Les Snodgrass has been named the 2023 Old Timer of the Year. The honor is bestowed upon one long-time local a year by the Twentynine Palms Historical Society. Les came to Twentynine Palms as a Marine in 1977 and stayed after his retirement in 1989.
He first came into the Historical Society looking for genealogical information in 2005. After several visits he became a member of the society, then a volunteer, then a board member. In 2010 he was elected president and served in that role for 13 years.
Les ushered in the digital age at the society – and he’s also responsible for the fully restored and viewable Bus Barn that houses the area’s first piece of public transportation- the Hasty Bus.
After 15 years Les resigned from the board of directors and continues to serve as a docent and Wednesday morning volunteer, keeping the archives in order and answering questions for volunteers and the public.
Les will be a guest of honor at the Old Timers Gathering scheduled for 1 to 4 p.m. next Saturday, Oct. 21 at the museum which is at 6760 National Park Drive.
The Twentynine Palms Historical Society says “He probably knows more about the history of the Morongo Basin than anyone else. The Historical Society and museum are more visible to the community with better access to the collection on site and through the website because of Les his contribution.”
Admission to the gathering is free, though donations are always accepted.
