"The Magnificent Seven", photograph by Sam Hicks circa 1947
VaRRA, an acronym for the Vail Ranch Restoration Association, had its beginning in the mid 1990's when a small cadre of Temecula residents who were interested in preserving the lore and legends of Temecula learned that portions of the Vail Ranch site might be razed to make room for development.
Realizing that an important local historical site was in jeopardy, they formed an organization that is dedicated to assuring that the area's structures still standing will be preserved so that our children and our children's children might come to know and enjoy the colorful history of the Vail Ranch and the surrounding area.
The group got moving and soon focused its efforts on lobbying for preservation of the buildings and the site. They sought support from the community, created a California Non-Profit 501(c)(3) organization and lobbied elected officials to assure that this wonderful inheritance would not be lost. Their unselfish efforts to the preservation of the Ranch headquarters and a sense of history vital to the Temecula Valley have been successful!
If you or someone you know would be interested in exploring the opportunities for docents, preservationists, office staff and other volunteer positions please contactinfo@vailranch.org or mail to:
Vail Ranch Restoration Association 41403 Bitter Creek Court Temecula, CA 92591
FRIENDS OF THE VAIL RANCH Associate Membership is open to any individual or family group interested in research, preservation and/or restoration of this significant California historic site.
Annual donation categories are:
Cowpuncher - $15 single, or $25 per family
Trail Boss - $50 per family
Foreman - $100 per family
Rancher - $250 per family
Land Baron - $500 or more
Your membership helps promote local history awareness and gives members an opportunity to participate in the preservation of a piece of the Old West.
Volunteers are always welcome, docent positions are available at the Little Temecula History Center.
In addition to monetary donations we gratefully accept donations of artifacts, antiques, books, pictures or documents that will be displayed or archived appropriately.
Do you descend from an early resident of Temecula or have family that were part of the Vail Ranch operation? If so, we're eager to hear from you. Perhaps you have pictures or other information to share about your ancestors. If so, you can contact VaRRA at info@vailranch.org .
VaRRA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization: all donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law.
The Vail Ranch Restoration Association is managed by volunteers, including the following individuals who currently serve on the Board of Directors:
Darell Farnbach - President
Rhine Helzer - Vice President
Rebecca Farnbach - Secretary
Sandy Helzer - Treasurer
Dick Fox
Charolette Fox
Malcolm Barnett
Loretta Barnett
Dave Wilson
Toni Benson
VaRRA Board members in the newly renovated 1868 Wolf Store
