Like the endless layers of desert sand, Apple Valley visionaries invented and reinvented their desert canvas for more than 100 years. The history-making milestones of Apple Valley's pioneers are kept alive through the efforts of loyal and dedicated descendant families' memories and photographs, along with the constant help of local history aficionados. Contributions from our desert's memory-keepers mark the cornerstones of Apple history and the genius minds of its creators. Michelle Lovato is a veteran journalist and vice president of the Mohave Historical Society. Comparing our present to our past is how we understand our history. Arcadia's Past & Present series makes such local comparisons available. Books in this series offer a special view of American life by placing historical images side by side with contemporary photrographs.