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Like his day, the day I took these photos was overcast and threatening rain. We were earlier in the day so there was more light, despite the heavy overcast.
Both Roadhound and I encountered rain squalls between Tippetts and Ibapah. This is a view of that road (looking eastbound) with the rain squalls approaching us. About 15 minutes after this photo was taken, we were caught in a squall that turned the top two inches of the road to mud and ended our eastward advance (unlike Roadhound in his 4 Wheel Drive). The remaining photos are in order westward to match Roadhounds travel path but were actually taken in the opposite order when we were there.
Rain Squalls on the Lincoln
This is Tippets (39.86919, -114.34756) itself, looking southward from the Lincoln. This was a favorite and important stop on the old road. It was operated by various people over the years. John Tippett built the original store and out buildings in the late 1880’s. They are log with dirt roofs.
Tippets as it Looks Today
On August 23rd, 1919 the mechanics with the 1919 Dwight Eisenhower Transcontinental Motor Convoy stayed here after the disastrous crossing of the Good Year cutoff. They had been so occupied salvaging Army vehicles that they didn’t reach Tippets until midnight, and were more than 20 miles behind the main body camped at Anderson’s Ranch (see last photo). It is reputed that some of the Army men bathed in the Reservoir seen in this photo looking westward from Tippets with the Lincoln headed for the horizon. Whether they did or not, this was a favorite camping spot in the teens and 20’s.
Reservoir at Tippetts
The facsimile 1924 official guide indicates that Tippets offered gasoline, meals, lodging and a camp site, not to mention a long distance phone! It adds that the next station of the “Highway Telephone Line” is at Stone Cabin Ranch.
Stone Cabin Ranch AKA Stone House. (39.78061, 114.54034)
The Old Fireplace at Stone House Ranch
A short distance (perhaps 200 yards) away is the Spring Valley Pony Express Station (see photo) where Pony Express rider Nick Wilson made the mistake of chasing some Indians who had taken his horse into a grove of trees. He took an arrow to the head, about two inches above his left eye. He was left half dead, but was rescued and recovered after a long period. He led a productive life after the Pony Express expired, but he was always seen in later years wearing a hat covering the scar.
Spring Valley Pony Express Station near Stone House
Anderson Ranch sits near the eastern base of Schellborne Pass and is where the Eisenhower Motor Convoy bivwacked the night after their torturous crossing of the Good Year cut off. The Ranch was another familiar stop for many on the old Lincoln Highway.
Anderson Ranch (39.82663, 114.56083)
I hope you enjoy these additional images from this section of the Lincoln.
Keep the Show on the Road!
