William's parents were:
Milton M. Vale, b. 2 Oct. 2, 1816 in OH. and d. May 30, 1895 in San Bernardino County, CA. &
Mercy Green, b. Apr. 24, 1821 in OH. and d. Jan. 29, 1903 in San Bernardino, San Bernardino County, CA.

On Oct. 29, 1843, Milton Vale and Mercy Greene were married in Meigs. OH., according to OH. Marriage Records for 1774-1993.

Milton & Mercy Vale's children were:
1. Milton Webster Vale, b. Dec. 30, 1844 in Point Rock, Meigs County, OH. and d. Dec. 25, 1935 in San Bernardino, San Bernardino County, CA.
2. William Adams Vale, b. Jul. 15, 1847 in Jay County, IN. and d. Sep. 3, 1932 in San Bernardino, San Bernardino County, CA.

In the 1850 U. S. census, 3 yr. old William A Vale, b. in IN., was living in Madison, Jay, IN. with his
31 yr. old (inferred) father, Milton Vale, no occupation listed, b. in OH.
29 yr. old (inferred) mother, Mercy Vale, b. in OH.
5 yr. old (inferred) brother, Milton W Vale, b. in OH.
Milton Sr.'s real estate was valued at $500.

In the 1860 U. S. census, 13 yr. old W. A. Vale, b. in IN., was living in Mulberry (post office: Clarksville), Johnson, Arkansas with his
42 yr. old (inferred) father, Milton Vale, an artist, b. in OH.
38 yr. old (inferred) mother, Mercy G Vale, b. in OH.
15 yr. old (inferred) brother, M W Vale, a farmer, b. in OH.
Milton Sr.'s real estate was valued at $400 and his personal estate at $200

William came to the San Bernardino area in 1864 during the Civil War.

In the 1870 U. S. census, 22 yr. old William A Vale, a photographer, b. in IN., was living in San Bernardino township, San Bernardino, CA.
William's real estate was valued at $200 and his personal estate at $200.

On Oct. 16, 1872, W. A. (William Adams) Vale and C. A. F. (Christina Annie) Henderson were married in San Bernardino County, CA., according to the Western States Marriage Index for 1809-2016.

William and Christina Vale's children were:
1. Ada Regina Vale, b. Jul. 25, 1873 in CA. and d. May 9, 1953 in San Bernardino County, Cal. Ada marr. Frank D. Keller.
2. Mabel Grace Vale, b. Aug. 11, 1875 in San Bernardino, San Bernardino County, CA. and d. May 19, 1969 in
San Diego, San Diego County, CA. Grave marr. Frank L. Cooley in 1897.
3. Hazel G. Vale, b. Jan. 3, 1884 in San Bernardino, San Bernardino County, CA. and d. Jan. 17, 1980 in Los Angeles County, CA. Hazel marr. Robert Brazelton.

In the 1880 U. S. census, 32 yr. old Wm. A. Vale, a photographer, b. in 'the U. S.' , was living in San Bernardino, San Bernardino, CA. with his
25 yr. old wife, Anna Vale, b. in CA., was keeping house and
7 yr. old daughter, Ada Vale, b. in CA.
4 yr. old daughter, Grace Vale, b. in CA.
Anna's parents were both b. in Scotland

The Daily Courier (San Bernardino, CA.), P. 3, Col. 5
Sat., Jul. 30, 1892
THAT PASS
its Meaning Will probably Have to Be Determined in Court
There is some fun in store for some one, but who that one is, is not yet known. Mr. W. A. Vale came into THE COURIER office Friday noon and said: “I am not arrested yet.”
This naturally called forth questions, to understand what Mr. Vale meant. The difficulty is between the Vale family and the Arrowhead Reservoir company. On the way up the Arrowhead road is a toll gate, where travelers are expected to donate quite liberally, whether they are so disposed or not. Mr. Vale owns some property up in Waterman cañón, and in order to reach that property that cañón must be passed. For several years past Mr. Vale has used this property for the summer camping place of his family. Up to last Wednesday they were not questioned in regard to passing the toll gate. The pass read, “Members of my family,” and if Mr. Vale had sixty-seven in his family, that pass would hold good. Now, how did Mr. Vale acquire that pass? From his own lips it is thus explained. The road has been open to the public for over twenty years. When the Arrowhead reservoir company was going about trying to construct its road, Mr Vale granted it a right of way over his land, for which he received the pass, which read “W. A. Vale sr. and members of his family.” Now, on such a condition, a member of the family would feel like accommodating himself, especially if as near as a son. W. A. Vale, jr. thought himself near enough connected with the family to go over the road without paying his toll, and through he went despite the fact that Toll-Keeper Meecham tried to stop him, and he is still alive. Mr. Vale says that nothing short of a shotgun or the Waterman Rifles can keep him from going through the toll gate. Is Mr. Vale right? The court can settle that. Now comes Mr. A. Wood, the general manager of the Arrowhead Reservoir company, and says Mr. Meecham, the toll-gate keeper, was not instructed to stop Mr. Vale, if he declined to pay his toll, but that he instructed Mr. Meecham to take a census of the Vale family and see how many were entitled to go in on that pass. Mr. Wood says that he does not think their rules should be ridden over in such a manner. He says the company would rather strain a point or two than to raise a row that could be settled with a few minutes’ talk and a chance for a mutual understanding. There is something rather interesting to grow out of this case yet. Just wait.

According to the 1894 California Great Voter Register for San Bernardino County,
47 yr. old William Adams Vale, a music dealer, b. in IN., was living in Asan Bernardino. He was described as 5’10” tall, with a dark complexion, dark brown eyes and dark brown hair.

The Daily Sun (San Bernardino, CA.), P. 4, Col. 1
Sat., Jun. 6, 1896
TEACHERS IN THE CITY SCHOOLS TO DRAW LESS MONEY
Director Vale Believes that the Schools Should Reduce the Burdens of the Taxpayers
W. A. Vale, of the board of city education, is in favor of reducing the teachers’ salaries for the coming year and is giving each teacher who consults him an interview. This is contemplated with a view of giving the taxpayers a benefit and still do nothing which will seem unreasonable to the teachers.
“I don’t want to pose as a complainant,” said Mr. Vale yesterday, but I do think that in view of the hard times through which the taxpayers are passing, a small reduction can be made from each and every teacher’s salary at a uniform rate, which in the aggregate will mean a very material amount to the credit side of the school fund. Some of the higher salaried teachers could stand a considerable cut, while some of those who are now drawing small salaries would not suffer any great reduction.
“It costs this city, at the present rate, the round sum on $3,633 each month of the school year in salaries for teachers alone. You can readily see that even a 10 per cent cut from this amount would mean $363 a month, or $3.267 for the school year. But I believe that even a greater reduction than this could be made and that almost all of the teachers would remain, giving us as good service as we have had in the past. There are forty-six teachers that this amount would be divided between, so that the amount would not be heavily felt or burdensome.
“When I first made up my mind that this was the proper step I commenced to speak to the teachers who called on me not he subject. Of course there is no teacher here who wants a cut in salary, but almost all of those whom I have addressed agree that the proposition is reasonable during the present hard times. One of the teachers I spoke to said that she could readily see the view which I take on the matter and the position in which I am placed - that of standing between the taxpayer and the schools. Both should have justice done them. There is no one who believes more in the paying of liberal salaries than I do, but at the present time it is necessary to practice economy in all ways possible. I don’t know what the other members of the board will think of the question, but that is my position.”

San Bernardino Daily Sun (San Bernardino, CA.), P. 3, Col. 4
Sun., Apr. 20, 1902
WARD IS ARRESTED
George M. Ward, who formerly conducted a shooting gallery in this city, was arrested yesterday by Policemen Poppett on a warrant charging petty embezzlement. The warrant was sworn out by W. A. Vale. From the complaint it appears that Ward purchased two graphophones (business dictation machines that uses wax cylinders to record and play back sound) from Mr. Vale agreeing to pay for them on the installment plan. Later, it is stated, Ward sold the machines and refused to pay Vale the balance due.
Ward was released on $100 bonds.

San Bernardino Daily Sun (San Bernardino, CA.), P. 4, Col. 4
Sat., Dec. 18, 1915
Items from: Twenty Years Ago Today
From the SUN of December 18, 1895
W. A. Vale, Dr. A. K. Johnson, E. R. Waite, Dr. A. C. Keating, Charles Whitcomb, Dr. Wesley Thompson and others yesterday declared emphatically for immediate action by the trustees toward securing lights for the streets at night.
W. A. Vale has just received one of the new Regina music boxes.

San Bernardino Daily Sun (San Bernardino, CA.), P. 4, Col. 3
Fri., Aug. 6, 1897
VALE BROTHERS HAVE A CLASH WITH THE COMPANY
Difference of Opinion as to Whether They Can Bring Wood Through the Gate
One of the legacies handed down by the father of W. A. and W. M. Vale was a contract with the Arrowhead toll road company by which he and his family were to have the right of way through the lower toll gate free of toll. There appears to be a difference of opinion between the Vale brothers and the manager of the company as to how far this permission shall be carried and there have been many clashes on the subject. The latest trouble occurred last Monday morning when W. A. Vale came down with a carriage and Frank Cooley as a passenger, and M. W. Vale and a load of wood tried to pass the gate.
W. A. Vale was interviewed about the matter and states that when he came down to the gate to come to town he found his brother there with a load of wood and told him to drive on so he himself could get through. His brother stated that the gate keeper would not let him through without paying toll. “Change with me,” said W. A., “and I’ll see about it. That wood’s mine, and i’m going through that gate.” He asked the gate keeper to open for him, but the latter refused even under the threat from Vale that he would break the gate down. This had no effect on the imperturbable keeper and Vale had to unload the wood and drive through empty.
The cause of this, he says, was a bill for $111 which the company presented him for toll for bringing wood through the gate. “You’ll be grey-headed when you get it,” was the remark to the bill collector, hence there is “no trust” posted against the name of Vale at the gate.
“I offered,” said Mr. Vale, “to leave the whole matter to arbitration by selecting one man to two by the company and abide by their decision, or I would leave it to one of their own lawyers, Judge Otis, for I consider him an honest man, but the company would not do it, the question being as to my rights under the contract between my father and the company. I broke down the gate once to try to get them to bring action but they would not arrest me. Now I am going to bring suit against the company and have the courts decide between us.”

In the 1900 U. S. census, 52 yr. old Adam(s) W. Vale, a music dealer, b. Jul. 1847 in IN., was living at 465 Sixth St. (on the south side) in San Bernardino Ward 2, San Bernardino, CA. with his
45 yr. old wife, Anna Vale, b. Jul. 1854 in CA.,
16 yr. old daughter, Hazel Vale, attending school, b. Jan. 1884 in CA.
59 yr. old widowed servant and housekeeper, Cecilia Smith. b. Aug. 1840 in PA.
Adam and Anna had been marr. for 28 years.
Anna was the mother of 3 children, all still alive by this census.
Anna's parents were both b. in Scotland
Adams' parents were both b. in OH.

San Bernardino Daily Sun (San Bernardino, CA.), P. 4, Col. 5
Tue., May 28, 1907
ONE DAY FOR AUTOS ON GRADE
Owners of Interests On the Mountains Favor a Slight Relaxation of the Rule that Excludes Machines.
Shall the Arrowhead grade be reserved for automobiles one day in the week?
That is a question that is likely to be before the people of the valley, and it may be put up to the Supervisors for their decision.
Owners of the machines, and likewise of interests on the summit, have suggested the subject. Not that they are demanding it - they are simply asking what public sentiment on the subject may be.
At present, by common consent automobiles are not allowed on the Arrowhead road to the crest beyond the turnout to the Arrowhead hotel. Without doubt that is a wise provision, for machines and teams would not be safe on the grade at the same time. The road is narrow, and there are few horses that would go past a machine without taking chances on a disastrous runaway. But the owners of machines take the position that they ought to be allowed the use of the road a part of the time, and the only solution of the case presented seems to be a regulation that will allow machines there a part of the time, say one day in the week. And perhaps Sunday would not be the day, for the reason that on that day more people go to the mountains with teams than on any other day of the week.
There seems to be some justice in the contention that the beauties of the mountain drive should not be denied automobile parties, and it might be fair to give them one day out of the seven, with notice given at each end of the road that people who drive on that day do it with full knowledge of the danger involved.
W. A. Vale and Henry Beggs were discussing the subject yesterday, each of them having land interests in the mountains or on the summit, and at one time Mr. Vale determined to put out a petition to the Board of Supervisors. But on reflection he decided to let public opinion crystalize and note the result. Consequently, people are talking about the merits and demerits of the plan.

In the 1910 U. S. census, 52 yr. old William A. Vale, a retail merchant in the music industry, b. in IN., was living on Sixth St. in San Bernardino Ward 2, San Bernardino, CA. with his
55 yr. old wife, Annie Vale, b. in CA.
19 yr. old servant for a private family, Paz Reyes, b. in CA.
Annie's parents were both b. in Scotland.
William's father was b. in IN. and his mother in OH.
This was a first marriage for William and Annie.
Annie was the mother of three children, all still alive by this census.

San Bernardino Daily Sun (San Bernardino, CA.), P. 4, Col. 3
Sun., Jul. 10, 1910
AUTOMOBILES DISPUTE PATH
W. A. Vale Machine Struck By that of a Local Man
W. A. Vale and his daughter, Mrs. Frank Cooley, had a close call last evening from a serious automobile accident at Sixth and D streets, their car, a little runabout Tourist, being wrecked by an Overland driven by Frank Bernard. Mr. Vale and his daughter were going east on Sixth street, on their way to Vale’s camp in Waterman canyon, and when near the corner of D, the big Overland came bowling south along D, taking a sudden turn into Sixth street, headed west.
Mr. Vale quickly realized that the approaching car was hitting the high places at too great a speed to clear his machine, Bernard having made a short, excited turn, and Mr. Vale swung out, hugging close to the gutter, but Bernard seemed to have lost control of his machine, and it struck the Tourist amidships, reducing the battery box to a mass of tangled wood, steel and wire and caving in the wheels.
Successful Jump
Mr. Vale and Mrs. Cooley had been on the alert on seeing the way the big car was cutting the corner at a narrow turn, and both jumped, Mr. Vale bringing his machine to a stop before leaving it, and aside from the jar sustained in their hurried escape to the ground both escaped without injury.
An effort to locate Bernard last night failed, but it is understood that he and a companion, a youth, escaped without injury, and that his car got through the accident with slight damage, the steering gear becoming slightly twisted and the front of the machine caved in.
Towed to Garage
After the accident the Vale machine was towed to the garage and Mr. Vale and his daughter brought into use Mr. Vale’s larger car, in which they continued their journey to the camp in Waterman canyon.

San Bernardino Daily Sun (San Bernardino, CA.), P. 6, Col. 4
Wed., Nov. 8, 1916
Item from: Social Happenings
Trip to San Diego
Mr. and Mrs. W. A. Vale and guest, Mrs. Lyman Barto, of Thompson Falls, Montana, Mrs. F. D. Keller, Mr. and Mrs. John H. Barton, returned Monday night from a motor trip to San Diego, where they paid a visit to the exposition and showed the visitor the many beautiful places about San Diego.

In the 1920 U. S. census, 72 yr. old William A Vale, no occupation, b. in IN., was living on 6th St. in San Bernardino, San Bernardino, CA. with his
65 yr. old wife, Christania (Christina) A. Vale, b. in CA.
Christina's parents were both b. in Scotland.
William's parents were both b. in OH.

San Bernardino Daily Sun (San Bernardino, CA.), P. 7, Col. 3
Fri., Aug. 7, 1925
Item from: Society and News of Interest to Women
F. D. Kellers And the W. A. Vales At Home From Northern Trip
The motor trip to the north-west country is luring many people from Southern California this year as a very popular vacation expedition. A group of San Bernardino people, just returned, and full of enthusiasm over the outing, numbered Mr. and Mrs. Frank D. Keller of 381 Seventeenth Street, and son, Gerald Vale Keller, and Mr. and Mrs. W. A. Vale of 457 Sixth Street. The mileage covered on the trip was 6,000 miles and the farthest point north touched was Vancouver, British Columbia. Yellowstone Park was toured and many side trips made off the “beaten highway” of the average tourist, six weeks being taken for the entire trip.
On the coast route north, stops were made at San Francisco, Oakland, Portland, Tacoma, Seattle and Vancouver. In Tacoma the two families enjoyed a reunion with old time San Bernardino friends, A. K. Johnson and sister, Mrs. Marguerite Gallaher and Mrs. Julia Brower.
The party arrived in Vancouver July 1, Dominion Day, celebrated with a wonderful parade and festival lasting over the Fourth of July, when the U. S. national holiday was celebrated. In Lyndon, Washington, they had another pleasant reunion with friends, Mr. and Mrs. Dexter Alverson, former residents of San Bernardino, and at Thompson Falls, Montana, visited with Mr. and Mrs. Lyman Barto. Their route then lay through Butte and to Gardiner, the northern entrance to Yellowstone National Park. Four days were spent in the park, and the geysers, Mammoth, Old Faithful, and the Canyon visited, and all side trips made.
Starting southward through Idaho, stops were made at Pocatello and Boise, and a visit made to Pendleton, Oregon, the home of the world-wide famous Round-up, and also of the Pendleton blanket and shawl mills, a visit to which proved very interesting. Many stops were made “down along” the beautiful Columbia River Highway, on the second visit to Portland.
California was entered at Crescent City from Grant’s pass, Oregon, and the new Redwood Highway followed. While passing through Montana, the wrecked city of Three Forks, which was shaken by an earthquake the day before Santa Barbara’s temblor, was viewed.
Mr. and Mrs. Frank L. Cooley accompanied the party as far as Vancouver. The Cooleys then returned by way of Sacramento, Lake Tahoe and the Santa Cruz Mountains and the Big Basin.

In the 1930 U. S. census, 82 yr. old widower, William A Vale, b. in IN., was living alone in a home (not on a farm) he owned, valued at $2,500 at 487 Sixth St. in San Bernardino Ward 1, San Bernardino, CA.
William's parents were both b. in OH.

San Bernardino Daily Sun (San Bernardino, CA.), P. 7, Col. 3
Wed., Jul. 16, 1930
W. A. Vale Is Given Birthday Party at Home of Daughter
William Adams vale of 457 Sixth street, was the recipient of a surprise party last evening when members of the Vale clan gathered at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Keller in Seventeenth street for a musicale and reunion.
Mr. Vale, who celebrated his eighty-third birthday, was born in Jay county, Ind., July 15, 1847, and arrived in San Bernardino by ox team and covered wagon Oct. 2, 1864.
The affair planned for the evening opened with a program of old time music by Milton Webster Vale, brother of the birthday celebrant, and violinist, and Mrs. Ida Vale Moultroup, pianist.
The remainder of the evening was spent informally and was climaxed with the serving of refreshments.
In the group attending the party are James and Alta Vale, M. W. Vale, Mr. and Mrs. Milton Vale and Mrs. Ida Vale Moultroup.

The San Bernardino Daily Sun (San Bernardino, CA.), P. 9, Col. 2
Sat., Oct. 1, 1932
WILLIAM VALE DIES, AGED 85
Prominent Pioneer Resident of San Bernardino Passes After Long Illness
William Adams Vale, pioneer resident of San Bernardino who was widely known for his charitable work, died yesterday morning at his home, 457 Sixth street. Mr. Vale, who was 85 years old, had been in failing health for several years.
Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Monday from the Mark B. Shaw memorial chapel with the rev. Otis D. Ironmonger, pastor of the Rev. Otis D. Ironmonger, pastor of the First Presbyterian church, officiating. Services at the graveside in Mountain View cemetery will be in charge of San Bernardino lodge, No. 290, Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Pallbearers will be John Andreson, James S. Sheldon, S. E. Bagley, William Kerr, T. W. Duckworth and George W. Curtis.
Adams vale, as he was generally known among his scores of friends and acquaintances, was born in Jay County, Indiana, July 15, 1847. He came to San Bernardino with his parents, Milton Vale and Mercy Green Vale, when 17 years old. They traveled into the new west across the plains in covered wagons, arriving in this city on Oct. 2, 1864.
A few years after establishing his residence here he became a professional photographer and later entered the piano business which he followed successively until his retirement in 1916.
On Oct. 20, 1872 Mr. Vale married Christina Annie Henderson and in 1922 they celebrated their golden wedding anniversary. During all of their wedded life the couple lived on Sixth street where Mrs. Vale passed away in 1927.
Mr. Vale was a charter member of the San Bernardino Odd Fellows lodge and for nearly 40 years gave much time to the charitable work of the order. He was a director of the San Bernardino Odd Fellows Building association from the time it was organized in 1907 until his death. He was also a member of other fraternal orders and for several years was a member of the San Bernardino board of education.
Mr. Vale is survived by three daughters, Mrs. Frank Keller, Mrs. Frank Cooley of San Bernardino and Mrs. Robert Brazelton of Los Angels and one brother, Milton Webster Vale, noted pioneer musician, who is 88 years old.
He also leaves four grandchildren Norman V. Cooley, Gerald Vale Keller, Madalene and Bobbie Leone Brazelton, and two great-grandchildren, Norman Cooley Jr. and James D. Cooley.

San Bernardino Daily Sun (San Bernardino, CA.), P. 3, Col. 6-7
ONETIME MANSION GIVES WAY TO BUSINESS AREA
(*See photo of the house to the left.)
A two-story brick house at 465 Sixth street, one of San Bernardino’s early day residences now owned by the three daughters of the late Mr. and Mrs. W. A. Vale, is being demolished to make way for future development of the community.
Originally built in 1880, the home is remembered by pioneer citizens as a minion which was a tribute to the city’s residential section.
BUILT BY PIONEER
Today the structure is virtually in the business district and is being torn down by the owners, Mrs. Frank Keller of 381 Seventeenth street, Mrs. Frank Cooley of 449 Sixth street and Mrs. R. W. Brazelton of Ocean Park, to make way for future improvements.
Immediately west of the 14-room house is a vacant lot, owned by the three daughters of the Vales, and at the southeast corner of Sixth and E streets - next to the vacant lot - there is a Standard Oil service station, where the old Allison home once stood.
W. A. Vale and Annie Henderson Vale, who originally built the brick house, were noted covered wagon pioneers. Mrs. Vale’s family came to San Bernardino in 1853, while Mr. Vale’s family arrived here in 1864. Mrs. Vale was born in 1854, one of the first white children born in San Bernardino.
EARLY BUSINESS MAN
In 1872 they were married and moved to a small house on the same lot now occupied by the brick structure. In 1880, the present home was erected and it was remodeled in 1890. They lived there until 1904, when they moved into a new home next door, 457 Sixth street.
Mr. Vale was one of the first photographers in San Bernardino, later entering the music business and continuing in that capacity for over 30 years.
All of the couple’s children were raised in the house now being torn down. Mrs. Cooley and Mrs. Keller were married there, and as a matter of fact, Mrs. Cooley has never moved off the block. Her home is now at 449 Sixth street, just two doors from the original home.
The Vales were noted as developers of a portion of Waterman canyon in the San Bernardino mountains. They established the famous old Vale’s ranch in 1889 in that canyon.

The Sun (San Bernardino, Ca.). P. 15, Col. 1
Mon., Sep. 9, 1968
Excerpt from: Earl Buie’s They Tell Me
Walkinshaw Street
And while I am writing about little known streets and the origin of their names, have you ever been on “Vale Alley?’ It runs from Church, between D and E streets, to 6th Street, a distance of less than 300 feet. It was named for William Adams Vale.

The Sun (San Bernardino, Ca.). P. 64, Col. 1
Thu., May 25, 1972
Item from: They Tell me, by Earl E. Buie
This may interest you old-time residents of San Bernardino. Gerald V. Keller, 1314 East Lynwood Drive, is trying to establish the history of the “Loyal Mystic Legion of America, Crescent Council, No. 47,” of San Bernardino. He believes his grandfather, the late William Adams Vale was either secretary or treasurer of the lodge. Know anything about the Local Mystic Legion?

The Sun (San Bernardino, Ca.). P. 8, Col. 1
Sun., Jan. 10, 1988
Excerpt from: Historic travelers found Mojave ‘disagreeable’
People entering the California desert have found it easier to appreciate the surroundings when they aren’t facing arduous, shadeless and potentially deadly treks between water holes on the route from the Colorado River to the Pacific Coast.
“Nothing helps scenery like ham and eggs,” Mark Twain once wrote.
And nothing helps desert scenery like dependable transportation and a place to escape the heat, wind, and cold. In the 1700’s and early 1800’s, the only thing desert travelers could depend on was a hard journey.
(William Lewis) Manly later writer of the valley: “The home of the poorest man on earth was preferable to this place.” It was “so dreary that it requires an exercise of the strongest faith to believe that the great Creator ever smiled upon it…”
Twain himself visited the Nevada desert in 1861 by stage, a journey he described in the book, “Roughing It.” He hated the desert, finding it boring, hot, “stupid and tiresome and dull.”
In April 1880, a photographer named William Adams Vale made the 20-day trip from San Bernardino to Ivanpah and back. He kept a terse journal that repeatedly complained of the wind and cold.
“I made a fire and - wind, oh my’… Raining and awful cold. Had to get out and run to get warmed up. “The next day the sun was shining, “but the wind (was) still blowing as the Mojave wind only blows.”
But in Afton Canyon, a marsh set in a dramatic gorge along the Mojave River, Vale’s photographer instincts took over. “I walked down the canyon looking at caves and deep gorges in the mountains.. Oh! What a country - there are some grand scenery in Cave Canyon.”
When the sun came out and the weather finally grew warm, Vale once again groused, this time about the lack of shade. “There is nothing to get under, only a small sage bush two feet high.”
Still, the desert had its fans, even before automobiles rattled onto the scene.

There is a 40 page booklet written about William Adams Vale, that is available on Amazon, by Philip D. Nathanson, publ. Jan. 1, 2012.
Description: William Adams Vale was one of the earliest photographers in Southern California. While residing in San Bernardino, Vale traveled throughout the region and along the stagecoach routes to Los Angeles and San Diego. He was active from circa 1870 to the late 1880s working in many formats: stereoview, carte de visite and large-size images.
Most of Vale's images are very rare, known by just a single example in private and institutional collections. Although his surviving output is small ... just a few dozen images ... his subject matter and content are extremely interesting. Vale photographed engine no. 1 of the California Southern Railroad, schools (front cover), mining and lumber operations, vineyard and the olive orchard of Thomas Davies on the San Diego mission grounds, Indians on the courthouse steps in San Bernardino, the Cucamonga stagecoach stop, Chinese labor, resorts, ranch houses and more. Forty-six fascinating historical photographs are illustrated in this 40-page book, a number full-page. Each is believed to be published for the first time.
There are 8 stereoviews reproduced (7 full-size) that can be seen in three-dimensions with a viewer (not included). Full-page enlargements of some stereoviews are provided to see detail. The informative text includes biographical information and rare portraits of Vale and his family.
It also discusses the era of early photography as reflected in Vale's career.