Tracy Conrad

Easter morning celebrations at O'Donnell Golf Course in Palm Springs a cherished tradition that continues today.

Leo Durocher, who had spent decades managing chaos, feuding with commissioners, and ruthlessly ruling dugouts, found quietude in the Coachella Valley.

Despite the silliness, the group has done interesting and important historical work in the Coachella Valley, while seeing humor in everything, they've duly recognized several unusual spots in the desert.

The predicament facing the city council was highly unusual: Decide to cooperate with the filming of a movie at would paint the town as a destination for hijinks and hilarity or try to stop it altogether. The newspaper covered the controversy. “The picture is based on the annual Easter Week invasion of Palm Springs by vacationing college and high school students. Both the council and chamber (of commerce) had protested and voted against giving the actors and film crews any cooperation…indications were that both bodies may reconsider their protests.”

The relationship between Norman Taurog and Elvis is chronicled in the book “Elvis’ Favorite Director,” by Michael A. Hoey, who worked closely with Taurog during the last six years and eight films of his career, including “Palm Springs Weekend.”

Elvis Presley planned to marry in Palm Springs. Gossip columnist Rona Barrett spoiled that.

Tracy Conrad | Special to The Desert Sun "There was a boy. A very strange enchanted boy." The story of the song "Nature Boy" was also very strange indeed.

Tracy Conrad | Special to The Desert Sun Composer George Gershwin was interviewed on the radio and asked the perennial question

An early trip of aspiring starlet Marilyn Monroe, with her friend and photographer Bruno Bernard, in a station wagon in 1947 was most consequential.

Tracy Conrad | Special to The Desert Sun It was remarkable then – and even more amazing now looking back – that so many important artists came to the desert in early days of the 20 century.