Over the past century, many celebrities have visited or made their homes in Twentynine Palms. Managing editor Tami Roleff says a movie star and famous swimmer was once named honorary mayor of the city…
Esther Williams was a competitive swimmer who missed competing in the 1940 Olympics due to World War II. Instead, she spent the 1940s starring in elaborate “aquamusicals,” which featured synchronized swimming and diving performances. According to the Twentynine Palms Historical Society, Williams often visited her brother Dave Williams, and her uncle, El Gilpin, who lived in Twentynine Palms. The Chamber of Commerce named Williams honorary mayor in a ceremony at the Oasis of Mara on March 7, 1948.
The ceremony was followed by a barbecue at the American Legion, a fashion show at the Condor Field swimming pool, a reception at the home of Leonard Wikoff, dinner at the El Adobe Hotel, and a ball hosted by the Junior Women’s Club. Williams also learned to ride a horse from Blanche Loomis Ellis and the 29 Palms Saddle Club at the Flying W Stables, located at what is now Campbell House historic inn. Esther Williams died in 2013 at the age of 91.
