In 1934, Blue Jay was named by Stoney DeMent. He name the community for the for the colorful birds known as Stellar Jay's which were commonly mistaken for Blue Jay's. These birds lived in the area at the time and today the community is known for its fine shops, restaurants and recreational facilities. Blue Jay is located near the west shore of a beautiful mountain lake setting placed in a small alpine setting.
In 1914, Art and Norma Wixom homesteaded 22 1/2 acres of land located about a mile west of Lake Arrowhead. It was there that they developed an apple orchard and gardens, and opened a store along with a few vacation cabins. Wixom's Corner, as it soon became called, became a very popular camp. The Wixom's sold milk, eggs, apples and potatoes to the campers.
Stoney DeMent leased the land from the Wixom's in 1934 and he soon after began construction of the Blue Jay Market. DeMent's store included a dance floor upstairs, that was later converted into hotel rooms to accomodate guests tot he area. This building is now Pat's Liquor and General Store. Also in 1934, DeMent would construct Blue Jay Drugs
DeMent built a larger grocery store across the street from the original building in 1940 and later leased it to Einer Jensen who called it the Mountain Ranch. As the area became more popular, Blue Jay grew to serve both vacationers and residents. 25 years later, Jensen's moved to it's present location.
Since the villages origin the community has grown for the site of a lumber mill and home to its workers to a busy commercial center.
In 1934, Blue Jay was named by Stoney DeMent. He name the community for the for the colorful birds known as Stellar Jay's which were commonly mistaken for Blue Jay's. These birds lived in the area at the time and today the community is known for its fine shops, restaurants and recreational facilities. Blue Jay is located near the west shore of a beautiful mountain lake setting placed in a small alpine setting.
Stoney DeMent leased the land from the Wixom's in 1934 and he soon after began construction of the Blue Jay Market. DeMent's store included a dance floor upstairs, that was later converted into hotel rooms to accomodate guests tot he area. This building is now Pat's Liquor and General Store. Also in 1934, DeMent would construct Blue Jay Drugs