Welcome to the Friends of Pioneertown

The Friends of Pioneertown is a 501(c)3 charitable non-profit organization that works to revitalize the community and town by honoring and promoting Pioneertown’s historic significance as a unique and unusual part of the American story.

Friends of Pioneertown Events

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The Old Days

In 1946, actor Dick Curtis envisioned and brought to life Pioneertown, crafting it as a live-in, Old West-themed motion-picture set that mirrors the 1880s. This unique town was ingeniously designed to serve dual purposes: it offered production companies authentic backdrops for their films and TV shows, while also allowing them to enjoy the functional aspects of the town. Pioneertown became the filming location for countless Westerns and pioneering television series, such as “The Cisco Kid” and Edgar Buchanan’s “Judge Roy Bean,” embedding itself as a cornerstone in entertainment history.

Dick Curtis, Roy Rogers, and Russell Hayden weren’t just behind the scenes; they were the pioneering forces that shaped Pioneertown’s early days. Imagine the allure as Gene Autry filmed each episode of his show amidst the echoes of pins crashing at the six-lane Pioneer Bowl, a bowling alley brought to life by Tommy Thompson in 1947. It wasn’t just a game; it was an event when Rogers sent the first ball thundering down the lanes in 1949, marking a pivotal moment in Pioneertown’s history. Before the age of automation took over in the 1950s, it was the local school-age children who kept the game going, setting pins by hand in a display of community spirit and ingenuity.

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Mane Street

Pioneertown transcends its historical roots as a cinematic backdrop, evolving into a vibrant community where the past and present merge on Mane Street. This unique thoroughfare, reserved exclusively for “hoof n’ foot” traffic, is lined with not only remnants of its cinematic legacy but bustling businesses that breathe life into this quaint town.

Explore Authentic Artisanal Offerings – Wander into the world of local craftsmanship at the Goat Soap store, marvel at the creations in the Pottery shop, and find essentials with a twist at the General Store and General Merchandise. Each corner of Mane Street offers a peek into the talent and spirit of Pioneertown.

Artistic Expressions Await – Don’t miss the Land Office art gallery, a testament to Pioneertown’s commitment to fostering art and culture, showcasing works by local artists and artisans that capture the essence of this extraordinary place.

Cultural and Social Hubs – Our community is complete with vital establishments like a convenient Post Office, and iconic eateries such as the legendary Pappy & Harriet’s and the Red Dog Saloon, offering delectable food and drinks in an ambiance filled with history and camaraderie.