“We’re not responsible for the bustling and hustling that may go on here. Lots of people bustle, and some hustle, but that is their business, and a very old one.”
So went the disclaimer at one of the most successful and enterprising airstrips in the 1940’s. The entrepreneur was Florence “Pancho” Lowe Barnes. Born in 1901 to a wealthy Pasadena family, she was a seasoned traveler by her mid-20’s. In 1927, she joined the crew of a banana boat that was, unbeknownst to her, actually running guns to Mexican revolutionaries. During that time, “Pancho” was born, leaving Florence behind forever.
Pancho began flying in 1928 and spent the next ten years setting speed records, competing in races, stunt flying for movie moguls and organizing the stunt pilots’ labor union. Between her uncompromising lifestyle and the Depression, Pancho nearly exhausted the family fortune by 1933. She sold off her remaining property and bought 80 acres of land in the desert next to what is now Edwards Air Force Base.
There she established an airstrip and a hog ranch. In 1934, Pancho organized the Women’s Air Reserve to fly aid to victims of national emergencies. Upon the request of the U.S. Government, she also established the Civilian Pilot Training Program. By the 1940’s she had parlayed her land into 380 acres, built a bar and dance hall, guest houses, a swimming pool and a restaurant. At Pancho’s Ranch you could ride horses, hear live bands, attend rodeos and horse shows, see nude underwater ballets and exchange tall aviation tales.
Most of her customers were military personnel,especially test pilots and officers. It was not unusual for her to draw a crowd of 400 people for a Wednesday night dance. From privates to generals, everyone loved Pancho.
Always a savvy businesswoman with a nose for opportunity, Pancho struck a deal with her military neighbors. She was paid to haul away garbage from the local bases. Pancho would return to her ranch, fatten up her pigs on the collected trash and sell pork products back to Edwards Air Force Base! Pancho’s Ranch grew in popularity until the top brass at Edwards decided they wanted to lengthen their landing strip. They needed her land and conspired to get it by accusing her of being a madam running a house of ill repute. In Pancho’s words, “They picked the wrong gal to push around.” Acting as her own attorney, Pancho battled in the courts for six years, eventually clearing herself of all charges and countersuing for slander, harassment and conspiracy. The Air Force did, however, have the final word and the Happy Bottom Riding Club was closed forever. Pancho was forced to sell her beloved ranch, and moved to an even more remote location in the desert.
Pancho died in 1975. Each year, thousands of people convene where the ranch once stood and celebrate her memory with a party.
