showing scenes of early Trona. Also available is the "End of World" T-shirt. T-shirts are in all sizes. |
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Coffee cups, mouse pads and patches are available with the "End of World" logo and scenes of the Trona Pinnacles. Also available are painted gold assay crucibles. |
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After a wet winter, the dune primrose blooms at several locations in Searles Valley. After these die and dry, they form a natural birdcage. These have been collected and decorated with artificial flowers and birds, making an attractive hanging. |
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Free information is also available, showing local attractions and activities. |
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A large supply of single-sheet information bulletins describing local attractions on BLM land. These have been prepared by the Bureau of Land Management. |
Searles Valley Historical Society
P. O. Box 966
Trona, CA 93592-0966
Phone (760) 372-5356
e-mail
| Home | Revised 04/25/2004
All contents of this web page are the property of the
Searles Valley Historical Society.
Reproduction or other uses of any of these contents
without the written permission of the owner is prohibited.
If you want to use any of the contents, contact the
SVHS at any of the above.