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Like No Other Place: Wild West, Hidden Waters, Retail Wonders

The Wild West, Hidden Waters, Retail Wonders: California’s Iconic and Lost Pasts

Tuesdays from December 3 to December 17, 2023

This series looks at the quintessential California aspects of our most iconic lost and endangered historic places. Part 1 takes participants on a fast-paced tour of California's Wild West boomtowns, ghost towns, and famous movie sets, with expert insights into these frontier locations, both real and cinematic. Part 2 dives into the hidden histories of Byron Hot Springs and Paradise Springs, uncovering their transformation from luxurious resorts to forgotten relics, along with their legends and mysteries. Part 3 explores the architectural grandeur and cultural impact of San Francisco’s legendary department stores, revealing their influence on cityscapes and retail history.

All programs below are FREE and open to the public, including:

  1. Part 1: Boomtowns, Ghost Towns, and the Silver Screen: A Fast-Paced Tour of California's Frontier Sites | Tuesday, December 3, 2024 | 12 - 1 PM
  2. Part 2: Healing Waters, Hidden Histories: Byron Hot Springs and Paradise Springs Unveiled | Tuesday, December 10, 2024 | 12 - 1 PM
  3. Part 3: Architectural Splendor: How Department Stores Shaped American Cities | Tuesday, December 17, 2024 | 12 - 1 PM

This program also highlights are annual silent auction!

Win Big! Bid on related food, drink, and fun experiences at our fifth annual Awesome Auction where dozens of items will be available for you to win (bidding ends on December 19th)
Feeling lucky? Donate, upgrade your membership, or join CPF to receive raffle tickets for our highlighted signature items.
Celebrate Tradition. Be part of the fun. Follow us on our social channels (Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn) to receive special virtual ‘gifts’ each day.

Part 1: Boomtowns, Ghost Towns, and the Silver Screen | Tuesday, December 3, 2024 | 12 - 1 PM

Join us for a rapid-fire visual tour of California’s Wild West boomtowns, ghost towns, and iconic movie sets, led by expert historians and architects who know these sites inside and out. From the abandoned mining towns of Death Valley to the famous film locations of Paramount Ranch and Pioneertown, this fast-paced program uncovers the rugged landscapes and storied past of the state’s frontier history and aesthetic. Get a glimpse of the towns that rose and fell with the Gold Rush, and hear expert commentary on the film sets that brought the Wild West to life on screen. These iconic locations, both ‘real’ and ‘imagined’ are quintessential California.

Presented by...

  • Daniel Paul, Architectural Historian and Consultant for the Pioneertown National Register Nomination
  • David Hertz, FAIA, SEA Studio
  • Ben Loescher, AIA LEED AP, Loescher Meachem Architects
  • Linda Greene, Retired National Park Service Historian and co-author of "A History of Mining in Death Valley National Monument - California-Nevada"
Part 2: Healing Waters, Hidden Histories | Tuesday, December 10, 2024 | 12 - 1 PM

In this fascinating program, explore the rich history of two of California’s most famous water spring resorts: Byron Hot Springs and Paradise Springs. Byron Hot Springs, once a lavish resort in the late 1800s and early 1900s, attracted wealthy visitors seeking the curative powers of its mineral waters. Over time, it evolved into a military interrogation site during World War II, adding layers of intrigue to its past. Paradise Springs, tucked away in the San Gabriel Mountains, was a retreat for celebrities and elites, known for its secluded beauty and rejuvenating waters.

Learn about the natural forces that created these springs-based escapes and the unique role they played in California's history. The program also delves into the legends and lore surrounding these sites, from tales of healing and mystery to their transition into forgotten relics of a bygone era. A must-see for history enthusiasts and those curious about California’s hidden past.

Presented by...

  • Carol Jensen, Historian and Author of "Byron Hot Springs." East Contra Costa Historical Society
  • Justin Chapman, Award-winning Journalist and Author of "The Hedonistic History Of Paradise Springs, Where Early Hollywood Went Wild."
Part 3: How Department Stores Shaped American Cities | Tuesday, December 17, 2024 | 12 - 1 PM

Join us for a captivating journey into the golden age of San Francisco’s grand department stores, featuring historian and author Anne Evers Hitz. In this program, Hitz will share fascinating stories from her books, Lost Department Stores of San Francisco and Emporium Department Store, detailing how iconic stores like City of Paris, I. Magnin, and The White House once shaped the city’s identity and retail culture.

We will also dive into the architectural innovations and stylistic trends that made these grand stores the jewels of urban landscapes. Together, they’ll uncover the rise, transformation, and lasting legacy of these retail palaces that defined 20th-century America.

This program uncovers the rise and fall of these commercial giants, delving into their social and architectural significance while celebrating their lasting legacy. Perfect for anyone interested in architecture, retail history, or the cultural fabric of San Francisco.

Presented by...

  • Anne Evers Hitz, Freelance Writer, descendant of one of the Emporium's founders, and Author of "Lost Department Stores of San Francisco."
  • Other speakers to be announced. 
November 26nd to December 17th | Annual Awesome Holiday Auction - Benefits CPF Programs

Bid on items to support CPF while winning awesome, architecture- and California-inspired auction items. Special stays and trips, event tickets, books from our book club program, rare prints, and other unique items. Don't miss it! Bidding will open Tuesday, November 26th and ends on Tuesday, December 17th at 8 PM. Keep your eyes peeled for future additions and updates!

Lunch and Tour for up to Four of Benjamin Dominguez’ La Laguna Playgrounds
Ending in: 13 days 9 hours 24 minutes 6 seconds
$40.00 USD
Reserve price has been met.

(Enter 50.00 or more)
Like No Other Place: Wild West, Hidden Waters, Retail Wonders

When

Dec 03, 2024 - Dec 17, 2024    
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

Event Type

In October 2006, the Friends of La Laguna formed in response to the city of San Gabriel’s announced demolition of the Laguna de San Gabriel, affectionately known as “dinosaur park”, located in Vincent Lugo Park. We held rallies and a petition drive, collecting more than 2,500 signatures on paper and via the internet. The Friends of La Laguna caught the attention of local media and were featured on KCET’s program “Life and Times” and NPR’s morning show “Day to Day”. In January 2007, the Friends entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the city to preserve and protect La Laguna.

This whimsical and vernacular children’s park was the winner of a 2009 and 2015 California Preservation Foundation Design Award.

The winning bidder of this auction item will meet with your guide at La Laguna for included lunch (Bahn-mi Sandwiches) and visit the final playground that Benjamin Dominquez designed and executed. Your Tour Guides will be the co-founders of the Friends of La Laguna, Senya Lubisich and Eloy Zárate.

The winning bidder will also receive some La Laguna surprise swag!

Generously donated by the Friends of La Laguna. 

Photo Credits:

La Laguna Dragon – Pasadena Star News Staff photo file; Legg Lake Park – Wheel Fun Rentals; Bike Trolleys – Wheel Fun Rentals

About the Author

The California Preservation Foundation is a network of more than 15,000 members and supporters who are committed to protecting our shared architectural and cultural heritage. We are a leader in preservation education and advocacy, responding to hundreds of requests for assistance and training more than 1,500 people each year.