In the heart of Rancho Mirage, where Highway 111 weaves through the desert landscape, a cherished relic from the past is set to be preserved for generations to come. Thanks to the unwavering efforts of Preservation Mirage, a local nonprofit dedicated to safeguarding historical treasures, the iconic ‘Pink Elephant’ car wash sign will soon receive the esteemed status of full historic designation by the City of Rancho Mirage.
This remarkable achievement has been a year in the making, with Preservation Mirage collaborating closely with the owners and operators of the 1966 Rancho Super Car Wash. In their quest to secure this significant recognition, Preservation Mirage delved deep into the sign’s storied history, accompanied by a trove of vintage photographs provided as part of their application to the City.
City officials have now announced that the designation process is well underway and is expected to culminate in a vote by the City Council members during a mid-September meeting, perfectly aligning with the 50th anniversary of Rancho Mirage.
But Preservation Mirage’s mission doesn’t end there. They have embarked on a fundraising endeavor aimed at fully restoring the ‘Pink Elephant’ sign in the coming months. An outstanding contribution of $5,000 from a dedicated Preservationist Member and historic homeowner has jumpstarted this crucial initiative. The funds raised will not only breathe new life into the sign’s paintwork and neon glow but will also ensure its enduring presence as a cherished landmark on Highway 111, a source of delight for future generations.
“This is all about the preservation of significant sites in Rancho Mirage,” emphasizes Dan Allen, President of the Board of Directors for Preservation Mirage. He acknowledges the vital roles played by Lorraine and Randy Barnes, the current operators of the car wash, as well as Katie Stice of the Rancho Mirage Chamber of Commerce in this commendable endeavor. “We are grateful to our Preservation Mirage members for their contributions that have provided the funding to make this possible,” adds Allen.
For many, the ‘Pink Elephant’ sign isn’t just a historic artifact but a beloved backdrop for photographs and memories along Highway 111. Its origins trace back to 1950s Seattle, where the first of several ‘Pink Elephants’ was conceived by the renowned ‘Queen of Neon,’ Beatrice Haverfield. In 1966, the ‘Rancho Super Car Wash’ in Rancho Mirage adopted a similar pink elephant sign to capture the attention of passersby. Today, among the seven family-owned car washes, only the Rancho Mirage location remains in operation. In 2022, the two Seattle signs achieved historic landmark status.
While the Rancho Super Carwash sign made an appearance on the City of Rancho Mirage Historic Resources Survey back in 2003, it is only now that it is poised to receive its well-deserved full historic designation, thanks to the dedicated efforts of Preservation Mirage. The ‘Pink Elephant’ sign is not just a relic of the past; it’s a symbol of Rancho Mirage’s enduring history, and its preservation stands as a testament to the community’s commitment to honoring its heritage.
