Saturday, October 27, 2012

El Alisal

I went to the Lummis House and took about a hundred pictures. Most of them aren't very interesting and it's too bad, because the house and garden are lovely. But I like this shot of the drinking fountain.

Charles Lummis walked to Los Angeles from Ohio, back when there was more than traffic to worry about. Along the way, he filed stories with the Los Angeles Times. When he arrived, he became the paper's first City Editor.

He built his home, El Alisal, with his own hands. It took him twelve years (1898-1910). The house is one of the earliest examples of Craftsman architecture in the U.S. Each door, each window, is different from the last, because they're all made by hand. The house is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 12-4, and it's free. You're welcome to make a donation.

And it's okay about the pictures because I intend to go back and take more.

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Please note the poll is up; while you're here, vote for your favorite Week Six entry in the Camelot Where You Are photo contest!

21 comments:

LOLfromPasa said...

I bet that drinking fountain could tell a story or two, the most recent being about Petrea taking this photograph. I like it. It is artistic and the textures and color are appealing to my eye, plus you have said what it is. Neat.

Petrea Burchard said...

I don't know how long the fountain has been there. I'm sure it came after Lummis was gone. It's not new but it functions well, and it was nice to have a drink of fresh water after a walk around the grounds.

Kalei's Best Friend said...

Thanks for the history lesson.. Never heard of Mr. Lummis, and come to think, didn't recognize that vintage water fountain!.Great close up, I figured it was a drain, but didn't think it would be to a water fountain.

Bellis said...

Such beautiful rich colors and textures. Can't wait for photos of the house in its tranquil setting. I was thrilled to find out that John Muir had been there.

Petrea Burchard said...

KBF, there's a lot to know about Lummis. He was quite a guy.

Bellis, I doubt I'll post more from our trip, they didn't turn out well. Let's go again.

Adele said...

I like this picture a lot. I still haven't been there... My brother is a member, and can't understand how I've missed this for so long.

Speedway said...

I like the picture, all the circles on the orb. And the color.

The drain cover reminds me of a Wiffle Ball, but I think it might be too heavy to get much loft.

Petrea Burchard said...

It IS like a wiffle ball! Good eye, speedway.

Adele, the picture doesn't do the place justice, of course. It's a little castle made of stones.

Petrea Burchard said...

The votes are trickling in like...um...like things that trickle. Treacle. Keep 'em coming!

Pasadena Adjacent said...

El Alisal - place of the sycamore. It's a very special place most people don't bother to visit

Katie said...

Cool photo. Lummis House looks very interesting (and definitely worth a return visit to take more photos to share with us), but I'm still flabbergasted that Lummis WALKED from Ohio to LA in 1884! I walk 25 minutes to the carpool every morning and feel all smug. It would be fascinating to read his dispatches from the road.

Petrea Burchard said...

It took me a long time to get there, PA, but I'll go back often, even if only to sit on a bench in the garden.

I'd like to find those, too, Katie. I wonder if they're on the web? If not, surely the Times has them in their archives.

Speedway said...

Maybe this would halp, Petrea?

http://www.amazon.com/Tramp-across-Continent-Charles-Lummis/dp/0803279086/ref=sr_1_14?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1351371885&sr=1-14&keywords=charles+lummis

Speedway said...

I may be from the sticks, but it's "help," dammit.

Shell Sherree said...

If not for the photographic memories of many of your followers, Petrea, you could post this again sometime as a Zen Monday! You might not be happy with your other shots, but this one's wonderful.

Petrea Burchard said...

Oh duh! Thank you, Speedway. Mr. Lummis' book, everyone. Right there on Amazon.

And "halp" is perfectly acceptable around here.

Thank you, Shell. You remind me I'd better go find something for Monday.

Has everyone voted for their favorite contest entry from this week? Please do!

Ms M said...

Interesting photo -- and history.

travel ufo said...

lovely photo

Petrea Burchard said...

Thank you very much, Ms. M, and Manu Tyagi.

Susan Campisi said...

I didn't know anything about Lummis. What a fascinating character. I like this quote:

“I have not the Art to Say Things Softly.“

I love that he "extolled the wonders of Southern California." Can I join you and Bellis next time you visit?

Petrea Burchard said...

Susan, you must.