– ARTICLES – 

This collection of articles provides basic information about specific topics in Big Bear’s rich history.

If you are new to this website, a good place to start is with the menu at the top of this page

Most of the content appearing on this website comes from the information and material acquired during the production of our weekly TV series the Big Bear History Show on Channel-6, and in the publishing of the book “Vanishing Big Bear”.

– TIMELINE – 

This is a chronological timetable of noteworthy events that shaped Big Bear’s history. It’s a continuing work in progress that is constantly being updated on an irregular basis.

Big Bear’s Eastwood Dam

The story of our multi arch dam dates back to 1885, when a Redlands farmer by the name of Frank Brown built a rock dam at Big Bear which created the lake that we have today. This original rock dam still exists today, about 50 yards upstream from our current dam, and...

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Bridge Construction – 2009

WE'RE GETTING A NEW BRIDGE Ever since 1925, the majority of traffic entering Big Bear Valley has crossed over the old bridge currently atop the dam. It has served our valley well. Construction began in April 2009, on a new bridge that will replace the old existing...

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Bridge Construction – 2010

Construction on a new bridge that will replace the old existing bridge across the top of Big Bear's multi arch dam as the main artery into Big Bear began in April 2009. This new bridge will completely bypass the old bridge and the dam. It is estimated that it will...

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Step In Again 1

The August 25, 2012, Big Bear Classic Boat Show had a wonderful selection of old classic boats on display. One in particular was a beautifully restored 26‘ Chris Craft named “Step In Again 1”. Sixty years ago, this boat was a familiar site on Big Bear Lake. It was...

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Big Bear Resorts & Tourism

Tourism and real estate construction are Big Bear Lake’s two major industries. Here is a little history of how tourism and lodging got started in Big Bear Lake. THE BEAR VALLEY HOTEL When Big Bear Lake was created in 1885, the valley was pretty much devoid of any...

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Big Bear City Resorts

THE PAN HOT SPRINGS HOTEL Just a few miles east of the Big Bear lake is a unique little known geological feature, a natural hot spring. For centuries this place was a favorite spa for the local Serrano Indians. In 1921, Emile C. Jesserun arrived in Big Bear and...

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