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Trabuco and Holy Jim Cabin Owners Improvement Association |
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About our OrganizationThe Trabuco and Holy Jim Cabin Owners Improvement Association was formed in 1946 to represent the needs of the cabin owners and to administer the Holy Jim The cabins are located within the Orange County portion of the Cleveland National Forest. Cabins are privately owned and the U.S. Forest Service issues special recreational use permits that allow owners to lease the land for 20 year increments.
Most of the cabins were originally built in the mid 1920's-1930's to satisfy the desire Americans had to escape to the great outdoors after WWI. The Forest Service plowed the road to make it accessible and cabins were soon constructed on leased Forest Service land. Due to the Great Depression, materials were not readily available, so cabins were constructed out of whatever materials could be had. One cabin was initially constructed with a roof made from metal license plates. In the 1970's the canyon and adjacent camping grounds became a popular hangout for area "flower-children" and free-spirits. As more flocked to the area, the cabins fell victim to vandalism. Eventually, the cabin owners felt the need to encourage the troublemakers to leave by flooding their camp with water from the Holy Jim Volunteer fire truck. Eventually, the Forest Service closed the campground and peace returned to the canyon. The cabins and their colorful history are an important part of Orange County's past. Many of the original cabins were lost to floods, fire or disrepair over the years and others have been rebuilt to modern code. There are 48 cabins left (from ~100 total) including the fire barn. Of these, Today cabin owners must comply with the rules set by the Forest Service when making any changes to their cabin. Care is taken to ensure each cabin's design and color scheme fits in While the average hiker to the Holy Jim and Trabuco canyons may think they are alone on the roads, cabin owners are always present and watching for suspicious behavor. Over the years, residents have honed an effective word-of-mouth communication system and have been instrumental in alerting authorities. The Cabin Owners Improvement Association works to ensure that the cabins will be here for many years to come.
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Volunteer Fire Department.
According to local O.C. historian and former cabin owner Jim Sleeper, the area was first populated in the 1880's by beekeepers. One especially cantankerous beekeeper, James T. Smith, became known for his foul mouth and by many nicknames -- "Cussin' Jim", "Lying Jim" and "Greasy Jim." His friends began calling him "Salvation" Smith to irritate him and it was from that nickname that "Holy Jim" Canyon was named by area map makers. Smith's cabin (located on the way to the waterfall), his apiaries and fig groves were destroyed by fire in the early 1900's. Some of the fig trees grew back and can be found throughout the canyon to this day.
some are still in their original historic condition. Each cabin is self-sufficient and is "off the grid." Many have solar power for electrical needs and use propane for cooking. Many of the cabins are passed down from generation to generation.
Where can you get an Click HERE for list or to buy online
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