USDA Mount Lowe Historic Site
United States Department of Interpretive Plan Agriculture
Forest Service Los Angeles River Ranger District Region 5 Angeles National Forest October 2007
Prepared by USDA Forest Service Center for Design & Interpretation
Mount Lowe Historical Site Interpretive Plan October 2007
Prepared by
______/s/ Linda Hecker 10/8/07 Linda Hecker, Interpretive Planner Date Center for Design & Interpretation
Reviewed by
______/s/ Lois Ziemann 10/23/07 Lois Ziemann, Interpretive Planner Date Center for Design & Interpretation
Reviewed by
______/s/ Kendra Bourgart 10/16/07 Kendra Bourgart, Leader Date TEAMS Marketing Unit
Approved by
______/s/ Michael McIntyre 10/1/07 Michael McIntyre, District Ranger Date Los Angeles River Ranger District Acknowledgements
Center for Design and Interpretation, Rocky Mountain Region: Linda Hecker, Interpretive Planner and Project Manager Lois Ziemann, Interpretive Planner and Graphic Designer Terry Wong, CDI Manager
Dave Steinke, A/V Media Specialist, CLA, R2
Kendra Bourgart, Leader, TEAMS Marketing Unit
Los Angeles River Ranger District: Michael McIntyre, District Ranger Howard Okamoto, District Recreation Officer
Angeles National Forest Supervisors Office: David Peebles, Archaeologist Joanna Huckabee, Archaeologist
Partners Brain Marcroft, Mount Lowe Historical Society Susan Mumper, Mount Lowe Historical Society Bob Berger, Mount Lowe Historical Society Don Bremner, Sierra Club Adonis Wilson, Canyoneers Stacey Camp, Doctoral Candidate, Stanford University Contents
Introduction — 1 Background of the Historical Site — 1 Objectives and Scope — 2 Audience Analysis — 2 Current Audiences — 3 Future Use — 4 Analysis of Audience and Trends — 5 Interpretive Planning — 5 Interpretive Goals — 5 Interpretive Objectives — 5 Statements of Significance — 6 Interpretive Theme Statements — 7 Central Theme — 8 Recommended Interpretive Media — 8 General Recommendations — 8 Entry Kiosk — 9 Rubio Canyon — 9 Echo Mountain (The White City) — 9 Alpine Tavern — 9 Rail Bed — 10 Documentary Video — 10 Marketing Opportunities — 10 Cost Estimates — 10 Interpretive Panels — 10 Priorities — 16 Evaluation — 16 Exhibit Evaluation — 17 Evaluation Summary — 17 Appendix A - Interpretive Inventory — 19 The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or part of an individual’s income is derived from any public assistance program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination, write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410, or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Mount Lowe Historic Site Interpretive Plan
Introduction
This project is part of the effort to rehabilitate and minimize the effects to Rubio Canyon from the past pipeline construction activities of the Rubio Canyon Land & Water Association (RCLWA). In 1998, the RCLWA, using funds from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, was modifying the steep hillside to stabilize and support a water line that had been damaged in the 1994 Northridge earthquake. As a result of RCLWA’s attempts to stabilize their water line in the canyon, approximately 25,000 cubic yards was deposited in the canyon, burying a number of waterfalls and historic sites. Public concern resulted in Congress allocating over $2.0 million to the Forest Service for work in the canyon, to remove the rock fall and unbury the waterfalls in an attempt to restore the canyon to its previous condition.
However, during the environmental analysis of the restoration work, a major rain event and associated flood occurred, washing significant amounts of the sediment down canyon and filling a sediment dam at the base of the canyon. As a result of the flood, the according to travel and promotional literature Forest Service was able to reprogram some of the time (Los Angeles Times, June 20, 2004). of the funds for debris removal and allocate them for this interpretive planning effort and Although Professor Lowe was a creative implementation of its media recommendations. genius, he was no businessman. By 1899, he was broke and the railway was in receivership. Background of the Historical Site In 1902, Henry E. Huntington bought the railway “by the Los Angeles Railway The Mount Lowe Railway was once Company- a Huntington subsidiary- for considered one of the most popular tourist an unspecified amount” (Mount Lowe The attractions in southern California. It operated Railway in the Clouds, pg 123), and made it from 1893-1936 and carried 3.1 million visitors. part of his Pacific Electric Railway, which It was the brain child of Thaddeus Sobieski connected many of the small communities Constantine Lowe, famous inventor, Civil together into a comprehensive commuter War hero, and pioneer balloonist. Along railway within the Los Angeles (L.A.) basin. with his engineer, David J. MacPherson, he designed, engineered, and built one of the The Pacific Electric Railway promoted the line most ambitious railways of its era, earning it as the “The Grandest Scenic Trip on Earth” the title of “the eighth wonder of the world”, (Westways Magazine, 1976). For $2.00,
Page Angeles National Forest
passengers could purchase a round trip ticket recreation use in the area from an urbanized from Los Angeles to Mount Lowe. focus to a more natural focus.
Unfortunately, the line was plagued with In 1993, the area was listed on the National heavy maintenance costs, and natural threats Register of Historic Places as an historic such as fires, floods, rock slides, and wind district. storms. In 1909, the line suffered its only fatality when a rock slide destroyed the Objectives and Scope original Rubio Pavilion, killing the caretaker’s five year old son. By the mid-1930s, these This plan will provide over-arching themes, challenges, coupled with the Depression and goals, and objectives for interpretive messages a declining interest in rail travel by the public, and media. It will look at existing interpretive resulted in business waning and visitor use media, make recommendations for new diminishing. and/or replacement media, and guide the implementation of specific projects. By the time the Alpine Tavern burned to the ground in 1936, the end was in sight. In 1937, The objectives of this interpretive plan are to: a formal request was made to and granted by 1. Connect the public with the national forest, the State Railway Commission, to abandon the through the use of information, orientation line. On December 5, 1937, the railway made and interpretive media. its last run. 2. Encourage understanding, respect, and appreciation of the natural and cultural In 1938, record rains and floods cause resources. significant rock slides that 3. Connect visitors to a forgotten piece of destroyed much of the southern California history and remind line, trestles, and other them of the historic struggle for dominance improvements which proved between man and nature at this site. to be the end of the line for the complex. Afterwards, the The scope of the project includes the three sections of the railway was dismantled and railway: sold for scrap. Rubio Canyon - From Altadena to the base of the incline In 1941, the mountain railway Incline - From Rubio Pavilion to Echo right-of-way expired and Mountain (the White City) the land was sold to the Alpine Division - Echo Mountain (the government becoming part of White City) to the Alpine Tavern the Angeles National Forest. (including Inspiration Point)
By 1962, the Forest Service had Audience Analysis removed most of the above ground remains of the resort The following assumptions are acknowledged in this and railway, leaving the rail plan: bed and foundations. Forest Use within the historical site will continue Service campgrounds and and will increase as access is improved, trails replaced the hotels and especially within Rubio Canyon. railways, transitioning the Rubio Canyon
Page Mount Lowe Historic Site Interpretive Plan
Visitors will continue to use the area more for exercise and recreation than as a heritage site. Urban encroachment is an issue with regards to the lack of a land stewardship ethic reflected by some visitor use, vandalism, and limited trailhead parking. Significant changes in visitor use or Forest Service policies may require modification to this plan during its implementation.
Current Audiences
The front range of the San Gabriel Mountains of the Angeles National Forest is within a 1-hour drive of 13 million people. Urbanization surrounds the national forest lands at the base of the mountains. Many of the access points for trailheads are located in residential areas with limited parking on city streets.
The L.A. basis has a rich cultural diversity with over 93 different languages recognized within the L.A. County School District. Hispanics are the majority in California, and there are also large African- American, Asian, and Euro-American populations.
The current audience consists mainly of local residents who enjoy walking their dogs, hiking, mountain biking, active partners, including the Sierra Club and horseback riding, and jogging along the former Canyoneers. railroad bed. Most of them are unaware of the complexity of the history of the site. To them, One noted recent cultural group is older/ it’s just a convenient place to get out on an middle aged Asians (Korean), sometimes uncrowded mountain trail for exercise and a accompanied with their children and great place to watch the sunset over the L.A. grandchildren. They are known to frequent basin and Pacific Ocean with a picnic dinner. the area on the weekends in large hiking Many hiking clubs use the area and some are groups. It is not uncommon to find several
Page Angeles National Forest of them picnicking at Inspiration Point after picnicking. Although Mount Lowe is an climbing the mountain. historical site, it is not the reason most visitors visit the area. Few people travel long distances to see the site, but those who do generally have a sincere Future Use interest in historical railroads and/or cultural history. The Pacific Railroad Society, Inc. has Because of the historical significance of the had a long standing interest in the Mount site, a concerted effort should be made to Lowe Railway. The Society has been a Forest incorporate it into the local and or state school Service partner since 1976 and has provided curriculum. Presently there is no connection interpretation of the site over the years. with the Pasadena Unified School District to have this site included into their curriculum. Other partners include: Rails to Trails Conservancy However, other nearby sites with less Electric Railway Historical Association of historical significance, such as Eaton Canyon, Southern California, Inc. are included. A partnership with the Eaton The Mount Lowe Historical Society Canyon Nature Center might be considered Altadena Historical Society to provided parking and access to the Mount Pasadena Historical Society Lowe Complex. This, along with Professor Big Santa Anita Historical Society Lowe’s iconic image, provides a hook to engage children in learning about southern California Boy Scouts have a long history in the area. history. Several of them have done their Eagle Scout project within the Mount Lowe Historical The Mount Lowe site could serve as an District. integrated outdoor classroom for history, geography, math (engineering aspects of the A concern of land managers is the lack of railroad design), science (Professor Lowe’s familiarity that some segments of the regional scientific undertakings at the site, biology, population have with policies such as pack-in and earth science), and physical education pack-out; Leave No Trace; and Tread Lightly. (opportunity for school kids to hike on the Angeles National Forest). This correlates Tagging (spray painting, generally gang with Chief Kimbell’s Legacy of climate change, related) is a systemic problem throughout the water, and “Kids in the Woods.” Also the No L.A. basin. Anywhere there is easy access, Child Left Behind reauthorization legislation signs of tagging are evident. is considering including a No Child Left Inside component. This effort would facilitate both National Visitor Use Monitoring (NVUM) of these new initiatives. Current use at the Mount Lowe Historical Site is consistent with national trends identified The current condition of Rubio Canyon Trail in the 2004 National Visitor Use Report. The may be viewed as too difficult and dangerous only notable difference is a higher than average by older visitors or families with young proportion of Asian visitors to the Angeles children, which could prove to be a deterrent National Forest (ANF). to them using the Canyon. It also doesn’t interest serious hikers because it is too short. Hiking is the primary recreational activity However, some users, such as the Canyoneers, in the area, followed by viewing nature and find challenging trails beyond the first fall.
Page Mount Lowe Historic Site Interpretive Plan
An improved trail would become a good day Interpretive planning uses themes to provide hike potentially doubling the existing use. focus, continuity, and meaning to resources on However, the trailhead is problematic because the District. These themes capture the essence of its location in a residential area with limited and importance of the ideas, concepts, and parking. features of the natural and cultural resources at the site. Waterfalls are the main attraction within the Rubio Canyon even with some of them still Interpretive Goals effected by the rock slide. There is a vista point that provides a view of the gorge which Interpretive goals the waterfalls cascade through. However, the focus on enhancing the access to this vista point is limited to careful visitor’s experience, climbing and the visible waterfalls don’t knowledge of, and always have water flowing, thereby detracting appreciation for the from their interest. Mount Lowe Historic Site. Use will increase within the area once the Historic Altadena Crest Trail is reestablished For this site, the by the County of Los Angeles. This 13-mile interpretive goals are: multi-use trail from Arroyo Seco to Eaton 1. Orient people to Canyon is part of a regional trail system and the outstanding could be segmented to accommodate different cultural and uses (easy, moderate, and difficult). natural resources Analysis of Audience and Trends of the Mount Lowe Historic Site. It is with some trepidation that improvements Thalehala Falls and increased awareness of the area are 2. Provide for a safe, convenient, and enjoyable made. The planning group, consisting of stay while visiting the area. Forest Service and partners, is fully aware that improving access into Rubio Canyon 3. Foster an appreciation of the natural will increase visitor use. Some visitors bring world by highlighting thehistoric struggle problems: increased vandalism; increased between man and nature that is so much trash; and increased congestion and noise – all a part of the story of the Mount Lowe of which could potentially detract from many Historic Site. of the values that present users seek and enjoy. 4. Encourage better awareness and Significant improvements to the site will appreciation of the natural and cultural displace current users, specifically the resources in order to promote a Canyoneers and those seeking solitude. stewardship ethic and a sense of public However, moderate improvements would ownership among visitors. make the site more inviting to some current users (including the Sierra Club group hikes) 5. Provide interpretation opportunities that and attract new users to the area, especially are barrier-free and accomodate a variety of families with children. learning styles and modalities.
Interpretive Planning
Page Angeles National Forest
Interpretive Objectives experimenting with various forms of power (electric and hydro) within the canyon. He Objectives guide the development of the also built the Mount Lowe Observatory interpretive plan and program, and will be and brought in Dr. Lewis Swift, a renowned used in evaluating the final product. They astronomer from New York, to be the Director. describe what we want visitors to know, The Echo Mountain Zoo was another feel and do while visiting the Mount Lowe amusement that Professor Lowe developed for Historic Site or upon their return home. both guest and residents.
At the conclusion of their visit to the Mount Lowe The Mount Lowe complex was influenced Historic Site, the majority of visitors will: Walt Disney, who considered purchasing the site from the Forest Service and rebuilding 1. Know who Professor Lowe was and what it after WWII for his theme park. Instead, he accomplished. Disney purchased land in Anaheim, but 2. Have an understanding that Mount Lowe modeled several of the early rides after what was the Disneyland of its time. was once offered at Mount Lowe (San Gabriel 3. Enjoy the various recreation opportunities Valley Tribune, March 26, 2003). in the area and engage in appropriate and safe use of the site. On September 24, 1892, Oak Mountain was 4. Learn that the site is a good introduction to renamed Mount Lowe by a party of friends hiking with easy access and great vistas. that Professor Lowe had guided to the summit 5. Treat the land and historical artifacts with in order to discuss his plans for the site in respect during their visit. detail. 6. Gain an appreciation for the area that “One of the group made the motion that the promotes an increase in volunteerism with mountain be renamed in the Professor’s honor, the Mount Lowe Historical Society or other and everyone there voiced hearty approval. A active partners. bottle of champagne appeared out of thin air, and a celebration was made on the spot. Later, when Statements of Significance
Statements of significance describe the intrinsic qualities found throughout the site.
The Man - Professor Thaddeus Sobieski Constantine Lowe He was a man of his time where the sky was the limit and the impossible was the goal. Along with his Engineer, MacPherson, he proved that the rail line could be constructed - this feat of “man over nature” embodied the philosophical attitude towards nature that was one of the hallmarks of the Industrial Revolution.
He was a creative inventor and scientist, inventing the incline rail car and Professor Thaddeus Lowe
Page Mount Lowe Historic Site Interpretive Plan
Andrew McNally, (of Rand McNally maps) heard of this, he announced that from then on, the place would be known as Mount Lowe on his company’s maps.” (Mount Lowe Railway to the Clouds, pg. 43)
Professor Lowe was a Civil War hero for his innovative use of hot air balloons to spy on Confederate troop movement.
“Lincoln asked him to head up a balloon- reconnaissance corps. Lowe made military history, observing troop movements and alerting Circular Bridge Union forces by telegraph or signal flags…The with electric lights, hotels, dining, indoor Confederates put a $750 bounty on his head and plumbing, running (hot and cold) water, sent sharpshooters into the trees to try and bring dancing, water fountains, tennis courts, him down. But Lowe had enough cable to ascent stables, and more. There was no “roughing it.” to 5,000 feet, way above the reach of artillery, and he lined his basket with lead as protection from It was thought at the time of Professor snipers. Newspapers soon dubbed him ‘the most Lowe that nature could be conquered and shot-at man of the Civil War’” (Los Angeles Times, molded to fit human need. However, every Sunday, June 20, 2004). attempt to “conquer” the Mount Lowe area met with limited success and only for a short He was the founder of the Aeronautic Corps duration. The volatility of the mountains, of the U.S. Army (Union Army Balloon the decomposed granite and their ecological Corps), the precursor of the U.S. Air Force. processes make it economically impossible to Professor Lowe “retired” to L.A. in 1887. There, “conquer” the area for any sustained length of he became involved with many endeavors time. including the Mount Lowe Railway project. Tourist Destination Engineering Marvel Echo Mountain, was coined the “White City” The incline and the circular bridge were two by local newspapers, because the buildings significant engineering marvels that set this were painted a brilliant white and it could be railway apart from others. The railway was seen for a 100 mile radius (Mount Lowe, the known as the 8th wonder of the world (Los Railway in the Clouds). It had great mystique Angeles Times, June 20, 2004). because it was visible throughout the L.A. basin. It catered exclusively to the elite society Many significant artifacts of the railway, cable of the day, many of whom where personal car, and foundations of the resort buildings friends of Professor Lowe. Theodore Roosevelt remain, providing visitors of a glimpse of what was one of its more famous visitors. the area was like during its heyday. The San Gabriel Mountains have always been Innovative engineering designs transformed a visitor destination because they provide an the rugged mountain environment for a time, opportunity to look out over the L.A. basin to one that met the needs of the gilded era and to escape the heat in the valley. They also society, with boardwalks and stairways lined provide opportunities during parts of the year
Page Angeles National Forest to experience unspoiled waterfalls and a lush about the topic that we want to get across oasis. to our audiences. Themes are the plot to the movie, the moral of the story. They answer When the trolley was operating, visitors who the question, “So what?” or “What’s the big couldn’t afford the fare often hiked up the rail deal?” They should be expressed in complete line to enjoy the beauty of the area and the sentences. attractions of the Mount Lowe resort complex. It was always Professor Lowe’s vision to Central Theme introduce visitors to the beauty and wonder The Mount Lowe Historic District displays of the San Gabriel Mountains. The geology of how the values of the Progressive Era the mountains is what makes them interesting, and Conservation Movement (1890s - unique, and wild, providing diverse habitats 1920s) developed what was a unique and for both plants and animals and creating the unforgettable tourist experience within the main attraction for visitors. San Gabriel Mountains of southern California.
Interpretive Theme Statements 1. Subtheme: Thaddeus Sobieski Constantine Lowe embodied the spirit of his era with From the interpretive goals, objectives, and bold ideals, the spirit of adventure, and a the statements of significance, interpretive sense of no limits. themes for the Mount Lowe Historic Site are established. 2. Subtheme: The innovative engineering design and construction of the Mount A central theme helps tie together the Lowe railway reflects the Progressive Era’s information and ideas that are presented to philosophical attitude of “man over nature” visitors. The theme is the principle message - that humans are superior to nature; they can conquer and harness nature for their own purposes.
3. Subtheme: The Conservation Movement of the late 1800s inspired the Great Hiking Era (1885-1938) of the San Gabriel Mountains. The Mount Lowe complex served as an outpost for hikers in their quest to explore nature.
4. Subtheme: The quickly eroding nature of the San Gabriel Mountains set the stage for a struggle between humans and nature that characterizes the history of the Mount Lowe area.
5. Subtheme: The history of Mount Lowe captivates and inspires the imagination; it opens up a world to be rediscovered and invites visitors to dream big. Diane’s Bath Falls
Page Mount Lowe Historic Site Interpretive Plan
Recommended Interpretive Media Each of these entrance portals should have a two-panel kiosk. One panel will be an General Recommendations orientation map. It will also provide a cross- section profile of the trail system identifying In reviewing the existing interpretive media elevation gains and losses, level of difficulty, and programming at Mount Lowe, the and distance. primary element that is lacking is a sense of identity or a sense of place. When the rail The other panel will provide general line was abandoned and the super structure introduction to the site, safety considerations, of the buildings removed, the site faded and user ethics. away both visually and mentally. Only a small group of individuals have carried the The actual sighting of the kiosks will be torch for this once vibrant human endeavor. determined during the trail design process (especially for the Rubio Entrance). However, To help create a stronger identity, iconic the desire is to place the kiosks in a position graphic elements should be developed to that optimize the natural backdrop, heighten promote site and name recognition and the visitors’ expectations of what lays beyond, a sense of place. These elements should transitioning them from the urban to the include a site logo, color palette, a menu of natural environment. acceptable fonts, and other design criteria that should be carried through to all Given the urban nature of the site, it maybe interpretive media. possible to provide wireless internet service at these kiosks so visitors can access the Forest Boundaries and/or entry points into the site Service website and download a self-guided need to communicate visually to visitors brochure, and/or a pod cast audio/visual tour that they’ve arrived and are within the of the site onto their cell phone or MP3 player. historical site. Rubio Canyon Because of the cultural diversity of Southern California’s population, all The current condition of the trail is in media should be made available in multi- disrepair and dangerous in many spots, media formats and non-English languages especially near the foundations of the Rubio including, but not limited to, Spanish and Pavilion and Incline. The recommendation is Korean. The message of land stewardship to construct a hiking trail and add interpretive also needs to be stressed throughout the panels about the Pavilion and the Incline. entire experience. Continuing the trail past the Incline places Entry Kiosk the visitor at the base of the canyon near the waterfalls. It is here that two additional There are several entry points into the site. panels could be placed to talk about the However, for the purpose of this plan four geology of the mountains and the “before entrance portals have been identified: Cobb and after” conditions of the Canyon, and to Estate, Rubio Canyon, Sunset Ridge, and speculate on the future. Eaton Saddle.
Page Angeles National Forest
Echo Mountain (The White City) panels would be placed at the platform, at the entrance to the Tavern, and at both pathways It is impossible to walk around the site and to the tent cottages. not long for the past. To have the opportunity Inspiration Point to disembark from the incline car and walk up the steps to the beautiful Echo Mountain Inspiration Point, Easter Rock, and the House (hotel), to walk though its doors and One Man and a Mule track currently have see two magnificent fireplaces flanking the interpretive panels. The recommendation is to main room and catching a glimpse of the refresh the existing text, redesign the layout, stunning stain glass windows in the dining and fabricate new signs using a high pressure room; to sit at your dining table and overlook laminate substrate. the enchanting outdoor fountain…it’s very easy to find yourself daydreaming of a bygone era Rail Bed and longing to experience its gentile charms. Currently there are several interpretive signs The ideal media solution is to create a virtual along the rail bed pointing out remnants tour of the once-vibrant resort through of the rail line and providing interesting a combination of interpretive panels and facts. (See Appendix A for a complete audio/visual tour. The interpretive panels listing of the existing interpretive signs.) would be placed at locations such as the The recommendation is to update the text, Incline platform, main entrance to the Echo redesign the layout, and fabricate new signs Mountain House, and vista overlooks of using a high pressure laminate substrate. The employee housing, zoo, tennis courts, Casino, current stanchions can be re-used. and observatory. Each panel would provide site orientation and photos of the historic Documentary Video landmark. The planning team would like to develop a The virtual tour would consist of a video documentary video that could be broadcast on using existing documentary footage and PBS (American Experience), local TV stations, photographs and be delivered in the form of a and CH1 (school channel). The video could pod cast and GPS Ranger. be developed as a sale item with proceeds helping to fund the ongoing improvement and Alpine Tavern maintenance of the site.
The Alpine Tavern is another location where A supplemental school curriculum that meets one finds themself enveloped by the past. national educational standards would also be Standing on the remaining foundations, offered. This would be along the same lines you can almost hear the sound of the trolley as the Greatest Good video and its curriculum coming up the line or the sound of footsteps (http://www.foresthistory.org/Education/ on the wooden boardwalks out to the tent TGG/Index.htm). cottages, the pathway aglow from a string of electrical lights suspended above. Marketing Opportunities
The media recommendation for the site is Currently the site is not widely known and a combination of interpretive panels with there are some concerns about making it an audio/visual virtual tour. Interpretive
Page 10 Mount Lowe Historic Site Interpretive Plan widely known because of the potential for Local tourism offices increased visitor use and potential to displace AAA Auto Club current users. Target marketing is the best Local Home Owner Associations solution to showcase the site to interested Specialized TV programs parties, heighten awareness and minimize negative impacts. Below is a list of potential Cost Estimates outlets to deliver information about the site to specific interested groups. Interpretive Panels
Interest Group Segments Cost estimates are based on using a high Local trail books pressure laminate with digital color output. REI There is no estimate for the stanchions or Sunset magazine kiosk. The desire is to use existing ones and Hiking clubs add new ones using available rail. These Historical Rail Societies stanchions will all be custom and produced in- Historical Societies house with assistance from current partners. Scouts Depending on the service provider (CDI, General Public Segment Enterprise Team, or private contractor), size, Huell Houser (local TV show) and number of unique panels, the design cost Local newspapers will range from $2,000-$4,000 per panel, Angeles National Forest “Know Before You which includes the development of text. The Go” website design cost would increase to $3,000 - $5,000 per panel if:
Original artwork is desired Extensive photo acquisition and/or manipulation is needed Maps need to be created
The fabrication cost is based on dimensions and other specifications. If a non-rectangular shape is used for the panels, the cost will increase by approximately 20%. A 0.5” thickness will be required in order to eliminate the need for a frame.
Panels can be mounted to the railing from the rear using pre-drilled holes and a metal back plate welded to the rail.
Shipping costs are not included in the estimate due to the high variation in cost based on the location of the fabricator relative to Mount Lowe. Rubio Pavilion
Page 11 Angeles National Forest
Table 1 - Cost Estimates for Interpretive Panels
Design Fabrication Site Topic/Theme(s) Quantity Size Cost Cost
TBD Entrance Kiosk TBD TBD 1 kiosk 2@$700 Rubio Canyon Central Theme, 36”x 48x ½” $4,000- 2 panels $1,400 Subthemes 4, 5 Vertical profile $8,000
Rubio Pavilion 24”x 36”x ½” $2,000- Rubio Canyon Central Theme 1 panel $475 Low profile $4,000 Subthemes 1-5
Incline 24”x 36” x ½” $2,000- Rubio Canyon Central Theme 1 panel $475 Low profile $4,000 Subthemes 2, 3, 4
Canyon/waterfalls Before and after 24”x 36”x ½” $4,000- 2@$475 Rubio Canyon 2 panels Central Theme Low profile $8,000 $950 Subthemes 3, 4
Power station 24”x 36”x ½” $2,000- Echo Mtn. Central Theme 1 panel $475 Low profile $4,000 Subthemes 1, 2
Echo Mtn. House 24”x 36”x ½” $2,000- Echo Mtn. Central Theme 1 panel $475 Low profile $4,000 Subthemes 1-5
Chalet 24”x 36”x ½” $2,000- Echo Mtn. Central Theme 1 panel $475 Low profile $4,000 Subthemes 1-5
Employee Residence (Section House/service 24”x 36”x ½” $2,000- Echo Mtn. pit) 1 panel $475 Low profile $4,000 Central Theme Subthemes 2, 3
Zoo 24”x 36”x ½” $2,000- Echo Mtn. Central Theme 1 panel $475 Low profile $4,000 Subthemes 1, 2, 3
Page 12 Mount Lowe Historic Site Interpretive Plan
Table 1, continued - Cost Estimates for Interpretive Panels
Design Fabrication Site Topic/Theme(s) Quantity Size Cost Cost
Observatory 24”x 36”x ½” $2,000- Echo Mtn. Central Theme 1 panel $475 Low profile $4,000 Subthemes 1-5
Site map and orientation TBD TBD 1 Kiosk 36” x 48”x ½” Echo Mtn. Central Theme $4,000- 2@$700 2 panel Vertical Subthemes 1-5 $8,000 $1,400
Tennis Courts and Casino 24”x 36”x ½” $2,000- Echo Mtn. 1 panel $475 Central Theme Low profile $4,000 Subthemes 2, 3, 5
Echo Phone 18”x 24”x ½” $2,000- Echo Mtn. 1 panel $300 Subtheme 2 Vertical $4,000
Existing signs Alpine 18”x 24”x ½” $28,000- 14@$300 Central Theme 14 panels Division Vertical $56,000 $4,200 Subthemes 1-5
End of the Line & Ye Alpine Tavern (combine 24”x 36”x ½” $2,000- Alpine Tavern existing signs #5 & #6) 1 panel $475 Low profile $4,000 Central Theme Subthemes 1-5
Alpine Tavern 24’x 36”x ½” $2,000- Alpine Tavern Central Theme 1 panel $475 Low profile $4,000 Subthemes 1-5
Housekeeping cottages & cottages at Alpine 18”x 24”x ½” $4,000- 2@$300 Alpine Tavern tavern 2 panel Low profile $8,000 $600 Central Theme Subthemes 2,3
Bungalow Alpine 18”x 24”x ½” $2,000- Central Theme 1 panel $300 Tavern Vertical $4,000 Subthemes 2, 3
Orientation to site 36”x 48”x ½” $2,000- Alpine Tavern Central Theme 1 panel $700 Vertical $4,000 Subthemes 1-5
Page 13 Angeles National Forest
Table 1, continued - Cost Estimates for Interpretive Panels
Design Fabrication Site Topic/Theme(s) Quantity Size Cost Cost
Inspiration Orientation to site 24”x 36”x ½” $2,000- 1 panel $475 Point Subthemes 2,3, 5 Low profile $4,000
Inspiration Easter Rock 18”x 24”x ½” $2,000- 1 panel $300 Point Subtheme 3 Vertical $4,000
Inspiration One Man and a Mule 18”x 24” ½” $2,000- 1 panel $300 Point Subthemes 2,3 Vertical $4,000
Mt Lowe Naming of Mt. Lowe 24”x 36”x ½” $2,000- 1 panel $475 Summit Subtheme 1 Low profile $4000
Entrance Kiosk TBD TBD TBD 1 kiosk Cobb Estate Central Theme 36”x 48x ½” $4,000- 2@$700 2 panels Subthemes 4, 5 Vertical $8,000 $1,400
Entrance Kiosk TBD TBD TBD 1 kiosk Sunset Ridge Central Theme 36”x 48x ½” $4,000- 2@$700 2 panels Subthemes 4, 5 Vertical $8,000 $1,400
Entrance Kiosk TBD TBD TBD 1 kiosk Eaton Saddle Central Theme 36”x 48x ½” $4,000- 2@$700 2 panels Subthemes 4, 5 Vertical $8,000 $1,400
Each panel, upon installation, needs to be entered into INFRA. The manufacturer’s warranty on the external inks used in the panel fabrication is anywhere between 10 to 20 years, depending on the vendor. However, replacement of these panels may occur sooner depending on vandalism or other wear and tear.
Page 14 Mount Lowe Historic Site Interpretive Plan
Table 2 - Cost Estimates for Other Media
Item Description Estimated Cost
Update existing text, layout and design Redesign- $5,000 Brochure Make available both hard copy and electronic (PDF) Printing - TBD
Historical documentary using existing film and photos. Documentary Video will be shot in High Definition. Duration between PBS Broadcast Quality Video 1 ½ to 2 hours. For reference to a similar product, visit: $1 million/hr http://www.fs.fed.us/greatestgood/links.shtml
Grades K-12 with a robust website. For reference to a Companion similar product, visit: $150K- $200K Curriculum http://www.foresthistory.org/Education/TGG/Index.htm
Audio/Visual Would use the same content from the video and GPS Pod TBD and modified to fit this medium. Cast*
Replaces a live person at the site and has tremendous TBD- to many GPS Ranger* versatility. Check out the product at http://www. unknown variables gpsranger.com
* For this application the primary difference between the pod cast vs. the GPS Ranger is that with the pod cast visitors can use their own electronic devices. The GPS Ranger needs to be checked- out and checked-in at designated locations. The advantage of the GPS Ranger over a MP3 player or cell phone is the GPS Ranger has a satellite link to the object or site being talked about. As the visitor approaches the site the GPS Ranger queues up. With an MP3 player or cell phone the visitor will have to “hunt” for the object or site being talked about.
Page 15 Angeles National Forest
Priorities
Table 3 - Priorities for Action Items
Priority Site Action Item
1 Rubio Canyon Trail Design & Construction **
2 Rubio Canyon Entrance Kiosk Development
3 Rubio Canyon Interpretive Panels
4 Alpine Division Replace Existing Panels
Eaton Canyon 5 Cobb Estate Entrance Kiosk Development Sunset Ridge
6 Echo Mountain Interpretive Panels
7 Alpine Interpretive Panels
8 Inspiration Point Interpretive Panels
9 Revamp Existing Brochure
10 Develop A/V tour for GPS Ranger & Pod Cast
11 Documentary Video
12 Companion Curriculum & Website
** This may move in priority depending on available funding. However no interpretive panels should be installed until the trail is completed.
Evaluation
While evaluation of any program is a critical factor to its ongoing success, it is often the most over looked component. Evaluation of exhibits, programs or any interpretive endeavor provides a venue for restructuring effective program planning and opportunity for growth.
Evaluation and monitoring must be conducted regularly to ensure the high quality visitor services indicative of the Forest Service.
Page 16 Mount Lowe Historic Site Interpretive Plan
Exhibit Evaluation Evaluated exhibit based upon interaction with various sensory, ability and cognitive The following simple methods should be levels (For exhibit evaluation guidance, utilized on an annual basis by unit recreation refer to the Wayside Exhibit Evaluation staff. Exhibits may be evaluated in the Checklist found at the CDI website: http:// planning stage and after completion by using www.fs.fed.us/r2//cdi.) one or a combination of the following methods: Observe and record visitor interest at Print draft copies and post on sited or exhibit sites by fingerprints, footprints, at adjacent visitor centers/offices with a and cigarette butts. Look for results questionnaire or blank sheet for visitors to of depreciate behavior and increase or comment before production. decrease in vandalism/graffiti, etc.
Evaluate draft exhibits with panel of Solicit visitor comments with questionnaire outsiders not associated with interpretation they fill out. of subject matter such as local historic group, people with disabilities, and Evaluation Summary organizations like friends groups, etc. Where problems exist, changes need to be Observe exhibit readers noting amount of made. If the interpretation is not being read or time spent at exhibit. understood, explore ways to make it better or remove it. If an exhibit is not working, refine and redevelop after gathering public feedback.
Incline car
Alpine Tavern
Page 17 Page 18 Appendix A Contents
Alpine Tavern Campground – 20 Alpine Division – 30 Echo Mountain – 45 Inspiration Point – 59 Trailheads – 66
Page 19 Alpine Tavern/Campground
Purpose and Objectives for the Panels Professor Lowe envisioned creating a mountain retreat similar to those offered in Europe. As a result the Ye Alpine Tavern was designed using with a Swiss chalet architectural style with all the comforts of home. He also offered tent cottages and bungalows to suit different visitor budgets and expectations. During the day guests could amuse themselved by hiking to the Inspiration Point, go horseback riding, play tennis, allow their children to play on the playground or engage in nature study. In the evening they could enjoy ballroom dancing to a live orchestra, play pool, or retire to the circulation library. The interpretive panels for this site will highlight Lowe’s vision and go into detail regarding the layout and design of this complex.
As a result of reading these panels visitors have a general knowledge of: 1. The Ye Alpine Tavern, how it was an enchanting retreat from the L.A. basin that offered all the comforts of home 2. The layout and design of the complex (Tavern, tent cottages, bungalows, and employee housing) 3. The lives of the employees who raised their families here 4. How the complex came to its end
Media Recommendations: The media recommendation for this section is to revise the text, condense some of the information, reduce the number of panels on site and create a better traffic flow for visitors to interact with the panels.
List of Existing Panels: 1. Ye Alpine Tavern 2. Mount Lowe Tavern 3. Tavern Lobby 4. Bungalow 5. End of the Line 7. Cottages at Alpine Tavern 8. Housekeeping Cottages
Appendix A – Page 20 Site #1 – Alpine Tavern/Campground
Topic: Ye Alpine Tavern
Current Text: Ye Alpine Tavern Originally planned as a small clubhouse for friends, Professor Lowe’s Alpine Tavern became the temporary end of the track when funds for construction ran out. It then became the principal tourist attraction, terminus of the Alpine Division, and premier hotel on the line.
Opened December 14, 1895, the Alpine Tavern offered to its guest’s cozy rooms, a fine dining room and a main parlor warmed by a cavernous fireplace.
After the destruction of the hotels on Echo Mountain, the Alpine Tavern was enlarged and soon became one of the most popular hostelries in Southern California. The Tavern offered all the amenities of city living. Guests could enjoy the billiard room, card room or circulating library. They could enjoy croquet, tennis, riding, hiking, or miniature golf, and a silver fox farm was located nearby. The music room with its famed dance floor was the summertime home of the “Alpine Quartet.” The Tavern’s dining room was justly renowned, and curios from the souvenir shop are today treasured collector’s items.
Many bungalows and tent cottages were constructed around the Tavern. Guests could take their pick of fine riding and hiking trails many of which survive today.
This idyllic spot, long Southern California’s most popular tourist attraction, came to an abrupt and disastrous end on September 15, 1936, when fire destroyed the Tavern. The cottages in the surrounding area of which were not damaged by the fire, were subsequently destroyed by vandals.
Today, the Mt. Lowe Trail Campground occupies the site of the Alpine Tavern.
Number and Size of Panel: 1 36”x 48” x 1/2”
Working Notes:
Appendix A – Page 21 Site #2 – Alpine Tavern/Campground
Topic: Alpine Tavern
Current Text: Mount Lowe Tavern Mount Lowe Tavern is a Swiss type of hotel amid a forest of oak, spruce, and cedar. It is open the year round. Handsome furnishings, hot and cold water, private baths. Steam heat, two meals a-day, long distance-telephones, radio, daily papers, perfect ventilation, cold storage plant, and ice machine, orchestra, ball-room, pool tables, cement tennis courts, circulating library, children’s playground, and up to date hotel service, provide all the comforts of the City at a very moderate rate.
The dining room is fancied for it’s fresh meats, fruits and vegetables, rich milk and cream, perfect service and immaculate appointments.
There is a six-room “Bungalow” with baths and spacious sleeping porches. There are also forty smaller cottages some either American or European Plan, with complete hotel service; others thoroughly equipped for housekeeping. All have electric lights, private piazzas, and large screened openings by which they may be converted at will into sleeping porches. Free showers and bath near by.
Guests in cottages are entitled to all the privileges and amusements of the Tavern and grounds, and in addition have the advantage of the greater freedom and economy offered by the separate mountain homes. They are ideal for family parties.
The Hostess arranges informal gatherings, and sees that all guests become acquainted, if they so desire.
The Tavern and grounds use nothing but the famous Mount Lowe Springs water, absolutely pure.
A new three-story addition of hollow tile construction has recently been completed, the cottages have been remodeled and many other improvements made.
The railway terminates at Mount Lowe Tavern and Cottages. The Mt. Lowe summit, Twelve hundred and thirty feet above is made by trail, up one side of the mountain and down the other…..with endless change of panorama, sea, mountains, valley, canyons. Painted villages and toy trains. The hike takes two and one half hours. Pony Service, with guide, may be obtained for one dollar. (Ladies requiring riding skirts or men over-alls, may obtain some for twenty-five cents).
Appendix A – Page 22
A shorter and easier trip is to Inspiration Point---fifteen minutes walk on a paved trail, where a never-to-be forgotten view is obtained.
Number and Size of Panel: 1 24”x 36” x 1/2”
Working Notes:
Appendix A – Page 23 Site #3 – Alpine Tavern/Campground
Topic: Tavern Lobby
Current Text: Ye Alpine Tavern Lobby You are standing just above what was the Basement below the lobby. However; if you were 10 feet higher, this is the view you would have. The foundation for the wall at (Point “A”) can be seen to your left, (Point “B”). The red tiled area to the left is all that remains of the taverns’ many rooms. The rest of the tavern is buried beneath where you are now standing.
Number and Size of Panel: Combine with the Mount Lowe Tavern panel
Working Notes:
Appendix A – Page 24 Site #4 – Alpine Tavern/Campground
Topic: The Bungalow
Current Text: The Bungalow In 1925 four cottages were removed to allow construction of the Bungalow. The Bungalow could accommodate four families. Many of the trees in the photograph are still present. Can you find them?
Number and Size of Panel: 1 18”x 24”x ½”
Working Notes:
Appendix A – Page 25 Site #5 – Alpine Tavern/Campground
Topic: End of the Line
Current Text: End of the Line (Alpine Tavern) The last of the 18 bridges between Echo Mtn. & Alpine Tavern was this large “S” shaped bridge, which the trolleys crossed to reach the Alpine Tavern. Both end foundations of the bridge are still visible. You are standing on one foundation If you look across the canyon to the road you can see the other.
Number and Size of Panel: Combine with “End of the Line” Panel As add information about the “S” curve to the Ye Alpine Tavern panel. As the “S” curve provided a grand entrance for the trolley riders to the Tavern.
Working Notes:
Appendix A – Page 26 Site #6 – Alpine Tavern/Campground
Topic: Ye Alpine Tavern
Current Text: Ye Alpine Tavern Ye Alpine Tavern his is how the Tavern looked Circa 1920. It was built in 1895 and was destroyed by fire in 1936. The hotel ruins were dynamited in 1959 to allow for construction of the Mt. Lowe trail camp. Debris from the hotel now covers most of the area in the photo.
Number and Size of Panels: 1 24”x 36” x ½”
Working Notes:
Appendix A – Page 27
Site #7 – Alpine Tavern/Campground
Topic: Cottages at Alpine Tavern
Current Text: Cottages at Alpine Tavern Guests at the Alpine Tavern could also stay in one of the 20 cottages located along the upper and lower concrete walkways to the right of this sign. Brackets for the electric lights and insulators are still in the trees, can you find them?
Number and Size of Panels: 1 18”x 24”x ½”
Working Notes:
Appendix A – Page 28 Site #8 – Alpine Tavern/Campground
Topic: Housekeeping Cottages
Current Text: Housekeeping Cottages In this area there were 20 housekeeping cottages large enough for families.
The view in the top photo is directly behind the sign & to the left of the sign. To the far right of the sign (lower photo) is where the remainder of the cottages were located.
The map provides an overview of the locations of these cottages.
Desired Conditions/ Media Recommendations: In addition to providing site orientation the more interesting story is the one about the people who lived and worked here. What must it have been like to have raised a family in this location? What where the trials and rewards? What were the living conditions like for the families.
The view in the top photo is directly behind the sign & to the left of the sign (lower photo) is where the remainder of the cottages were located. The map provides an over view of the locations of these cottages.
Number and Size of Panel: 1 18”x 24”x ½”
Working Notes:
Appendix A – Page 29 Alpine Division
Purpose and Objectives for the Panels: The interpretive panels for this section focus on the design and construction of the railway. The Mount Lowe Railway became famous because it used innovative engineering designs to scale the mountain. It also became popular because it provided its riders with an amusement/roller coaster type experience. The open aired cars exposed riders to all of the sight, sounds and sensations of the environment.
“The sensation of the ride was unforgettable. The incline was scary and sudden, like a giant open-air-elevator. The half-hour Alpine Division run, using open-air, bench-seated, miniature streetcars, was often hair-raising, as it wound through gaps chewed in the mountain walls and out on the circular trestles that hung over the valley” (Westways Magazine 1976). It was a “cliff-hanging, hill-climbing, wind-whipping adventure” (Westways Magazine 1976).
As a result of reading these panels visitors will be able to: 1. Identify at least three unique elements of the railway (circular bridge, horseshoe curve, granite gate, etc…) 2. Identify who the David J. MacPherson was and what was his relationship to the railway 3. Identify who the various workers were and what they experienced in order to construct the railway
Media Recommendations: The media recommendation for this section is to replace existing panels and to revamp the text, layout and design.
The current text needs to be made more interpretive. Currently it is informative but not necessarily interpretive. To be interpretive it needs to address the “so what” and “what does the mean to me” questions. The text will also benefit by infusing the human element into it. By adding the human element it will make the messages more universal and help visitors connect at a deeper level with the site and story. This is a critical element in order to foster stewardship with visitors.
A considerable amount of photo graphics exists and are available for use.
List of Existing Panels: 1. Alpine Division 2. By Air or By Rail 3. On the Rail Again 4. High Bridge 5. Sentinel Rock 6. Longest Straight Section 7. Dawn Station 8. Three Levels
Appendix A – Page 30 9. Circular Bridge 10. Cape of Good Hope/Circular Bridge 11. Halfway Bridge 12. Horseshoe Curve 13. Granite Gate
Site #1 – Alpine Division
Topic: The Alpine Division
Current Text: The Alpine Division The Alpine Division of the railway connected Echo Mountain to the Alpine Tavern. It was 3 ½ miles long with 18 bridges and 127 curves. The longest section of track was 225 feet. There were 9 bridges in the first mile alone.
This 1915 view shows, (A) Vertical Rock Bridge, (B). High Bridge and, (C). Circular with a trolley on it.
Number and Size of Panels: 1 18”x 24”x ½” High Pressure Laminate (HPL)
Working Notes:
Appendix A – Page 31 Site #2 – Alpine Division
Topic: By Air or Rail
Current Text: By Air or by Rail The two trolley cats in this photograph are approximately 1/5 of a mile apart as the crow flies. But the distance from the lower point to Circular Bridge at the top of the photo required 1 and ¼ miles of track to achieve the 700 ft. elevation gain.
Some of the electrical poles that make the straight ascent from the lower-left portion of the photo to Circular Bridge can still be seen today.
Number and Size of Panels: 1 18”x 24”x ½” High Pressure Laminate (HPL)
Working Notes:
Appendix A – Page 32 Site #3 – Alpine Division
Topic: On The Rail Again
Current Text: On The Rail Again This 1910 photograph shows Car #123 crossing High Bridge on its way to the Alpine Tavern. Car #123 started the 3-½ mile journey from Echo Mountain, which is located just out of view to the right, approximately 2/3 of a mile away.
Number and Size of Panels: 1 18”x 24”x ½” High Pressure Laminate (HPL)
Working Notes:
Appendix A – Page 33 Site #4 – Alpine Division
Topic: High Bridge
Current Text: High Bridge High bridge was a trestle, which allowed the railway to maintain a straight right-of-way while crossing a steep rock face. The bridge itself was 113 feet long and 35 feet high. It is probable that most passengers preferred the safety of riding inside the car when crossing this
bridge.
Number and Size of Panels: 1 18”x 24”x ½” High Pressure Laminate (HPL)
Working Notes:
Appendix A – Page 34 Site #5 – Alpine Division
Topic: Sentential Rock
Current Text: Sentinel Rock Sentinel Rock was a well-known feature along the rout to Alpine Tavern. In this photograph, the trolley has just passed over the ninth bridge on its way to the Cape of Good Hope. The Cape of Good Hope marks the point where the tracks cross from Las Flores Canyon to Millard Canyon.
Number and Size of Panels: 1 18”x 24”x ½” High Pressure Laminate (HPL)
Working Notes:
Appendix A – Page 35 Site #6 – Alpine Division
Topic: Longest Straight Section
Current Text: The Longest Straight Stretch of Track The railway from Echo Mountain to the Alpine Tavern covered 3 ½ miles with 127 curves and 114 straight segments. You are looking at the longest straight segment on that route—a mere 225 feet long (less than 1/20 of a mile)!!!
Number and Size of Panels: 1 18”x 24”x ½” High Pressure Laminate (HPL)
Working Notes:
Appendix A – Page 36 Site #7 – Alpine Division
Topic: Dawn Station
Current Text: Dawn Station The Dawn Station “Trolley Stop” in this photograph is located to the left of this sign. A 2.4 mile trail let from Dawn Station to the mine located down in the canyon. Partially processed Ore from the mine was brought up to this Station using mules (named Jack & Jill), where it was carried by the Trolleys to the valley for further processing.
Number and Size of Panels: 1 18”x 24”x ½” High Pressure Laminate (HPL)
Working Notes:
Appendix A – Page 37 Site #8 – Alpine Division
Topic: 3 Levels
Current Text: Three Levels At this point you can see the Three Levels of Track that was necessary to negotiated 225 feet of elevation change between Dawn Station & Sunset View. The landmark trees in this photograph are still here. Can you find them?
Number and Size of Panels: 1 18”x 24”x ½” High Pressure Laminate (HPL)
Working Notes:
Appendix A – Page 38 Site #9 – Alpine Division
Topic: Circular Bridge
Current Text: Circular Bridge You are at the high end of Circular Bridge and looking at Echo Mountain. At the end of the cleared trail below (old railway right of way). This famous view was printed on The front cover of the Mt. Lowe Souvenir Photos’ for Many years.
Number and Size of Panels: 1 18”x 24”x ½” High Pressure Laminate (HPL)
Working Notes:
Appendix A – Page 39 Site #10– Alpine Division
Topic: Cape of Good Hope Circular Bridge
Current Text: Cape of Good Hope (top photo) The Stone Wall that can bee seen below you to the right of the road cut through the ridge is part of a sharp 200-degree curve. This enabled the railway to cross from Las Flores Canyon (beyond ridge) to Millard Canyon (on the right) around the Cape of Good Hope.
Circular Bridge (lower photo) On the left is the location of the World Famous Circular Bridge. The bridge was the solution to allow the railway to travel into the upper regions of the steep Millard Canyon. The bridge was 400 feet long with a diameter of 150 feet, on a 4 ½ % grade and was 20 feet higher from beginning to end. It seemed to run into empty space before returning to the mountain side.
Number and Size of Panels: 2 18”x 24”x ½” High Pressure Laminate (HPL)
Working Notes:
Appendix A – Page 40 Site #11 – Alpine Division
Topic: Halfway Bridge
Current Text: Half-way Bridge This bridge marked the half-way point between Echo Mtn. & The Alpine Tavern. Even though the construction of the present road removed the last remains of the bridge; there are still landmarks seen in this circa 1908 photograph that can be seen today. Can you find them?
Number and Size of Panels: 1 18”x 24”x ½” High Pressure Laminate (HPL)
Working Notes:
Appendix A – Page 41 Site #12 – Alpine Division
Topic: Horseshoe Curve
Current Text: Horseshoe Curve Looking down the canyon wall you will see Horseshoe Curve which connected the first & second levels of track. This curve lifted the railway to the upper reaches of Millard Canyon. Can you see why it was called Horseshoe Curve?
Number and Size of Panels: 1 18”x 24”x ½” High Pressure Laminate (HPL)
Working Notes:
Appendix A – Page 42 Site #13 – Alpine Division
Topic: Granite Gate
Current Text: Granite Gate In this area it was necessary to blast a path for the railway out of the Hard Granite. The cutting of the Granite Gate itself took 8 months with the walls being left intact on Professor Lowes orders. This “Gate” provided a picturesque Frame for photos of the trolley cars & tourists. Part of the Rock was removed in the 1960’s to widen Granite Gate.
Number and Size of Panels: 1 18”x 24”x ½” High Pressure Laminate (HPL)
Working Notes:
Appendix A – Page 43 Alpine Division Sign Locations:
Appendix A – Page 44 Echo Mountain
Purpose and Objectives for the Panels: The purpose for these panels is to focus on the “White City” and the builders of the railway and the Mount Lowe complex. The White City was a beacon on the hill that was visible for 100 square miles and at night time lit up the sky with the world’s most powerful search lights, which Professor Lowe purchased from the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicogo. Everything about the Echo Mountain complex was designed and built to entertain and pamper guests.
As a result of reading these panels visitors will be able to: 1. Name at least three of the former structures (Echo Mountain House, Chalet, Zoo, Observatory, etc.) 2. Identify who Profession Lowe was and what his contributions to the site were 3. Describe how the Echo Mountain complex was destroyed
Media Recommendations: The media recommendation for this site is to consolidate and revamp the text.
List of Existing Panels: 1. End of the Line 2. Echo Mtn.Powerplant 3. Echo Mtn. House Stairs (opening day) 4. Forces of Nature 5. Stairway to the Sky 6. Echo mtn. House floor plan 7. Echo Phone 9. Chalet 10. 11. Sam Merrill Trail 12. The White City 13. Mt. Lowe Observatory
Appendix A – Page 45 Site #1 – Echo Mountain
Topic: End of the Line
Current Text: End of the Line This is the view you have as you approach the White City from Alpine Tavern (circa 1898). The tank like structure located to the lower far right was used for the storage of gas. The gas was piped up from Pasadena, eight miles away, to power the generators, which produced electricity for the complex.
Number and Size of Panel: TBD
Working Notes: Other then providing a different perspective to the White City is there a desire to keep this panel?
Appendix A – Page 46 Site #2 – Echo Mountain
Topic: Power Plant
Current Text: Power Plant The foundations for the 1895 Power Plant are in the area to the right of this sign while the foundations for the 1800 Power Plant are in the area to the left.
All of the foundations for the Motors and generators shown in the drawings are visible along with their anchor bolts.
The powerhouses were constructed in the year indicated by the year in their name. There were several equipment arrangements for the 1895 Power Plant with the final arrangement being shown. The 1899 Power Plant had equipment added over the years.
A fire destroyed both powerhouses on December 9, 1905 along with all other buildings on the mountain except the Observatory. Winds blew the power lines near the building together and ignited the fire. The winds also blew the roof off the Casino, which was located in the area directly behind you.
Number and Size of Panel: 1 24”x 36”x ½”
Working Notes:
Appendix A – Page 47 Site #3 – Echo Mountain
Topic: Echo Mountain House Stairs
Current Text: From the civil war days on, Professor Lowe loved pomp and ceremony. The completion of each new instillation and Hotel Provided an excuse for a celebration. The Echo mountain House was finished on November 24, 1894.
In this view, Professor Lowe, many of his friends, and Pasadena civic leaders line the wide verandas of the completed structure for the familiar official photograph.
Number and Size of Panel: Orientation Kiosk 2 36”x 48”x ½”
Working Notes:
Appendix A – Page 48 Site #4 – Echo Mountain
Topic: Forces of Nature
Current Text: Forces of Nature The construction of the White City and rail system was quite a feat of engineering for the time. However, even the technologies of the day cold not protect the White City from the forces of nature. Fierce winds started a fire that destroyed everything on Echo Mountain in December of 1905, with the exception of the Observatory (upper photograph-top center).
In the upper photograph, the building in the right Foreground is the incline cablehouse which housed The incline machinery (bull wheel, gears, motors). After it burned down in 1905,it was replaced by the Building in the lower photograph in 1906. The new cablehouse was built with reinforced Concrete.
The searchlight from the 1893 World’s fair is mounted on top. You can see the rubble of this building today. It was demolished in 1962 and the bullwheel removed to its present location nearby.
Number and Size of Panel: Orientation Kiosk
Working Notes:
Appendix A – Page 49 Site #5 – Echo Mountain
Topic: Stairway to the Sky
Current Text: Stairway to the Sky This stairway, which can be seen today, was actually the loading platform for the Incline cars. The Incline cars were designed to have level floors and seats when they traveled the steep incline carrying guests between Rubio Canyon and Echo Mountain.
Number and Size of Panel: Orientation Kiosk
Working Notes:
Appendix A – Page 50 Site #6A – Echo Mountain
Topic: Echo Mountain House
See # 14& 15
Current Text: Health, Pleasure Scenery Echo Mountain House: Summit of Great Cable Incline, Mount Lowe Railway, Echo Mountain, California. Finest Equipped Hotel on the Pacific Coast.
The cost of a night on the mountains, to witness the sunset and the sunrise, with its incomparable scenery, lighted cities by night, the great World’s Fair Searchlight, numerous cages of native animals, a look through the great telescope, including hotel accommodations and all fares on Mount Lowe Railway, only $5.00. Weekly rates, including Mount Lowe Railway fares from $17.00 to $25.00 per week, according to selection of rooms: steam heat and open fires in every room. Situated above the frost line, affording perpetual flowers. More sunny days than in any other spot in California. Table unsurpassed. Finest equipped livery stables at Altadena Junction and Echo Mountain. Reserve rooms early by telegraphing at our expense.
Los Angeles Terminal Railway. Mount Lowe Tally-ho Line and Pasadena Street cars make direct connection with Mount Lowe Railway.
Number and Size of Panel: 1 24”x 36” x ½”
Working Notes:
Appendix A – Page 51 Site #6B – Echo Mountain
Topic: Echo Mountain House
Current Text: Echo Mountain House The world famous Echo Mountain House was completed in November 1894. It was a beautiful “L-shaped” building. Four stories high with a 400-foot wing offering a southern exposure. A massive metal dome crowned the structure. The entire interior of the hotel was finished in natural wood and had, in addition to 70 sleeping rooms, office space, social and recreation halls, a dining room, curio shop, Western Union office, bowling alley, billiard room barber shop, shoeshine stand and other facilities for the comfort of guests. The hotel cost $65,000, a vast sum at that time.
Number and Size of Panel: Combine with 6A
Working Notes:
Appendix A – Page 52 Site #8 – Echo Mountain
Topic: Echo Phone
Current Text: Echo Phone Echo Mountain is so named because of the many echoes that can be heard across Rubio Canyon. The Mt. Lowe Railway installed an Echo Phone similar to this on in the early 1900’s. The base of the original Echo Phone can be seen behind this sign post.
Number and Size of Panel: 1 18”x 24”x ½”
Working Notes:
Appendix A – Page 53 Site #9 – Echo Mountain
Topic: Chalet
Current Text: The Chalet The Chalet, a twelve-bedroom hotel with a Post Office and Dining Room, was originally called the Echo Mountain House when it opened July 4, 1893. It was renamed The Chalet when the larger Echo Mountain House was completed. The Chalet was destroyed by the fierce windstorm and fire of December 9, 1905.
In the center of the above photograph can be seen one of the two fountains located at Echo Mountain. Portions of this fountain, as well as the low rock wall and love seat, are still visible today.
Number and Size of Panel: 1 24”x 36”x ½”
Working Notes:
Appendix A – Page 54 Site #10 – Echo Mountain
Topic: Sam Merrill’s Trail
Current Text: Sam Merrill’s Trail Dedicated to Samuel Merrill 1868-1948 Conservationist, Mountain Lover Trail Keeper Erected by the Sierra Club March 10, 1949
Sam Merrill’s Trail
A. Upper Sam Merrill Trail (Old Mount Lowe West Trail) B. Middle Sam Merrill Trail (Old Sunset Trail) C. Lower Sam Merrill Trail (Built in 1934-35 to replace the old Echo Mountain Trail)
In 1949, the Sierra Club erected a monument and bronze plaque on this site in honor of Sam Merrill. Sam Merrill hiked in these mountains for many years. In 1942, he took over the upkeep of the trail from Altadena to Echo Mountain at the age of 74. For more than six years he was a familiar site along the trail. In 1948, he assisted the Forest Service in fighting a brush fire. He apparently overexerted himself and died a few days later. This trail is named in his honor.
Notes/Design Instructions: Add a simple map
Number and Size of Panel: TBD
Working Notes:
Appendix A – Page 55 Site #11 – Echo Mountain
Topic: White City
Current Text: The White City A photo the Echo Mountain Complex, known as the White City, as it appeared in the late 1890’s.The Chalet is the small low building at the far left. The Echo Mountain House is the larger building just left of the center.
The complex was called the “White City” because the buildings, which were painted a brilliant white, could be seen over an area of one hundred square miles on a clear day.
Number and Size of Panel: Orientation Kiosk
Working Notes:
Appendix A – Page 56 Site #12 – Echo Mountain
Topic: Observatory
Current Text: The Lowe Observatory The Lowe Observatory was opened in September 1894. It housed a 16- inch refracting telescope. The observatory was blown down by fierce winds in 1928. Today the concrete pillar that held the telescope can still be seen.
Number and Size of Panels: 1 24”x 36” x ½”
Working Notes:
Appendix A – Page 57 Echo Mountain Sign Locations
Appendix A – Page 58 Inspiration Point
Purpose and Objective for the Panels: The purpose for these panels is to orientate visitors to Inspiration point and the Mount Lowe Summit. Both of these were considered a highlight to any visitor’s experience to the site and they continue in that function today.
As a result of reading these panels visitors will: 1. Have a basic understanding of how Mount Lowe got its name 2. Learn that Professor Lowe’s dream was never fully realized 3. Learn about the One Man & Mule Railway 4. Learn about the history of the shelter
Media Recommendations: Replace existing panels, revamp the text, layout and design.
List of Existing Panels: 1. Inspiration Point-Orientation 2. One Man and Mule 3. Inspiration Point-view of shelter 4. Easter Rock 5. Mt. Lowe Summit - MLS #1
Site #1 – Inspiration Point
Topic: Inspiration Point
Current Text: Inspiration Point Inspiration Point is about a ten minute walk from the Alpine Tavern over part of the never completed railway Grade to the summit of Mt. Lowe. From this shelter, sighting tubes helped visitors locate places of interest including Catalina Island, 60 miles away!
Originally only sighting tubes and benches were here. In 1925 two shelters were built. They lasted until the Late 1950’s. Volunteers reconstructed these shelters in the summer of 1996 on their original foundations.
Appendix A – Page 59 Desired Conditions/ Media Recommendations: In addition to the current text some mention could be made about the rustic architectural style of the shelters. It could also talk about how this has been and continues to be a popular location with visitors.
Number and Size of Panels: 1 24”x 36”x ½” HPL
Working Notes:
Appendix A – Page 60 Site #2 – Inspiration Point
Topic: One Man and A Mule
Current Text: Visitors to Inspiration Point remember the tiny “One Man and Mule Railway,” a little tourist tramway that connected Inspiration Point to Panorama Point over looking Eaton Canyon. Operated by one man and his cantankerous mule, Herbert, the two-foot-gauge tramway remained in operation from 1917 to 1935. Herbert supplied the power to move the open bench car along the three-mile trip. To keep dust off the passengers, the mule pushed the car rather then pulled it.
This wheel set is one of two that was used on Herbert’s Rail car. The center wooden railroad tie shows wear from Herbert’s many trips.
Number and Size of Panel: 1 18”x 24”x ½” HPL
Working Notes:
Appendix A – Page 61 Site #3 – Inspiration Point
Topic: View of Inspiration Point
Current Text: Inspiration Point The Inspiration Point Shelter was built in 1925 along with a picnic shelter just to the west. Fixed sighting ubes at the shelter located many areas in the valley below. This was also the starting point “One Man & Mule” (O. M. & M.) railway whose tracks can be seen in the right in this circa 1940 photo.
Number and Size of Panel: 1 18”x 24”x 1/2 HPL
Working Notes:
Appendix A – Page 62 Site #4 – Inspiration Point
Topic: Easter Rock
Current Text: The plaque disappeared long ago, it read as follows:
Easter Rock Sunrise Service On Mt. Lowe Held here April 23, 1916
Easter Rock is made up Decomposed rock and has Service Program Weathered over the years
Number and Size of Panel: 1 18”x 24”x ½” HPL
Working Notes:
Appendix A – Page 63
Site #5 – Inspiration Point
Topic: Mount Lowe Summit
Current Text: Mount Lowe Summit 5,600 feet Above the Sea This summit, previously known as Oak Mountain, was named Mt. Lowe in the fall of 1892. At the time railway construction was going on in Rubio Canyon and Echo Mtn. Professor Lowe had planned to run the railway to this summit and build a large hotel here. A suspended cable car would then reach to San Gabriel Peak to the north. There he planned to build an observatory and institute to study nature and the heavens. n 1895, with his money supply depleted, Professor Lowe had to end railroad construction at the Alpine Tavern, 1,100 feet below. From the
Alpine Tavern guests could walk or ride horseback) to the summit 2 ½ miles away. The flag pole, hitching post, bench and location tubes were left by the railroad when it closed in 1937.
Number and Size of Panel: 1 24”x 36”x ½ HPL
Working Notes:
Appendix A – Page 64 Inspiration Point Sign Locations
Appendix A – Page 65 Trailheads
Purpose and Objective for the Panels: The purpose of these panels is to orientate visitors to the site and to create a sense of place. There are four designated entrances into the site. Design standards for the kiosk and panels need to create an image for the site and a sense of place.
As a result of interacting with this sign visitors should: 1. Gain an understanding of the historic railway 2. Have a basic knowledge of what was here, where it was located and why its special 3. A general understanding of the length and difficulty of the trails 4. General understanding of the safety considerations and visitor ethics
Media Recommendations: Replace the existing panels with a two panel kiosk. One panel will have an orientation map and the other will provide a general overview of the site along with hiking safety tips, user ethics and a trail profile, graphically depicting the change in elevation, distances and level(s) of difficulty.
The current map will need to be re-worked into a shaded relief. The photos can be re- used.
In creating a sense of place the design needs to draw from the past. The open air trolley car provides a strong iconic image. Also the historic tourist promotional material that Pacific Electric Railway developed for the site could be use to create the artistic style for the entire site.
Trailhead Signs: TH#1 Cobb Estate- North End of Lake Ave. Altadena TH#2 Rubio Canyon- Pleasant Ridge and Rubio Vista, Altadena TH#3 Sunset Ridge- Near Millard campground TH#4 Eaton Saddle- On Mt. Wilson Road, 2.5 miles from Red Box or Mt.Wilson
Trailheads – Interpretive Inventory
Site: Lake Ave/Cobb Estate Topic: Orientation
Current Text: A Railway to the Clouds? As difficult as that was to believe, by the mid-1890’s T.S.C. Lowe and David MacPherson had indeed constructed not only a railway to the sky, but also a small city on Echo Mountain, The
Appendix A – Page 66 Alpine Tavern at Crystal Springs and a fine pavilion in Rubio Canyon. For the next forty years, the famous Mt. Lowe Railroad proved to be Southern California’s most famous tourist attraction. To recapture some of the magic of those early days, the U.S. Forest Service in cooperation with the Pacific Railroad Society has installed more then (30 interpretive signs) in the Mt. Lowe Railway Area.
These “iron rail” signs mark points of historical interest. They will be found in various locations along the route. Information with photographs about the points will be found on the signs. STATIONS to go along with the self-guided hiking tour brochure are marked with a white number on the sign post.
For more information, contact the Angeles National Forest at 790-1151 (Oak Grove Ranger Station).
ENJOY YOUR VISIT HERE TODAY AND PLEASE HELP TO PRESERVE THIS HISTORIC AREA FOR OTHERS TO ENJOY.
Number and Size of Panels: 8 36”x 48” x ½” HPL
Appendix A – Page 67