JUST A FEW “FRANK FACTS”
Palm Springs — Friends of Frank Bogert, a new non-profit organization established to preserve the factual history of Palm Springs with regard to a lifetime of service and accomplishment of our beloved cowboy mayor, Frank M. Bogert. Frank was dedicated to Palm Springs and cultivated diversity and congeniality during his long lifetime. A few facts are being released by the group to remind everyone of his dedicated service. The list could be much longer.
- Frank was the first directly elected mayor of Palm Springs, serving from 1958 to 1966 and again from 1982 to 1988
- Frank rode into town with a string of ponies in 1927 and started a business. He worked around town and served as a publicity man and photographer the El Mirador Hotel, sending interesting stories and pictures around the world to attract guests to the desert
- Frank was subsequently involved with scores of businesses, promoting the development of Palm Springs, from the Chamber of Commerce to Thunderbird Ranch
- Frank had friends and supporters from all neighborhoods and walks of life and remains one of the most popular and revered figures in the city’s history. Frank knew movies stars and politicians, business-owners and workers, tribal members and tourists
DURING HIS TENURE IN GOVERNMENT, WAS INSTRUMENTAL IN MANY CIVIC PROJECTS
- Palm Springs Airport
- Palm Springs Convention Center which opened in December 1987
- Local flood control projects,most notably Tachevah Flood Dam dedication on April 23, 1965
- Increased healthcare facilitiesfor the entire Coachella Valley
- The creation of parks, including Vista del Monte Park
- A new Fire Station which was dedicated on November 14, 1964
- Increased Public Safetywith the opening of new Police Stations:
- New police stationon Tahquitz Drive on October 12, 1959
- New police department buildingon South Civic Drive, dedicated on August 21, 1985
- Water Treatment Facility
- Low-Cost Housing, including Seminole Gardens
- Palm Springs Center for Employment Training
- Bishop College Extension Center
FRANK FORGED A PRODUCTIVE WORKING RELATIONSHIP WITH THE AGUA CALIENTE TRIBE OF CAHUILLA INDIANS
- Frank was instrumental in securing Indian rights of property ownership, advocating and lobbying Washington, D.C. on behalf of Native Americans with Tribal Chairman Vyola Ortnerand an all-female Tribal Council
- Worked closely with Tribal Chairman Richard Milanovichto secure millions of state bond money to establish the Indian Canyons Park.
FRANK SERVED HIS COUNTRY AND COMMUNITY
- As part of “The Greatest Generation,” Frank honorably served his countryas Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy in World War II.
- Frank was named to the Commission of the Californias by then California Governor Ronald Reagan. The commission was established to work with Baja California (Mexico) representatives to “seek solutions to mutual problems” between the two states/countries. Frank was an unofficial ambassador to Mexicowhere he was well-loved, receiving an award and organizing many trips and tours.
- Frank served as a one-man welcome wagon to visitors including U.S. Presidents such as Harry Truman and John F. Kennedy.
- Working with actorGene Autry, Frank also facilitated in 1961 the arrangements which brought the then-Anaheim Angels to Palm Springs for spring training.
- Frank promoted prominent minority artists including Desi Arnaz, Louis Armstrong, Count Basie, and a young Liberace
Norm King, who served as City Manager during Frank’s tenure notes, “The bottom line is, Frank was a friend to everyone — regardless of status, race, gender or wealth. These people included movie stars, politicians and the common man or woman. Frank was arguably the most important figure in building Palm Springs’ reputation as an international destination where all were welcomed.”
For more information, visit www.FriendsofFrankBogert.org
