Encino Stump

When the Encino Oak Tree was declared a historical cultural monument in 1963, it was believed to be approximately 1000 years old. Its canopy was 150 wide, and the trunk had a circumference of 24 feet. The tree survived natural disasters of all kinds. But the tree became sick, probably weakened by a combination of old age and human encroachment. In February, 1998, a severe storm struck the final blow, uprooting the tree (and taking out two parked cars with it). A section of the trunk was placed where the tree had once stood. A year later, another oak tree was planted nearby. Today, the site, a traffic island on Louise Avenue, just south of Ventura Boulevard, appears to be totally neglected. Weeds obscure the path and benches almost completely. The only sign of human interest is a flag attached to the old signboard, and a path beaten into the brush by jaywalkers.

Old Trapper's Lodge

This is California Registered Historical Landmark No. 939. These folk art sculptures were created by John Ehn, who was born in 1897, over a 30-year period that ended with his death in 1981. The oversized figures and humorous tombstones were intended to create a vision of the mythological Old West.

Originally located at a motel in Sunland Sun Valley, the collection had to be relocated in the late 1980's to make room for development. It now resides on the Pierce College campus, in an out-of-the-way spot near a cow pasture and some agricultural buildings.

A plaque dated 1969 identifies this as Alvin Cleveland Park. Most people on campus (including employees) don't even know it exists. It's a cute, quiet mini-park, well shaded, with picnic tables, paved paths, and a water fountain. The day I visited, one table was occupied by a young woman peacefully studying.

A Landmark Tour

Since 2007, Floyd B. Bariscale has been finding, photographing, and writing about the official historical landmarks of Los Angeles. I like his pictures ( he has a talent for being out and about on clear, blue-sky days). His commentary is both informative and entertaining. Lately I've been searching for some of the Valley's landmarks, and Floyd's entries have been helpful on more than one occasion when I just couldn't figure out where the darn thing was. The blog is called Big Orange Landmarks.