Walter Scott (1872-1954), known as "Death Valley Scotty," had the run of the Death Valley Ranch of Chicago insurance magnate Albert Mussey Johnson (1872-1948) starting sometime after construction began in 1922 until his death. Scott is reported to have claimed to outsiders that the unfinished ranch ("castle") was his own. The photograph for this Real Photo Postcard (RPPC) was taken by Burton Frasher, Sr., one of the few visitors allowed into the buildings when the Johnsons were absent.