Arcadia’s Baldwin Lake makes history. A “History Lives Here” historical marker was dedicated at Baldwin Lake at the Los Angeles County Arboretum last Thursday. The marker was donated by Arcadia Historical Society.
Baldwin Lake at the Los Angeles County Arboretum. Arboretum address is 301 North Baldwin Avenue, Arcadia, CA. Any use of this image must be credited "Photograph by David Stevens. Copyright David Stevens."
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.
Los Angeles County Arboretum and Baldwin family push to revive Baldwin Lake. The 4-acre lake in the middle of the Arboretum stands polluted, filled with tons of mud and filth from years of urban runoff. Tony Zampiello, executive officer of the Main San Gabriel Basin Watermaster, along with the county's Department of Parks and Recreation, have formed a task force with goal of dredging the old lake built by Elias J. "Lucky" Baldwin in the late 19th century. Margaux Viera, Baldwin's great-great-great granddaughter, a member of the "Save Baldwin Lake" task force, says the shoreline around the lake is collapsing and eroding. See hard copy in VF "Arboretum."
Queen Anne Cottage is seen from across the lake. The lake has significant growth of tules and appears generally overgrown. Stamped on back is, "Assistance League - Film Location Bureau." No further identification.
Queen Anne Cottage with red trim at the Los Angeles County Arboretum. Palm trees and Queen Anne Cottage are reflected in Baldwin Lake. Arboretum address is 301 North Baldwin Avenue, Arcadia, CA. Any use of this image must be credited "Photograph by David Stevens. Copyright David Stevens."
Similar to photo #1537 with less of Queen Anne Cottage visible and more of the tules and vegetation along the Baldwin Lake visible. Stamped on back is, "Assistance League - Film Location Bureau." No further identification.
The water in Baldwin Lake at the Los Angeles County Arboretum, which is actually a sag pond, is evaporating, and the water is not being replenished by the artesian well because of low levels in the water table. The lake is famous from the television show Fantasy Island. The last time Baldwin Lake was dry was 1991.
What's Going on with Lake Baldwin in Arcadia" Part 2: the Plan. Plan includes installing wetland ponds and settling basins north of Baldwin Lake, along Arcadia Wash. The idea is to capture water, channel it into a natural filter, and a portion of which will find its way down to an aquifer (a layer of water-holding rock below the surface), where it is drawn and used in various ways, including drinking water.
Why are fewer migratory birds visiting Arcadia’s Baldwin Lake at the Arboretum? The lake could see great benefit from Proposition 3 and Measure W. Audobon Society birders say there used to be approximately 330 species of migratory birds landing each winter at Baldwin Lake. In recent years that number has dwindled to about 200 species, such that the lake, which is in dire need of dredging and major ecological rehabilitation, is the focus of much debate. The lake has a low algae problem in the winter, not enough oxygen, and lots of sediment. The silt and organic matter has contributed to the shallow levels.