World War II changed daily life around Victorville, California, and Murray’s Ranch became part of that local history. The ranch, operated by Nolie and Lela Murray, opened its doors to soldiers at a time when racial separation still shaped many public places. Its wartime role later helped the property become known far beyond the Mojave Desert.
Murray’s Ranch and Wartime Segregation
Victorville had long been divided by racial lines. White residents mainly lived in one part of town, while Hispanic and African American residents lived in another. The separation did not always appear in written rules or official signs. Still, people understood that some social boundaries were expected to remain.
During World War II, this situation became more visible. An African American National Guard unit was sent to Victorville to protect local bridges. The servicemen were stationed at Victorville Military Airport, but problems began when they tried to visit businesses in town. Some proprietors put up signs saying that only white customers were accepted.
A local USO also served white soldiers only. African American servicemen had no similar place where they could spend free time. Lela Murray, who served on the Chamber of Commerce board, objected strongly to this treatment. Her position did not give her enough influence to change the policy.
A Place for Soldiers
The commander of the unit demanded a place for his men, and Zaragosa Hall in the Mexican section of Victorville was made available. Nolie and Lela Murray did not consider that solution enough. They chose another approach and welcomed soldiers directly to Murray’s Ranch.
The ranch accepted servicemen without separating them by race or rank. Officers could come, but they had to mix with ordinary soldiers in the same social setting. Families were welcomed too, including wives and children. The idea was simple–nobody arriving at the ranch was turned away because of color.
Murray’s Ranch Becomes a Wartime Haven
The open policy changed the social character of Murray’s Ranch. When many places remained separated, the ranch became a mixed space for recreation. Soldiers could rest, meet people, and spend time away from military duties without following the racial divisions found in some businesses nearby.
Several points defined its wartime role:
- Soldiers of different races could enter the ranch
- Officers and enlisted men shared the same social space
- Military families were also welcomed
- The ranch did not separate guests according to color
- Its staff included workers from different racial backgrounds
The approach extended beyond visitors. Employment at Murray’s Ranch was based on ability rather than race. The staff included white, African American, and Japanese workers in different jobs such as cooking, pantry work, yard work, stable duties, and housekeeping.
Attention After Roosevelt’s Death
Near the end of the war, an event brought unexpected attention to the ranch. On the day President Franklin D. Roosevelt died, a white woman staying at another dude ranch walked through the desert in grief. She came across Murray’s Ranch and saw white and Black children sleeping beside each other.
She considered the scene symbolic and later wrote about it. The story reached a wider audience, and interest in Murray’s Ranch increased. People across the United States began asking about accommodation, prices, and visits.
Growth of Murray’s Ranch After the War
Some inquiries came from white travelers. Lela Murray sometimes replied that they might have misunderstood because the ranch was Black owned and operated. The travelers often answered that they already understood this and still wanted to visit.
At first, even the town taxi driver sometimes warned white passengers that they were going to a Negro ranch. He later stopped doing this because the guests generally knew exactly where they were going.
Nolie Murray also developed a wider advertising campaign. He promoted the ranch through labor movement publications, which helped attract more visitors. During the busiest season, running from May through September, Murray’s Ranch hosted about 100 people each week.
Well–known guests included Lena Horne, Kate Smith, Hedda Hopper, and Freddie Bartholomew. Their visits added visibility, but the ranch kept its broader social character. Children who had difficulties or health problems continued to arrive, and Lela remained especially interested in helping them.