Photo Flashback---before Hwy 2-Big Pines Hwy

[GRAHAM_RANCH]

Before Hwy 2...before Big Pines Highway, a road had been cut through the Swarthout Valley, which led to Big Pines Camp (settlement). From the early 1900s, there were at least five structures and privately owned property in the present day ski area. They were later abandoned or purchased by Sumner Wright, who in turn later sold it to the USFS. Big Pines Park (L.A.County Recreation Area) was soon formed, and the road that was cut through a boulder filled, rattlesnake infested...but rich soiled valley, had a specific name.

[TheSandman]

perhaps this has been mentioned or hinted at before but did sumner wright aquire decent wealth with all his land holdings?

[GRAHAM_RANCH]

Sumner Wright acquired wealth from a abstract company, which allowed him to purchase land (Riverside, Ontario (Eculid area), Colton. Chino Hills area), in turn he sold those lands and thus he had a pretty good cash flow. According to his accounting book, which is at the museum, he purchased land in this valley as early as 1898. By 1906 he was trying to sell areas up here...it was obvious that Wrightwood was only a cash venture at first, before he started the ranch and orchards. Being a very good business man, he put money and effort is water projects up here, tried to improved what was called Smithson Springs in Pinon Hills, and at the same time maintain business dealings in Colton and other areas. Apparently, he spread himself out too thin, and the added court battles forced him to sell all that he had up here.

I failed to mention some footnotes in this write up:
*Robert Clyde -decedent of Almon Cldye of Clyde Ranch stated in an interview that there was a small settlement at Big Pines, while Wrighwood had stirrup high trees and one obvious  structure.
*Cultural Resources Overview of Mountain High Ski Area Oct. 1989; prepared for Alpine Consultants Inc by James Brock. This source provided early maps of the area that showed locations of structures in the area (at least 5 were identified by dots). Identified prop. owners were Mathis, Geroge Taylor, Ford, Mitchell and the Big Pines Land and Transport Company.

Error: the properties were not sold to the USFS, but to Los Angeles County. It was Los Angeles County supervisor Ruben F. McClellan who encouraged the Board member to purchase the land for the purpose of building Big Pines Park. This was done in 1923, when the Board of Supervisors originally bought 760 acres of land for a reported $60,000.