Located at the northwest corner of Waalew Road and Dale Evans Parkway in Apple
Valley, just outside the city limits of Victorville, the N. B. Murray Dude Ranch catered to the African-American population.
The 40 acre site was purchased by Nolie and Lela Murray for $100 in 1926. The
ranch was first run as a Boys Town for children, ages 10 to 16. In 1937,
heavyweight boxing champion, Joe Louis, stayed at the ranch. The ranch soon was
opened to all people of all races, although it sat in a heavily African-American
section (located south/southeast of Bell Mountain). Lela Murray died in 1949. In
1955, singer Pearl Baily purchased the ranch for $65,000. She sold the ranch off
in the mid-1960's. The ranch buildings were later burned for a training session
of the Apple Valley Fire Department.
For information on Herb Jeffries, visit The Old Corral website which has a page devoted to him.
SELECTED FILMOGRAPHY:
"The Bronze Buckaroo" (Sack Amusement 1939) Directed by: Richard Kahn. Cast: Herbert Jeffrey, Artie Young, Rellie Hardin, Spencer Williams, Clarence Brooks, F. E. Miller, The Four Tones.
"Harlem Rides the Range" (Hollywood Pictures 1939) Directed by: Richard Kahn. Cast: Herbert Jeffrey, Lucius Brooks, F. E. Miller, Artie Young, Clarence Brooks, Spencer Williams, The Four Tones, The Four Blackbirds.