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There is a very interesting history that exists here in the Pass. Although I did not grow up here in the pass, I have come to know and love many of the people who have. I believe there is a culture here that exists and is unique to the region.
With the extensive development that is taking place here now I cannot help but wonder what major changes it will have in the future of our communities and culture. The most significant development of reasonable comparison might be the building of the 10 Freeway in the early 1960s. The Freeway split the town and drastically changed a way of life. That is, many of the people who used to drive through Banning, Beaumont, and Cabazon would be enticed by restaurants, gas stations, and store fronts. When the Freeway came through it separated this traffic from our small community thus changing the future and fortunes of many of the families. For a long time our communities have been readjusting while looking for ways to replace this commerce. Things really did not start to improve until the 1980's when the Presley project (Sun Lakes) was completed and the Factory Stores outlets were developed in Cabazon. Since that time our small communities have recovered quite well .
But it appears that a new chapter is beginning that is most recently apparent, Residential projects that have began to sprout up. Many new people will move to the Pass and become Pass residents. Will they appreciate the heritage of its past? Will they know?
Contrary to popular belief we do not usually loose historical sites and their stories as a result of new development but as a result of a lack of interest or involvement in preservation. After all, if a community does not have enough people concerned about its heritage and the people before, then it must not be worth remembering or preserving. That is why the San Gorgonio Historical Society exists. Like many small community organizations it depends on its members and an interested community to thrive. Being a part of preserving and archiving for future generations to enjoy is a worth- while cause. I strongly urge those that respect and appreciate their friends and relatives who have lived, or who are living in this community to take part in this organization.
Joe Warren
Member Pass Historical Society
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