Christmas 2008
Christmas is a time when you get homesick - even when you're home
God Bless Our Service People Wherever They May Be!
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A Visit To The Rancho With Vicky & Del (December 11th)
Rancho Los Alamitos (Ranch of the Little Cottonwoods) was originally
known as Povuu'nga. The story of Rancho Los Alamitos reflects almost every
era of the history of Southern California. Beginning around 500 A.D. when
the mesa was an important ceremonial and trading center for the Tongva people,
the story flows through the Spanish and Mexican periods, spans the great
cattle raising years, the early 20th Century oil discoveries, and moves
on into the rapid urbanization that followed World War II.
Today, surrounded by modern development, the old ranch house, four acres
of tranquil gardens, and barns stand as vibrant reminders of Southern California's
rich historical legacy. There are five agricultural buildings, including
a working blacksmith's shop, live farm animals, four acres of nationally
significant gardens designed by the preeminent landscape architects of the
1920s-1940s, and a sprawling adobe ranch house dating from c.1800. Walk
around the site and enjoy this rare oasis and the shared legacy of regional
culture and environment.
Circa 1936 It Was Alone Upon A Hill Overlooking The Countryside
As seen from the air in 1936
Rancho Los Alamitos is a small fragment of land that has been occupied continuously since 500 AD. Today, the remaining 7.5 acres are a symbol of the evolution of Southern California. Almost every era and major event in the history of Southern California has left an indelible mark on the rancho and can be witnessed through the lives of its occupants. Rancho Los Alamitos sits on land once occupied by the Tongva-Gabrielino Native American people. Around 500 A.D., and for more than a thousand years, it was the area of Povuu’nga or “Gathering Place,” a scared ceremonial and trading center of the Tongva people. The site was a small part of their 1500 square-mile territory that covered most of present-day Los Angeles and Orange Counties. The ranch remains a revered place among the Tongva today.
Pictures Are Always Worth 1000 Words
Our passes were for 5:30, just after the sun had set
After a short wait, we were escorted to the Front Door which has a huge
patio
Del examines the photo... That is Signal Hill in the background
These houses were for the ranch hands that were married and had families
Pictures were not allowed on the inside and we follow the rules!
The road went up into the back of the house
The inside was furnished just like it was in the early days of the home.
Looking back toward the parking lot
Sue and Del discuss the finer points of the photo... The big spot to the
right of the road is where Cal State Long Beach is now located!
The second set of pictures after Paul's big camera was found to have no
chip
Paul, Sue, and Aunt Kaye
Paul & Aunt Kaye
Vicky! This is a family friendly outting!
Vicky and Del now behaving!
The lights were magic
We had carolers to entertain us while we had spiced wine
Sue explored the gardens
Night time photos of the small patio
Del and Paul remember the old electric heaters built into the walls
We had a full moon... Glad it was not October!
It was a great adventure
The moon was coming up over the trees
The same patio by day light (the magic of the internet)
The business office for the ranch
Del was casing the joint!
Now that there is a wreath
Eerie lighting made the place magical
The moon was up and we expected witches to be flying in soon!
It was a bright evening!
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