Month March 1966

Golden Empire: ‘Shades of the Old West’

Pioneertown, Calif., a 19th century • designed town once used as a movie set for numerous Western movies in the 1940’s and 50’s, is fast becoming the “capital” of one of the most exciting land developments in the history of California the California Golden Empire. This 30-square-mile planned community is located in the high desert area approximately 120 miles northeast of the Los Angeles Civic Center and near the city of Yucca Valley. Benton Lefton, a former Cleveland developer, is head of the California Golden Empire.

Planners OK Airport, Peril Seen by Aviation Director

Pioneertown yesterday won county approval for its airport – but, warns the county aviation director, novice fliers better not try flying in or out of there.

Lots in Golden Empire First Unit Half-Sold

Preliminary sales reports received by Benton Lefton, head of the California Golden Empire, indicated that 50% of the available lots developed to date in the first phase of this 30-square-mile planned community have already been sold on a reservation basis – less than 90 days after of land development was announced.