Escapees November-December 2022

skp stops

While most of the more “permanent” structures have fallen waste to the ravages of wind and heat, there are still many sites that can be seen and explored along the dirt roads of the former Camp Young, land now managed by the US Bureau of Land Management. The General Patton Memorial Museum is home to many of the artifacts, maps and other mementos of the camp and its time in America’s history. Chiriaco Summit was established by Joe Chiriaco who came to California, in 1927, to see Alabama play against Stanford at a Rose Bowl game! Joe found a surveyor’s job with the Los Angeles Bureau of Water and Power, and his work once took him to Shaver Summit, the place where, eventually, Joe settled. He purchased the Shaver Summit site and, on August 15, 1933, opened a gas station and general store. A brand new highway opened, right in front of Shaver Summit so his business thrived. He

The museum’s site and the surrounding area have many remains of the Training Center including this old, outdoor chapel. SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Nearly one million personnel were trained at the center, making it the world’s largest military installation in both size and population. A total of 13 Infantry Divi sions, and eight Armored Divisions, plus other smaller units, were trained at the desert facility. Mirroring Patton’s leadership style, the training was austere and exacting. For example, soldiers were expected to be able to run a mile in 10 minutes while carrying full packs and ri fl es. Regardless of weather or time of day, troops were trained, and water was rationed. Salt tablets were issued to ward off metabolic disturbances related to dehydration. Meals were standard fi eld rations. Sand, everywhere, easily found its way into food, water, weapons, machinery, clothing, boots, bedding and eyes and mouths. Patton forewent more comfortable lodging in the nearby city of Indio and, instead, preferred to remain at Camp Young, piloting his own plane and hiking much of the vast area to oversee training operations. He called in experts about the desert to coach him and the troops about how to live and work in the harsh environment. He continued to command the camps until August 1942, when he was called to lead “Operation Torch,” the Allied assault on North Africa that was to begin in November, 1942. In April, 1944, the training center was closed when the last units were shipped overseas for combat, and the camps were eventually abandoned to the desert.

GUIDELINES FOR SKP STOPS SUBMISSIONS Material for each issue will be selected based on location and the migration of seasonal travel. Submissions of 300 to 500 words are ideal. Due to limited space, submissions will be edited. High-resolution photos are included on a space-available basis. Include the name of the photographer and anyone in the photo. HELPFUL HINTS Share unique and o ff -the-beaten-path RV travel destinations. Keep submissions brief and include only pertinent information. Include the best season to visit the destination. Include information on RV parking and accessibility. Send submissions to Escapees Magazine, 100 Rainbow Drive, Livingston, TX 77351, or to editor@escapees.com. The General Patton Memorial Museum is located at the former entrance site to Camp Young, and is open from 9:30 to 4:30 daily, with the exception of Thanks giving and Christmas. By Dr. Stephenie Slahor, Guest Contributor met Ruth Bergseid and the couple married on June 25, 1934. Camp Young was adjacent to Shaver Summit. In 1945, a memorial to General Patton was built at the summit, and the museum followed later. In 1958, a US Post Of fi ce was opened and the name of the site was changed to Chiriaco Summit. It remains in the family’s ownership. Each November 11, Veterans’ Day, the museum hosts a free celebration, usually featuring a military fl yover, patriotic speeches, music and activities to remember Camp Young and American veterans.

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ESCAPEES Magazine November/December 2022