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Public Forums => Wrightwood History => Topic started by: Mike Casey on May 04, 15, 11:40:43 AM

Title: Davidson Arch Plaque
Post by: Mike Casey on May 04, 15, 11:40:43 AM: When the arch was removed, what happened to the plaque that listed all the board of supervisors that was on that side?? Anyone know?
Title: Re: Davidson Arch Plaque
Post by: RobertW on May 04, 15, 02:15:59 PM: Quote from: Mike Casey on May 04, 15, 11:40:43 AM
When the arch was removed, what happened to the plaque that listed all the board of supervisors that was on that side?? Anyone know?

Usually there is only one plaque. In old pictures of the dedication of the arch the fuss is over the plaque that is still located on the North Tower.
Title: Re: Davidson Arch Plaque
Post by: lagomorphmom on May 04, 15, 02:53:58 PM: Quote from: RobertW on May 04, 15, 02:15:59 PM
Usually there is only one plaque. In old pictures of the dedication of the arch the fuss is over the plaque that is still located on the North Tower.
Still there as far as I know.
Title: Re: Davidson Arch Plaque
Post by: Mike Casey on May 04, 15, 03:08:35 PM: The "in the pines" poem is still there, however I am looking for the Plaque that used to be on the other side.

You can barely see it in this photo
(http://i1287.photobucket.com/albums/a629/quarterscalelegends/00099715_zpsqd7e2pxq.jpg) (http://s1287.photobucket.com/user/quarterscalelegends/media/00099715_zpsqd7e2pxq.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Davidson Arch Plaque
Post by: lagomorphmom on May 05, 15, 11:46:36 AM: The best thing would be to take a nice drive up and see what is there now. In addition, if Big Pines is open, you can also look at all of the old pictures scattered around the great room for more clues. I would suggest contacting Tall Trees for an appointment so that it will be open when you go up.
Title: Re: Davidson Arch Plaque
Post by: Mike Casey on May 05, 15, 12:31:39 PM: We own a cabin there so we drive by often. However I did not realize they had some photos inside. I will try and see if I can get someone to let me in!
Title: Re: Davidson Arch Plaque
Post by: GRAHAM_RANCH on May 05, 15, 11:13:39 PM: The keystone was attached to a boulder near the reflection pool that sits between the existing visiting center, and where the Swarthout Lodge was. Someone attached a plaque to it with Dave Burrough's (the late director of Verdugo Pines Bible Camp on it. I have no idea why, since he has no connection to the arch or Big Pines Park itself.
Title: Re: Davidson Arch Plaque
Post by: Wrightwood on May 05, 15, 11:34:59 PM: (http://www.wrightwoodcalif.com/history/NewsArticles/Iron_Tablets_Which_Will_Soon_Adorn_Granite_Gateway_to_Big_Pines_Camp_Oct_31__1925_B.jpg)

(http://www.wrightwoodcalif.com/history/NewsArticles/Iron_Tablets_Which_Will_Soon_Adorn_Granite_Gateway_to_Big_Pines_Camp_Oct_31__1925.jpg)
Title: Re: Davidson Arch Plaque
Post by: Mike Casey on May 06, 15, 09:44:49 AM: PERFECT! Thanks! ;D
Title: Re: Davidson Arch Plaque
Post by: Joe Schmoe on May 06, 15, 10:51:28 AM: Ya know, arches like those at each entry point to the ANF would be really cool.
Title: Re: Davidson Arch Plaque
Post by: Mike Casey on May 06, 15, 10:53:19 AM: It would be amazing.

I noticed this past weekend the wall is in need of repair. On the side with the entrance to MH, the footing under the wall is going away. There are portions of the wall that are just hanging in the air...
Title: Re: Davidson Arch Plaque
Post by: Wrightwood on May 06, 15, 11:43:52 AM: It's now in a National Monument and believe it's a registered historical landmark - let's hope the needed repairs will be made to preserve what's left.

Tall Trees do you know if there's been any effort to identify needed repairs?
Title: Re: Davidson Arch Plaque
Post by: Jim Wilkins on May 06, 15, 11:49:27 AM: I really hope you are correct about funds being available to make repairs like that....not sure where they will come from. Currently, close to a billion dollars in unfunded repairs to infrastructure in USA National Parks and National Forests.
Title: Re: Davidson Arch Plaque
Post by: Mike Casey on May 06, 15, 11:54:37 AM: Funds or not, we can not afford to lose any more of Big Pines rich history. I am very disappointed how over the years this area has been basically thrown away. If allowed access, I am sure we could gather volunteers to help refurb stuff like this.

Also a comment to above I forgot. I have looked by the reflections pond to find that arch key. I did not find it, but I did see the sign you mentioned. I am going to look again this weekend. That is weird though. Seems like there should be a sign dedicating the arch?
Title: Re: Davidson Arch Plaque
Post by: tcaarabians on May 06, 15, 01:12:12 PM: Am I remembering this arch correctly? I remember two structures there. They were right at the top of the 2 .. just after the the Forest place. Actually, I don't remember the arch. There was one on the left and one on the right. Now there is just one on the right as you come up the 2. We heard they were used for a jail.. back in the day. Feel free to correct me about that history. And what happened to the arch and the one on the left? cheryl o7o
Title: Re: Davidson Arch Plaque
Post by: GRAHAM_RANCH on May 06, 15, 05:53:13 PM: John Muir's poem was supposed to be have been placed on the west facing south tower on the arch...it never got put on, at least according to photographs. The area was made flat to mount it with a concrete square, but the iron plate never arrived. William Bristol's iron plated poem is still there today, on the south facing exterior of the existing north arch tower, for all to read.