Located in the mountains of the San Bernardino National Forest, Forest Falls is a haven from the fast-paced world of Southern California. It is a treasure, with safe living, clean air, and majestic beauty all around. The Gail D. Cox Community Center at historic Big Falls Lodge is a legacy to our community and serves as a central gathering place for individuals and groups within the mountain communities of Forest Falls, Mountain Home Village, and Angelus Oaks.
Valley of the Falls Community Center, Inc. is a non-profit public benefit corporation and a certified 501(c)(3) organization. Its primary purpose is to own and maintain the Lodge to host community events and support our local groups. VFCCi also generates financial assistance to public agencies and other non-profit associations that provide public benefits to the community through various fundraising events and charitable use of the community center. Big Falls Lodge is a place for town meetings, to socialize, hold classes, and support other charitable organizations. This rustic mountain venue is available by suggested donation for weddings, family gatherings, holiday celebrations, corporate meetings, classes, and community events.
Built in 1926, Big Falls Lodge and its adjacent cabins, which are now privately owned, were a popular mountain resort for decades. Sadly, the beautiful original stone structure burned to the ground in 1957. It was rebuilt and continued as a resort until the 1970s when it became the Saddle Tramp Saloon bar and restaurant. By the 1990s, the old resort building was all but abandoned. Gail D. Cox was a long-time resident of Forest Falls whose generosity made the purchase of the Lodge as a center for the community possible. Residents and friends of Forest Falls contributed their own talents and money to restore Big Falls Lodge to its current beautiful state. On May 26, 2007, the Gail D Cox Community Center at Big Falls Lodge was dedicated to the community in Ms. Cox’s memory. We are all very proud of this effort, it is truly a wonderful place.
Maintaining a multi-use building in the mountains has its own set of challenges. VFCCi supports various groups in town in their endeavors, and also holds fundraising events for building maintenance and operating expenses throughout the year. Individual donations are gratefully accepted.
The Gail D. Cox Community Center at Big Falls Lodge
The community center is named in memory of Gail D. Cox who was the Los Angeles Bureau Chief for the National Law Journal and a fifteen-year resident of Forest Falls. She was known for her kindness and her love of nature and community. On her passing in 2005, a bequest to Valley of the Falls Community Center, Inc. from Ms. Cox's estate enabled the organization to purchase the abandoned Big Falls Lodge and bring it back to life to serve as a community center. Ms. Cox's legacy ensures that our communities will have a gathering place for generations to come. Gail Cox, pictured here, will always be remembered fondly.
When Our Communities Came Together to Save Big Falls Lodge
