Valerie Jean Dates

Valerie Jean Dates is a historic date palm orchard in Riverside County, California, near the town of Thermal. The property consists of tall trees with clusters of fruit hanging from branches, situated on dry, open land with simple pathways running between the rows.

The orchard was founded in 1928 by Russell Charles Nicoll and was among the first to sell dates directly to customers from the farm. In 1991, the site was recognized by the California Office of Historic Preservation as a historic location.

The name honours the founder's daughter, Valerie Jean Nicoll. The orchard's roadside stand on U.S. Route 99 drew travellers through the desert, and the business is credited with the coconut- and almond-stuffed dates and the date milkshake sold there.

The business has been closed for some time, so there is no harvest activity or visitor access to expect. As of at least 2009 the signs are gone and the building is in poor condition. The site lies on Harrison Street at Avenue 66 in Valerie, a short distance south of Thermal.

The orchard was named after Valerie Jean Nicoll, the founder's daughter. Russell Charles Nicoll started it in 1928 at Harrison Street and Avenue 66, and the site joined the California Office of Historic Preservation roster on February 11, 1991. By 2009 the signs were gone and the building stood in poor condition.