The Oral History Of Rancho Mirage

"Being a very healing place, Dad wanted to be here. This was his way of relaxing—painting, golfing and worshiping the sun."
- Bill Marx, Musician, Son of Harpo & Susan Marx

"I like seniors very much. I have spent much of my political life trying to help them."
- Jeanne Parrish, Resident, City Council 1992-96

The Rancho Mirage Public Library Oral History Project was initiated by the City's Library Advisory Commission in 2001, in response to the community's interest in local history and culture. Through oral history, residents who have been eyewitnesses to local events and developments reveal the social, cultural, political and business details that might not be available otherwise.

In order to record and preserve the early history of Rancho Mirage the Library presents The Oral History of Rancho Mirage: Through Its Residents. This is a series of videotape interviews with residents who share their special stories about earlier times in Rancho Mirage and their recollections and experiences in the Coachella Valley.

At this time, there are sixteen oral history interviews available to checkout in videocassette or DVD format (name and year recorded):

2002 Bill Marx

2002 Virginia Waring

2002 Howard Richmond

2002 Marilyn Glassman

2003 Marjorie Anderson

2003 Ron Fletcher

2003 Joaquin Delgado

2004 Jeanne Parrish

2004 Patrick Pratt

2005 Bobby Thomas

2005 Arthur Newman

2005 Charles Monell, M.D.

2005 Don Yokaitis

2006 Iris Carmel

2006 Jackie Story

2006 Tom Johnson

Additional oral histories will be recorded and added to the collection.

Rancho Mirage has developed and grown in its own unique way. Interviews with residents provide information about the community for future generations by acquainting them with the traditions and events of the past.

We would like to thank Dr. William R. Kroonen, Superintendent/President Emeritus of College of the Desert, for generously conducting the interviews for the Oral History Project.