Desert Center is a "Ghost Town" in southern California founded by Stephen Ragsdale and his wife Lydia in 1921. In 1915 Stephen Ragsdale was living in the Palo Verde Valley, he had to make the long journey to Los Angele, CA for business matter when his car broke down in the desert near what then called Gruendyke's Well. Mr. Bill Gruendyke helped Mr. Ragsdale with repairs and got him back on the road so he could resume his trip to Los Angeles. On his return Steve aka Desert Steve bought out Bill Gruendyke and moved his family out to the location where he eventually put up a small repair shop. By the mid 1920s the Highway that ran by the "old Desert Center" was being rerouted a few miles south. Steve adapted, packed up shop and moved the town to its present day location. He eventually put up a cafe, gas station, and service garage. in the years to come he would erect a post office, cabins for weary travelers and a pool.