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Time and the Land: The Geography of Pleasure

February 03, 2010

Historic Collections

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Time and the Land: The Geography of Pleasure

January 18–April 2, 2010

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Shangri-La, the Garden of Eden, Fantasy Island: landscapes of paradise have appealed to us since ancient times. The Spanish land grant Rancho Santa Anita, later the Arboretum, has been a pleasure destination and an oasis for birds, wildlife, and man for hundreds of years.

This display presents evidence of man's interaction with the Arboretum site. See a Tongva pestle for grinding acorns, a photograph depicting hay harvesting to feed Victorian-era Ranch horses, a letter hawking exotic Saurus cranes for sale for the site. Used as a film location since the 1930s, the exotic landscape of the Arboretum is familiar to people all over the world although they may not be aware of it. Travel back in time to experience the early wonders of this place of pleasure.

Coach Barn Closed for Painting

January 27, 2010

Historic Collections

News Items

Coach Barn with Construction Fence

The Arboretum’s Coach Barn is closed until the end of March for painting. However, rainy weather may influence the schedule of our reopening.

The barn is due for painting, as could be readily seen on its south side which gets the most exposure to the sun and weather.

In December of 2009 work began on the barn. Loose paint was removed by hand scraping followed by light sanding and filling. While the original plan was for scaffolding to be erected around the tower, the logistics proved impractical and the work is being done with a hydraulic hoist. 

 

Painters working from hoist basket

As of early January a layer of primer has been applied and the barn is already looking quite stunning. With a full coat of paint and fresh red trim the barn will be returned to its full Victorian splendor!

Visitors and staff have been commenting on its appearance favorably even now, we look forward to welcoming visitors again in March.

East side of barn with primer coat

 

The Arboretum’s Coach Barn was constructed in 1879 by architect Albert Austin Bennett for Elias J. "Lucky" Baldwin.

The Coach Barn is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. 

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