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ONE PS Presents: Trailblazers & Visionaries, a Downtown Palm Springs Walking Tour

Discover Palm Springs' origins on this guided walking tour of downtown landmarks,including the Plaza Theatre, O'Donnell Golf Club, and the American Legion Post, with insider stories and rare access.

Long before Midcentury Modernism defined Palm Springs, a remarkable group of early pioneers—many of them visionary women—laid the foundation for the vibrant city we know today. This engaging, docent-led walking tour by One-PS invites guests to explore the historic heart of downtown Palm Springs and uncover the people, places, and stories that shaped its early identity.

The tour begins at the Welwood Murray Memorial Library (1940, John Porter Clark), a cornerstone of civic life, and concludes at the historic American Legion Post built in 1948 by Albert Frey and John Porter Clark.

Along the way, guests will experience a curated collection of landmark sites that reflect Palm Springs’ architectural and cultural evolution:

  • Plaza Theatre (1936, Harry J. Williams), originally built by Julia Patterson Carnell, where the world premiere of Camille starring Greta Garbo took place. Recently restored to its former glory, guests will enjoy rare interior access and a special talk by historian Jim Cook, sharing stories of Hollywood legends including Bob Hope, Bing Crosby, and Jack Benny.
  • La Plaza Shopping Center (1936, Harry J. Williams), one of the first planned shopping centers in the region, funded by Carnell and designed as a vibrant social hub.
  • O’Donnell Golf Club (1936, William Charles Tanner), featuring a Spanish Colonial Revival clubhouse and casita, established by philanthropist Tom O’Donnell and Dr. Winifred Willis Jenney O’Donnell. Guests may even spot Big Horn sheep on the course.
  • American Legion Post 519 (1948, Albert Frey & John Porter Clark), a rare Frey-designed civic building with deep ties to Palm Springs’ Hollywood history.

Throughout the tour, guests will enjoy exclusive access to select interiors, engaging talks by local historians and stewards, and thoughtfully curated exhibits at key locations.

This immersive experience reveals how Palm Springs evolved—from a small desert outpost into a cultural destination—through bold vision, community leadership, and enduring architectural legacy.

https://www.one-ps.org/

Photo Credits: ONE-PS

Location & Attendee Information

  • What are the appropriate ages for this activity?Person Ages 13 and older
  • Are pets, animals, or service animals permitted?Dog on a leash Pets and animals not permitted
  • What are the mobility considerations for this activity?Person walking Walking activity with exterior and/or interior steps
  • What type of parking is available?Car Free public/neighborhood street parking
  • What is the policy for personal effects?Bag or purse Large purses, bags, backpacks discouraged
  • Is photography permitted?Camera Photography permitted at discretion of host
  • Are restrooms available?Restroom sign Limited restroom availability
  • Is this an indoor or outdoor activity?Sun Indoor and outdoor activity
  • What is the policy regarding smoking?Cigarette with smoke No smoking or e-cigarettes
  • What type of tour is this?Group of people Guided interior/exterior tour
  • What type of ADA accessibility is available?Wheelchair Limited wheelchair accessibility
The organizer of this event is: ONE-PS

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