Valerie Jean Dates

Valerie Jean Dates is a historic date orchard and onetime popular U.S. Route 99 tourist stop located in Valerie, California USA, an unincorporated area a short distance south of Thermal.

Founded in 1928 and located on present-day State Route 86 at Avenue 66, the orchard is especially noteworthy as being the first to market dates directly to consumers. They are also responsible for being the first to market dates via mail order, for the creation of coconut- and almond-stuffed dates and for the creation of the date milkshake.

Though currently closed, the original building and sign remain in good repair. The site was added to the roster of the California Office of Historic Preservation on February 11, 1991.

External links and references

* [http://ronslog.typepad.com/ronslog/2005/02/valerie_jeans.html History and photos of Valerie Jean Dates at Ronslog.typepad.com]
* [http://content.cdlib.org/ark:/13030/kt5b69q28w/?docId=kt5b69q28w&layout=printable-details Historic photo of dates being harvested at Valerie Jean from the Pomona Public Library]
* [http://www.ohp.parks.ca.gov/listed_resources/default.asp?num=P736 California OHP listing for Valerie Jean Dates]
* [http://www.roadsidepeek.com/roadusa/southwest/california/socal/desert/palmdsrt/palmsign/index.htm Entry at Roadsidepeek.com]
* [http://www.bygonebyways.com/California_99.htm History of US 99 through California at Bygonebyways.com]