– 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.
Moonridge Outdoor Theater
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yGlM5wANgpg Back in the early 1900's outdoor theaters were very popular throughout Big Bear Lake. This video presents the history and images of a little known, but huge outdoor amphitheater located in the Moonridge area of Big Bear Lake...
The Rock Dam
In 1885, Frank Brown built a narrow rock dam at the west end of Big Bear Valley. At the time it was reportedly the largest man made lake in the world. This is how it happened. Narrated by: Kim Sweet Produced & Written by: Rick Keppler
Historic Tour Boats on Big Bear Lake
This tells the story of how the original Big Bear Lake Tour Boat, the Sierra launched in 1917, evolved into the Big Bear Queen that operates out of the Big Bear Marina today. Also told, is the story of "Step In Again 1", a historic 1929 Chris Craft that was part a...
The Story of Cedar Lake
A couple miles west of the Big Bear village, up in the hills off of USFS road 2N10, nestled in the woods, is a small manmade lake, which is the home of the Cedar Lake Christian Camp. Today it provides lodging and camping accommodations to private groups, and...
Cecil B. DeMille
Famous film director/producer Cecil B. DeMille was one of the first Hollywood producers to use Big Bear as a location for a filming. He not only filmed in Big Bear Lake, he built a home up here, and became involved in real estate development on the south side of...
Classic Boat Returns To Big Bear Lake!
The August 25, 2012, Big Bear Classic Boat Show had 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 part of a fleet of four “Step In Again” high performance tour boats that...