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9-Eagle Mountain 2002

My dad Rudy Hooper worked here in the late 60s and early 70s. My sisters Maureen and Karin or I would go with him for a week during the summer and hang out. One family that we knew was the Stouts, mainly because they were Dutch/Indonesian also. Roy.
Kaiser Steel ceased operations at Eagle Mountain in 1983 and was turned into an adult correctional facility in 1988. It is now in the motions of being shut down by June 30, 2002 because of the budget: It cost $4.7 million a year to operate the Eagle Mountain facility and there is a push by several California counties to use the old Kaiser mine as a landfill. Most of the houses have been boarded up and there are about 5 streets with houses that are occupied. The prison’s 90 employees and their families make up most of the town’s 250 residents. I tried finding the bowling alley but just couldn't locate it. The alley was the place where us kids hung out on the hot summer nights while our dads were working in the mine.
Visit Eagle Mountain High School. STOP THE EAGLE MOUNTAIN DUMP. Back to my site RoyHooper.com.
Visit the Eagle Mountain Family Trees page started by Larry. Password is "kaisersteel".
Click on thumbnail to see fullsize photo.
Living quarters
Living quarters		 Anyone know the date of this photo? Ariel shot submitted by Patty Doss Koning
Anyone know the date of this photo? Ariel shot submitted by Patty Doss Koning		 Lay out as of April 2002
Lay out as of April 2002
Satellite image-Unknown year
Satellite image-Unknown year		 Street map. Yahoo 2002
Street map. Yahoo 2002		 A detailed map
A detailed map
1-Desert Center
1-Desert Center		 2-entrance
2-entrance		 3-kaiser road just south of the town
3-kaiser road just south of the town
4-kaiser sign
4-kaiser sign		 5-kaiser office
5-kaiser office		 6-mine
6-mine
7-mine 1
7-mine 1		 8-mine 2
8-mine 2		 9-mine 3
9-mine 3
10-mine 4
10-mine 4		 11-Rec Hall Before and After
11-Rec Hall Before and After		 11a- Rec Hall
11a- Rec Hall
11b-Rec Hall 1980. Photo submitted by Luis Arellano
11b-Rec Hall 1980. Photo submitted by Luis Arellano		 12-houses that are occupied on the north side of Yucca Dr.
12-houses that are occupied on the north side of Yucca Dr.		 13-houses that are boarded up on the south side of Yucca Dr.
13-houses that are boarded up on the south side of Yucca Dr.
14-This school is closed but there is another one in use
14-This school is closed but there is another one in use		 15-the school actually had a football field with lights
15-the school actually had a football field with lights

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Jr. 06-Apr-2025 08:39
My dad worked as a tire specialist from the mid 70's till 82. We lived on Ferro Drive. Although I was really young at the time is still remember the market and most of the neighborhood to include a small wash that was down the street the house we lived in as if it was yesterday. Those were truly golden times. My dad still accounts how well Kaiser paid at the time and how cheap everything was in those days.
Hawkeye 16-Mar-2017 17:37
I lived in Eagle Mountain at 1002 Palm Dr with my sister and parents from 1959 to 1965. I went to school with Suzanne Ragsdale whose family "owned" desert center. I know this is 2 years too late, Melanie, but if you are still interested... try a search of Ragsdale family. When I think of where I'm from, it's always Eagle Mountain, even though I was born in Colorado and also raised in LA and Mesa, Arizona. My father and friends owned a private plane in the early '60s (Mooney) and they were the guys that built the air strip. I remember having to go with my Mom to light the smudge pots at night for an after dark landing! So many memories there!!!
Andy Silva 19-Feb-2017 06:59
Eagle Mountain was my first home. My mom, Kenna (Ferguson) O'Melveny was one of "Dr. Lane's Kids" along with my uncle, Scott Ferguson (RIP) and my aunt, Susan Ferguson. They all lived with my grandmother, Pearl Lane on Mesquite and attended Eagle Mountain High School. We lived across the street from the market atop a small hill just above the park. Only being a small boy, I remember laying on blankets at the park and looking at the stars. This was the early 70's during the Viet Nam Era, and The heat lightening at night would flash across the sky. I thought it was the bombs dropping in Viet Nam. What I would give to be a kid again and have those memories be real life, just for a day...
bill 19-Jun-2016 13:57
bill plumhof I lived in eagle mountain 1956 1958 anybody remember.
Melanie 09-Oct-2015 18:58
Hi there. I am a journalist working on a small piece about Desert Center and a bit about Eagle Mountain too. I'm looking for a couple of photos of Eagle Mountain (and Desert Center, actually) when it was still open and in full swing. If any of you have something like that or might know a good person to reach out to, I'd be grateful for the help. Thanks!
steve Kal teube 04-Sep-2014 21:24
Teube family 403 cactus Dr . reading comments. Know - knew so many of you
.my first motorcycle belonged to Mike Harris. Ben Ferman was little league ump
1st job @ shoppers mart. Like 2 hear from
Anyone who remembers us
Guest 01-Aug-2014 18:06
Richard Family

We lived there in 1965 my dad worked at the minds as a manager if I remember correctly. I had friends neighoubrs Calvin Gains, I cannot find him at all. I would love to hear from him...
Jim H 26-Jul-2013 14:55
My parents and I moved to town in 1971 when I was 1. My dad was the Methodist Minister from 71-74. My sister Leslie was born in Palm Springs in 73 while we lived there. My earliest memories are from moments in this town.
Darlene Hyslop 06-Dec-2012 15:43
I was born in Blythe Ca. in 1970 and lived in Eagle Mountain till 1977 when my Parents and family moved to Oklahoma.
Guest 18-Nov-2012 17:10
I worked at the prison for a short time before it closed. The inmates chow hall is where the bowling center once was. I would love to find a little town like this to raise my kids. Reading all the comments confirmed my thoughts of how this town once was.
TW
dalton pitts 16-Jul-2012 21:20
my dad retired from kaiser steel at eagle mountain 1n 1981 my mothers brothers jerry farmer,bobby farmer,jimmy farmer also worked there for years never lived there myself but visited alot growing up my father drove from blythe and back for over 20 years
Mark T. 14-Jun-2012 12:24
I moved there in 1976 to teach and only stayed 6 weeks. Boy am I glad I got out.
Tim 06-Aug-2011 03:25
I remember this town from back in the mid-1970's. My high school baseball team came over from Lake Havasu and played a game here. The town seemed really nice with a palm tree lined main road. We had a good time that day and the Eagle Mountain players were real nice. Tim B.
mary haynes 22-Jul-2011 01:42
my mom and dad and use 3 kids lived on 1201 smoke tree dr we had the best life growing up my dad worked for the mine for 24 years my mom was in softball and school actives it was the best place and a lot of great freinds
Debbie Longan 17-Jul-2011 03:56
My family lived in Eagle Mountain from 1957 when I was 3 months old to 1972. I had a lot of wonderful memories there. The softball games in the summer, girl scouts. I could fill up pages of all the wonderful friend and familys we knew. We lived at 828 Polo Verde St. Hello from Debbie Longan-Eby
Tammy 16-Jul-2011 03:37
I lived in Eagle Mtn. on Ironwood Street. My dad work at the mine and my mom was teacher. My name is Tammy (Doll) my brother Tim, mom Sharon and Jim. I had the best times there. I started kindergarten there. I loved the dances, swimming, and hanging out with all my old friends. Great times, i miss.
Belinda 16-May-2011 23:42
I visited my cousins in the 80's before the mine shut down. I love ghost towns and was wondering if anyone knows if it's possible to visit. I heard there was fence around the whole town?
Calvin Galloska-Embrey 15-May-2011 01:40
i lived there in 1982-1984 my stepfather was Walt Redzinski he also was a foreman at the mine up until he died in his home of a heartattack in Lake Tamarisk.My mother karen & my lil brother Roger also lived there.Its really sad to see what has happened to my childhood neighborhood,but then again nothing is forever.
1027 sage drive 10-Feb-2011 03:12
mike harris, danny mc,fred becker,charles thaxton,bryan stout,don dukes,carl shorter,russell ward,allen t,I had a blast growing up with these true friends
dennis c 10-Feb-2011 03:00
I lived in eagle mtn from 1959 to 1978 my friends were mike harris,carl shorter,danny mc charles thaxton fred becker,bryan stout,don dukes and many others.I played on H L little league baseball team.coach Canada.great place to grow up.
Guest 10-Feb-2011 02:59
I lived in eagle mtn from 1959 to 1978 my friends were mike harris,carl shorter,danny mc charles thaxton fred becker,bryan stout,don dukes and many others.I played on H L little league baseball team.coach Canada.great place to grow up.
Dan Shomo 24-Nov-2010 18:37
I worked as a contractor for Naval Special Warfare and we used Eagle Mountain facility for some training Jul 2009. Most of the buildings are very dilapidated except for the street where people are living onsite. Very dangerous conditions with most of the interiors destroyed to include ceilings falling in, aspestos tile and material all over inside buildings. But,very cool place, I wish history channel or someone like that would do a piece on it.
Guest 29-Sep-2010 05:25
I lived in Eagle Mountain on Bald Eagle in the 60's. People I remember Benny Watson, R.G. Brown, Hamby, MCcalla, Paytons, Aunt Freda, Aunt Betty, Jimmy Dale, Polly Anne, Aunt Ellen, with cousins Sue, Judy. I was on the Eagles little league baseball team. Ring any bells?

Curious.
Bob nabors 19-Aug-2010 23:26
Bob Nabors its been a long time guys hope all are fine. getting old this does not look like the eagle mountain i rember there from 1952- 1965 best to all
Bob nabors 19-Aug-2010 23:26
Bob Nabors its been a long time guys hope all are fine. getting old this does not look like the eagle mountain i rember there from 1952- 1965 best to all
Bob nabors 19-Aug-2010 23:26
Bob Nabors its been a long time guys hope all are fine. getting old this does not look like the eagle mountain i rember there from 1952- 1965 best to all
Bob nabors 19-Aug-2010 23:26
Bob Nabors its been a long time guys hope all are fine. getting old this does not look like the eagle mountain i rember there from 1952- 1965 best to all
Star Blevins 27-Jun-2010 01:05
It's interesting reading memories that people have of Eagle Mountain. My mom was the ice cream lady and she tells stories of kids giving her drawings, rocks and even lizards for an ice cream. No where in CA do you think these types of memories would mean much but to those that actually experienced Life there.
Al (Fred) Smith 25-Jun-2010 11:57
I was looking at the comments here and I have a few other memories for everyone. Anna mentioned the beauty shop and the barber shop, but does anyone remember the library at the back of the rec-center? It had those fantactic wooden floors. Does anyone remember when Montgomery Wards moved into the drug store? How about when the pink onion opened up in DC? How about The Morris Pet Fish store? I think the largest tragedy we had there was Dr. Lanes plane crash, aside from the various accidents on caution hill. Just some memories from the past. -AL
mike 26-May-2010 22:37
Good Pics! I didn't live in Eagle Mountain, lived in Parker, but I was the Crystal Water man back in the mid 1970s. Everyone on my route was great. Some of the nicest people you would ever meet and visit with you all day if you could stay. Good memories.
Deb Reno 20-Jul-2009 01:04
My sister, Kathy, and I lived in Eagle Mountain twice with our folks: from 1952-63, then 1965-66. Of all the places we lived, we still consider it the best place to grow up mostly because we had great friends, and the entire desert to play in! The Rec Center was a magical place for tap dance recitals and Halloween parties. My Dad, Charlie Reno, was the assistant mine Manager, and tells great stories of the New Year's parties he and mom (Dorothy) had. We eventually moved to various places in Canada, Europe and Africa. We still have our school class photos from many of those Eagle Mt. years. We played with Jaqui Long, Sheryl & Teresa Tackett, Linda Eller (who just sent me a note on facebook), Red Conger, Nancy Drawdy, Dr. Lane's kids, Dr. Lipshutz's kids, the Brummets and Carla Boyd, who lived behind our home on Ferro. I remember Rex Huff, Dennis Pointer, Cory Hyatt, Dory Forbes, Robert Eastgate, Janine Scott, Greg Cox, someone named Twila and the Babbs'. Would love to know what movie you're scouting for! Have always thought it would make a super location for some film. -Deb Reno
Al Smith 15-Jul-2009 16:22
My name is Alfred Smith. I was known as Fred Smith when we lived in Eagle Mtn. My Father and Mother were Jim & Ardis Smith. My Brother was Brian.
We moved to Eagle Mtn. in 1960 up on Bald Eagle. Can't remember the Address but the Plumb Family was our neighbors.I'm refering to Jerry Plumb.
We then move to 601 Ocotilla next door to the Morris family and accross the street from the Cox family. The Lores were Kitty-corner accross the street from us and so was the Painton family. I went to School with patty.
We then moved to 439 Cactus Drive which was next door to the Lacey and paxton families.
I remember alot of the families on this site. I ran into Brenda some years ago in San Antonio, Tx. I'm living in Florida now days.
I hope this refreshes some memories of people long since gone. Feel free to e-mail me. -AL
Steve 14-Jun-2009 03:51
Does anyone know how to get hold of the people that oversee the mine now? Or if it's possible to access the area without supervision? I'm looking to set up a location scout for a film. Thankful for any input. Steve
moonjeam 30-May-2009 21:11
eagle mountain mine will be a going concern shortly. It will once again be a large supplier of iron ore to be shipped all over the world.more to follow soon.signed moonjeam
SHELBY FERMON 06-May-2009 22:43
Breanda Huff.
MY NAME IS SHELBY FERMON, MY BROTHER IS BEJAMIN FERMON CLASS OF 1974. YOUR BROTHER DAN WOULD TAKE ME PLACES WITH HIM WHEN HE WAS MARRIED TO KAY COMER IN EARLY 70,WITH THERE LITTLE GIRL DENIES,{ NEESEE } AND YOUR OTHER BROTHER BRUCE.WHO WAS MARRIED TO CINDY LADE. AND I STILL REMEBER THE DAY REX PASS.I WOULD LIKE YOU TO LET THEM KNOW THAT , I WANT TO THANK THEM FOR THE PERSON AND THE MAN I AM TODAY,THEY IS NOT A CAR,OR A TRUCK I CAN NOT WORK ON.I CAN WORK ON ANYTHING.AND THE OUT DOORS AND NATUR,I LOVE IT.AND MY CARE FOR PEOPLE AND LIFE.AND MAKEING ME WHO I AM TODAY. THANK YOU DAN AND BRUCE FOR TAKEING TIME AND CAREING FOR ME AS I WAS OWN KID AND LOVEING AS ONE OF YOURS KIDS.I AM AS EASY GOING AS YOU TWO ARE. NEVER MERRIED YET,ON KIDS,44YEARS OLD NOW. LIVE SACRAMENTO,CA SHELBY,FERMON THANK YOU FOR MAKENING ME WHO I AM TODAK.
Tony Nell 03-May-2009 01:59
Flew over Eagle Mountain recently, not much has changed. We have great memories of this area. Hopefully the state can turn it around, and make it a productive hamlet again.
Brenda Huff 06-Apr-2009 20:21
824 Palo Verdy Drive was my home until I moved to Canada in 1973. Our baby-sitter would walk us by 824 as it was being built, I was 4 and my brother Bruce 3, Rex 6 and Danny 8. Our Dad, Daniel Huff Made 824 our home until the mine closed. Over the years and all the different places I called home. I have found people love to hear Eagle mountian stories,
and life in the desert. A small town out of current space and time, not only now also then. Brenda Huff
Tommy Cox 04-Apr-2009 00:22
Nice shots Roy. I graduated 1969 and drove truck till 74. I sent you an invite for a Yahoo EM group where there's some folks you might remember. The Stouts were friends of mine too.
Donna Rozell Smith 02-Apr-2009 23:02
We moved to Eagle Mountain in 1959 when I was only 6 months old. My dad drove a truck at the mine and so did my Uncle George. I went to Kindergarten and First Grade there. We had a lot of friends and family and it was a great place to grow up. Does anybody remember the trampoline? We moved back to Texas in 1967. After the Benny Plant opened up the burning of the sulphur or something in the air, caused my nose to bleed every night. I had at one time My dad, one of his brothers, my mom's brohter, my uncle George (my mom's brother-in-law) and several of his brothers and sisters and their family all there at one time. We were never at a loss for playmates.
Tamara (Mullenix) Kemp 16-Mar-2009 05:45
Wow, Things have changed. My family and I grew up on Desert Avenue. We lived there in the mid 60s to the mid 70s. I loved it!
Sandra 05-May-2002 21:02
Roy, The bowling alley is located where the word prison is on your aerial photo with the layout of EM in 2002.
Guest 29-Apr-2002 17:00
My mom Sharon Scott, took us back to Eagle Mtn. April 2001. How sad to see once a thriving beautiful town now a ghost town. My mom and her best friends from there (Iris Wells, Scott Ferguson and Kenna Ferguson) still talk and rekindle the good times and it's fun to sit and listen to them, it sounds like it was a wonderful place.
Roy27-Apr-2002 16:49
What a shame it was to see the rechall in that condition when I took that photo. There were lots of good memories there for a lot of folks. And many streets south of the rechall have turned into rubble as well. Roy
PATTY LORE 24-Apr-2002 22:35
Wow, so very sad to see the photos. Anna is right, that was the rec hall, just up from the elem. school and down from Bald Eagle. We used to go to the movies there, had my prom there (1968), and my Mom used to teach tap dancing there also. I left in 1968 to go to College of The Desert. Thank you for your photos. Sincerely, Patty
ANNA LORE 24-Apr-2002 15:01
Thanks for the photos, hard for me to rember streets..I was there from 1955 until 1977. Just called them the 100-1700 blocks...The rehall #11 was where the beauty shop on left and barber shop on right, don't remeber the dr ever being in the rec hall.Thanks
Anna
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