The Banning Library District Local History Collection consists of materials documenting the history of the San Gorgonio Pass from the 1880s to the Present. Included in these materials are photographs, newspapers and newspaper clippings, telephone books, Banning High School annuals, scrapbooks, brochures, maps, pamphlets, the Boud Collection and the Barker Collection. The Local History Collection documents the history of Banning, Beaumont, Cabazon, Cherry Valley, and other portions of Riverside County, California, depicting people, places and events of the San Gorgonio Pass and its communities.

Ernest and Nelle Boud lived in San Diego, California from 1926 to 1955, where Ernest served as a San Diego City Councilman from 1941 to 1947. Mr. Boud was a Captain in World War I and worked as a representative for a Pittsburgh steel company before retiring. He was a member of the American Legion for 41 years and Nelle was affiliated with the Red Cross for 25 years. After retirement the Bouds moved to Banning in 1955, where they were well known in the communities of the San Gorgonio Pass and appreciated for their volunteer work. While living in Banning the Bouds continued adding to their extensive collection of Western history books.

Approximately 2,000 items, including photographs, letters, scrapbooks, legal documents, newspapers and newspaper clippings, and business related ephemera pertaining to the Barker Family. Online items available

Property rights reside within the Banning Library District. For permission to publish or reproduce please contact the Banning Library District.

Some material from the Local History Vertical File, local history books, and newspaper microfilm are open for research. Photographs and scrapbooks are available for research by appointment only.