In the high desert country that was to become Joshua Tree National Park, rugged individuals tried their luck at cattle ranching, mining, and homesteading. William F. Keys and his family are particularly representative of the hard work and ingenuity it took to settle and prosper in the Mojave Desert. Join Laureen Lentz, retired National Park Service Interpretive Ranger and Volunteer Coordinator, for an exploration of the history of the Desert Queen Ranch and the Keys family. Lentz will be at the Twentynine Palms Old Schoolhouse Friday, October 11 at 7 p.m. Lentz has conducted tours at the Keys Ranch for 12 years and personally knows Bill Keys 92-year-old son, Willis Keys. There will also be an optional dinner with Lentz at 5 p.m. at the 29 Palms Inn. Space is limited and attendees are responsible for their own meal. If interested in dinner please RSVP to Marion Gartner 760-361-1202 [email protected].
