Historical information on Baldwin Lake, the four-acre body of water that adjoins the Queen Anne Cottage in the historical section of the Los Angeles County Arboretum, is presented. The history of lake extends from time of the Native Americans (they called their village Aleupkigna), to Elias J. "Lucky" Baldwin's ranch in 1873, to the movies and television shows in which it has appeared. Baldwin Lake played host to movie stars Johnny Weismuller, Bob Hope, Bing Crosby and Dorothy Lamour. The lake has appeared in Safari, Roots, and Fantasy Island. See also VF "Arboretum" for hard copy of article.
The history of the peafowl from Indian and Java that live in Arcadia is presented. Elias J. "Lucky" Baldwin imported three pairs from India in the 1880s. His daughter Anita Baldwin added some birds from Java. The peacock is official bird of Arcadia, is protected, and should not be fed. See also VF "Peacocks" for copy of article.
E.J."Lucky" Baldwin pictured in light buggy pulled by two horses. Baldwin is talking to a man who is shown with hand on his hip. Caption reads: "Lucky" Baldwin driving over his estate.
Six men seen gathering grapes; others are seen in background. There are many heavy wooden boxes around. A row of eucalyptus are seen on the left. Caption (partially cut off) reads: Japanese gathering grapes in a vineyard planted by Spanish Fathers.
Four horses, three with riders, are seen being readied for morning workout. Each horse has a groom attending it. There is one man in business suit and hat standing in center of track. Stables are seen on right. Caption reads:Ready for the early morning gallop.
Part of Hugo Reid Adobe seen between two palms and foliage. Caption reads:The home of "Lucky" Baldwin, the walls of which were a Spanish fort. (THIS INFO IS NOT CORRECT.)
Man with a beard and carrying a staff is seen with three dogs near him. They are watching a flock of sheep in a field near a large clump of trees. Caption reads: Mexican sheep herder and his flock.
Lovely lane lined on both sides with tall Lombardy Poplars. Man in light buggy is seen driving on the lane, away from camera. From the magazine Outing. According to Sandy Snider from the Arboretum, this lane was to the east of Old Ranch Road in early days of Ranch under Baldwin ownership.
Small wooden buildings with thatched-appearing roofs standing beneath large oak tree. There are three wagon wheels seen at left. Caption beneath reads: Mexican Quarter of Santa Anita Ranch.
Ten horses seen grazing in meadow beneath San Gabriel Mountains. Just to right of center (in trees) appears to be row of Lombardy Poplar trees seen in photo #913. Caption reads: Thoroughbreds in their pasture by Sierra Madre Mountains.
Rowing on the lake in a boat named CLARA are Clara Baldwin Stocker (second from right), Lucky Baldwin's elder daughter; Clara's fourth husband, Harold Stocker (rowing); and several friends. A copy of this photo appears in the March 2, 1909 Los Angeles Daily Times pt.II p.8 with the following identification: FAMILY GROUP ON THE LAKE AT SANTA ANITA. Left to right, in boat - Mr. Mathews, Mrs. F.D. Black, Mr. Stocker ("Lucky's son-in-law), Mrs. H.C. Wyatt, in white; Mrs. Stocker (Lucky's daughter) and Mrs. Scott. There are seven people seated in the boat, but only six names are identified in the newspaper article. Article is in Arcadia History file Baldwin, Elias J. "Lucky", number 58 ("His greatest race run, 'Lucky' loses.)
Photo of painting by H.H. Cross showing Elias J. "Lucky" Baldwin, seated on bench by lake and daughter Anita standing by one of five mastiffs (dogs) in photo. Queen Anne Cottage is seen across lake.
Grass-sheathed homes of Indians on Rancho. Patron Reid Greer identifies this hill as just above east parking area. He points out that the tree showing in photo #628 is same as large one in flat area. Sandy Snider at Arboretum read in early newspaper that Baldwin found on the property when he bought it, "an old adobe house and Indians living in native-made homes." This photograph belongs to the Huntington Library. It is shown here for research only.
Adjoining reed houses with sloping thatch-type roofs are shown with a group of Indians sitting by them. One small Indian girl is standing by group with her hands on her hips. This photograph belongs to the Huntington Library. It is shown here for research only.
Elderly Indian shown only from waist up. It is not possible to tell whether person is a man or woman. The photo is from Ace of Diamonds in the E.J."Lucky" Baldwin playing cards. This photograph belongs to the Huntington Library. It is shown here for research only.
Elias J. "Lucky" Baldwin Packing House which was located just north of Oakwood Hotel and beside Santa Fe Railroad tracks. Printing on the roof is announcement of Baldwin property for sale in Los Angeles, Arcadia, Monrovia and El Monte. On sides of building, the fruits and wines available are given. This photo belongs to the Huntington Library. It is shown here for research only.
Looking east toward boat house. Two men can be seen standing at either side of entrance to boat house and a man and a lady can be seen in a row boat on lake. Boat house was reportedly built c. 1891 by E.H. Gorrill of Sierra Madre. It was destroyed on December 26, 1969 in a fire spawned by a smoldering cigarette and fanned by Santa Anita winds.