HomeMy WebLinkAboutOrd. No. 2015-1334ORDINANCE NO. 2015 -1334
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAKE
ELSINORE APPROVING AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO SPYGLASS RANCH
SPECIFIC PLAN NO. 2005 -02 LOCATED ON A 259 -ACRE SITE ON
THE EAST SIDE OF CAMINO DEL NORTE AT ITS INTERSECTION
WITH MAIN STREET
WHEREAS, Erik Lunde, Pacific Coves Investments, LLC, has filed an application
with the City of Lake Elsinore requesting approval of Amendment No. 1 to Specific Plan
No. 2005 -02 (SPA 2014 -01) to the Spyglass Specific Plan (the "Project'); and
WHEREAS, the 259 -acre project site is generally located on the east side of
Camino Del Norte at its intersection with Main Street; and
WHEREAS, the Project is subject to the provisions of the California
Environmental Quality Act (Public Resources Code §§ 21000, et seq.: "CEQA ") and the
State Implementation Guidelines for CEQA (14 California Code of Regulations Sections
15000, et seq.: "CEQA Guidelines ") because the Project involves an activity which may
cause either a direct physical change in the environment, or a reasonably foreseeable
indirect physical change in the environment, and involves the issuance of a lease,
permit license, certificate, or other entitlement for use by one or more public agencies
(Public Resources Code Section 21065); and
WHEREAS, on February 26, 2008, the City Council approved and certified the
Spyglass Ranch Specific Plan Environmental Impact Report (EIR) No. 2007 -01 (SCH
No. 2006121069) which analyzed the environmental impacts associated with the
development of the Spyglass Ranch Specific Plan were part of the whole action that
was analyzed in the Spyglass Ranch Specific Plan EIR; and
WHEREAS, a "Historical and Architectural Evaluation of the Delaney Ranch
House Complex Located at 523 West Minthorn Street, City of Lake Elsinore, Riverside
County, California ", dated June 2014 (the "Report') was prepared by John Minch and
Associates to provide additional analysis regarding the Delaney Ranch Complex, also
known as the "Tarzan House "; and
WHEREAS, the Report was conducted in accordance with the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), and the Report found that because "none of the
buildings or swimming pool are considered architecturally or historically significant at the
federal and state levels, there will be no adverse impacts to historic resources ";
therefore "no additional measures in conjunction with cultural resources are
recommended for the Delaney Ranch House, Pool House, Pool or Lookout; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to Paragraph A of LEMC Section 17.204.130 (SPD
Specific Plan District) the Planning Commission has been delegated with the
responsibility of making recommendations to the City Council pertaining to the approval
or denial of a specific plans subject to specified modifications and conditions; and
City Council Ordinance No. 2014 -1334
Page 2 of 5
WHEREAS, on September 2, 2014 and March 17, 2015 at duly noticed public
hearings, the Planning Commission considered evidence presented by the Community
Development Department and other interested parties with respect to this item; and
adopted Planning Commission Resolution No. 2015 -13 recommending that the City
Council approve Amendment No. 1 to the Spyglass Ranch Specific Plan No. 2005 -02;
and
WHEREAS, pursuant to Paragraph B of LEMC Section 17.204.130 (SPD
Specific Plan District) the City Council has the authority to approve, approve with
modifications or conditions, or deny the final specific plan; and
WHEREAS, on April 14, 2015, at a duly noticed public meeting, the City Council
has considered the recommendation of the Planning Commission as well as evidence
presented by the Community Development Department and other interested parties with
respect to this item.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAKE ELSINORE
DOES HEREBY RESOLVE, DETERMINE AND ORDER AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. The City Council has reviewed and analyzed the proposed project
pursuant to the California Planning and Zoning Laws (Cal. Gov. Code §§ 65000 et
seq.), the Lake Elsinore General Plan and the Lake Elsinore Municipal Code and finds
and determines that the proposed Amendment No. 1 to the Spyglass Ranch Specific
Plan No. 2005 -02 (SPA 2014 -01) is consistent with the requirements of California
Planning and Zoning Law and with the goals and policies of the Lake Elsinore General
Plan and the Lake Elsinore Municipal Code..
SECTION 2. The City Council, based upon a thorough review of Addendum #1
to Environmental Impact Report No. 2007 -01, the CEQA documents, and the evidence
received to date, does determine as follows:
1. In accordance with Section 15162 of the California Environmental Quality
Act (CEQA) Guidelines, the proposed amendments to previously approved
projects do not present substantial changes or reveal new information that
would require Subsequent or Supplemental EIR analysis. However, some
changes or additions to the information contained in the certified EIR is
necessary in order to approve the proposed project. For this reason,
pursuant to Section 15164 of the CEQA Guidelines, the attached Historical
and Architectural Evaluation of the Delaney Ranch House Complex Located
at 523 West Minthorn Street, City of Lake Elsinore, Riverside County,
California, dated June 2014 and prepared by John Minch and Associates,
constitutes Addendum # 1 to Environmental Impact Report No. 2007 -01.
City Council Ordinance No. 2014 -1334
Page 3 of 5
2. That Addendum #1 was prepared in compliance with the requirements of
the California Environmental Quality Act and the State CEQA Guidelines.
3. That, based upon the evidence submitted and as demonstrated by the
analysis included in the Addendum #1, none of the conditions described in
Sections 15162 or 15163 of the State CEQA Guidelines calling for the
preparation of a subsequent or supplemental Initial Study have occurred;
specifically:
SECTION 3. That in accordance with State Planning and Zoning Laws and the
Lake Elsinore Municipal Code, the City Council makes the following findings for the
approval of Amendment No. 1 to the Spyglass Ranch Specific Plan No. 2005 -02 (SPA
2014 -01):
1. The location and design of the proposed development shall be consistent
with the goals and policies of the City's General Plan and with any other
applicable plan or policies adopted by the City.
Amendment No. 1 to the Spyglass Ranch Specific Plan meets the City's
Specific Plan criteria for content and required implementation of the
General Plan established by Section 65450 et se p. of the California
Government Code and Section 17.204 of the City of Lake Elsinore
Municipal Code. Accordingly, the proposed Specific Plan Amendment
complies with the objectives of the General Plan and the purpose of the
planning district in which the site is located.
2. The proposed location shall allow the development to be well- integrated
with or adequately buffered from its surroundings, whichever may be the
case.
Approval of the Project will allow the demolitions of the existing structures
found on a 0.4 acre site known as Planning Area 3. Planning Area 7 &
Planning Area 13 will be combined and developed into an approximately
6.5 acres of park.
3. All vehicular traffic generated by the development, either in phased
increments or at full build -out, is to be accommodated safely and without
causing undue congestion upon adjoining streets.
The width and type of pavement needed to carry the type and quantity of
traffic generated that will result from implementation of Amendment No. 1
of the Spyglass Ranch Specific Plan has been reviewed and accounted
for. The City has conditioned the Project to be served by roads of
adequate capacity and design standards to provide reasonable access by
car, truck, transit and bicycle.
City Council Ordinance No. 2014 -1334
Page 4 of 5
4. Amendment No. 1 of the Spyglass Specific Plan identifies methodology(s)
to allow land uses to be adequately serviced by existing or proposed
public facilities and services. In appropriate circumstances, and as
provided elsewhere by the Municipal Code, the City may require that
suitable areas be reserved for schools, parks and pedestrian ways; or
public open spaces shall be dedicated or reserved by private covenant for
the common use of residents, establishments or operations in the
development.
The Amendment No. 1 to the Spyglass Specific Plan identifies necessary
streets and circulation to support the proposed land use allocations, as
well as all necessary wet and dry utilities for proper and adequate
infrastructure services. The amendment will allow removal of structures
that have been experiencing ongoing vandalism making these structures a
health and safety issue. The applicant/developer shall develop an
approximately 6.5 acres park within the combined Planning Area 7 &
Planning Area 13, thus centralizing the park area that will be utilized for
active recreation purposes.
5. The overall design of Amendment No. 1 to the Spyglass Ranch Specific
Plan No. 2005 -02 (SPA 2014 -01) will produce an attractive, efficient and
stable development.
Amendment No. 1 to the Spyglass Ranch Specific Plan No. 2005 -02 (SPA
2014 -01) allows for the demolition of structures that have been vandalized
to the point of being detrimental to the health and safety of the City. The
applicanYdeveloper shall develop an approximately 6.5 acres park within
the combined Planning Area 7 & Planning Area 13.
In addition, staff has substantiated that all applicable City Departments
and Agencies have been afforded the opportunity for a thorough review of
the Amendment No 1 to the Spyglass Ranch Specific Plan and have
incorporated all applicable comments and /or conditions related to
installation and maintenance of landscaping, street dedications,
regulations of points of vehicular ingress and egress and control of
potential nuisances, so as to eliminate any negative impacts to the general
health, safety, comfort, or general welfare of the surrounding
neighborhood or the City.
6. In accordance with the requirements of the California Environmental
Quality Act (CEQA), impacts have been reduced to a less than significant
level, or in the case where impacts remain, a statement of overriding
considerations must be adopted to justify the merits of project
implementation.
City Council Ordinance No. 2014 -1334
Page 5 of 5
On February 26, 2008, the City Council approved and certified the
Spyglass Ranch Specific Plan Environmental Impact Report (EIR) which
analyzed the environmental impacts associated with the development of
the Spyglass Ranch Specific Plan area. (SCH No. 2006129069)
In accordance with Section 15162 of the California Environmental Quality
Act (CEQA) Guidelines, the proposed amendments to previously
approved projects do not present substantial changes or reveal new
information that would require Subsequent or Supplemental EIR analysis.
However, some changes or additions to the information contained in the
certified EIR is necessary in order to approve the proposed project. For
this reason, pursuant to Section 15164 of the CEQA Guidelines, the
attached Historical and Architectural Evaluation of the Delaney Ranch
House Complex Located at 523 West Minthorn Street, City of Lake
Elsinore, Riverside County, California, dated June 2014 and prepared by
John Minch and Associates, constitutes Addendum # 1 to Environmental
Impact Report No. 2007 -01.
SECTION 4. Based upon all of the evidence presented, the above findings, and
the conditions of approval imposed upon the Project, the City Council hereby approves
Spyglass Specific Plan Amendment No. 1 (SPA 2014 -01).
SECTION 5. This Ordinance shall take effect from and after the date of its
passage and adoption.
APPROVED AND INTRODUCED at a regu r meeting of the City Council of the
City of Lake Elsinore, California, on the 14th d y of April, 2015, and Adopted at the
regular City Council meeting of April 28, 201
os, Mayor
is
=I
Virginidj. Blobm,j City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FO
ara Leibolt , City Attorney
HISTORICAL AND ARCHITECTURAL EVALUATION OF TIME DELANEY RANCH
HOUSE COMPLEX LOCATED AT 523 WEST MINTHORN STREET, CITY OF
LAKE ELSINORE, RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA
Prepared by:
Laura S. White, M.A.
Robert S. White
David M. Van Horn, Ph.D.
John Minch and Associates, Inc.
26623 Sierra Vista
Mission Viejo, CA 92692
Tel: (949) 367 -1000
Pax: (949) 367-0117
Prepared for:
Spyglass Ranch (Riverside) ASLI V, LLLP
923 North Pennsylvania Avenue
Winter Park, FL 32789
Contact: Erik Lunde, Project Manager
Subutitted to:
City of Lake Elsinore
Community Development
Planning Department
130 South Main Street
Lake Elsinore, CA 92530
June, 2014
North view of Delaney Rauch House as viewed from bottom of hill (circa 1970).
(Photo courtesy of the Reed Webb family).
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Management Summary
I. INTRODUCTION .
1I. STUDY AREA LOCATION AND ENVIRONMENT.
11I. A BRIEF HISTORICAL OVERVIEW OF LAKE ELSINORE..
IV. HISTORIC RESOURCE LISTINGS
V. HISTORICAL SOCIETY CORRESPONDENCE.
VI. LAND PATENTS.
VII. HISTORIC MAP RESEARCH .
VIII. PROPERTY HISTORY.
IX. THE DELANEY RANCH COMPLEX
X. FIELD SURVEY
XI. BUILDING RECORDS FOR THE STUDY AREA
X11. PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION OF 523 W. MINTORN STREET COMPLEX
XII1. CRITERIA FOR DETERMINATIONS OF ELIGIBILITY
XIV. DETERMINATIONS OF ELIGIBILITY
XV. RECOMMENDATIONS
REFERENCES CITED.
APPENDIX A: Personnel Qualifications
APPENDIX B: Original Historic Property Inventory Form
APPENDIX C: Lake Elsinore Historical Society Correspondence
9
PAGE
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3
3
12
14
15
15
17
26
26
27
27
30
32
33
35
LIST OF FIGURES
PAGE
Figure 1. Regional location of project area as indicated 2
on a portion of the USGS Santa Ana 1:100,000
topographic map sheet (1983).
Figure 2. Study area plotted on a portion of the 4
USGS Lake Elsinore 7.5' Topographic Quadrangle.
(1997).
Figure 3. Study area as shown on aerial photograph . 5
Figure 4. 1972 Riverside County Flood Control 18
and Water Conservation Map of Section 5,
Township 6 South, Range 4 West showing
locations of various buildings and structures
located within the Delaney Ranch complex.
Figure 5. Recent aerial showing former locations of 19
ranch building and structures.
LIST OF TABLES
Table 1. Property ownership records from 1923 -1929. 21
Table 2. Property ownership records from 1930 -1946. 22
m
LIST OF PLATES
PAGE
Plate L Top: Northwesterly view of Delaney Ranch House. 37
from access road to the east. Bottom: Southeasterly view
of Delaney Ranch House from hilltop to the northwest.
Plate II. Top: Southwesterly view of Delaney Ranch 38
from Pool House above. Bottom: West facing view
into courtyard showing damage.
Plate III. Top: 1981 photograph of courtyard looking 39
southwest (Riverside Co. Historical Commission).
Bottom: Southwesterly view into courtyard as it
appears today.
Plate IV. Top: 1981 photograph of milk room looking 40
northwest (Riverside Co. Historical Commission).
Bottom: Northwesterly view of converted milk room
into guest room.
Plate V. Top: Looking northeast through covered 41
porch toward arched entry on courtyard. Bottom:
Northwesterly view of original garage and carport..
Plate VI. Top: Northwesterly view of a cross - section. 42
of hollow tile from the demolished courtyard wall.
Bottom: Close -up of intact ALBERHILL LOADBEARING
LAB CO hollow block building tile.
Plate VII. Top: Stamp of the Alberhill LA Brick Co. 43
impressed into the hollow block building tile. Bottom:
Close -up of concrete "II" blocks used in the construction
of Pool House.
Plate VIII. Top: Southwesterly view of Pool House and 44
back -filled swimming pool. Bottom: Southeasterly view
of deteriorated Pool House roof.
Im
PLATES (CONTINUED)
Plate IX. Top: Northeasterly view of back - filled pool 45
from Pool House, Bottom: Easterly view of deteriorated
diving board at the northeast end of pool.
Plate X. Top: 1981 photograph depicting Lookout, Pool, 46
and Pool House (Riverside Co. Historical Commission).
Bottom: Close -up of Lookout over cistern looking
Northwest as it appears today.
iv
MANAGEMENT SUMMARY
At the request of Spyglass Ranch (Riverside) ASLI V, LLLP, John Minch and Associates
has undertaken a focused cultural resources study (historical and architectural) of the Delaney
Ranch House complex located within the City of Lake Elsinore, Riverside County. The Delaney
Ranch House carries the address of 523 West Minthorn Street and lies within a 2.92 -acre parcel
identified as APN 337 - 350 -004. Presently, the house is vacant and has been uninhabited for
most of the last 25 -30 years. Proposed development plans include demotion of all buildings and
structures associated with the ranch to make way for future residential development.
A records search of the study area was conducted at the Eastern Information Center at
UC Riverside. It indicated that the residential complex had been previously evaluated for
historical significance by the Riverside County Historical Commission in 1982 and assigned the
status code of 3S (Appears eligible for National Register as an individual property through
survey evaluation). The resource was assigned the Primary 9 33 -7228.
A thorough re- evaluation of the Delaney Ranch House complex comprised extensive
background research, interviews and field study. As a result, it was determined that the ranch
house was not constructed of adobe brick but of hollow tile and the swimming pool was
significantly smaller than Olympic size as first reported. Despite persistent claims of ownership
by Hollywood icon Johnny Weissmuller of Tarzan fame, no connection of any kind could be
made.
An analysis of construction history coupled with the architectural evaluation indicated
that the original configuration of the ranch house has been significantly altered through a series
of poorly planned additions and other modifications. Additionally, the house has been only
sporadically occupied during the last 25 years resulting in extensive vandalism and generally
poor upkeep. Thus, the physical integrity of the building is poor to the point that restoration
seems infeasible.
In applying the criteria for historical and architectural significance contained within the
National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) and the California Register of Historical Resources
(CRHR), the Delaney Ranch House complex does not appear eligible for inclusion to either the
NRHP or CRHR. As presently proposed, the Delaney Ranch House and associated structures are
slated for demolition. However, since none of the buildings or swimming pool are considered
v
architecturally or historically significant at the federal and state levels, there will he no adverse
impacts to historic resources. Therefore, no additional measures in conjunction with cultural
resources are recommended for the Delaney Ranch House, Pool House, Pool or Lookout.
vi
1. INTRODUCTION
The following report was written by John Minch and Associates, Inc. (JMA) at the
request of Spyglass Ranch (Riverside) ASLI V, LLLP. It describes the results of a historical and
architectural evaluation of a ranch house complex known as the Delaney Ranch. The vacant
property is located at 523 West Minthorn Street in the City of Lake Elsinore, Riverside County.
Current plans call for demolition of the ranch complex in conjunction with future residential
development.
The study described herein was conducted in accordance with the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) as it pertains to the management of cultural resources. The
purpose of the evaluation was to establish the historical and architectural significance of the
ranch complex which is over 50 years of age. This information is needed since adoption of the
proposed demolition plans could result in adverse effects upon one or more of the ranch
buildings. Therefore, the ranch complex was evaluated for historical and architectural
significance according to the California Register of Historical Resources (CRHR) and the
National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). The evaluation consisted of. (1) a records search
conducted at the Eastern Information Center (EIC), University of California at Riverside, (2)
literature review, (3) archival research, (4) interviews, (5) correspondence with the Lake Elsinore
Historical Society, (6) survey and architectural analysis of surviving ranch buildings, and (7)
determinations of historical and architectural significance at the state and federal levels.
The records search and archival research for the project was conducted by Laura S.
White, M.A. (RPA & County approved). The intensive survey of the property was performed by
Laura S. White (Principal Investigator) and Robert S. White (Project Director, County
approved). The Delaney Ranch complex was evaluated for historical and architectural
significance by David Van Horn, Ph.D. (Architectural Historian). Dr. Van Horn meets the
Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Architectural History. Qualification statements are
provided in Appendix A.
.IA
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Figure 1. Regional location of the project area as indicated on a portion of the Santa Apr jest area as indicated on a portion of the Santa Ana USGS 1:100,000
scale topographic trap sheet (1983).
2
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r
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�.
lr %~
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Figure 1. Regional location of the project area as indicated on a portion of the Santa Apr jest area as indicated on a portion of the Santa Ana USGS 1:100,000
scale topographic trap sheet (1983).
2
IL STUDY AREA LOCATION AND ENVIRONMENT
Regionally, the project area lies on a hilltop approximately one -mite southeast of
Highway 74 (Central Avenue) and just east of Interstate 15 in the City of Lake Elsinore,
Riverside County (fig. 1). It overlooks Lake Elsinore and the City's historic core. Legally, the
subject property lies within the Northwest 1/4 of Section 5, Township 6 South, Range 4 West,
San Bernardino Base Meridian as shown on a portion of the Lake Elsinore 7.5' USGS
Topographic Quadrangle (fig. 2).
The 2.92 -acre study area is identified as APN 377- 350 -004. The elongated parcel is
oriented northeast- southwest and topographically defined by two hilltops which include the
surviving buildings of the ranch complex (fig. 3). Vacant land in the form of numerous foothills
transected by off -road trails border the property on the north, east and south. The western
boundary is delineated by the paved frontage road for Interstate 15, Camino Del Norte.
Originally, the Delaney Ranch comprised numerous buildings and structures spread over
258 +acres of fairly rugged terrain. Additional parcels (APNs 377 - 350 -008, -009, and —10)
included a caretaker's house, workshop and garage, car barn, stables, hay barn, milk shed,
chicken coops and pig styes (figs. 4 and 5). The perimeter of the original ranch boundaries is
delineated by 6 -foot chain link fence topped with three strands of barbed wire.
III. A BRIEF HISTORICAL OVERVIEW OF LAKE ELSINORE
Much of the historical data regarding Lake Elsinore was drawn from archival research
conducted at the Lake Elsinore Branch Library and the Tomas Rivera Library at the University
of California at Riverside. The single most important source of information was Tom Hudson's
Lake Elsinore Valley, Its Story 1776 -1977 (1978). This history of the Elsinore Valley contains a
convenient outline for the social and economic development of Lake Elsinore and its environs.
A second useful anthology of historic anecdotes may be found in Elizabeth C. James' Elsinore
History Vignettes (1973). Other anecdotal historical accounts were published in the local history
magazine, The High Country. Lastly, some invaluable sources on places in Riverside County
include Jane Gunther's Riverside County Place Nanres, their Origins & their Stories (1984) and
Bynon & Son's History and Directory of Riverside County 1893 -4. (1992). Collectively, these
works provide a reasonably thorough background history of the region.
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Figure 2. Study area as shown on a portion of the Lake Elsinore 7.5' USGS Topographic Quadrangle (1997).
4
Figure 3. Study area as shown on aerial photograph.
A. Rancho Days
In spite of its lake and hot springs, the Elsinore Valley was relatively slow to attract the
attention of Europeans. In 1797, Fray Juan Santiago set out from Mission San Juan Capistrano
in search of a new mission site. He and his party traveled past Lake Elsinore, and probably
camped there, on their way to Temecula. They went on to identify the future site of Mission San
Luis Rey.
According to Hudson, the first pioneer settlement in the region did not take place in the
region until 1818 when Leandro Serrano, former majordoino at the Pala chapel, settled in
Temescal Canyon (ibid. 61'.). By 1824, Leandro had built an adobe north of Glen Ivy Hot
Springs and this is believed to have been the first private dwelling to be built in what is now
Riverside County. Meanwhile, an asistencia had been built at Temecu (Temecula). Lake
Elsinore itself, however, remained in the exclusive hands of its aboriginal occupants.
For the next twenty years, the only white men to visit the lake were travelers passing
through the Elsinore Valley. Finally, in 1844, Julian Manriquez received a grant to the "Laguna
Grande" or Lake Elsinore. The grant, which encompassed the lake, included some 20,000 acres.
However, Manriquez seems never to have settled the place and, after several years, sold it to
Abel Stearns who regarded the rancho as a real estate investment. In 1858, Stearns sold it to Don
Agustin Machado. The Machados were the first family of European descent to settle along the
shores of the lake.
Machado was a ranchero and although there are no precise records, he doubtless hired
many Luiseno to help run the rancho. The Machados immediately began building an adobe near
what was the intersection of Machado Street and Grand Avenue (ibid. 9, 14). Today, as the
result of road modifications, the location of the adobe is best described as situated at the curve
that transitions Grand Avenue to Riverside Drive. That same year, the first Butterfield stage
stopped at the Machado rancho. There, the passengers dined and the horses were changed before
the stage continued its Journey to San Francisco. The Machado home became a bi- weekly stage
stop for the next two years, service finally being terminated as a result of the Civil War.
Don Agustin Machado died in 1865, leaving portions of the rancho to his son Juan and to
his second wife and her eleven children. During the ensuing eight years, all of the heirs except
Juan sold their shares of the rancho. Don Juan Machado built an adobe on his pie- shaped 500 -
acre parcel at the northwest corner of the lake. There, he raised a family and continued to build
6
the herds of livestock begun by his father. Don Juan Machado's "Rancho Laguna Grande"
became the social center for the local ranches at "rodeo" (round -up) time and was well -known
for his historical reminisces and the man who first planted Australian eucalyptus trees in the area
(Sunnier in James 1973:66ff.).
But the future of the lake as the site of pastoral ranches was short. A severe drought
struck California in the late 1870's and by 1881, the lake was nearly dry. In that year, Franklin
H. I-]eald, who was to become the founder of the City of Lake Elsinore, first visited the lake.
B Development of the Town of Elsinore
Although it was little more than a mud flat at the time, the visionary Franklin H. Heald
fell in love with the location. Ile soon learned that the Rancho La Laguna could be purchased
from the London and San Francisco Bank for its mortgage of $24,000.
Heald lacked the purchase price himself so in 1883 he took two partners, Donald Graham
and William Collier. Meanwhile, the California Southern completed its rail line from National
City to Colton. Since the railroad would connect with the Santa Fe and points east in 1885, it
appeared that the time for development of the lake had finally arrived. In 1884, the name
"Elsinore" was selected for the new town, not after the small city in Denmark, "but rather from
the immortality given it by Shakespeare and Campbell, and because it had a pleasant sound."
The name on the sign of the little railroad station located at the present intersection of Railroad
Canyon Road and Mission Trail was changed from "Laguna" to `Elsinore."
About that time, the first bath was built at the hot spring located at the intersection of
Graham Avenue and Spring Street. Plans were laid for a hotel and the town site subdivision,
which was located entirely east of Main Street, was surveyed by H.C. Kellogg. Mineral rights
under the streets were retained by the subdividers. Town lots were offered for sale at $45 each
and farm lots for $25 each. In 1884, the new town consisted of a "general store, three or four
small houses, and a few tents" (ibid. 27).
However, southern California's land boom was gaining strength and reached fever pitch
during the next several years as a result of a passenger price war between the Santa Fe and
Southern Pacific. Elsinore's population began to grow accordingly. At the same time, Heald
was busy pursuing his plans to make the town a resort. By 1887, Heald had begun construction
of the famous Crescent Bath House which was intended to represent the epitome of oriental
7
luxury in southern California. The venture was successful and the new bath house later became
an adjunct of the Lake View Hotel (when it became known as the Lake View Bath Houses).
Today, the old bath house still stands as the "Chimes" Antique Store. It was added to the
National Register of Historic Places in 1975.
The southern California real estate bubble finally burst in 1888 as buyers evaporated and
prices plummeted. Some new town subdivisions went under but Elsinore was able to survive,
principally because its economic base was surprisingly diverse for such a small and new
community. Aside from the bath house business, coal had been found in several locations not far
from town (Collier in James 1973:30ff). In addition, clay suitable for manufacture of bricks and
other ceramic construction materials had been discovered near the coal vein in Warm Springs
Valley. The "suburban" town of Terra Cotta was subsequently laid out and, in 1887, received its
own Post Office (1- ludson 1978:32).
C. City of Elsinore (1888 -1928)
The City of Elsinore was incorporated on April 9, 1888. During the ensuing lean
economic years, the clay products business in Terra Cotta helped to sustain the new town.
During the early 1890's, the California Coal and Clay Company at Terra Cotta was shipping
seven carloads of pipe per week. "In 1892 the plant manufactured ten miles of square groove
tiles to be used for underground telephone wires in Los Angeles" (ibid. 33). Clay products
manufactured at Terra Cotta continued to support the local economy throughout the century up
until 1940 when the Pacific Clay Products Company finally abandoned Terra Cotta in favor of
Alberhill.
One final important event took place prior to the turn- of-the- century remains to be noted.
In 1897, the town got its first municipal water system. In the past, residents had depended upon
backyard wells and used sulphur water delivered in barrels to do laundry (sulphur water being
excellent for the purpose). The new water system consisted of a well drilled at the north end of
Langstaff Street, a pipe leading from the well to a reservoir on a nearby hilltop, and distribution
system leading from the reservoir to the town's residential and business districts. The Langstaff
Street well produced warm sulphur water. "That was the beginning of Elsinore's famed mineral
water system that for many years delivered the controversial water to every household" (Hudson
1978:37).
0
During the first decade of the 20 °i century, Elsinore took on the character of a quiet little
agricultural community. Truck farming and orchards became important elements in the local
economy. Olive growing was another important agricultural activity. C.H. Albers, owner of the
Lakeland Ranch on the south side of the lake and for whom Alberhill was named, constructed a
pressing, pickling, and canning plant at what is now Lakeland Village.
Agricultural and mining activities continued to flourish in Elsinore right up to WWI
although Albers moved his olive pressing plant to Riverside in 1917. However, by about 1913,
land subdivision and construction were once again becoming economically significant activities.
New stores began to go up on Main Street in 1913 and construction of the first lakeshore resort,
the Superior Land and Water Company's "Laguna Vista Club House," began the following year.
Earlier in 1912, the same company had subdivided "Ford" on the east side of the lake, a tract
which later became the Sedco Hills (acronym for South Elsinore Development Company).
The Lakedale Hotel was built at the corner of Spring and Limited Streets and burned to
the ground in 1894. It was immediately rebuilt as the Lake View Hotel, also known as the Lake
View Inn, which stood for almost 75 years before it was razed in 1970. About 1921, the
Temescal Water Company was laying plans to divert water from the San Jacinto River in
Railroad Canyon to farmers in Corona. Ernest Pickering, successful developer of "Ocean Park"
next to Santa Monica, had a financial interest in the Lake View Inn and bathhouse project. He
objected to the water district's plans for obvious reasons and assembled a citizen's opposition
group. Undaunted, Temescal applied to the State Water Commission for a permit.
It was six years before the courts made a compromise decision in favor of Temescal. In
the settlement, which is known as the "Tilley Agreement," "Temescal was permitted to build a
dam in Railroad Canyon. Temescal was also permitted to take the first 2,000 acre feet of water
flowing into the drainage in any one year. Depending upon the level of Lake Elsinore, it was
permitted to take additional amounts up to 100 %. The agreement did not attract as much
resentment from the citizens of Elsinore as one might suppose, apparently because the level of
the lake happened to be high at the time.
The 1920's were prosperous years for Elsinore. The Corona - Elsinore Road was
completed in 1924 and the following year, plans were laid for what would become the Ortega
Highway connecting Elsinore with San Juan Capistrano on the coast. A number of subdivisions
were completed, the most important of which was Clevelin Realty Corporation's development of
9
Country Club Heights. By 1928, Clevelin was buying pipe "by the mile" for water and
underground electrical service in the posh new residential area. Country Club Heights' most
celebrated resident was the evangelist Aimee Scruple McPherson who built the palatial Aimee's
Castle."
D. Modern Lake Elsinore (1940 - Present)
Dining WW 11, Elsinore became the site of a Douglas Aircraft Corporation plant where
wings for B -17 bombers were manufactured. At its peak, Douglas was employing 500 hundred
people at its new plant. "Housewives and older men were taught to operate drill presses, and for
the first time in their lives Elsinore women went off to work wearing pants and carrying lunch
buckets" (Ibid. 97). Before the war, the Metropolitan Water District had begun digging a tunnel
through the San Jacinto Mountains (today, this tunnel delivers Colorado River water to much of
southern California). However, to everyone's surprise, ground water rapidly filled the tunnel and
flowed into the San Jacinto River. Temescal attempted to claim this water as "vagrant" but
Elsinore well a suit claiming it as part of the natural flow of the river that belonged to the lake.
During the war, Metropolitan diverted the tunnel water to Lake Mathews. In 1944, Mr.
Nat McKee, new owner of the old Crescent Bath house and Aimee's Castle, became interested in
the problem. McKee organized the Elsinore Water Protective Association for the purpose of
pressing a claim for a share of the tunnel water and to recover some of the water lost as a result
of the Tilley Agreement. Although their initial suit was never carried through due to lack of
funds, the Association's efforts ultimately resulted in the creation of the Eastern Municipal
Water District (EMWD) which continued to press the claim for tunnel water. In 1950, the
EMWD became a branch of the huge Metropolitan Water District (MWD) but with the proviso
that all tunnel water would be managed by the EMWD. Unfortunately for Elsinore, the EMWD
did not plan to distribute water in the Elsinore Valley. There was talk of legal proceedings but
nothing ever came of it.
Development had begun to pick up following the war, particularly at Lakeland Village on
the southwest side of the lake. But although no one could have been aware of it at the time, the
lake had begun to dry up. In 1948, the fish began dying and washing ashore and residents
suffered from a plague of gnats spawned as a result of the lake's low water level. Although there
10
was substantial rain in 1952, the gnat infestation problem repeated itself when the lake went
completely dry in 1954.
Meanwhile the Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District (EVMWD) which had been
formed in 1950, was considering joining the Eastern Municipal Water District in order to
become eligible to receive Colorado River water. But heavy rains came in 1954 and the voters
west of the EMWD boundary voted in favor of formation of their own area -wide Western
Municipal Water District. That same year, the Western Municipal Water District became part of
the Metropolitan Water District and, therefore, became eligible for Colorado River water. The
Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District was given the responsibility of distributing the new
water.
While Elsinore and the state were struggling over the public water supply, the lake had
gone completely dry. In 1962, the state legislature budgeted for money to put Colorado River
water into the lake. This event took place in 1964 using MWD water from its aqueduct at
Lakeview. Water from the aqueduct flowed down the San Jacinto River, down Railroad Canyon,
and into the desiccated lake. However, by 1966 it had become clear this enterprise could not be
satisfactorily sustained due to a pervasive drought and increasing demand for domestic water.
At the end of the year, three 1800 -foot wells were drilled for the purpose of providing water to
the lake. Aside from rains, these wells have been the lake's exclusive source of water ever since.
In 1972, the name of the town was changed to "Lake Elsinore" by popular vote. During
the 1970's and 80's Lake Elsinore and its neighboring towns continued to develop. Completion
of Interstate 15 encouraged commuters to adopt Lake Elsinore as a "bedroom community."
Shopping centers have been built near the mouth of Railroad Canyon and large residential areas
have grown up in the nearby communities of Canyon Lake, Sun City, Wildomar, Murrieta, and
Temecula. Although the days of the bath houses are over, the lake still draws many weekend
visitors.
D Lake Elsinore Celebrity Homeowners and Visitors
According to Ms. Jean Corral, local historian and long time resident of Lake Elsinore,
over the past century, several celebrities are known to have lived or vacationed in the Lake
Elsinore area. Some of the most notable included: 1) the family of 1920s child star, Jackie
Coogan, 2) weekend visitor and Elsinore property owner Bela Lugosi (1930s), 3) Dorothy
Cottrell, author of "Singing Gold," and 4) 1910s silent screen western actor, William S. Hart,
owned a house locally where he vacationed in during the summer (Rathbun 2005).
Often regarded as the most famous and glamorous Lake Elsinore resident was the
evangelist Aimee Semple McPherson, founder of the International Church of the Foursquare
Gospel. In 1929, she had the palatial retreat known as "Aimee's Castle" constructed for her.
This Moorish -style castle with mosaic ceilings overlooks Lake Elsinore and comprises six
bedrooms, five baths, prayer tower, and underground catacombs. Ms. McPherson died in 1944
but her castle still stands today (ibid.).
Other celebrities and movie stars known to have visited or vacationed at Elsinore in the
1920s included Will Rogers (humorist) and Carrie Jacobs Bond (composer and lyricist). 1930s
and 1940s stars included Prank Morgan, Clark Gable and Andy Devine, and Olympic swimmer
turn actor, Johnny Weissmuller (Williams 2009). Actor Steve McQueen was a frequent visitor in
the 1960s and 1970s while on his many motorcycle excursions throughout southern California.
Ile also participated in the Lake Elsinore Grand Prix and co- produced the locally filmed
motorcycle documentary "On Any Sunday." (Rathbun 2005, Ghiotto 2011),
IV. HISTORIC RESOURCE LISTINGS
A. Historic Resources Records Search
A records search of the study area was conducted by Laura White at the Eastern
Information Center (E1C), University of California at Riverside. The search entailed a review of
all previously recorded historic resources situated within the project area. Additionally, the
National Register of Historic Places (NRHP), California Historical Landmarks (CHL), California
Points of Historical Interest (CPHI), California Register of Historical Resources (CRHR), and
the California Directory of Properties (DOP, aka the Historic Resources Inventory [HRI]) were
reviewed for the purpose of identifying historic properties.
The results of the search indicated that no listed National Register of Historic Places
(NRHP), California Register of Historical Resources (CRHR), California Historical Landmarks
(CHL), or California Points of Historical Interest (CPHI) properties have been recorded within
the study area. however, the California DOP does list the property address (523 West Minthorn
Street, Lake Elsinore) as an historic resource (Primary #33 -7228; Appendix B).
12
The study area was recorded by Pat Meredith of the Riverside County Historical
Commission in 1982. The site form describes the residence at 523 West Minthorn Street as a
6,500 square foot Mediterranean/Spanish Revival style home that is U- shaped in plan with a
courtyard. Other features include a Spanish -tile gabled roof, stucco siding over 18 -inch adobe
walls, double -hung windows, an arched entry, and milk shed with cooling tower. An associated
gabled - roofed gazebo, Olympic -sized swimming pool, and a cabana with five dressing rooms
and two restrooms are located on an adjacent hilltop. All of the above - mentioned buildings and
structures are located within the elongated, 2.92 -acre parcel identified as APN 377 - 350 -004.
Other ranch related features (sheds, corrals, and stables) for livestock are located further to the
east within APN 377 - 350 -008.
Ms. Meredith stated that the residential complex dated to 1928 and that the builder was
A..I. Delaney. With regard to significance, the style, size and components to the residential
complex contributed to it being recognized as "one of the best examples of
Mediterranean /Spanish style homes built in the late 1920's building boom. Its gazebo, cabana,
and Olympic -sized swimming pool make it unique in the Lake Elsinore Valley." (Meredith
1982). The DOP listing indicates that the 523 West Minthorn Street address has been assigned
the California Historic Resources Status Code of (3S) "Appears eligible for NR (National
Register) as an individual property through survey evaluation."
Sources consulted for the resource included Tom Hudson's Lake Elsinore Talley, its
story 1776-1977(1978). Within Chapter 9 of his book on "Palatial Homes and Spas 1928-1932,"
Hudson made the brief statement "Among others are the spacious home built by A.J. Delaney on
a hill at the head of Main Street "... To date, this is the sole published reference to the property.
While conducting the initial survey in 1981, the Riverside County Historical Commission
was given a copy of "Description of the Property and Investment Objectives" for the 246 -acre
West Minthorn Street property by real estate broker, Gregory A. Block of Bitkower Associates,
Inc. on behalf of the property owner, Missing Link 11.
Situated upon the land is a 6,500 square foot, 43 year old
Spanish mansion, with an Olympic size swimming pool, cabanas
and gazebo, as well as approximately 20 horse corrals, sheds and
stables. The home itself is in excellent condition but is in need of
some exterior painting. Structurally, it is constructed of 18" thick
block -adobe walls. It is equipped with an industrial kitchen,
13
including a full line of stainless steel sinks, freezer, refi-igerators
and a butcher block food prep area ... The Seller currently resides in
the mansion, but will vacate it upon closing of escrow of our
purchase (Bitkower Realtors 1981:6).
Investment objectives of the Partnership included the possible conversion of the
residence into a fine restaurant, in the nature of a "Cask `N Cleaver" or "Stuart Anderson" type
of establishment. Copies of the Primary record for 523 West Minthorn Street, the "Description
of the Property and Investment Objectives" and black and white photos taken during the survey
of the property were generously provided by Mr. Keith Herron, Resources Bureau Chief,
Riverside County Parks and Open Space District.
B. City of Lake Elsinore Historical Resources
Section 4.7 (Historic Preservation) of the 2011 City of Lake Elsinore General Plan was
reviewed for Cultural and Historic Resources. Under the City's Historic Built Environment
Category, the Delaney Estate (located north of Lake Elsinore) is listed as an "Unofficially
Recognized Significant Historic Resource." Other buildings listed under the same heading
include: Aimee's Castle, The Machado Adobe and Butterfield Stage Stop, Alberhill School, The
Cannery, and Elsinore Naval Military Academy (General Plan 2011:6£).
V. HISTORICAL SOCIETY CORRESPONDENCE
In an effort to learn more about the architectural /historical importance of 523 West
Minthorn Street property, a letter of inquiry was sent to Ms. Ruth Atkins, President of the Lake
Elsinore Historical Society (Appendix Q. On May 6, 2013 a letter response was received. To
summarize, Ms. Atkins stated that the historical society had nothing in their files on the
Minthorn Street address. However, they do know of several locals "who swear they know this
property belonged to Johnny Welssmuller or refer to it as Tarzan's House." The time he
supposedly visited the Lake Elsinore area was in the years after lie participated in the Olympic
Games and at the beginning of his movie career." Furthermore, "Everything we know about it is
hearsay and cannot be verified." (Atkins 2013:pers. comet.).
Telecommunications with community historian Ms. Jean Corral, long time resident of
Lake Elsinore (since 1964), and a member of the Historical Society resulted in a similar finding.
14
She had no specific historical or architectural knowledge to offer on the 523 W. Minthorn Street
residence. Furthermore, what information she had heard about Johnny Weissmuller was now
hearsay as these informants have all passed away (Corral 2013:pers. comet.).
VL LAND PATENTS
Archival research also included a review of land patents on file with the Bureau of Land
Management (BLM) in their Moreno Valley office. The subject parcel is situated within the
Southeast 1/4 of the Northwest 1/4 of fractional Section 5, Township 6 South, Range 4 West,
San Berardino Base Meridian. BLM General Land Office records indicate that two land patents
have been recorded for the study area. The first patent, which covers all of Section 5, was issued
to Abel Stearns in 1851 as part of the larger, 13,337.84 acre La Laguna Rancho. The acreage
was acquired under authority of the Spanish /Mexican Land Grant dated March 3, 1851 (9 Stat.
631). The patent is recorded as Document # Plc 495 (Accession # CACAAA 083219).
The second patent comprising 40 acres (Southeast 1/4 of the Northwest 1/4 of Section 5)
was issued to the Southern Pacific Railroad Company. It was part of 71,268.54 acres acquired
under the authority of the Atlantic and Pacific Railroad Grant of July 27, 1866 (14 Stat. 292).
The land patent is recorded as Document #23, Accession # CACAAA 072835.
VII. HISTORIC MAP RESEARCH
Historic maps of the Lake Elsinore area were also reviewed for the purpose of identifying
locations of potential historic resources. This included an examination of the 1880 U.S. General
Land Office (GLO) plat map for Township 6 South, Range 4 West, San Bernardino Base
Meridian on file with the California Desert District office of the U.S. Bureau of Land
Management located in Moreno Valley. Several United States Geological Survey (USGS) maps
on file in the Map Room of the Science Library at the University of California at Riverside were
also inspected. These included: 1) the 1901 Elsinore 30' USGS Quadrangle (surveyed 1897 -98),
the 1942 Lake Elsinore 15' Quadrangle (Corps. of Engineers, U.S. Army, War Department), and
the 1953 Lake Elsinore 7.5' USGS Topographic Quadrangle.
Other maps consulted included a 200 -scale map dated 1972 for Section 5, Township 6
South, Range 4 West, SBBM that was acquired from the Riverside County Flood Control and
Water Conservation District. The 1925 -1933 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map for Elsinore,
15
Riverside County (digital version) was also reviewed on -line from the San Diego Public Library.
Unfortunately, the property lay just outside the map coverage area. All information gleaned
from the various maps is presented below.
An inspection of the General Land Office Plat Map for Township 6 South, Range 4 West
shows the lake and portion of Abel Stearns' Rancho La Laguna. In addition, a dirt road is
indicated paralleling the north side of the San Jacinto River through what is today Railroad
Canyon. Section 5 (location of study area) as well as several adjoining sections is illustrated as
being quite hilly. It appears to include five government lots (1 through 5) that range in size
between 25 -30 acres. Remaining section land is divided into 40, 80 and 160 acre parcels. No
Structures or man -made features are delineated within the study area.
A review of the 1901 Elsinore 30' USGS Quadrangle indicates that the core of Elsinore is
well - established with a well - developed grid of roads and streets. The California Southern
Railroad is shown extending through Railroad Canyon. Also indicated between Elsinore
Junction and Alberhill is California Southern's Elsinore - Alberhill railroad spur line which was a
direct result of the coal and clay operations in the area. No structures or man -made features are
delineated within the study area.
The 1942 Lake Elsinore 15' U.S. Army, Corps of Engineers, War Dept. Quadrangle
indicates the same conditions as the 1901 Elsinore map but with the addition of more extensive
roads and additional development. The new community of North Elsinore has also been
established northeast of the City. Portions of Route 71, Route 74 and Highway 395 are indicated
along Lakeshore Drive, Central Avenue, and Mission 'frail. Nearby Railroad Canyon Dam and
Railroad Canyon Reservoir are also depicted. As the California Southern Railroad tracks were
abandoned through Railroad Canyon in 1935, they are no longer illustrated. However, the
aforementioned spur line has now been replaced with the Atchison. Topeka and Santa Pe line.
Situated just north of the end of Main Street, the 1942 map shows the hills of the study
area covered by a myriad of dirt roads. However, no structures of any kind are delineated on the
property although they were certainly present at the time. This is not surprising as on numerous
occasions, government maps (specifically U.S. Army Corps of Engineers) have chosen to
excluded certain building locations from their war department maps.
A review of the 1953 Lake Elsinore 75 USGS Topographic Quadrangles show that
conditions have not significantly changed since publication of the 1942 Lake Elsinore map. The
16
region is composed of scattered rural development with a higher concentration in the urban core
of Elsinore. The road system through the area continues to expand with both new and improved
roads /streets. An inspection of the study area continues to show a pattern of dirt roads
connecting the various hilltops over the entire, 258 +acre Delaney Ranch property. However,
unlike the previous map, this one clearly shows the location of the main house and pool (labeled
"swimming pool ").
The 1972 Riverside County Flood Control and Water Conservation map for Section 5,
Township 6 South, Range 4 West is the best and most informative of all the maps. The 200 -
scale map, clearly delineates the specific locations of the various buildings and structures that
were spread out across the entire 258 -acre Delaney Ranch property (fig. 4). For accuracy, Ms.
White consulted with Mr. Reed Webb (son of Servco Ranches partner, E. Ray Webb) for the
labeling of each building /structure location. As a comparison today, one can see the livestock
area was situated quite a distance to the east of the house (in recently quarried canyon, figure 5).
Flies must have been one consideration. In any event, the map is also important as it shows the
site of the former ranch caretaker's house (at the base of hill).
VIII. PROPERTY HISTORY
Research on the history of the subject property was conducted at the County of Riverside
Robert J. Fitch Archives in Moreno Valley and the adjacent Riverside County Assessor- Clerk-
Recorder office. Specific data procured from these County facilities included: 1) Property
ownership entries from 1920 -1970 Lot Books, 2) Grantee- Grantor records, and 3) pertinent
deeds. In addition, the history sections of the Riverside Public Library (main library) and the
Lake Elsinore Branch Library were examined. Specific sources consulted included literary
works by Tom Hudson (Lake Elairzor °e Valley, ils story 1776 -1977 [1978]) and Elizabeth C.
.Tames (Elsinore Hislory Vignettes [1973]). The Elsinore Leader -Press newspaper was also
inspected (in microfilm format) for the years 1928 -1932 as was the Index to the collection of
Tom Patterson's "Out of the County's Past" column from the Press- Enlerlirise (dated 1978-
1996). Other news /history magazines (The High Country and La Laguna Revue) were also
consulted.
17
J
Figure 4. 1972 Riverside County Flood Control and Water Conservation Map of Section 5, Township 6
South, Range 4 West showing locations of various buildings and structures located within the Delaney
Ranch complex (200 -scale map).
18
I�
Figure 4. 1972 Riverside County Flood Control and Water Conservation Map of Section 5, Township 6
South, Range 4 West showing locations of various buildings and structures located within the Delaney
Ranch complex (200 -scale map).
18
Figure 5. Recent aerial showing former locations of ranch building and structures.
19
Supplemental information was drawn from city directories and online databases (U.S.
Federal Census records, California Voter Registration (1900- 1968), California Death Index from
1940 -1997, the Social Security Death Index) accessed through Ancesty.com. Lastly, valuable
information was obtained through interviews with relatives of the previous ranch owners. These
included Mr. H. Reed Webb, Mr. Jon Westerlund, and Mr. Roy J. Horton.
A. Compilation of Parcels by the Hahn FamiLy
Unlike most properties within Riverside County, no early tract maps were found for the
study area. However, as previously indicated in the land patent section of the report (Section
VI), after forming a part of the Rancho La Laguna, the Southern Pacific Land Company was
granted portions of Section 5. During the 1920s, the Elsinore (now Lake Elsinore) area was
becoming a popular vacation destination primarily due to its recreational lake and mineral baths.
Consequently, families came looking to buy investment property.
In 1923, John Hahn of Los Angeles purchased Government Lots 3 (26.90 ac.) and Lot 4
(26.11 ac.) in the eastern foothills of Section 5 overlooking the lake from the railroad. Within a
few short years, he had acquired an additional 205+ acres of contiguous property (see Table 1).
According to the 1910 U.S. Federal Census, John Hahn was born in Germany in 1870 and
immigrated to the United States in 1895. California Voter Registration (1900 -1968) for Los
Angeles County indicated that Mr. Hahn was trained as an Engineer. He and his wife, Johanne
(also from Germany and a dressmaker) resided at 1338 E. 56`' Street in Los Angeles.
However, just as fast as the Halms acquired parcels, they were selling them. This began
with Mr. Hahn selling off Government Lots 3 and 4 in 1926. Subsequently, Mrs. Hahn was
forced to sell the remaining acreage (200+ acres) following her husband's death. This property
was also conveyed to A.J. Delaney of Long Beach.
B. A.J. Delaney and the 258 -1- Acre Elsinore Ranch
Arthur Joy Delaney was a native of West Virginia. He was born in the community of
Wetzel in 1883 and was the eldest of three children born to Wesley and Mary Criswell Delaney
(1900 U.S. Census). Presumably, Arthur received an education in West Virginia as he remained
there at least to the age of 17 (ibid.). Subsequently, he married Golda Pearl Long of Pine Grove,
West Virginia. The couple ventured west to southern California circa 1905. The 1910 U.S.
20
Census indicated that they were living on Gilmore Lane in Cahuenga, Los Angeles County with
their first child, Norma Delaney and Arthur was a manager of an oil company. His 1917 -1918
Draft Registration Card indicates that he was a resident of Montebello and was employed as an
oil worker for Petroleum Industry Company of Los Angeles.
Table 1. Property ownership records from 1923 -1929
Date
Lot /Parcel
Book /Page
Owners
Land Buildings Acreage
" 2
17/23
John Hahn
- -- - - --
Value Value
1923 -25
3
17/24
John Hahn
- -- - - -- 26.90ac
"
4
17/24
John Hahn
- -- - - -- 26.11 ac.
1926 -29
3
17/23
A. J. Delaney
- -- - - -- 26.90ac
"
4
17/23
A. J. Delaney
- -- - - -- 26.1 lac
1926 -27 1
17/23
John Hahn
- -- - - --
28.43ac.
" 2
17/23
John Hahn
- -- - - --
27.66ac.
5
17/23
John Hahn
- -- - - --
29.76ac.
" S1 /2NE1/4
17/23
John Hahn
- -- - - --
80,00ac.
" SEl /4NW1/4
17/23
John Hahn
- -- - - --
40.00ac.
1928 -29 1
17/23
Johanne Hahn
80 - - --
28.43ae.
" 2
17/23
Johanne Hahn
40 - - --
27.66ac.
" 5
17/23
Johanne Hahn
450 - - --
29.76ac.
" S1 /2NE1 /4
17/23
Johanne Hahn
240 - - --
80.00ac.
" SEl /4NW1 /4
17/23
Johanne Hahn
120 - - --
40.00ae.
By 1920, the Delaney family was complete with four children (Norma, Louis, Doris, and
Patricia). Arthur met continued success in the oil business and the Delaneys moved to Long
Beach (Cherry Avenue and then Atlantic Avenue). In the early 1920s, Perry Vandervort was
partners with Arthur in the oil refinery business on Signal Hill (Independent Press - Telegram
1960). On November 10, 1926, the Delaney Petroleum Corporation was incorporated with a
registered address of 695 East 27`h Street, Room 5, Long Beach (California Secretary of State
2013a). City directories indicate that A.J. Delaney was president of the corporation with J.R.
Covington serving as secretary and treasurer.
By 1930, Mr. A.J. Delaney had purchased all 258.86 acres from the Hahn family which
included: Government Lot 1 (28.43 ac.), Lot 2 (27.66 ac.), Lot 3 (26.90 ac.), Lot 4 (26.11 ac.)
Lot 5 (29.76 ac.), the Southeast 1/4 of the Northwest 1/4 (40 acres), and the South 1/2 of the
Northeast 1/4 (80 ac.) of Section 5, Township 6 South, Range 4 West, SBBM (Table 2). It is
21
believed that Mr. Delaney was the property owner who had the entire property professionally
fenced. Most likely it was erected prior to the construction of the main house.
According to County records, there is no building activity noted between 1930 -1934
within the Southeast 1/4 of the Northwest 1/4 where the ranch house is located. The first time a
building value appears is in 1935 with a value of $480. Between 1936 -1938, this is followed by
a value of $11530. Therefore, it is believed that that although A.J. Delaney owned the property
in 1930, the ranch house was not under construction until five years later in 1935 (see table).
This information was confirmed with Mr. James Hofer, Archives Manager of the Robert J. Fitch
Archives (see Table 2).
Table 2. Property ownership records from 1930 -1946.
Date
Lot /Parcel
Book /Pape
Owners
Land
Buildings
Acreage
Value
Value
1930 -31
1
17/23
A.J. Delaney
80
- - --
28.43ac.
"
2
17/23
A.J. Delaney
40
- - --
27.66ac.
"
3
17/23
A.J. Delaney
130
390
26.90ac.
"
4
17/23
A.J. Delaney
130
6000
26.11 ac.
"
5
17/23
A.J. Delaney
600
1600
29.76ac.
"
Sl /2NE1 /4
17/23
A.J. Delaney
240
- - --
80.00ac.
"
SEl /4NW1 /4
17/23
A.J. Delaney
240
- - --
40.00ac.
1932 -35
1
17/23
A.J. Delaney
105
- - --
28.43ac.
"
2
17/23
A.J. Delaney
255
- - --
27.66ac.
"
3
17/23
A.J. Delaney
180
1725
26.90ac.
"
4
17/23
A.J. Delaney
180
8925
26.11 ac.
"
5
17/23
A.J. Delaney
810
2175
29.76ae.
"
SI /2NE1/4
17/23
A.J. Delaney
165
- - --
80.00ac.
"
SEI /4NW1/4
17/23
A.J. Delaney
330
480*
40.00ac
1936 -46
1
17/23
Delaney Petroleum Corp.
100
- - --
28.43ac.
"
2
17/23
Delaney Petroleum Corp.
250
- - --
27.66ac.
"
3
17/23
Delaney Petroleum Corp.
180
2120
26.90ac.
"
4
17/23
Delaney Petroleum Corp.
180
- - --
26.11 ac.
"
5
17/23
Delaney Petroleum Corp.
810
2200
29.76ae.
"
S1 /2NE1 /4
17/23
Delaney Petroleum Corp.
160
810
80.00ac.
"
SE1 /4NW 1/4
17/23
Delaney Petroleum Corp.
330
11530*
40.00ac.
* building values indicating presence of ranch house
22
Arthur Joy Delaney died in Torrance in November of 1955. His son, Louis A. `Bud"
Delaney followed on in his father's footsteps and was both Vice President of the Delaney
Petroleum Corporation and Secretary /Treasurer of Halo Oil Producers, Inc. in Long Beach
(Independent Press - Telegram 1958).
According to Roy Horton, the Elsinore ranch property was used as a second home or
summer house for the Delaney family. Although Arthur Delaney's wife thought it was too
rustic, Roy's mother loved the ranch (Horton 2013:pers.comm.). After all, it was where Roy's
mother Patricia Joy Delaney (youngest daughter of Arthur and Golda Delaney) met his father
Wesley R. Horton. Patricia or "Patsy" would often ride the ranch horses down to Elsinore High
School and watch Wesley during football practice. They soon became sweethearts. Wesley was
18 and Patsy was 15 (Horton 2013:pers. comet.).
After graduating from Elsinore High School, Arthur Delaney gave Wesley ajob as an oil
worker in the Delaney oil fields. This was while Patsy was finishing her education at
Polytechnic High School in Long Beach. Roy said that his mother had her own driver that would
take her to and from high school every day. Eventually, Wesley Horton tired of the oil business
and announced that he wanted to become a mortician. This news did not go over well with
Patsy's family. According to Roy, there was "no way Arthur Delaney's youngest daughter was
going to marry a mortician." (ibid.). Instead, Wesley was encouraged to try banking and started
out as an Assistant Cashier at Farmers & Merchants Bank in Long Beach. This led him to
pursue a career in banking where he became Vice President and Manager of the Farmers &
Merchants Bank. Wesley R. Horton died in 2011 followed by Patricia Delaney Horton in April
of 2013. Both are buried in the Elsinore Valley Cemetery in Lake Elsinore (Long Beach Press -
Telegram 2013).
C. The Frew
In 1947, the Delaney Petroleum Corporation sold Government Lot 1 (28.43 ac.), Lot 2
(27.66 ac.), Lot 3 (26.90 ac.), Lot 4 (26.11 ac.) Lot 5 (29.76 ac.), the Southeast 1/4 of the
Northwest 1/4 (40 acres), and the South 1/2 of the Northeast 1/4 (80 ac.) of Section 5, Township
6 South, Range 4 West, SBBM to Carl C. Frey and his wife Blanche A. Frey. The couple only
owned the property for two years (1947 - 1948). U.S. City Directories for the South Pasadena
area indicated that Carl Frey was a Designer between 1938 -1940. The 1940 U.S. Federal Census
23
listed Carl as "Head Designer." In 1946 they moved to Burbank and by 1952 they were living in
Phoenix, Arizona. It is believed that Carl Clarence Frey died in Butte County in October of 1959
(California Death Index, 1940- 1997). His widow, Blanche continued to live in Chico, Butte
County, California until her death
D. Carter and Green
For the years 1949 -1951, the property owners of Government Lot 1 (28.43 ac.), Lot 2
(27.66 ac.), Lot 3 (26.90 ac.), Lot 4 (26.11 ac.) Lot 5 (29.76 ac.), the Southeast 1/4 of the
Northwest 1/4 (40 acres), and the South 1/2 of the Northeast 1/4 (80 ac.) of Section 5, Township
6 South, Range 4 West, SBBM were Richard A. Carter and Roy C. Green. Unfortunately, no
real information about the partners could be found. The only reference to Roy C. Green was a
1947 Santa Ana City Directory. Listed under the Spouse category is the name "G.G. Sanitarium
Green."
E. The Atkinson Family
For one brief year (1952) George E. Atkinson, Jr. and his wife Alice were the listed
property owners of Government Lot 1 (28.43 ac.), Lot 2 (27.66 ac.), Lot 3 (26.90 ac.), Lot 4
(26.11 ac.) Lot 5 (29.76 ac.), the Southeast 1/4 of the Northwest 1/4 (40 acres), and the South 1/2
of the Northeast 1/4 (80 ac.) of Section 5, Township 6 South, Range 4 West, SBBM. The 1951
City Directory for Long Beach indicated that Mr. Atkinson was an attorney residing on
California Avenue. Sometime in the early 1990s, the family moved to Paramount. In an
interview with Mr. Reed Webb, he stated that he was familiar with the Long Beach attorney's
name (Webb 2013:pers. comm.).
F. Partnership of Webb, Westerlund, Mahan and Van Note /Serveo
Between 1947 -1948, a company known as Serveo of Long Beach was formed by four
partners: E. Ray Webb, Paul Westerlund, Raymond Mahan, and Charles O. Van Note. Each
individual brought their expertise to the partnership. Mr. Westerlund was an Attorney, E. Ray
Webb was a Mechanical Engineer, Mr. Malian had a Ph.D. in Chemistry, and Mr. Van Note was
a Petroleum Engineer.
24
The four partners developed a specialized drilling collar for the petroleum industry
fashioned from an alloy of nickel, copper and aluminum known as K Monel. This nonmagnetic
alloy was age- hardenable and could be heat- treated after finishing to produce a material that was
both corrosion- resistant and extra strong. It was useful to the oil industry in that it could be used
as a drilling collar that housed instruments necessary for directional drilling. The drill collar was
patented by The Servco Company (Patent number 3476415 was patented on November 4, 1969;
Charles O. Van Note - Inventor). It was an expensive item that was leased to drilling companies.
Servco was eventually purchased by Smith International in 1968 (Webb 2013:pers. comm.).
In the early 1950s, the Servco partners (dba Servco Ranches) were looking for investment
property in Arizona but settled on Elsinore in Riverside County. The lake was completely dry at
that time and as a result property was quite cheap. According to Mr. Webb, the property was
purchased from the "Rockwood School For Boys" (ibid.). However, a review of the Grant Deed
clearly indicates that in 1953, the 258 -acre property comprising Government Lot 1 (28.43 ac.),
Lot 2 (27.66 ac.), Lot 3 (26.90 ac.), Lot 4 (26.11 ac.) Lot 5 (29.76 ac.). the Southeast 1/4 of the
Northwest 1/4 (40 acres), and the South 1/2 of the Northeast 1/4 (80 ac.) of Section 5, Township
6 South, Range 4 West, SBBM was transferred directly to the partners from the Atkinsons. No
reference to the Boys School could be found.
In 1955 the partners formed The Servco Foundation, a domestic nonprofit corporation
(California Secretary of State 2013b). Three years later, they carved out the 2.92 -acre parcel that
appears today and what is referred as the study area. The legal description is `Beginning 417.18'
NE of SW corner of SE' /4 ofNW ' /a, the NW 82', NE 73', NE 603.11', SE 170.52', SW 745.36',
NW 98'to Point of Beginning (POB). Land value in 1959 for this parcel was $100 while it had
an improvement/building value of $21,930.
G. The YMCA and Subsequent Owners
On April 3, 1973, The Servco Foundation and surviving relatives of the Webb,
Westerlund, Mahan, and Van Note families conveyed all of the Elsinore property (258 acres) as
a "gift" to the Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) of Greater Long Beach (Document 4
42031). Mr. Clyde L. Bronn served as manager for the YMCA. There are approximately nine
other separate deeds (one per surviving relative) on file for the transfer.
25
Within a year of receiving the ranch from The Servco Foundation, the YMCA conveyed
the property to the Mobil Oil Corporation. Some of the latter owners included Leroy and Vera
Baughman of Sun City (1978), Missing Link Investor 11, a limited partnership of Lake Elsinore
(1981), and Spyglass Ranch, LLC of Newport Beach (2004).
IX. THE DELANEY RANCH COMPLEX
When Arthur J. Delaney owned the property there were at the very least horses and
milking cows on the ranch. They were stabled quite a distance to the cast of the ranch house
complex. However, livestock totals grew substantially when the Servco partners acquired the
property. According to Reed Webb, there were many horses, about 20 pigs, 14 sheep, 100 -200
turkeys, 2,000 chickens and several peacocks (Webb 2013:pers. conml.).
It is not known if Delaney had a ranch caretaker but it would be fair to assume so. It is
known that from the early 1950s to the early 1970s, that the Servco partners employed two
caretakers. The caretaker's house was located below the large ranch house at the base of the hill
(fig. 4). This structure is believed to have been demolished in the early 1980s as a result of new
highway construction. Nothing is known about the origin of the house other than it may have
predated the Delaney's ranch house.
Initially, Mr. Al Yorba and his wife Edith? served as the ranch caretakers in the early to
mid 1950s. Apparently, Mr. Yorba was quite the rancher and came highly recommended (ibid.).
In addition to the numerous animals, there was also a lot of planting and watering to be done.
The 1958 -1959 Riverside County Directory indicated that a second caretaker, Mr. Winfield Scott
Brownell (aka Winfield Hastings) and his wife Joy were managers of Servco Ranch. The
Brownells remained the ranch caretakers through 1973 when the Servco Foundation donated the
ranch to the YMCA. In addition to the Webb, Westerlund, Mahan, and Van Note families, the
ranch was enjoyed by members of the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Church Youth Groups, and the
American Field Service (AFS) as the ranch house had several rooms described as dormitories.
X. FIELD SURVEY
A field survey of the project site for historic resources took at intervals during June and
July, 2013. Field personnel included Laura S. White, M.A. and Robert S. White. The intensive
survey was conducted by thoroughly examining the built environment within the subject 2.92-
26
acre parcel. This included an examination of the existing ranch house at 523 W. Minthorn
Street, nearby pool house, swimming pool, and `lookout tower ". Field notes and photographs
were taken of all standing buildings and structures located within APN 377 - 350 -004. Outside
the parcel, locations of former ranch buildings and structures were briefly inspected using the
200 -scale Riverside County Flood Control and Water Conservation map of Section 5 as a guide.
XI. BUILDING RECORDS FOR THE STUDY AREA
Building records for the study area were procured from Mr. Michael Sprang, Senior
Appraiser, Agricultural Division, with the Riverside County Assessor - Clerk- Recorder. Initial
comity appraisal records for the property date to 1967. At this time, the effective year or date of
construction for the residence was listed as 1930. The building description indicates that the
residence measures 3816 sq. ft. and comprises 4 bedrooms, 2 dormitories, and 3 baths. Other
rooms include a living room, dining room, sunroom (solarium), kitchen, utility room, and 2 entry
halls. The appraiser noted the following:
...Excellent plaster work throughout house. Walls constructed of
hollow tile. Stuccoed exterior with 2 x 4 framework on interior
with lath and plaster. Creates very thick walls (Riverside County
Assessor 1967).
Other buildings recorded under the heading "Miscellaneous Structures" included: 1) a swimming
pool and reservoir (cistern), 2) pool house, and 3) "Lookout tower."
XII. PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION OF 523 W. MINTHORN STREET COMPLEX
A. Ranch House
Originally, this single -story ranch house was U- shaped in plan with covered porches and
a central courtyard (plates I -111). As originally conceived, the architectural style of the house is
best described as Spanish Eclectic as the fagade was symmetrical rather than asymmetrical as
found in the Spanish Revival style. Many of the same architectural elements such as low - pitched
roofs clad in red tile, stucco covered walls, and arched entries are shared by Spanish Eclectic,
Spanish Revival and Mission Revival.
27
Today, the building is very irregular in plan as several additions such as dormitories and
guest rooms have been added over the years. The classic low- pitched gable roof is clad with a
double Layer of red clay tiles. Minimal, overhanging eaves have rounded rafter tails and attic
vents consist of the cell or concavity portion of hollow tiles. Shed roof porches with open beam
ceilings front the courtyard and are covered with red clay tile. Porch roof supports comprise
stucco pillars that are also likely constructed of hollow tile (plate V:top). The porch walkways
comprise large, rectangular clay tiles. In addition to a semi- circular arched opening, there were
three large, thick and heavy solid wood doors in the inner patio area. Outside, there were two
paneled doors for the solarium and kitchen (Webb 2013:pers. comm.). Fenestration consists of
square, metal -framed two- over -two double hung sashes. An interior chimney which
accommodated two, back to back hearths is located midway along the southwest portion of the
residence. The chimney is clad in stucco and has three terra cotta flue extensions (plate Ill).
Attached to the west end of the main house is a large, shed roof addition that extends
outward over the slope. It comprises a sun room or solarium and balcony (plate IV:bottom).
The specific date of construction of the addition is not known. However, it was there in 1953
when the Servco partners purchased the property. The dead space below the solarium was
converted into a "smoke room" where meat was preserved and another area for curing cheese
(Westerlund 2013:pers. comm., Webb 2013:pers. comm.). Originally, there were two garages
separated by a carport. The closest one to the courtyard was later converted into a large
dormitory sometime in the mid 1950s by the Serveo partners (plate ll:bottom). In addition, the
milk room attached to the back of the kitchen was turned into guest quarters (plate IV).
The house and all of the subsequent additions with exception of the sun room are
constructed upon concrete slabs. All original exterior walls and some interior, are constructed
from 12" x 12" x 8" hollow tile (plate VI and plate Vll:top). Each tile has 6 concavities or cells
that measure 2'/4" x 3 ". Tiles are stamped "Alberhill Loadbearing LAB Co." As indicated,
these particular hollow tiles were manufactured locally by the LA Brick Co. in Alberhill (Plate
VII).
Briefly, hollow building tiles were commonly used for building construction during the
first quarter of the 20`" century. Since stucco was usually the exterior covering, Mission and
Mediterranean revival styles are some of the most common types of homes built with the blocks
(Kibbe) 2004). In November of 1915, plans were drawn for a new firebrick plant in Alberhill.
28
These plans also included hollow -tile dwellings for the workers and a townsite. Construction of
the plant began in August of 1916 and two months later, Plant Number 4 of the Los Angeles
Pressed Brick Company was completed. Harvey Gardner was the plant superintendent, R.S.
Stone, assistant superintendent (Mosier 2010).
Overall, the ranch house complex is in poor condition. Only sporadically occupied over
the last 25- years, the ravages of time and vandalism including various interior and exterior
demolitions and unfinished modifications have taken their toll on the building. Today, the
integrity of the ranch house is tenuous at best and has reached a point where it appears to be
impractical to restore.
B. Pool House
Located on the hilltop to the northeast of the ranch house is the Pool House (Plate Vlll).
This northwest- southeast oriented building is rectangular in plan and lies just southwest of the
swimming pool. It rests on a concrete slab and is constructed of H- pattern cement blocks (12" x
12" x 3 1/2 ") with two horizontal cavities (plate VII:bottom) that are coated with thick plaster.
The building has a low- pitched gable roof that is planked and covered with clay tiles (many of
which are missing or broken). Eaves have exposed rafter tails and fenestration comprises
rectangular openings with either modern double hung sashes orjust window screen. Fronting the
pool is a series of five private changing rooms (two that included plumbing for toilets).
Entrances to these rooms are sheltered by a covered patio supported by a series of four,
elliptically- shaped arches. The structure is in very poor condition (plate Vlll).
C. Swimming Pool
The concrete pool is rectangular in shape and oriented northeast- southwest. It has inside
dimensions of 30' x 90' which are nowhere close to those of an Olympic size pool (82' x 164')
as previously recorded (Meredith 1982). For safety reasons, the pool has been filled in with soil
and appears to have been this way for decades. Located at the northeast end of the pool is a
redwood plank diving board on concrete pedestals (plate IX). Based upon its presence, this end
of the pool most likely had a depth of at least 8 feet. According to Mr. Webb:
29
...If we kept the pinup running, the cistern would overflow into a
4 -inch pipe that extended over the swimming pool and this was
used to fill the huge 30' x 90' pool. 'file pool was used then as a
reservoir for all of the very extensive landscape irrigation around
the house and over to the livestock area in the middle of the ranch.
It was always a favorite to float under the overflow spout with
water tumbling at least ten or twelve feet down into the pool. I can
remember being told that it was expensive to fill the pool because
of the power used and the cost of the water that could get algae
buildup if left unattended for too long." (Webb 2013:pers. connu.).
D. The "Lookout" and Cistern
A 12' x 12' structure is located upslope just northwest of the swimming pool. From this
vantage point, one could sit and enjoy the spectacular view of Lake Elsinore (ibid.). The top half
of the structure includes an elevated platform with tile floor and open beam construction. The
gabled roof is fashioned ft-om 1" x 6" tongue- and - groove and covered with clay tiles. It is
supported by four stucco clad pillars.
The lower half of the structure is concrete and houses the cistern (plate X). Access to the
water feature is from a square hatch centrally located at the rear of the structure. From below the
access hatch sill, the cistern is 8 feet deep. Water for the cistern was pumped uphill from a large
electric pump located at the base of the hill below the main house in the vicinity of the
Caretaker's house. Water was then piped down to the house for domestic use (Webb 2013:pers.
comet.).
XIII. CRITERIA FOR DETERMINATIONS OF ELIGIBILITY
The Delaney Ranch House situated at 523 W. Minthorn Street (Primary 4 33 -7228) was
first evaluated for historical /architectural significance in 1982 by the Riverside County Historical
Commission. At that time, the residence was said to be of adobe construction and represent "one
of the best examples of Mediterranean /Spanish style homes built in the late 1920s building
boom. Its gazebo, cabana, and Olympic -size swimming pool make it unique in the Lake Elsinore
Valley" (Meredith 1982). Consequently, the complex was assigned a California Historical
Resource Status Code of 3S "Appears eligible for NR as an individual property through survey
evaluation." However, this high status code (the lower the number the higher or more significant
the status code) is the result of some misinformation.
30
The residence was re- visited by JMA in 2013 at which time it was re- evaluated for
significance under two separate legislative sources: 1) the National Historic Preservation Act of
1966 (NHPA), which includes criteria for eligibility to the National Register of Historic Places
(NRHP), and 2) the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) which includes criteria for
California Register of Historical Resources (CRHR) eligibility.
A National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) Evaluation
In order for an historic resource to be significant pursuant to Federal law, it must be
eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). Generally, listing in the
NRHP requires that a building or structure be at least 50 years old and that it possess "The
quality of significance in American history, architecture, archaeology, engineering, and culture ...
present in districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects that possess integrity of location,
design, setting, material, workmanship, feeling, and association ..." and
(A) That are associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the
broad patterns of our history or
(B) That are associated with the lives of persons significant in our past; or
(C) That embody the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, or method of
construction, or that represent the work of a master, or that possess high artistic
values, or that represent a significant and distinguishable entity whose
components may lack individual distinction; or
(D) That have yielded, or may be likely to yield, information important in prehistory
or history."
B California Register of Historical Resources (CRHR) Evaluation
According to California law, only significant historic resources require consideration
beyond the identification stage in the environmental review process. Significant historical
resources "are resources which are listed in the California Register of Historical Resources
(CRHR: Ca. Code of Regs. §15064.5). In addition, "Any object, building, structure, site, area,
place, record, or manuscript which a lead agency determines to be historically significant or
significant in the architectural, engineering, scientific, economic, agricultural, educational,
social, political, military, or cultural annals of California may be considered to be an historical
31
resource" ... if the resource meets the criteria for listing in the CRHR. An eligible resource is one
which:
(A) It is associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad
patterns of local or regional history, or the cultural heritage of California or the
United States.
(B) It is associated with the lives of persons important to local, California, or national
history;
(C) It embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, region, or method of
construction, or represents the work of a master or possesses high artistic values;
or
(D) It has yielded, or has the potential to yield, information important to the prehistory
or history of the local area, California, or the nation.
XIV. DETERMINATIONS OF ELIGIBILITY
A. NRHP and CRHR
Criterion A
Fairly extensive research has indicated that the Delaney Ranch House and associated
structures are not associated with any event important in the regional history of California or the
United States. Consequently, the residence does not appear eligible for listing in either the
NRHP or the CRHR under Criterion A.
Criterion B
The ranch house complex was constructed by Arthur Delaney, a successful oil man from
Long Beach. However, many individuals in the Lake Elsinore were of the opinion that Olympic
swimmer and Hollywood actor Johnny Weissmuller had a direct connection to the ranch.
Extensive background research and interviews with the descendents of previous owners have
shown this to be patently false. Weismuller did not build the house let alone own the property.
Insofar as anyone can recall, he never rented or leased the house. That is not to say that lie may
have been invited for a visit but no one interviewed ever recalled Weissmuller stepping foot on
the property. Consequently, research has failed to identify any person connected to the Delaney
32
Ranch House considered to be important to National or California history. Therefore, the
residence does not appear eligible for listing in the NRHP or CRHR under Criterion B
Criterion C
Research has indicated that construction of the Delaney Ranch House did not begin until
1935. No architect has been identified with the undertaking. Although the style of the complex
is Spanish Eclectic, the classic `U' shape of the Californio Rancho has been significantly
adulterated to where it is almost unrecognizable. Today, the complex is fundamentally a series
of box additions to the original core designed to increase useable living space with complete
disregard to architectural continuity.
When first recorded in 1982, the residence was thought to be of adobe construction
(Meredith 1982). But in actuality, it is built of hollow tiles covered with thick plaster or stucco.
The use of load bearing hollow tiles for the exterior and some interior walls does not appear to be
unique in house construction for the period as the Alberhill LA Brick Co. manufactured a great
deal of them for the local and national markets. Unfortunately, they suffer from the same
seismic instability problems found in all unreinforced masonry construction.
The loss of architectural integrity through haphazard additions and modifications coupled
with a significantly deteriorated physical state, have resulted in reducing the house to little more
than a curiosity. For these reasons, the Delaney Ranch House does not appear eligible for the
NRHP or CRHR under Criterion C.
Criterion D
Criterion D is generally reserved for prehistoric and historic archaeological sites whose
further study could yield additional important data. As the Delaney Ranch House is not
archaeological in nature, it does not appear eligible for listing in the NRHP or CRHR under
Criterion D.
XV. RECOMMENDATIONS
As presently proposed, the Delaney Ranch House and associated structures are slated for
demolition. However, since none of the buildings or swimming pool are considered
architecturally or historically significant at the federal and state levels, there will be no adverse
33
impacts to historic resources. Therefore, no additional measures in conjunction with cultural
resources are recommended for the Delaney Ranch House, Pool House, Pool or Lookout.
34
REFERENCES CITED
ATKINS, RUTH
2013 Personal communications. President of the Lake Elsinore Historical Society.
BYNON, A.A. & SON
1992 History and Directory of Riverside County 1893 -4. Centennial reprint by the
Historical Commission Press (1st printing 1894). Riverside.
CALIFORNIA SECRETARY OF STATE (DEBRA BOWDEN)
2013a Delaney Petroleum Corporation. Business Entity Detail.
2013b The Servco Foundation. Business Entity Detail.
CORRAL, JEAN
2013 Personal communication. Lake Elsinore resident (since 1964), historian and
author.
ELSINORE. LEADER PRESS
Roll G (January 1928 — August 23, 1928, Roll H (August 30- 1928 - December 25,
1930, and Roll 1 (January 1, 1931 - August 1, 1932) on file with the Lake Elsinore
Branch Library.
GHIOTTO, GENE
2011 "Lake Elsinore: Citys pioneers were the first to Dream Extreme." Press
Enterprise, Local News, August 15, 2011.
GUNTHER. JANE DAVIES
1984 Riverside County Place Nantes, their Origins & their .Stories. Rubidoux Printing
Company. Riverside.
HORTON, ROY JAMES
2013 Personal communication. Grandson to A.J. Delaney and son to Patricia Joy
Delaney Horton.
HUDSON, TOM
1988 Lake Elsinore Valley: its story 1776 -1977. City of Lake Elsinore Centennial (2nd
printing). Lake Elsinore.
INDEPENDENT PRESS - TELEGRAM
1960 "When the Brown Derby Was a Hat." News Section. May 1, 1960. Long Beach.
JAMES, ELIZABETH C.
1973 Elsinore History Vignettes. Inland California Publishing Company.
35
KIBBEL, BILL
2004 Historic Buildings - Structural Terra Cotta. http: / /historiebldgs .coin/terra_cotta.htin
LA LAGUNA REVUE. Monthly news magazine. Mayhill Press. Lake Elsinore.
LONG BEACH PRESS - TELEGRAM
2013 Obituary for Patricia Joy Delaney Horton. April 17, 2013.
MOSIER, DAN
2010 California Bricks. Los Angeles Pressed Brick Company, Alberhill.
THE HIGH COUNTRY. Quarterly history magazine. Published by Cox, Hicks, Hudson, and
Love, Tom Hudson, editor. Temecula.
VAN NOTE, CHARLES O.
1969 Patent US3476415. United States Patent Office.
WEBB,1 -I. REED
2013 Personal communication. Son of E.Ray Webb, Servco Ranch partner.
WESTERLUND, JON
2013 Personal communication. Son of Paul Westerlund, Serveo Ranch partner.
WILLIAMS, MICHAEL J.
2009 "Lake Elsinore: Brothers say they heard Elsinore Weissmuller stories. San Diego
Union Tribune. News section. August 9, 2009.
36
Plate I. Top: Northwesterly view of Delaney Ranch House from access road to the east.
Bottom: Southeasterly view of Delaney Ranch House from hilltop to the northwest.
37
Plate I1. Top: Southwesterly view of Delaney Ranch House from Pool House above.
Bottom: West facing view into courtyard showing damage.
38
Plate III. Top: 1981 photograph of courtyard looking southwest (Riverside Co. Historical Commission).
Bottom: Southwesterly view into courtyard as it appears today.
39
Plate IV. Top: 1981 photograph of milk room looking northwest (Riverside Co. Historical Commission).
Bottom: Northwesterly view of converted milk room into guest room.
40
Plate V. Top: Looking northeast through covered porch toward arched entry on courtyard.
Bottom: Northwesterly view of original garage and carport.
41
Plate VI. Top: Northwesterly view of a cross- section of hollow tile from the demolished courtyard wall.
Bottom: Close -up of intact ALBERHILL LOADBEARING LAB CO hollow block building tiles.
42
Plate VII. Top: Stamp of the Alberhill LA Brick Co. impressed into the hollow block building tile.
Bottom: Close -up of concrete `H' blocks used in the construction of Pool House.
43
Plate VIII. Top: Southwesterly view of Pool House and back -filled swimming pool.
Bottom: Southeasterly view of deteriorated Pool House roof.
44
Plate IX. Top: Northeasterly view of back -filled pool from Pool House.
Bottom: Easterly view of deteriorated diving board at the northeast end of Pool.
45
Plate X. Top: 1981 photograph depicting Lookout, Pool, and Pool House (Riverside Co. Historical
Commission). Bottom: Close -up of Lookout over cistern looking northwest as it appears today.
46
APPENDIX A: PERSONNEL QUALIFICATIONS
ARCHAEOLOGICAL ASSOCIATES
ARCHITECTURAL ITISTORY
PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS
DAVID M. VAN HORN, PH.D.
Education
B.A. in Art History (1969) University of California at Santa Barbara (with honors). Studies
included classical, medieval, renaissance, Spanish, and modern
architecture. Independent study with Prof. David Gebhard, noted
southern California architectural historian.
Ph.D. in Classical University of Pennsylvania. Bronze Age to Hellenistic classical
Archaeology (1976) architecture. Studied Athenian topography (urban growth and
architectural development) with Prof. Rodney S. Young, noted
classical architectural historian.
Professional Historic/Architectural Afrlintians
Member, Register of Professional Historians (2006 - present)
Architcetural/Historieal Experience
As a professional cultural resource management consultant since 1977, Dr. Van Horn has
researched, evaluated and reported on literally hundreds of architectural and historical properties.
These have included buildings of all dates, from 19 °i century adobe ruins to modern Los Angeles
residences; and structures of all types, consisting of canals, bridges, resorts, schools, community
facilities, commercial buildings and industrial plants. This research has been conducted for various
types of projects including bridge construction, surface and subway transit facilities, and road
improvement projects.
The following selected projects are intended to illustrate Dr. Van Horn's experience with
architectural history and historic archaeology.
P.O. Box 180 Sun City, CA 92586'rel (909) 244 -1783 Fax (909) 244 -0084
ARCHITECTURAL/HISTORICAL EVALUATION EXPERIENCE
NABS /HAER Projects
* Replica House, Pomona College, Claremont, Los Angeles County (2012). Project included
a Historic American Buildings Survey (NABS) and Historic American Engineering Record (HAER)
for the campus building known as Replica House (1938). The project entailed an extensive
architectural assessment, hand- measured scale drawings, detailed history and archival photographs
(large and medium format). Lead agency - Facilities Management, Pomona College.
* West Adobe, City of La Quinta, County of Riverside (2010- 2012)..- Project- includes an
Historic American Buildings Survey (NABS) and Historic American Engineering Record (HAER)
for the West Adobe (1926). The undertaking entails an extensive architectural assessment of the
adobe, hand measured scale drawings, detailed family history and archival photographs (large and
medium format). Lead agency -City of La Quinta.
* Kraemer House, City of Placentia, County of Orange (2003- 2004). Undertaking
comprised an Historic American Buildings Survey (NABS) and Historic American Engineering
Record (HAER) for the Gilbert Kraemer House (1920). The project entailed an extensive
architectural assessment of the estate house, hand - measured scale drawings, detailed family history
and archival photographs (large and medium format). Lead agency -City of Placentia.
* KEHE /KFl Radio Broadcast Studio Building, 141 N. Vermont Avenue, City of Los
Angeles, Los Angeles County (2002). The project included a HABS/HAER study of the National
Register eligible Radio Broadcast Studio Building (1936). The project entailed an extensive
architectural assessment of the facility, hand- measured scale drawings, archival photographs, as well
as a detailed history of Earle C. Anthony and radio station KFI. Lead agency- Los Angeles Unified
School District.
*Vega Building, East Los Angeles, Los Angeles County (1993). HABS/HAER recordation
of a three -story commercial building listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Lead
agency- Los Angeles Department of Public Works.
Section 106 Caltrans Projects
* Metrolink Parking Structure Project, City of San Bernardino, San Bernardino County
(2009). This parking structure project lies within Viaduct Park adjacent to the historic Atchison,
Topeka and Santa Fe Railway Passenger and Freight Depot. Seetion106 compliance included
HPSR, HRER, and FOE reports prepared for Caltrans District 8.
* Ranchero Road and BNSF Grade Separation Project, City of Hesperia, San Bernardino
County (2007). This road improvement project included Section 106 compliance for all residential
and commercial properties located along a 7700 -foot portion of roadway. HPSR and HAER
2
documents prepared for Caltrans District 8.
* Ramona Avenue Grade Separation Project, Montclair, San Bernardino County (2000).
Historic Properties Survey Report (HPSR). Section 106 compliance on 1/2 -mile street widening
program. City of Montclair and Cahrans District 8.
* Imperial hlighway- Orangethorpe /Esperanza Grade Separation Project, City of Yorba
Linda, Orange County (1999- 2000). Grade separation project for Imperial Highway over the BNSP
tracks and Orangethorpe Avenue /Esperanza Road. Undertaking comprised architectural/historical
analysis of all buildings and structures over 50 -years of age and determinations of eligibility for the
National Register of Historic Places and the California Register of Historical Resources. An
extensive field survey resulted in the discovery of a surviving portion of the 19`x' century Scully
Adobe, a component to the Don Bernardo Yorba Rancho complex. Consultation for the project was
through Caltrans District's 12 & 7 as well as Caltrans Headquarters in Sacramento. City of Yorba
Linda.
* Foothill Boulevard (Route 66) Improvement Project, Rancho Cucamonga, San Bernardino
County (1993). Historic Properties Survey Report (HPSR). Section 106 compliance on a 1.5 mile
street widening program. City of Rancho Cucamonga and Caltrans District 8.
* Turnbull Canyon Road Improvement, City of Industry, Los Angeles County (1992).
Historic Properties Survey Report (HPSR). Section 106 compliance on a 1.5 mile street widening
program. Los Angeles County of Public Works / Caltrans District 7.
Section 106 MuWeipal Projects
* TERI Project, San Marcos, County of San Diego (2003- 2008). Project entailed an initial
survey of the 20 -acre Merriam Ranch and subsequent determinations of eligibility for both the
National Register of Historic Places and the California Register of Historical Resources. A total of
six buildings and structures were assessed for this project including the 1889 Merriam Ranch House
"La Mesita ".
* Cultural Resources Assessment for the Cerritos College 2003 Master Plan, Norwalk, Los
Angeles County (2004). Tasks performed included a records search, history of the school and
surrounding region, biographical sketch of the architectural firm, architectural evaluations of seven
campus buildings for the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) and the California Register
of Historical Resources (CRI -IR), completion of historic building records (DPR 523 series forms),
and report.
* Spring Mountain Ranch, Highgrove, Riverside County (2002). Project entailed a focused
survey, history and subsequent determinations of eligibility for the Eureka and Vivienda Ranch
complexes. A total of six buildings and structures (early 20 °i century) were evaluated for both the
NRHP and CRHR. Several of the buildings were constructed by Ethan Allen Chase, noted early 20 "'
century citrus rancher in Riverside County.
* Tay Jackson Residence, 1325 S. Van Ness Avenue, City of Los Angeles (2002). Los
Angeles Unified School District and Chattel Architecture, Planning & Preservation, Inc. Conducted
determinations of eligibility for the National Register and the California Register of Historical
Resources for the residence of this important African- American journalist.
* Casa Ramona School, City of San Bernardino, San Bernardino County (1999).
Determinations of eligibility for the National Register of Historic Places and the California Register
of Historical Resources. Research on architecture of David Witmer, chief architect of the Pentagon
and noted early 20'x' century southern California school architect. City of San Bernardino.
* Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) Metro Red Line Mid -City
Project, Los Angeles (1996 - 1999). Historic and architectural evaluations of approximately 600
buildings and structures that lay above and adjacent to three alternative subway routes in the Mid -
City section of Los Angeles. Of the 600 buildings and structures within the project area,
approximately 450 required full historic and architectural evaluations in order to make
determinations of eligibility for the National Register of Historic Places. The project was conducted
in consultation with the State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO), Caltrans District 7, the Federal
Transit Authority, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and the MTA.
* Aquatics /Teen Center /Maintenance Facility /Parking Project, City of El Monte, Los
Angeles County (1999). Section 106 consultation intended to ascertain National Register Eligibility
of several structures prior to demolition. City of El Monte Department of Parks, Recreation and
Transportation and SHPO.
* Riverside Cement Oro Grande Facility, Victorville, San Bernardino County (1998).
Archaeological survey for prehistoric resources and determinations of eligibility for all historic
structures within the 150 -acre facility. Evaluation of architecture of 20th century industrial structures
and 19 °i century lime kilns. San Bernardino County Planning Department.
* Master Campus Development Plan of Claremont Graduate School, Claremont, Los
Angeles County (1993). Historic and architectural evaluations, and determinations of NRHP
eligibility of approximately 30 campus buildings. City of Claremont.
* Downtown Business District Specific Plan Area, City of La Puente, Los Angeles County
(1992). Historical reconstruction, architectural evaluations, and determinations ofNRHP eligibility
of six downtown city blocks. City of La Puente.
•
El Pueblo State Historic Park, Los Angeles County (1984). Compiled reconstructions
of all structures on several blocks of the El Pueblo District, the oldest part of Los
Angeles. The reconstructions, which were based upon archival research at many
southern California Institutions, were arranged in eras beginning with Los Angeles'
pueblo days and ending with the modern city. California Department of Parks and
Recreation.
4
Historic Archaeological Projects
* Mission San Juan Capistrano Zanja, City of San Juan Capistrano, County of Orange
(2002). Undertaking comprised initial identification, excavation, and documentation of the Mission
San Juan Capistrano's Trabuco aqueduct (early 19°i century). This buried feature was exhaustively
researched and documented by the excavation of certain sections of the aqueduct complete with
detailed drawings, photographs and narrative report.
* Buena Vista Coal Generating Plant and Coal Terminal (1990 - 1991). Directed a survey
and Phase II excavation program. Uncovered and evaluated a segment of the old North River
Navigation (canal). Research with Dr. W.E. Trout (Va. Canals & Navigations Society) and Mr.
Mike Barber (prehistory). Report on file with the Virginia Dept. of Historic Resources; reviewed
and accepted by the Virginia Marine Resources Commission and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
* Chapin Adobe, City of Indian Wells, Riverside County (1989). Conducted both test and
salvage archaeological investigations of the Chapin Adobe. This interesting structure, which
belonged to one of Indian Well's first white immigrant families, existed only as "melted" foundations
at the time the study commenced. Based upon the archaeological evidence and historical
information and photographs acquired with the help of the Chapin family, Van Horn was able to
reconstruct the entire building on paper. This study provided some surprising data on adobe
building techniques employed by the early settlers of the Coachella Valley. City of Indian Wells.
* Peralta Adobe, Anaheim Hills, Orange County (1983 -84). This mid -19th century adobe
was a ruin at the outset of the investigation, the second floor having been burned out and many of
the doors and windows altered or removed altogether. Van Horn studied the remaining architectural
features intensively, often removing elements of late remodeling in order to expose evidence of the
original construction. He also conducted archaeological excavations in and around the adobe which
resulted in the recovery of many period artifacts. Today, the Ramon Peralta Adobe stands as a
renovated structure which contains exhibits of photographs and artifacts acquired during my
investigation. The entire project was conducted under the auspices of the Orange County Historical
Commission and the Orange County Department of Parks and Recreation.
Publications in Architecture and History
Van Horn, David and John Elliott
2003 Investigations at the Ramon Peralta Adobe. Pacific Coast Archaeological Society
Occasional Paper Number 3. Contains a complete architectural reconstruction,
history of, and historical archaeology of one of southern California's few surviving
19`x' century adobe residences.
Van Horn, David
2003 A Brief History of Penobscot Bay. Robert's Press. Castine, ME. Short history of
some of the earliest European settlements in the Penobscot Bay region from
Rockland to Bar Harbor.
5
Van l lore, David M.
1993 A Brief Early History of Castine: Prehistory to 1815. Robert's Press. Castine, MG.
This brief account is intended to give the reader a convenient synopsis of Castine's
early history. Few places can boast a history as lengthy, complex, and colorful as the
small town of Castine, Maine.
ARCHAEOLOGICAL ASSOCIATES
LAURA S. WHITE
Curriculum Vitae
Address: P.O. 180
Sun City, CA 92586
Phone: (951) 244 -1783
EDUCATION
1989 M.A. in Anthropology with emphasis in Archaeology,
San Diego State University, San Diego.
1981 B.A. in Anthropology, University of San Diego, San Diego.
1978 -1979 University of San Diego Business School.
1977 -1978 Pepperdine University Business School.
CREDENTIALS
1999- Present Register of Professional Archaeologists (RPA) Certification: Archaeologist
I.D. # 10452
1990 -1998 Society of Professional Archaeologists (SOPA) Certification: Field Research
GENERAL
Laura S. White, M.A. is a RPA (Register of Professional Archaeologists) /SOPA (Society of
Professional Archaeologists) certified archaeologist and has held the full -time position of Field
Director with Archaeological Associates since 1990. During the past twenty -seven years of her
professional career, she has contributed to or directed all phases of archaeological investigation for
hundreds of projects. Recently, she has completed a number of private and governmental
assessments requiring a Section 106 consultation and /or National Register eligibility.
Ms. White has extensive experience with cultural resource compliance with regard to CEQA,
NEPA, HABS, HAER and various other local criteria. Aside from her RPA /SOPA rating, Ms.
White is also certified by the Counties of Orange, Riverside, San Diego, San Bernardino, and
Ventura to direct all phases of archaeological investigation.
P.O. Box 180 Sun City, CA 92586 Tel (951) 244 -1783 Fax (951) 244 -0084
Her archaeological expertise has taken her to project sites located throughout southern and
central California. These undertakings have comprised both prehistoric and historic archaeological
investigations situated in Riverside, San Bernardino, Los Angeles, Orange, Santa Barbara, Ventura,
Kern, Fresno, Madera, Inyo, San Diego, and Imperial Counties.
In conjunction with her career as a professional archaeologist, Ms. White was Co- Editor of
the prestigious Pacific Coast Archaeological Society Quarterly journal from 1990 -1991. She has
also been a guest lecturer at the request of the Bureau of Land Management and Long Beach State
University. Furthermore, she has designed archaeological exhibits for the San Diego Museum of
Man and the City of Vista, San Diego County.
PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
American Committee for the Preservation of Archaeological Collections (ACPAC)
OVERSEAS EXPERIENCE
1981 Participant in on -going excavations at Hambledon Hill, Dorset, England.
PRODUCTIONACTIVITIES
1991 -1990 Co- editor for the Pacific Coast Archaeological Society Quarterly. The PCAS
Quarterly is one of two professional archaeological journals dedicated to the
archaeology of southern California.
EXHIBITS
1987 Participant in construction of exhibit for the City of Vista, California. Artifacts on display
are all from archaeological sites in the Vista area.
1981 Participant in construction of exhibit on the Early Cultures of San Diego, San Diego Museum
of Man. University of San Diego, San Diego.
GRANTS
1981 Recipient of an Academic Research Grant for archaeology, University of San Diego, San
Diego, California.
LECTURES AND PRESENTATIONS
1991 Guest lectured for the Mojave River Archaeological Society in Barstow. Topic: The Atlatl
in California.
1987 Guest lectured at Long Beach State University. Topic: Contract Archaeology.
2
1985 The Plight of Del Mar Man. Paper presented at the annual spring meeting of Society for
California Archaeology, San Diego.
PUBLICATIONS
Van Horn, David, Laura S. White, and Robert S. White
2005 The Prehistory of Gretna Green, A Site in Northern San Diego County, pp. 145 -168.
IN; Onward and Upward! Papers in Honor of Clement W. Meighan (Keith L.
Johnson, editor). Stansbury Publishing. Chico.
ARCHAEOLOGICAL FIELD EXPERIENCE AND UNPUBLISHED ARCHAEOLOGICAL
REPORTS
A representative list of field experience and unpublished archaeological reports is available
upon request.
ARCHAEOLOGICAL ASSOCIATES
P.O. Box 180 Sun City, CA 92586 Tel (951) 244 -1783 Fax (951) 244 -0084
ROBERT S. WHITE
Curriculum Vi /ae
Address: P.O. Box 180
Sun City, CA 92586
Phone: (951) 244 -1783
EDUCATION
1987 B.A. in Liberal Studies with emphasis in Anthropology, California State University,
Long Beach.
1977 A.A. Degree in Liberal Arts, Los Angeles Harbor College.
GENERAL
Robert S. White has over twenty -eight years of full -time archaeological experience and has
been affiliated with a number of southern California contract archaeology firms beginning in 1983.
Since 1992 he has fulfilled the position of Director and more often than not, Principal Investigator
for Archaeological Associates.
Mr. White has extensive experience in all aspects of cultural resource investigation and
management. These skills include but are not necessarily limited to: field survey and excavation,
construction and demolition monitoring, obsidian hydration studies, lab analysis, land surveying,
cartography, archival research, budgeting, planning, and document writing /production. Robert is
certified by the Orange, Riverside, and Ventura County Planning Departments to conduct all phases
of archaeological investigation.
Since 1983, Mr. White has conducted well over 350 prehistoric and historic archaeological
investigations in Riverside, San Bernardino, Los Angeles, Orange, Kern, San Diego, Imperial, and
Inyo Counties. Additionally, in concert with colleague Dr. David Van Horn, they have pioneered
innovative techniques that have revolutionized data recovery programs on large, low- density
archaeological sites. Mr. White is also an experienced heavy equipment operator specializing in
loader /backhoe operations utilizing skid -steer loaders (Bobcats) and full -sized backhoes.
ARCHAEOLOGICAL FIELD EXPERIENCE
A representative list of archaeological field experience is available upon request.
PUBLICATIONS
2005 The Prehistory of Gretna Green, A Site in Northern San Diego County (with David Van Horn
and Laura S. White), pp. 145 -168. IN: Onward and Upward? Papers in Honor of Clement
W. Meighan (Keith L. Johnson, editor). Stansbury Publishing. Chico.
1991 Prehistoric Fire- Making Techniques of California and Western Nevada. Pacific Coast
Archaeological Society Quarterly, Vol. 27, No. 1, pp. 27 -38.
1986 Some Techniques for Mechanical Excavation in Salvage Archaeology (with D.M. Van Horn
and J.R. Murray). Journal of Field Archaeology 13:239 -244.
UNPUBLISHED REPORTS
A representative list of unpublished archaeological reports /manuscripts is available upon
request.
2
APPENDIX B
Original Historic Resources Inventory Form
523 W. Minthorne Street, Lake Elsinore
J. i
Start of CaMomia — Thp Relatirrit* Agonry
DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION
HISTORIC RESOURCES INVENTORY
JOENTIFICATION
1. Common name:
—None
ser''No, S3-7-35c,
HA85— HAER NR Ski;.
UTM: A
C D
DES(;RIPT*N
7a, Architeclutirlsyie: MCditCrralIean/Spanish Rv. of Vernacular Adobe constriiction
7n. Briefly describe the present phyecaldescripticin of the site or structure and desrr3be any major aiterations fromk its
original condition:
Ili-shaped in plan with a courtyard enclosed by an iron-rail fence on a
short stucco wall, the %lediterranean/Spanish style house at 523 Minthorli
gable roof, stucco
adobe walls, double-hung I windows, arched entry, and a, milk shed with
cooling tower. The house has 6,500 square feet. Also on the pro pert-,v
at the to!) O0. the hill is a gable-roofed gazebo, an Olym.pic-sized
Swimming pool, and a cabana with five dressing roons and two rest -
rooms. The 137-acre parcel has several sheds, corrals, and stables.
:)V.R 523
Construction date.,
Estimated— Factual
3, Architect Unlnown
10, BuilderA - i - De I an e v
I L Approx. ProPertV S12ft (in feet)
Frontage - Depth
or approx. acreage 13 � � 9 4�' , a 1".
12, Date(s) of erxiosed photograiph(51
November 3, 1981
9-89-04-04
No n e
3 3 -
2, Hi*toric name,
—
3. Street or rural addros:_s 23 Minthorn, sr,
,axe El ino re
City 1,
County R�Verside
49 ParcO nurvtxr.
377-350-0041— qc
377-350-001-6
5- Present Owner:
Mis S ing
,Link II
(Realty Center)
Addre5s:3104.0 Rive r-.s i ""L
city,
s iTip rc
Z;A 92330 Ownershia is' PuNic . Privare X
B. Present Use;
S ---,I t 3 £:.)
prrginal use:
R�;identiaj
'
DES(;RIPT*N
7a, Architeclutirlsyie: MCditCrralIean/Spanish Rv. of Vernacular Adobe constriiction
7n. Briefly describe the present phyecaldescripticin of the site or structure and desrr3be any major aiterations fromk its
original condition:
Ili-shaped in plan with a courtyard enclosed by an iron-rail fence on a
short stucco wall, the %lediterranean/Spanish style house at 523 Minthorli
gable roof, stucco
adobe walls, double-hung I windows, arched entry, and a, milk shed with
cooling tower. The house has 6,500 square feet. Also on the pro pert-,v
at the to!) O0. the hill is a gable-roofed gazebo, an Olym.pic-sized
Swimming pool, and a cabana with five dressing roons and two rest -
rooms. The 137-acre parcel has several sheds, corrals, and stables.
:)V.R 523
Construction date.,
Estimated— Factual
3, Architect Unlnown
10, BuilderA - i - De I an e v
I L Approx. ProPertV S12ft (in feet)
Frontage - Depth
or approx. acreage 13 � � 9 4�' , a 1".
12, Date(s) of erxiosed photograiph(51
November 3, 1981
9-89-04-04
-y f- -cl
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SIGNUMM �
1a 0 nVow WA ay n , vc ", 1 am""W", c"Im" dm," M"", Md 'M ...... 4"j "wk
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of A A tL ny a a 0 a i N M 11 V! k h Ono % I u P' 1 .. ! a
! L- or , Ks "S�wv , callanN, Ono oj!Api� A
vix, z w0l. i 1 the vap� l'sip"ro 01.0y.
2M hAws Top, W wC MANX Mww Hi Inw, 10, o
M C,�,ao Man y:1 of imp t...,
4on
Sm W— N Y n �Qy
ani we, A&M,
22. Qwlbl,nipqw,s
By
1, ooux z yj A 4
----------
Lolcl -llai STlitcn nl ay,l
suf,o mddvj
Nan w
rti
APPENDIX C
Lake Elsinore Historical Society Correspondence
ARCHAEOLOGICAL ASSOCIATES
April 23, 2013
Ms. Ruth Atkins, President
Lake Elsinore Historical Society
P.O. Box 84
Lake Elsinore, CA 92531 -0084
RE: Historic Residence located at 523 W. Minthorn Street, Lake Elsinore
Dear Ms. Atkins:
Archaeological Associates has been retained to conduct a Historic Building Assessment of the
residence and associated structures located at 523 W. Minthorn Street, It is our understanding
that the residence was constructed circa 1930 and has been vacant for several years.
We are seeking input from the historical society with regard to specific information on the
history of the property. If the society is aware of any literature, photos, or local residents that
may have special knowledge of the residence, we would very much like to hear from you. You
can contact me directly at 951244-1783 if you would like. Thanks !
Very truly yours,
Laura S. White
Field Director
LS W:file;spyglassinquiry
Gtr US Mail
P.O. Box 180 Sun City, CA 92586 Tel: (951) 244 -1783 (Fax: (951) 244 -0084 email: aa(aialaud.net
�.
Lake Elsinore Historical Society
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 84, Lake Elsinore, CA 42531. -0084
Telephone: 9511579 -4852
11 11 May 6, 2013
Ms. Laura S. White
Archaeological Associates
P O Box 180
Sun City CA 92586
Dear Laura:
Re: Historic Residence located at 523 West Minthorn Street, Lake Elsinore
In response to your letter about the subject property, we have absolutely nothing on this site. We
do, however, have lots of people who swear they know this property belonged to Johnny
Weissmuller or refer to it as Tarzan's House. One of our historians used to work downtown and
saw him driving his car up and down Main Street. Another person tells the story that his father
had an agency for movie stars and was an agent for Weissmul ter. Everything we know about it
is heresy and cannot be verified. The people who could verify the stories are now deceased.
There is one lady in town who remembers going there as a little girl but she has no pictures just
memories. One of our members used to be a real estate broker in town and she did a title search
but his name did not show as an owner of the property.
Over the years, we have decided a friend owned the property. With the large swimming pool,
Weissmuller may have visited frequently. During the time, he supposedly visited here was after
his years of participating in the Olympic Games and at the beginning of his movie career.
A son -in -law of his claims Weissmuller was never in Elsinore (as the town was called then) but
he did not become a member of the family until around the 1960s.
If you find anything that can verify his presence in Elsinore, we would appreciate your sharing it
with us.
Sincerely,
Ruth Atkins ��
President
951.678.1537
P. S. 1 have forwarded an e-mail to you about the digitized newspaper, the Riverside Daily Press.
CITY OF r/ c
LAKE (-'�,LSMOIZE
Z D[ir:nna I:,Kriirnnr
2015 PC Schedule
May 5, 2015
Notices Due
04/15/15
Drafts Due
04/20/15
Publish Date
04/28/15
Agenda Items:
• Golden Corral (JK)
• Diamond Specific Plan
Amendment No.1 (CD)
• Villages at Lakeshore - Continued
(JK)
• Sunrise Spring (JK)
May 19, 2015
2015 CC Schedule
April 28, 2015
Notices Due 04/20/15
Drafts Due
Publish Date 04/14/15
Agenda Items:
• Pasadena Industrial Park (RM)
• Summer Lake Park Cellular
May 12, 2015
Notices Due
04/29/15
Drafts Due
Notices Due
05/14/15
Drafts Due
05/04/15
Drafts Due
Publish Date
05/12/15
FPublish Date
04/28/15
Agenda Items:
June 2, 2015
Notices Due
05/13/15
Drafts Due
05/18/15
Publish Date
05/26/15
Agenda Items:
• Consistency Zoning — Phase VI
(CD)
• Kumar Gas Station (AR)
Agenda Items:
• Terracina (RM)
• Werner TMB Agreement (RM)
May 26, 2015
Notices Due 05/18/15
Drafts Due
Publish Date 05/12/15
Agenda Items:
• Werner Annexation (RM)
• Diamond Specific Plan
Amendment No. 1 (CD)
• Meadow Ridge (RM)
• Golden Corral (JK)
CITY OI i-
LAKE LSI1` OR f
D2eANA li?!TRf. AAG
June 16, 2015
Notices Due
05/27/15
Drafts Due
06/01/15
_
Publish Date
06/09/15
Agenda Items:
June 9, 2015
Notices Due 06/01/15
Drafts Due
Publish Date 05/26/15
Agenda Items:
Villages at Lakeshore (JK)
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE ) ss.
CITY OF LAKE ELSINORE )
I, Virginia Bloom, City Clerk of the City of Lake Elsinore, California, hereby certify
that Ordinance No. 2015 -1334 was introduced at the regular City Council
meeting of April 14, 2015, and adopted at the regular meeting of April 28, 2015,
by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Mayor Pro Tem Tisdale, Council Member Hickman, Council
Member Johnson, Council Member Magee, and Mayor Manos
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
B T.4IN. None
VirginiaQ. Blo , City Clerk