Oliver seems to have started adopting his Desert Rat persona in 1916, when he was introduced to life in California's Borrego Valley (which he insisted on spelling Borego), and with the informal formation of the Pegleg Smith Liar's Club, made up of Los Angeles desert enthusiasts and Anza-Borrego area homesteaders.
Oliver seems to have started embracing his Desert Rat persona around 1916, when he was exposed to life in California's Borrego Valley (which he insisted on spelling Borego), and with the casual gathering of like-minded individuals, including Los Angeles desert enthusiasts and Anza-Borrego area settlers.