1930’s Brochure MITCHELL’S CRYSTAL CAVERNS Needles CALIFORNIA San Bernardino County

DESCRIPTION: 1930’s promotional pamphlet for MITCHELL’S CRYSTAL CAVERNS, Needles, CALIFORNIA San Bernardino County; printed by the “NEEDLES NUGGET”; single sheet folded once into 4 panels measuring 8 inches by 4-1/2 inches folded; text, map, and double page cavern photo.

CONDITION: Very good with a couple of closed tears to outer borders [see scans].

SECURITY: ARGUS BOOKS [or other wording] in PINK may have been super-imposed over the images for security and are not on the actual item.

HISTORY: MITCHELL’S CRYSTAL CAVERNS: Numerous paleontological and archaeological finds have been made in and around the caverns. Scientists have found the remains of several prehistoric animals, including a sloth. The caverns were a sacred place for the Chemehuevi Indians, and a number of tools and fire pits have been found. The Chemihuevi knew the caves as "the eyes of the mountain" due to their easily spotted dual entrances located near the top of the mountain.

The caverns are named after Jack Mitchell, who owned and operated the caves from 1934 to 1954 as a tourist attraction and rest stop for travelers on nearby U.S. Route 66. Mitchell also held mining rights to the area and dug several prospect holes and tunnels, some of which are still visible.

 The area became a state recreation area in 1956. The surrounding lands became a part of the National Park Service Mojave National Preserve in 1994, but the caves are still owned and operated by the state.

PROVENANCE: Stamped, “Distributed By Touring Department by the Randall Motor Club Inc., Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica”.

SHIPPING: All paper items [broadsides, labels, pamphlets, brochures, photos, etc.] that are 1/4 of an inch thick or less are shipped between two double-walled pieces of cardboard [equal to 4 sheets of cardboard and are virtually impossible to bend] by USPS Media mail and at actual cost [unless other arrangements have been made with seller]. [RN – B1 – S3]