The Deep Well Guest Ranch opened in the late 1920s in Palm Springs as a Western-themed resort where hardy guests could escape city life to sleep in bunks, ride horses and delight in the desert views.

Named for the discovery of scientist Henry Pearson, who drilled for water down to 650ft and found the deepest well in the area, the resort was upgraded in the 1930s by Los Angeles architect Paul R Williams with modern amenities and picturesque adobe-style guest houses.

Film stars and titans of Hollywood, often wearing custom-made Western apparel, took part in activities like trapshooting, swimming, tennis and horse riding through the surrounding canyons and mountains, led by cowboy staff.

Frank and Melba Bennett co-owned and operated the Deep Well resort for 20 years and became beloved fixtures in Palm Springs life.

We found a newspaper advertisement dated February 1956 announcing an appearance by Frank Sinatra and Jimmy Van Heusen in cabaret at the Deep Well as a fundraiser for the March of Dimes charity organization founded by President Franklin D Roosevelt.

With improved highways and more frequent air service, tourism exploded in Palm Springs in the 50s and 60s and much of the ranch land was sold off for housing.

There is no address on this 1950s menu cover in tasteful colors of black and taupe but we assume this restaurant was located in the Deep Well neighborhood, which remains a highly sought after address in Palm Springs today.

If anyone has more information about the Deep Well Inn, please email us.

Courtesy Private Collection.