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When you define the architectural design of 1950's and 1960's
Borrego Springs, it is the work of architect Richard (Dick)
Zerbe that is prominent both in style and number. The architect
and builder, created a San Diego mid-century modern design
that takes into account the unique nature of the desert. He
has helped transform Borrego Springs into a modern oasis.
Dick Zerbe was born in 1913, raised in Pittsburgh and while
growing up was fascinated with planes.
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Following high school, he studied aeronautical engineering
at Carnegie Institute of Technology. At the age of 20 Dick
and his brother hitchhiked to California - his brother heading
to UCLA to study journalism, and Dick to San Diego where
he went to work at Consolidated-Vultee, the forerunner to
Convair. Following World War II, Zerbe became disenchanted
with aeronautical engineering, feeling that the aircraft
industry was a becoming a weapon of war. With his first
wife, he purchased 40 acres of land in Del Mar Heights and
a couple of horses opening the "Cocktail Springs Dude
Ranch". During this time his first marriage ended in
divorce with his former wife keeping the Del Mar property.
Dick and the horses settled in Julian. A friend in Julian
was working in Borrego and suggested a job with George "Bud"
Kuhrts at the Desert Lodge (later La Casa del Zorro). In
addition to odd jobs around the Lodge, he built stables
and became the "wrangler" and horse handler for
guests. Dick would take the children of guests on long rides
into the desert while the parents would pursue more adult
activities at the bar. It was also at the Desert Lodge that
he would build a relationship that would last the rest of
his life - that of his second wife, Betty.
The relationship with Kuhrts would be critical for Zerbe's
career and success. After moving to Julian, Zerbe started
his own design firm and construction company to build many
of the designs he created. While not formally schooled in
architecture, he studied and passed the exams for his state
architectural license and was a member of the American Institute
of Architects. During the 1950's and 1960's he was one of
a handful of architects and builders practicing in the far
eastern county, specializing in Borrego and Julian.
The Borrego Sun in December of 1951 announced:
"New Architect - Mr. Dick Zerbe of Julian will be in
Borrego each Friday of the week, offering potential builders
a convenient architectural and designing service.
Mr. Zerbe comes with a background of fifteen years' experience
in San Diego County and has specialized for many years in
full desert design. His main office and studio is in Julian.
He designed the Forman residence on the Grimm Ranch, he
is also designer of the proposed American Legion Hall in
Borrego Springs, and of Ray Johnson's "Corazon de Borrego"
Resort, construction of which is planned at a future date.
Mr. Zerbe is working now on the proposed expansion of Tub
Canyon Guest Ranch."
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