Friday, March 6, 2015

E. Waldo Ward Ranch (Birthday Month Adventure #1)

 
This 1902 barn is the most well-known view of the E. Waldo Ward Ranch, the first of my birthday month adventures. The tower is where they stored their weekly water delivery back then.





 
I hadn't seen photos of the house before. I don't know if you can tell from this photo but this house is BIG. It was built of redwood in 1903, and it's still occupied by the descendants of E. Waldo Ward.

Mr. Ward started his orange groves and perfected his marmalade recipes here at the ranch. His marmalade was THE thing on railroad dining cars for many years.


There's a gift shop, thank goodness. I'm happy to report that we came home with Pumpkin Butter and Old Fashioned Cucumber Slices.


You might think a short trip to Sierra Madre an odd way to start my month of birthday adventures, but I've wanted to see this place since I moved to Pasadena, so this week I did. My birthday adventures are all about doing what I want to do. Within reason.

E. Waldo Ward has regular hours when you can visit the store and wander the property. And on Saturdays they give free tours by appointment.

If you'd like to know more about the E. Waldo Ward Ranch, just go there! Or pick up Elizabeth Pomeroy's book Lost and Found at a local store or the Pasadena Museum of History gift shop. The ranch is on page 72.
 

14 comments:

William Kendall said...

That is a very unusual style for a barn!

Shell Sherree said...

Wow, you were there on a picture-perfect day, Petrea ! I love the old car, too. So happy you're doing this birthday month adventure ~ it's a lovely way to celebrate.

Petrea Burchard said...

It is indeed an unusual and oft-photographed barn, William. A film crew was scheduled to arrive later today.

Shell, this blue sky is typical of our area. Last week we had luscious clouds and everyone had their cameras out!

Bellis said...

I'm so excited! I didn't realize the jam factory was there. I'm often in Sierra Madre and had no idea this piece of history was so close by. Well, off I go on the tour tomorrow. Thank you SO MUCH for telling me about it.

Petrea Burchard said...

Bellis, I'm so pleased with myself. I had no idea there was a single attraction around here I knew about that you weren't aware of! The tour is free but be sure to call them first.

countrynmore said...

I love the old barn picture and learning about some of its history. Great pictures.

Unknown said...

I guess that barn is one of the most beautiful I've seen.

Petrea Burchard said...

Thank you, countrynmore!

JM, many old barns are beautiful so that's really saying something. I agree this one is special.

Anonymous said...

Like a hurricane, I'll bet Bellis cleaned the shelves of all marmalade products. The outfit is still wondering what hit them.

Petrea Burchard said...

I've been waiting all day for Bellis to report back to us.

Ann Erdman said...

The Pasadena Museum of History carries E. Waldo Ward jams and marmalade. I knew the company is in Sierra Madre but had no idea about the original homestead. What a wonderful property.

Looking forward to your next adventure!

Petrea Burchard said...

Perfect place to sell them! A visit to the museum or the Ranch itself is fun either way.

Pasadena Adjacent said...

I want to go there. Never knew it existed until the last year, so your one up on me too!

Petrea Burchard said...

PA, you and Bellis being the explorers that you are, I'm surprised I found one you hadn't visited yet. Go on a Saturday when there's more to see, and take some $ so you can come home with some organic stuffed olives.