The Curious Case of Casa Chiquita

Taken in 1950, this photo shows Donald Follansbee and his wife, Ann, in front of Ranchito Chiquito. Donald is Stephen Folansbee's uncle. PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY STEPHEN FOLLANSBEE

A nearly 90-year mystery about the historical roots of the oldest known farmhouse in Rancho Mirage is solved thanks to the persistence of Stephen Follansbee.

Editor's Note: Writer Kay Kudukis chronicles how Stephen Follansbee raised the question to Rancho Mirage officials of his family’s claim regarding the 1932 Rancho Chiquito house following the publication of a story she wrote for the 2017 issue of R/M Magazine.

READ ARTICLE