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Public Forums => Wrightwood History => Topic started by: RobertW on Dec 05, 14, 03:15:48 PM

Title: Big Pines History
Post by: RobertW on Dec 05, 14, 03:15:48 PM
Title: Re: Big Pines History
Post by: RobertW on Dec 05, 14, 03:26:01 PM
Title: Big Pines Rec Reports
Post by: Wrightwood on Dec 07, 14, 02:27:42 PM
A special thank you to the Ansley Davies, an Associate Curator, County of Los Angeles, Department of Parks and Recreation for providing these newly discovered historical documents and Forum Member Tall Trees for sharing them.


(http://www.wrightwoodcalif.com/history/BigPines/MD_BigPinesRecReports.JPG)


 Big Pines Annual Report 1928-1929 (35 page Pdf file) (http://www.wrightwoodcalif.com/history/BigPines/BigPinesAnnualRpt1928.29.pdf)

 Big Pines Annual Report 1929-1930 (73 page Pdf file) (http://www.wrightwoodcalif.com/history/BigPines/BigPinesAnnualRpt1929.30.pdf)

 Big Pines Annual Report 1930-1931 (19 page Pdf file) (http://www.wrightwoodcalif.com/history/BigPines/BigPinesAnnualRpt1930.31.pdf)

 Big Pines Annual Report 1931-1932 (33 page Pdf file) (http://www.wrightwoodcalif.com/history/BigPines/BigPinesAnnualRpt1931.32.pdf)

 Big Pines Annual Report 1934-1935 (18 page Pdf file) (http://www.wrightwoodcalif.com/history/BigPines/BigPinesAnnualRpt1934.35.pdf)

 Big Pines Annual Report 1935-1936 (30 page Pdf file) (http://www.wrightwoodcalif.com/history/BigPines/BigPinesAnnualRpt1935.36.pdf)

 Big Pines Annual Report 1936-1937 (53 page Pdf file) (http://www.wrightwoodcalif.com/history/BigPines/BigPinesAnnualRpt1936.37.pdf)
Title: Re: Big Pines History
Post by: GRAHAM_RANCH on Dec 08, 14, 08:58:56 PM
Nice work !!!! Still wondering about the holding cell at the base of the north tower...
Title: Re: Big Pines History
Post by: GRAHAM_RANCH on Dec 08, 14, 10:15:12 PM
Robert, I wonder if you would please call me at 928-234-8912 regarding the tower 'cell.' Thanks, man.... good job on gathering more history on Big Pines.
Title: Re: Big Pines History
Post by: RobertW on Dec 09, 14, 08:23:50 AM
I think I need to clarify my comments about there being no "jail" in the tower.  Both Barbara Van Houton and Terry Graham, both of whom are very knowledgeable historians of Wrightwood and Big Pines have questioned me about it.

Many people will look up at the tower and see the iron bars in the window and think that the tower was a "jail" that incarcerated criminals.  Big Pines never had such a "jail".  However, as both Barbara and Terry can attest to, there is a small room at the base of the tower that was used as a temporary "holding cell" that was used to detain individuals until the Sheriff's Department could get up to Big Pines and pick them up.  Individuals weren't detained there for more than a few hours at the most, thus no toilet or beds that many associate with being part of a "jail".  Today the room is full of wood that is used for the fireplaces in the Recreation Hall when it is used for meetings or events.  Here are some interesting notations about this holding cell from Terry:

"Physical evidence: Inside the place where they now stack firewood, was the holding cell. It was not used to 'house' arrestees, but only to detain them until Los Angeles County Sheriffs from Lancaster arrived to take them off their hands.  There is a small concrete bench inside the door.... and if you notice, you will see a locking latch outside the door, and LACO markings on the door below the locking latch. There is also an observer window port- that if it still worked(only the frame remains), it opened up, allowing the USFS, or County guard, to observe the detained person sitting on that small cement bench. As you enter the small room, you would notice more sitting spots to the right.

During those days, there was no 'extras' like a toilet or bunk bed, the cell was a temporary holding area only.

I am still trying to dig up old incident reports that mentioned suspect (s) being picked up from that location, and then taken to regular sheriff stations for booking. It's been hard, since back then that piece of info wasn't included in their reporting, like it was in my time as a deputy, and is now in present time. The reports are more complete. However, two sources have verified the existence of that holding cell.... or temporary detention cell: the Big Park Administrator Harry Grace, through a lengthy tape interview of the park and it's operations; and a Los Angeles county deputy sheriff, who was assigned to an inmate crew work crew. William A Hagenbaugh was the deputy's name who mentioned the cell in Big Pines, after having to detain a civilian that was unlawfully trying to communicate with one of his inmates that he was supervising. At the time of this particular incident, the deputy and his inmate work crew were finishing off the road (Later known as Big Pines Hwy, that they had extended from N4, passed Jackson Lake, and onto big Pines. It was in May of 1929."

 
Title: Re: Big Pines History
Post by: Mike Casey on Dec 09, 14, 02:46:12 PM
If anyone has ANY old pictures of Mcclellan flats or any OLD documentation, I would greatly appreciate it. I have quite a bit of information dating back to the 40's however detailed information beyond that seems to not exist other then what is found on the net currently.
Title: Re: Big Pines History
Post by: RobertW on Dec 10, 14, 08:58:06 AM
If anyone has ANY old pictures of Mcclellan flats or any OLD documentation, I would greatly appreciate it. I have quite a bit of information dating back to the 40's however detailed information beyond that seems to not exist other then what is found on the net currently.

It was Los Angeles County supervisor Ruben F. McClellan who encouraged the Board members 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.  The 13 cabins at McClellan Flats were built with L.A. County funds and manpower and L.A. County Board members began to inhabited them.  Apparently when it was discovered that Board members were using the cabins for their own personal use a big scandal ensured.  It is rumored that some even went to jail for misappropriation or use of taxpayer monies. 

The County turned over Big Pines Park and the surrounding acres to the Forest Service in 1942.  Perhaps you have documentation going back to then?  That would be great if you could share it.  Sadly, much of the documentation and pictures of McClellan Flats was destroyed in the fire of 1987 that burned the Big Pines Lodge (it was next door to the Big Pines Recreation Hall and Ranger Stations) to the ground.  The USFS Archeologist's office was housed in that building and many priceless treasures were destroyed.  It was arson by-the-way and the arsonist was caught and went to jail.

(http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o267/tjranch91/scan0091.jpg)

Here is the complete story of the fire:

http://www.wrightwoodcalif.com/forum/index.php/topic,10288.msg162221.html#msg162221

Here is an article on McClellan Flats that appeared in the June 2010 Issue of the USFS Volunteer Newsletter.  See Pg 3:

http://www.wrightwoodcalif.com/bigpines/Newsletter%20June%202010.pdf

Title: Re: Big Pines History
Post by: Mike Casey on Dec 10, 14, 09:04:45 AM
Title: Re: Big Pines History
Post by: Mike Casey on Dec 10, 14, 09:05:35 AM
Title: Re: Big Pines History
Post by: Mike Casey on Dec 10, 14, 09:10:10 AM
Just verified... we have meeting minutes back to 1942 and rosters only going back into the early 80's
Title: Re: Big Pines History
Post by: RobertW on Dec 10, 14, 10:04:10 AM
Great stuff Mike.  Thanks!
Title: Re: Big Pines History
Post by: RobertW on Dec 29, 14, 09:01:09 AM
Title: Re: Big Pines History
Post by: Wrightwood on Jan 21, 15, 05:40:20 PM
Los Angeles County discussion about County Parks giving Big Pines and Crystal Lake back to the US Forest Service.

(http://www.wrightwoodcalif.com/history/BigPines/MD_BiggestMistakeLA.Sup.Made.JPG)


 The Role Of The County Of Los Angels In Parks And Recreation (9 page Pdf file) (http://www.wrightwoodcalif.com/history/BigPines/Role.Of.LA.Cty.BigPines1960.pdf)


Another big thank you to Ansley Davies, Associate Curator, County of Los Angeles, Department of Parks and Recreation for sharing these historical documents  :thumbs: :thumbs: :thumbs:
Title: Re: Big Pines History
Post by: Wrightwood on Jan 21, 15, 07:09:12 PM
(http://www.wrightwoodcalif.com/history/BigPines/MD_BiggestMistakeLA.Sup.Made2.JPG)
Title: Re: Big Pines History
Post by: GRAHAM_RANCH on Jan 23, 15, 12:38:19 AM
Just a little note about the shooting and A. Graham. I am pretty sure that A Graham is related to Earl and Rhonda Graham, of the Standing Bar Productions on Deep Creek Rd, in Apple Valley. They are 3-4 generation cattle people in the area. In regards to the shooting, this is not the same as was reported during an interview between the San Bernardino Historical Society Oral History project and Litta Belle Campbell, owner of the Kemper Campbell Ranch in Victorville: as well as the onerecorded by Verde Ranch cowboy, and long time Victorville resident, George (Tex ) Rankin. That shooting took place in Boulder Canyon, at the edge of Table Mt., perhaps one ridge to the east of Jesus Canyon. 

I heard that a reporter from the Victorville Valley Press did a write up on the shooting that Campbell and Rankin talked about about six years ago. I wonder what happened with the article. I don't recall the reporter's name.  In regards to the people who had the cabins on McClellan Flats, they were workers at the park itself, and two residents of WW, who also worked at Big Pines Park. I believed one belong to a county supervisor. I will check my list for the names. I am delighted to see all these news clippings on the forum, each time I read and study them, I am learning something new of our history. My hats off to all of ya. Great job!
Title: Re: Big Pines History
Post by: Mike Casey on Jan 23, 15, 01:22:10 PM
thanks for that information. If you happen to have any information regarding who owned what cabin originally, that would be really cool!!     

A neat finding lately is that ONE of the cabins has a CAST iron clean out door on the fireplace with "big pines recreation camp" cast into it. Very cool piece. Wish ours had it :(
Title: Re: Big Pines History
Post by: Elk on Jan 23, 15, 05:32:05 PM
A neat finding lately is that ONE of the cabins has a CAST iron clean out door on the fireplace with "big pines recreation camp" cast into it. Very cool piece. Wish ours had it :(
I have seen these same cast iron fireplace cleanout doors in some of the Big Pines area camps.
Title: Re: Big Pines History
Post by: Tall Trees on Jan 23, 15, 08:49:02 PM
After reading some of the Annual reports referenced above they mention that several of the Organizational Camps from the Big Pines Lodge to Jackson Lake were developed at the same time.  Some of them were boy Scout camps, girl scout camps, church camps and school camps.  One of the largest Organizational camps was at Jackson Lake which is now the Verdugo Pines Church Camp.  At some point the original camp was taken over by the Boy Scouts and it became a church camp in 1963.  Some of the original old cabins still exist at Verdugo Pines Camp from the 1920's.
Title: Re: Big Pines History
Post by: Wrightwood on Jan 25, 15, 04:30:02 PM
This was posted in the History Newspaper Articles and seemed like it should be here also.

(http://www.wrightwoodcalif.com/history/NewsArticles/MD_Aug10.1924.BigPines.LA.TimesArtcile_Page_1.JPG)

(http://www.wrightwoodcalif.com/history/NewsArticles/MD_Aug10.1924.BigPines.LA.TimesArtcile_Page_2.JPG)
Title: Re: Big Pines History
Post by: GRAHAM_RANCH on Jan 25, 15, 04:53:16 PM
I got a copy of this paper!  It was awesome reading.Glad you all posted it.Good job  :)
Title: Big Pines History - Where Fog Is Unknown
Post by: Wrightwood on Jan 26, 15, 09:36:09 PM
(http://www.wrightwoodcalif.com/history/BigPines/TrailsMagazine/TrailsMagClips.JPG)
Title: Big Pines Lodge And Cabins - High Gear Highway
Post by: Wrightwood on Jan 26, 15, 09:36:35 PM
(http://www.wrightwoodcalif.com/history/BigPines/TrailsMagazine/MD_BigPinesLodgeAutumn1938.JPG)
Title: Big Pines Lodge - American Plan $5.00 per day
Post by: Wrightwood on Jan 26, 15, 09:37:04 PM
(http://www.wrightwoodcalif.com/history/BigPines/TrailsMagazine/MD_BigPinesLodgeAutumn1937.JPG)
Title: Re: Big Pines History
Post by: Mike Casey on Jan 28, 15, 09:55:24 AM
Does anyone have an original copy of the article above? I am looking for anything related to Wadsworth.
Title: Re: Big Pines History
Post by: Wrightwood on Jan 28, 15, 10:23:47 AM
Mike are you referring to the Big Pines Lodge clipping above or the Los Angeles Times article? 
Title: Re: Big Pines History
Post by: Mike Casey on Jan 28, 15, 11:17:26 AM
Sorry, LA times one.  ;)
Title: Re: Big Pines History
Post by: Wrightwood on Jan 28, 15, 11:26:06 AM
I'm not aware of anyone having an original newspaper itself. There are a few copies around that appear to be from microfiche and too big for me to scan plus had a few unreadable areas. I went to the Los Angeles Times and bought an electronic copy and that's what's posted.
Title: US Will Take Over Big Pines July 1, 1941
Post by: Wrightwood on Jan 29, 15, 09:12:42 PM
(http://www.wrightwoodcalif.com/history/NewsArticles/May_15__1941_US_Will_Take_Over_Big_Pines_B.jpg)

(http://www.wrightwoodcalif.com/history/NewsArticles/May_15__1941_US_Will_Take_Over_Big_Pines.jpg)
Title: Re: Big Pines History
Post by: Wrightwood on Feb 03, 15, 11:26:31 AM
This additional land allowed the County to expand westward from Big Pines Park through Mescal Canyon and just past the western end of Jackson Lake, and including Prairie Fork, south of Big Pines.

(http://www.wrightwoodcalif.com/history/BigPines/BPOrigUSLandGrantToLACounty_0002.jpg)

(http://www.wrightwoodcalif.com/history/BigPines/BPOrigUSLandGrantToLACounty_0003.jpg)


A big thank you goes out to Barbara Van Houten for sharing her research findings above.
Title: Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory
Post by: Wrightwood on Feb 03, 15, 03:17:40 PM
Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory

Creator:  Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory
Title:       Records, 1923-1954
Dates:    1923, 1923-1954
Summary:    These records consist mostly of correspondence between staff at the observing stations and Charles G. Abbot and others on the Observatory staff in Washington, regarding details of operating the stations and personnel problems. Also included are budgets, reports, and other administrative records. See also record unit 46. The stations for which records are included here are Montezuma, on the western slope of the Andes; Mount Saint Katherine, Egypt; Mount Brukkaros, Southwest Africa; Table Mountain, California; and Tyrone, New Mexico
Topic:     Astrophysical observatories

More: http://siarchives.si.edu/collections/siris_arc_216692 (http://siarchives.si.edu/collections/siris_arc_216692)

Under Director Abbot, the Observatory established field stations to achieve a diversified collection of solar constant values. The stations were strategically placed to ensure diversity in the readings, with the first station opened at Mount Harqua Hala, near Phoenix, Arizona, in use from 1920-1926. Also established in 1920 was Mount Montezuma, in Antof*gasta, Chile, which maintained observations through 1955. The Montezuma station closed only when the skies became too cloudy and the air too filled with smog, from the local mines, to continue observations. In 1925, the Observatory opened the Table Mountain station in Swartout, California, which would remain in use longer than any of the other stations, closing in 1962.
Title: 1931 Video - Annual juvenile dog race in Big Pines
Post by: Wrightwood on Feb 08, 15, 06:30:54 PM
11-year old wins annual juvenile dog race classic in Big Pines, California. A great crowd gathers along the course of the fifth junior derby to watch boys and their pets, the latter harnessed to sleds in a contest of speed and endurance. Not huskies but regular mutts star here, with Lou, Bobby Howard's flashy fox terrier, topping the field.

http://stream.efootage.com/clips/1931/55199.mov (http://stream.efootage.com/clips/1931/55199.mov)
Title: Re: Big Pines History
Post by: GRAHAM_RANCH on Feb 08, 15, 11:56:53 PM
Can't get the video link to work  ???
Title: Re: Big Pines History
Post by: GRAHAM_RANCH on Feb 09, 15, 12:22:13 AM
http://www.criticalpast.com/video/65675036003_dog-race_Annual-Juvenile-Dog-Race_Bobby-Howard_dog-Lou
Title: Big Pines History - Angeles Metal Toilet Stool
Post by: Wrightwood on Feb 20, 15, 11:31:08 AM
Angeles sets the standard for this important historical item.

PUBLIC CAMP MANUAL
1935

United States Department of Agriculture
Forest Service
Region Five

(http://www.wrightwoodcalif.com/history/BigPines/PiublicCampManualCover.jpg)

Angeles Metal Toilet Stool

The Angeles metal toilet stool has been accepted as standard, and should be installed in all pit and chemical toilet buildings. Except in isolated hunters' camps, buildings which are equipped with wooden box-type seats should be remodeled immediately for installation of the metal stool, or replaced by new buildings as necessity demands. Specifications of this stool follow:

BODY OF STOOL: 15 inches high with perpendicular front and sloping back made of 20 gauge iron, with lock joint down the back. Body dimensions are 20 inches from front to back and 16-1/2 inches across at the bottom, with the front and the back ends curved with the same radius as the top, which is 16-1/2 inches diameter and circular.

FLANGE AND PROJECTION: Flange is made of 16 gauge iron, 1 inch wide and is integral with a 3-inch projection designed to fit through the floor. The 3-inch extension is at right angles to the floor flange, not sloping in the back as above the floor line. Six, three-sixteenth inch holes, centers 1/4 inch from the outer edge of the flange and an equal distance apart, offer a means of fastening the stool to the floor. The flange and projection are securely fastened to the body of the stool.

(http://www.wrightwoodcalif.com/history/BigPines/AngelesToliet1.jpg)

Angeles Metal Toilet Stool

TOP OF STOOL: 16-1/2 inches in diameter and circular with 1/2-inch flange to fit snugly over the body of the stool, and riveted thereto. Made of 16 gauge iron with a smoothly cut opening conforming with dimension given under "Seat".

SEAT: Consists of two crescent-shaped pieces of 1-inch birch, the outer edges being a segment of a 14-inch circle. The blocks are 3 inches wide at the widest point. Each is attached to the top by means of three screws inserted from underneath. The blocks are so placed as to leave openings of 4-inches front and back, and 8-1/4 inches at the widest point. They are comfortably shaped and finished with three coats of clear varnish.

METAL COVER: 20-gauge iron, 14-1/2 inches diameter inside and 1 inch deep with curved sides. Has a flat flange or bead at bottom, 1/4 inch in width, entirely around the cover. It is fitted with a substantial brass hinge, 5 inches wide, which is attached by brass posts and nuts 1/4 inch in diameter.

PAINT: If galvanized iron is used, treat it with vinegar and paint with black enamel inside and grey enamel outside. If made of black iron, it should be given a priming coat of red lead, followed by two coats of good metal paint.

http://www.foresthistory.org/ASPNET/Publications/region/5/public_camp/ (http://www.foresthistory.org/ASPNET/Publications/region/5/public_camp/)
Title: Re: Big Pines History
Post by: Wrightwood on Sep 15, 17, 08:58:58 AM
LA County staff recently uncovered a 1929 Camp Rules pamphlet from their former forestry camps and passed along the attached file.

http://www.wrightwoodcalif.com/history/BigPines/CampRules1929.pdf

Thank you Ansley Davies, Associate Curator
Title: Re: Big Pines History
Post by: Elk on Sep 15, 17, 10:54:07 AM
LA County staff recently uncovered a 1929 Camp Rules pamphlet from their former forestry camps and passed along the attached file.

http://www.wrightwoodcalif.com/history/BigPines/CampRules1929.pdf

Thank you Ansley Davies, Associate Curator

Great find! We are lucky to be able to sneak a peak back in time to read these documents. If you close your eyes and think about it... you could almost imagine being there. Fascinating!