In the late 1800’s when logging was the main industry in Idyllwild, George Hannahs & his wife Sarah opened a general store about where the entrance to Idyllwild Arts is today. This location was the entrance to what was known at the time as “Strawberry Valley” from the dirt toll road (today’s Tollgate Rd) up from Hemet that people on horseback and stagecoaches took to get here. In 1893, the very first post office was established by Hannahs inside this store and named Raynetta after his son Ray. Hannahs and his wife had been operating a sawmill near what is now Strawberry Shopping Plaza, and they operated a tent camping area where the current day Harmony Monument is called “Camp Idylwilde”.

When a group of businessmen purchased the “Camp Idylwilde” property and built what they named the Idyllwild Sanitarium, the post office was moved from the Hannahs’ store down near present day Idyllwild Arts, to the Sanitarium in 1901 and officially renamed Idyllwild Post Office.

After the Sanitarium burned down in 1905 and was rebuilt as the Idyllwild Inn, Claudius Emerson built a new post office and general store, where the Fort is today in 1917. This post office burned down in 1941.

After the fire, from 1941 – 1961, the post office operated out of what is today the Candy Cupboard store on North Circle. The right side where the hair salon is, was the original forest service.

In 1961, a new post office was built across the street from “Eleanor Park” (today the Idy Park in the center of town) where Fratello’s Restaurant is. It was finished just in time for the filming of Elvis Presley’s “Kid Galahad” movie where it served in the movie as a church.

In 1978, the Strawberry Shopping Plaza opened and the Post Office soon moved over to its current location so it could be central to the pharmacy and grocery store. One thing is for sure….things are always changing in Idyllwild.

It was suggested by a reader that I start a new section where readers can write in with a question, and I can answer it, if I can locate the answer, or ask the readership if they know. I thought it would be fun since, originally, before I started Good Morning Idyllwild, I had an idea for having a little booth in town called “Ask Chris” kind of like the old “Ask Jeeves” precursor to Google. Anyway, I thought I would give it a go. To submit a question, just press “Reply” to this newsletter, or email me at hello@goodmorningidyllwild.com

According to Caltrans, “The fence is protecting environmentally sensitive areas during the current project construction. It is the way to preserve the plants, wildlife, and cultural areas from construction. So, the field crews will not touch the areas with orange red fences.”

Again, according to Caltrans, “The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) begins the work on a $16.9 M pavement rehabilitation and shoulder widening project on State Route 243. Constructions signs have been placed in the project zone, as well as clearing in shoulder areas and placement of high visibility fencing for environmentally protected areas. Work operations will occur near Idyllwild, Pine Cove, and Fern Valley from the State Route 74 Junction near Mountain Center to Interstate 10 Junction near Banning. Project work is expected to be complete by winter 2026. 

Thursday December 11th
Idyllwild Arts
Classical Voice Concert
Lowman Concert Hall
7:30 pm
FREE – Everyone Welcome!

Please join the Idyllwild Arts Classical Voice majors as they perform works from a variety of time periods, from classical to romantic vocal repertoire.

Friday December 12th
 Cozy Holiday Pajama Tea Exchange!
Jen Savino Designs
54385 N. Circle Dr. #106
10 am – 11:30 am
RSVP no later than Oct 11th
jensavino@outlook.com

No need to brew a thing—just bring your holiday spirit and favorite tea. 
P.S. Dress code: Your favorite holiday pajamas and cozy socks.

Friday December 12th
The Desperate Banquet
5-Bands
Rustic Theatre
7 pm – 11 pm
$15 Online Tickets
$20 At the Door

THE DESPERATE BANQUET is back. Doors 6:30/Show 7pm. 5 Bands for $15 Online or $20 at the Door. Featuring: Two LA Bands, “Snow” and “Heart Shaped Locket”, from Redlands we have “Chapstick & a Plan” and from Coachella Valley, “Gear” with “Fawn of the Mud” rocking the house.

Friday December 12th
“A Very Wildland Christmas Concert”
Wildland
54425 N Circle Dr
7:00 pm
FREE

Friday December 12th
Idyllwild Arts
Contemporary Voice Concert
Stephens Recital Hall
7:30 pm
FREE – Everyone Welcome!

The Contemporary Voice Concert features our Jazz and Pop Voice majors performing works from a variety of contemporary jazz and pop artists, including some original works!

Saturday December 13th
Garden Club Class
“Prepping for Winter”
Community Garden
Alderwood & North Circle
10:00 am – 11:00 am

As the growing season comes to a close, it’s time to prep your garden for winter. Learn how to make sure your beds are ready for their winter’s rest, how to insure pipes don’t freeze and cleaning up your garden tools. We’ll also talk about techniques for growing through the winter.

Please RSVP for this class. The donation for this class is $10 and can be paid at the garden on the day of the class. Rain/snow cancels the class.

Saturday December 13th
“Author’s Storytime”
With Local Authors
Idyllwild Library
10:30 am

Join us for a special Local Author’s Storytime, where our community’s talented writers will share their captivating stories!  Presented by STAR Newspaper. 

Saturday December 13th
Idyllwild Arts
Winter Quilt
Bowman Theater
3:00 pm
FREE – Everyone Welcome!

We are pleased to invite you to join us once again for Winter Quilt, an annual collective showcase by all Idyllwild Arts Academy departments to celebrate the beginning of the season. Come experience the magic as our students “quilt” together a tapestry of performances, displays and creative energy. This is a one-day-only event, so don’t miss it!

Saturday December 13th
Blue Suede Christmas
Above the Peak Restaurant
Tahquitz Pines
55251 South Circle
6:00 PM
$5 Entry

Saturday & Sunday
December 13th & 14th
An Idy Christmas
Town Hall
25925 Cedar Street
7:30 pm

Stories that bring a heartfelt and humorous look at the holiday season.

Saturday & Sunday
December 13th & 14th
Geminids Meteor Shower Apex

The Geminids meteor shower, which peaks during mid-December each year, is considered to be one of the best and most reliable annual meteor showers. The Geminids did not start out that way. The Geminids first began appearing in the mid-1800s. However, the first showers were not noteworthy with only 10 to 20 meteors seen per hour. Since that time, the Geminids have grown to become one of the major meteor showers of the year. During its peak, 120 Geminid meteors can be seen per hour under perfect conditions. The Geminids are bright and fast meteors and tend to be yellow in color.

This shower is considered one of the best opportunities for young viewers since this shower starts around 9 or 10 p.m. To view the Geminids, find an area well away from the city lights or street lights. Come prepared for winter temperatures with a sleeping bag, blanket, or lawn chair. Lie flat on your back with your feet facing south and look up, taking in as much of the sky as possible. After about 30 minutes in the dark, your eyes will adapt and you will begin to see meteors. Be patient – the show will last until dawn, so you have plenty of time to catch a glimpse.

From Science.NASA.Gov

Sundays
Farmer’s Market
Town Hall
25925 Cedar Street
9am – 2pm

Sunday December 14th
Chanukah in Idyllwild
Denebeims Home
53-045 W. Marian View Dr.
4:30 pm
Please RSVP to 760-848-8250

Sunday
December 14th
An Idy Christmas
Town Hall
25925 Cedar Street
7:30 pm

Stories that bring a heartfelt and humorous look at the holiday season.

Tuesday December 16th
Monthly Mountain Disaster Preparedness Meeting
Idyllwild Library
4:00 – 5:30 pm

Wednesday December 17th
Sadie’s Clinic
ARF
26890 Hwy. 243
9am – 3 pm
Call for Appt. or walk-in

Wednesday, December 17th
Special Event: “Mrs. Clause” 
Magic Show & Face Painting
Idyllwild Library
11:00 am – 12:00 pm

Join Mrs. Claus for a spectacular holiday magic show, followed by festive face painting to make the day sparkle!

Idyllwild Climbers Alliance

The Idyllwild Climbers Alliance is a non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization based in Idyllwild, whose mission is to serve as an advocacy and stewardship resource for climbing in  the San Jacinto Mountains (especially Tahquitz & Suicide Rocks). We welcome anyone who has an interest in climbing in these areas, and wishes to give back to these fantastic, historic places. Our new website (www.idyllwildclimbers.org) contains a wealth of good information about climbing in this area, including:

*Climbing area information
*History of climbing at Tahquitz & Suicide Rocks
*Conditions reports and upcoming events
*How to become involved as volunteer ‘Allies’ or donations
*Trip planning and resources

The ICA is the premier source for climbing information in the San Jacinto Mountains- more information at:www.idyllwildclimbers.org
info@idyllwildclimbers.org

(This notice will stay here for 2 weeks, then it will move down in the “Need to Know” section of Good Morning Idyllwild so you will still be able to find it in every Good Morning Idyllwild issue if you need it.)

Starts Thursday December 18th
New “Zumba Fitness Class”
Town Hall
25925 Cedar Street
5:30 – 6:30 pm

Saturday and Sunday
December 20th & 21st
Master Chorale Winter Concert
“A December of Memories”
Idyllwild Arts
Lowman Concert Hall
Saturday 7:30 pm
Sunday 1:30 pm

Sunday December 21st
Winter Solstice Celebration
By Spirit Mountain
Silver Pines Lodge
25955 Cedar Street
5:00 pm

Body & Soul

Click Here for a list of Yoga, Pilates, Aerobics, Meditation & Hypnosis in Idyllwild.

Delivery in Idyllwild

Bear Necessities Delivered
Groceries/Restaurant Food/Mail/Pharmacy/Etc.
Call or Text: (951) 512-0800
Available 7 Days a Week
Everyday: 11 am – 8 pm
Deliver to Idyllwild, Pine Cove & Mountain Center.

The New Bathrooms are OPEN!
Next door to the Idyllwild Gardens Nursery – Across the street from the Rustic Theatre.
Open Daily 9am – 5pm

Thank you to Shane & Ashley Stewart for donating the land for these bathrooms and to Stephanie Yost with ICC for her persistence with the County of Riverside to FINALLY get us public bathrooms. Thank you to the County of Riverside and Supervisor Manuel Perez for making this happen. It’s been a LONG time coming! Bathrooms will be locked at night.

Hotel Information
Upcoming Weekends
www.IdyLodging.com

Idyllwild Churches

All events, venues & programs run by
Idyllwild Community Center

Idyllwild TOWN HALL
25925 Cedar St

Chair Exercise Class
FREE
Town Hall

Monday 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Wednesday 11:30 am – 1:00pm
Friday 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm

Friday
Yoga for Seniors
Town Hall
10:45 am – 11:45 am

Fit after 50
Free Exercise Class
Town Hall
Monday 10:00am – 11:00am
Wednesday 10:00am – 11:00am
Thursday 10:00am – 11:00am

Mondays
Tai Chi Class
Free!
Town Hall
10:30 am – 11:30 am

FEEDING AMERICA
First Tuesday of each month.

The Visitor Center is now open between the public bathrooms and Idyllwild Gardens on Saturdays & Sundays from 11am – 4 pm.

If you would like to volunteer to talk to visitors, help them find their way and point them in the direction of “A Good Time” please contact me at hello@GoodMorningIdyllwild.com.