Happy Bottom Riding Club

The Happy Bottom Riding Club (1935–1953), was a dude ranch, restaurant, and hotel operated by aviator Florence "Pancho" Barnes near Edwards Air Force Base in the Antelope Valley of California's Mojave Desert.

Also known as the Rancho Oro Verde Fly-Inn Dude Ranch, the establishment was a favored hangout of test pilots and the Hollywood elite during the 1940s, boasting over 9,000 members worldwide at the height of its popularity.

When the United States Air Force intended to buy the club via eminent domain in order to extend their runways, a long and contentious series of lawsuits ensued.

[2] Along with a swimming pool and a rodeo stadium, Rancho Oro Verde had an airstrip that was the first amenity Barnes created in 1935 to stay in touch with her aviator-friendly social circle from south of the San Gabriel Mountains.

Visiting civilians and military men alike flew into the strip to stay at the Rancho Oro Verde, with Barnes often holding events to entertain her guests that included barbecues and a treasure hunt for 200 silver dollars.

Following Yeager's achievement, the sound barrier was broken frequently from Edwards AFB in the late 1940s and early 1950s with Barnes giving free dinners multiple times during the course of a week.

[11] Chuck Yeager, who made a cameo appearance in The Right Stuff film as the bartender of the club, stated "if all the hours were ever totaled, I reckon I spent more time at her place than in a cockpit over those years."

Pilot's view of Edwards Air Force Base, showing the main base area, located beside Rogers Dry Lake.
The remains of the Happy Bottom Riding Club (1990s), showing the extent of the fire that ravaged the main buildings and left the estate in a much-depleted condition.
Members of the Ninety-Nines talk to attendees of Pancho Barnes Day November 7, 2009.