Denny DuVall

Denny DuVall of “Old Borego”

By Michael Sadler for The Borrego Experience

“I grew up in the shadow of Chief Rain-in-the-Face, a local peak on the eastern flank of the San Jacinto Mountains, misnamed Indian Head by those who, unlike me, fail to embrace our Indian culture.

“While I dearly loved my parents, who adopted me at birth, I consider the Great Spirit to be my father, and the Earth my mother. At 80 years old and the oldest living native Borregan, I refer to my age as 16…with 64 years of experience.

“At three months old, I was transported to my family homestead, named Old Borego, on the outskirts of the desert community of Borrego Springs. Old Borego was built in the early 1920’s on 100 acres of land, and it includes the original rock-and-mortar home that has a unique double roof to reduce our desert’s intense summer heat by at least 20 degrees. It also contains the community’s first post office, general store, and mechanic shop. Not yet an official historic landmark, the DuVall homestead is now creeping up on nearly 100 years old and has two of the oldest standings building in Borrego Springs. And there’s still a well that produces the purest, sweetest water you’ve ever tasted. But don’t take my word for it, try it yourself. And while you’re at it, you may spot my writing collaborator for the Borrego Sun newspaper, Henry the Truck. I’m currently writing a book, ‘Through My Headlights,” from his perspective. Look for him, with me inside, cruising around this truly unique desert community.”