~~~ `°'e~~'`:`tea °~" ~ ,~ ''~.~.

~" ~ ~{

~~.~~~. ~,, .

Out Out the the of of Mail Mail Bag Bag _----- __-- __---

.--

_ - -__._

Sacramento, Sacramento, 62 California

Box Box O. O. P. P. 1499

By By Howard Howard

C. C. Wood, Wood,

Bridge Bridge

Engineer

HIGHWAYS HIGHWAYS CALIFORNIA CALIFORNIA PUBLIC PUBLIC AND AND

WORKS

------

-- -- Anniversary Anniversary o¢ o¢ - -- -- Bay Bay Bridge, Bridge, Illustrated____

_.._ _.._

55

Address Address communications communications to

------

------Cest Cest Index Index

52

upon upon request.

use use contained contained matter matter herein. herein. Cuts Cuts will will be be

gladly gladly

loaned

By By

E. E. G. G. Bower, Bower, District District Assistant Assistant Engineer

Editors Editors newspapers newspapers fornia. fornia. of of and and others others are are privileged privileged to

Old Old A. A. Pavement, Pavement,

C. C. l llustrated------in in Published Published the the inierest inierest of of highway highway ------development development -- - in in Cali------49

Berndt Berndt By By Assistant Assistant Nelson, Nelson, Construction Construction Engineer

------

--

Dust Dust Palliativzs Palliativzs _ _ 47

- - -

------_ -_ ------db Award Award Merit Merit Board Board Winners.

By By Thomas, Thomas, E. E. B. B. Resident Resident Engineer

Arcata Arcata Project, Project, Illustrated Illustrated ------__------.------44

McCoy By By G. G. T. T.

------

1956 1956 Traffic Traffic Annual Annual Count Count 42

By By 1. 1. R. R. Jarvis, Jarvis, District District Construction Construction Engineer

Sherwin Sherwin Grade, Grade, Illustrated Illustrated ______39

Southern Southern Crossing, Crossing, Illustrated------38 ------

M. M. R. R. Nickerson, Nickerson, Chief

Publie Publie Department Department of of Works,

Magazine Magazine

Overpass Overpass Street Street Completed, Completed, in in Vallejo Vallejo Illustrated Is Is 37

Phofographie Phofographie Munroe, Munroe, Section,

snow

—Photo —Photo

by by Robert

------

------

------

Record Record Budget Budget _ _ first first blanket blanket 31 of of winter

in in Mono Mono County County receives

lane lane Lake Lake on on Route Route 171 By By L. L. L. L. Funk, Funk, Supervising Supervising Highway Highway Engineer

Improved Improved Methods Methods in in Highway Highway COVER Illustrated______.__ Location Location and and Design, Design, 23

Redwood Redwood Empire, Empire, Illustrated------21 ------

Fatalities Fatalities California California on on Freeways Freeways 1955, 1955, Illustrated______1$

George George By By District District Langsner, Langsner, Engineer

Angeles Angeles Highway Highway Opened, Opened, Crest Crest Illustrated Illustrated ______..______1

Poge

Voi.3~ Voi.3~ November December December - -12 Nos.11

MERRITT MERRITT R. R. NICKERSON, NICKERSON, Chief Chief Photographer

HELEN HELEN HALSTED, HALSTED, Assistant Assistant Editor

KENNETH KENNETH C. C. ADAMS, ADAMS, Editor

~i. ~!l~! ~!l~!

~." Department Department of of Public Public State State Works, Works,

of of California

`t `t Ei;;~, Ei;;~, ~ ~ ;~'

O~cial O~cial Journal Journal of of the the Division Division Highways, of of

and and Public Public forks

g g Sacramento ~

~all~or~~~. ~all~or~~~. HI HI hwa hwa s

Twelfth Twelfth and and N N Streets

Works Works Public Public 8uifding /~('~ ~~(~ Half Century Dream ~C,.~ J of Engineers Realized

By GEORGE LANGSNE~, ( `~N~ Disfrict Engineer

AFTER NEARLY S IlSIf CCritUIy Of CO- ~vay and U. S. Public Roads repre- operative effort and expenditures to- sentatives. taling some $1U,000,000, the Angeles Crest Highway across the San Gabriel Taken Into State Highway System Mountains has been completed, and The Angeles Crest Highway, as after dedication ceremonies on No- Legislative Route 61, was taken into vember 8, 1956, was opened to pub- the State Highway System in three lic use. parts. The westerly section from The Angeles Crest Highway, having Foothill Boulevard in La Canada to its westerly terminus at the intersec- the Mt. Wilson Road at Red Box Di- tion of Haskell Avenue with Foothill vide was brought into the State High- Boulevard in La Canada, extends east- way System by the Bond Amendment erly for 55 miles to the Big Pines rec- of 1919. The middle section from the reational area in the Angeles National Mt. Wilson Road at Red Box to Pine Forest. Flats became a part of the State High- This new highway saves motorists be- way System by Statutes of 1931. The tween Los Angeles and Big Pines, 42 easterly section from Pine Flats to the miles of travel when compared with the Los Angeles-San Bernardino county best route previously available. It makes line was taken into the State Highway the summer and winter recreational areas System by the Statutes of 1933. of the U. S. Forest Service much more Allocations of state highway funds accessible than formerly. for construction on the Angeles Crest GreaT Cooperative E1Fort Highway were first made in 1929 by California Highway Commission. The inception of the Angeles Crest the In subsequent budgets the commission Highway dates back some 50 years GEORGE LANGSNER funds for this project so that when the people of Southern Califor- provided essential work could go forward. nia began to recognize the need for nia, authorized an expenditure of the former members of the additional access to the recreational $2,200 to the engineering firm headed Among Highway Commission hav- facilities in the Angeles National For- by J. B. Lippincott fora reconnais- California homes in Southern California est. While many organizations and in- sance survey to be used as a basis for ing their maintained, through the dividuals had apart in taking the later location studies for the Angeles who have they so faithfully served the original steps toward consummation, Crest Highway. Ernest E. East, in his years California, a lively interest special mention should be made of the capacity as Chief Engineer of the people of furtherance of the Angeles Crest important parts played by the Pasa- Automobile Club of Southern Cali- in where Philip A. Stanton, dena Board of Trade, the predecessor fornia, and Harold F. Holley, as Highway, Bozzani, Harrison R. Baker, of the present Pasadena Chamber of Assistant Chief Engineer (recently Amerigo as present commissioners Commerce; the U. S. Bureau of Public retired), both made many reconnais- as well Guthrie and Robert E. Mc- Roads, the National Forest Service, sance trips with Lippincott and others James A. and by the Automobile Club of South- dating back as far as 1919. These two Clure. ern California. engineers did much to keep alive pub- Top-level Decisions The first engineering work of rec- lic interest in the Angeles Crest High- In carrying the Angeles Crest High- ord that was done on the Angeles way project until the State Division way project through to final comple- Crest Highway was sponsored and of Highways started the location sur- tion there have been, from time to financed by the Automobile Club of veys in 1928 and initiated construction time, many top-level decisions that Southern California. In 1919, Henry in 1929. Thereafter, East and Holley had to be made by the Sacramento W. Keller, as chairman of the Roads maintained a lively interest in the proj- staff. State Highway Engineer G. T. and Highways Committee of the ect and made frequent trips over the McCov and Director of Public Works Automobile Club of Southern Califor- project consulting with State High- Frank B. Durkee are, and have always

2 2

California California F°9ighways

and and operation operation Hendrix, harmonious harmonious now now Joe Joe Beckley, Beckley, retired, retired, liaison liaison Angeles Angeles Crest Crest be- the the of of survey survey Highway

There There Highways. Highways. were was was supervisors supervisors Subsequent Subsequent Hoop. Hoop. continual continual co- preliminary preliminary reconnaissance the the lined lined

and and of of Roads Roads the the Harry State State of of was was the the the the opening opening camp camp of of Division Division he he of out- which which Plans, Plans, in in and and Surveys Surveys of of

S. S. of of the the sonnel sonnel U. U. Supervisor Supervisor charge Bureau Bureau Johnnie Johnnie in in Breen. Breen. of of Public Engineer Gramm, Gramm, Fred Fred his his J. J. chief, chief,

several several years, years, William William was was carried carried and Beckley Beckley age age Control; Control; out out by by per- a a report report made made to Plans Plans Department, Department,

over over extending extending a a the the way, way, Bever- Department Department Alcoholic Alcoholic of of period period of Headquarters Headquarters Surveys Surveys ramento ramento and

on on

the the neering neering

Angeles Angeles Harris, Harris, of Director Director now now colm colm Deputy Deputy Crest Crest High- J. J. H. H. Sac- of of on on Obermuller, Obermuller, the the staff staff

The The

location location

representative representative and and Mal- department; department; of of the the preliminary preliminary engi- Engineer In In January, January, 1928, 1928, Assistant Assistant

field

riod riod no~v no~v were were Winter, Winter, George George

Pines. Federal Federal

and and

State State

Agencies Agencies

Cooperate

Chief Chief

camp camp pe- during during supervisors supervisors

the the Big easterly easterly to to section section from from Box Box Red Red

Superintendent Superintendent

under under Dickson. F. F. R. R. charge charge of of the the camps. the reau reau of of handled handled Public Public Roads Roads

Kenyon Kenyon

continued and and J. J. Scudder, Scudder, Louis Louis W. W. is is Baugh Baugh presently presently and and in Red Red S. S. Box, Box, U. U. whereas, whereas, $u_ the the

Men Men at at

Chino, Chino, Superintendent under under Canada Brockmeir. ~~esterly ~~esterly La La section section between between

unit unit

of of

the the California California for Institution Institution Charles Charles Hamilton, Hamilton, the and and the the late late for for Paul Mate Mate tools tools surveys surveys care care of of

Institutions. Institutions. Director Director of of a It It was was then then now now the retired, retired, dale, dale, Walter Walter Stone, engineers. engineers. speaking, speaking, Generally Generally

at at

the the Richard Richard direction direction A. A. of of McGee, Weeks, Weeks, Holly Holly Walter Walter highway Stead, Stead, John John Tis- tween tween these these of of two two groups groups

reopened reopened War War II II and and 1946, in in June, June,

after after the the United United States States World entered entered

retaining retaining wall wall on on Ieft

Honor Honor camps camps were were Angeles Angeles easterly easterly closed closed along along Looking Looking shortly masonry Crest Crest Highway Highway near near rock rock Dawson's Dawson's attractive attractive Saddle, Saddle, showing showing

Shera, Shera, Ralph Ralph P. P. t1. t1. Lambdin.

Ledden, Ledden, John John Butler, Butler, Lester Lester Higgins,

gan, gan, Bert Bert gothic, gothic, Frank Frank Trip, Trip, James

A. A. Gus Gus Opitz, Opitz, John John L. L. Jewett, Jewett, Madi-

Johnson, Johnson, H. H. R. R. Doggett, Doggett, E. E. Breakbill,

rett, rett, W. W. Ballard, Ballard, L. L. H. McGinnis, McGinnis,

James James Rodden, Rodden, S. S. Knutson, Knutson, W. W. Gar-

rectional rectional officers officers George George Lessick,

camp. camp. with with Working Working him him were were cor-

Hinshaw Hinshaw A. A. was was in in charge charge of of the

out out the the period period correctional correctional H. officer officer

and and Smith Smith P. P. Duffy. Duffy. Clinton Clinton Through-

Work Work continued continued under under wardens wardens Court

J. J. B. B. was was Holohan Holohan then then warden.

nia nia State State Prison Prison at at San San where Quentin Quentin

under under the the jurisdiction jurisdiction of of the the Califor-

The The first first camp camp was was first first opened

these these Men Men Worked Worked Hard

Angeles Angeles Crest Crest Highway.

state state highway highway construction construction the on on

with with the the of of utilization utilization prison prison labor labor for

lems lems that that have have arisen arisen in in connection

to to relative relative the the difficult difficult many many prob-

cooperative cooperative spirit spirit has has always always existed

these these two two state state departments departments a a most

Department Department of of Corrections. Corrections. Between

Division Division of of Highways Highways and and the the State

mento mento headquarters headquarters staff staff of of the the State

been been necessary necessary between between the the Sacra-

Many Many top -level -level conferences conferences have

of of honor honor camps.

done done with with prison prison labor labor working working out

on on the the Angeles Angeles Crest Crest Highway Highway be

much much as as possible possible of of the the construction

laws, laws, the the decision decision was was made made that that as

habilitation habilitation as as program program provided provided by

In In order order to to assist assist in in the the prisoner prisoner re-

Crest Crest Highway.

port port advance advance of of action action the the to to Angeles

enthusiastic enthusiastic been, been, most most in in their their sup- that he had made in company with routings approximating the position of field office engineer on the job assist- Robert L. Thomas, Locating Engineer the high lines surveyed by Waller and ing "Bob" Thomas. These two survey for District VII. (All three of these George. This would furnish infor- parties were supplemented by addi- men have since retired from state mation regarding doubtful grade tional survey party personnel during service.) In his report, Obermuller connections on advanced alignment the years 1929 and 1930. Among the makes these significant comments: standards and permit more reliable District VII engineering employees recommendation for preferable rout- (in addition to those mentioned Ob~rmuller Report ing." above) who made a very considerable "The country from the mouth of contribution to the original location the Arroyo Seco to Red Box was Purcell Starts Surveys surveys on the Angeles Crest High- studied for determination of a rout- Shortly after Obermuller made his way, were: R. L. Adkins, C. T. Berry, ing on which final survey of the proj- report to Grumm, State Highway En- E. F. Burge, W. P. Devine, C. Fox, ect should be started. The two routes gineer Charles H. Purcell authorized C. C. French, A. L. Hawkins, B. E. surveyed in 192 3 by preliminary lines Spencer V. Cortelyou, then district Hooper, A. W. Hoy, R. M. Haver- by Frank Waller, U. S. Bureau of engineer of District VII, to start loca- stick, Henry Hawthorne, V. B. Kolks, Public Roads, the one previously in tion surveys for the Angeles Crest J. Q. McAndrew, B. F. Morris, A. E. 1919, by A. N. George for the State, Highway with Division of Highways Newton, L. F. Phillips, T. T. Peasnall, the routing via the existing Edison forces. A start was made later in 1928 C. R. Smith, N. D. Soderblom, W.H. Company Road, and the possibilities with a survey party of which W. H. Suverkrubbe, and Harry H. Wildy. for alternative positions in location, Irish was chief. About the same time were viewed in the field from the came a second survey party under Problem of Steep Slopes roads and trails and from advanta- Donald G. Evans, who recently re- The Angeles Crest Highway was geous peaks. No representative idea tired from the position of Construc- designed and constructed to provide a of routing can be secured in this tion Engineer on the Sacramento 30-foot roadway with 200-foot radius brush-covered canyon except from headquarters staff. These two survey curves as minimum standard for align- such vantage points. The conclusions parties worked under the supervision ment and as maximum standard for reached on that reconnaissance were of Robert L. Thomas, then Location rate of grade. Considering the rough that hand-level scout lines should be Engineer for District VII (now re- mountainous country passed through run over a considerable portion of tired). Henry Hawthorne was the these are considered as of sufficiently

Index map of Angeles Crest Highway

ANGELESR~cR EST( HIGHWAY ~ j^,, ~ _ cM_

- BIG , '... Mt Willamson ;~ INES :! ~ '. ~~ ~ LODGEPOL~ mc_ a~ter. ~ ~,,... ~ ~ ~ ~ l .. ~ .` ..T~~nel ~~ ea ` ~'.s;. n,. A'`f ' ' pori, ~ Inc:: ~ ~~ e ~ ~ CEDA ~~ ' WRIGHTWOO[ ~Y, Y_ ; SPRINGS ~: ,,~ ~ ~~ ~ ,,... ~ .,. ~ 37:~"y - 3Mr CAMP No. ~B~A n,..= ~~ ,` yt CHILAO _l ~a Waterman '~ SMp. ~.. Mtn. ~~ f ~~~p ~, `~ FLAT ~ Sf ~. ~~ ~ ~:_~ ~_ ,k

~1''/ r r3 ~G . ,,~ ~ t j .. ~ , Pk x cry ~:~ 3 av ... j ~Mt ~~Baldy ~ 1 ~i F/At

RED BOX r'"`f r.7~ v~f,~'l slt` i' rf ~:-~ b ~ . ei r: ~ ;K,_ Mt. Wilson; ~~•~^ r` s6f0~

a. ~ ~~~ '.

CANADA ~;-~ t ~k• 9 lJt t ____. .._ _ 1.~ i ~/ ------...... ,~ r ~~. r 5' E :F::ti4; ~ `t0 ... _. tF. L :: R k _~~~ ~~L f.,.~Ai. E` '`I ~ V:

and Public VVorlcs 3

4 4

California California Highwpys

numbering numbering from from attended attended 6 6 to to the new new that that 12, 12, this this highway highway facility facility has has im- tioned tioned for for there there many many years. years. a For For

The The of of in in children children school school camp camp tional tional age, Forest. Forest. unequivocably unequivocably He He states District, District, and and 1911, 1911, in in Canyon Canyon was was sta-

toward toward the the success success of of the the project. Highway Highway has has to to the the been been Angeles Angeles Na- Forest Forest Lopez National National the the Angeles Angeles

certainly certainly was was a a big big contributing factor factor great great benefit benefit that that the the Angeles Angeles Crest forest forest dena. dena. ranger ranger became became He He in a a

cottages cottages adjoining adjoining the the day day camp, Mendenhall Mendenhall labor labor is is most most emphatic emphatic as as to to the area. area. reared reared born born He He was was and and in in Pasa-

pleasures pleasures urban urban of of life life the the live live U. U. to to small in in S. S. Bureau Bureau Public Public of of Roads. Bill Bill Mendenhall Mendenhall well well knows knows this

37, 37, who who gave gave up up the the conveniences conveniences and construction construction that that carried carried was was out out

by

National National Made Made

Forest

employees employees working working runds runds Honor Honor in in Camp to to be be allocated allocated of 16 16 miles miles for for

of of

sion sion

Highways Highways

regular regular service civil civil energetic energetic drive drive U. U. for for S. S. Forest Forest Road

than than it it

was.

the the

wives wives

and and of of children children

the the State State Divi- Angeles Angeles

Crest Crest Highway Highway and and his

worse trophe trophe

would would

have have much much

been been

dren dren as as

men. men. well well The The as as

loyalty loyalty of

enthusiastic enthusiastic

support support in in furtherance furtherance of

catas- Angeles Angeles

Crest Crest

Highway Highway this this

and and

of of many many women women people, people,

the the chil- Angeles Angeles and and

National National Forest Forest for for his

the hall's hall's for for

opinion, opinion,

had had

been been not not

it it

on on

the the part part of of several several

Mendenhall, Mendenhall, organizations

the the forest forest supervisor supervisor for

Menden- lars lars of of

property property

In In damage. damage.

Highway Highway

is is one one of of

cooperative cooperative

Great Great

effort

credit credit is is due due to to William William V.

dol- of of losing losing

millions millions their their lives lives

and and

The The

of of story story the the

Angeles Angeles

Crest in in the the building.

persons

Flood," Flood,"

that that

many many

in in resulted resulted

excavation excavation

be be blasted. must must

might might have have

been been much much longer longer

delayed

"Montrose

has has

been been

referred referred

the the to to as as

rock rock

requiring requiring that that

80 80

percent percent of of the to to Canada Canada Big Big

Pines, Pines, this this

project

what

geles geles

caused, caused,

National National

Forest Forest

for for

the the part part

most most

through through

hard hard solid the the National National Angeles Angeles

Forest Forest

from from

La

An-

the the

ing ing on on the the of of areas areas

burned

-off -off

West West

Islip Islip

Saddle Saddle

the the

excavation excavation

is high high standard standard road road

constructed constructed

within

fall- rains rains

that that early early

heavy heavy

1934 1934 in in

the the

Highway Highway

between between

Cedar Cedar Springs Springs and leaving leaving no no

stone stone unturned unturned to to

a

get get

recalled

caused caused

by by be be will will

this this

fire. fire.

It It

the the On On

section section

of of the the Angeles Angeles Crest interest interest U. U. the the of of S. S.

Forest Forest

Service Service

in

damage

siderable siderable great great

extent extent the the

rough rough stone stone masonry. verses. verses. Had Had it it not not been been

for for

the the

active

con-

fight fight very very this this a a

to to reduced reduced fire, fire,

with with appropriate appropriate very very and and picturesque geles geles National National

Forest Forest

which which

it it

tra-

mountains mountains

and

to to get get back back

into into

the the

and and high, high, the the portals portals have have been been faced Highway Highway is is also also

a a

story story of of

the the

An-

Highway tion tion

Crest Crest of of

the the Angeles Angeles

a a

section section feet feet wide wide 32 32 x x feet 21 21 The The of of story story

Angeles Angeles %2 %2 the the

Crest

por- a a and and of of personnel personnel use use the the had had

way. way. The The tunnels tunnels were were constructed constructed

to

forest forest equipment fire fire service service fighting fighting S. S. U. U. Forest Forest Serviee Serviee Aid

separated separated by by 87 87 feet feet of of open -cut -cut road-

fact fact that that that

says says his his the the opinion opinion in in Canada.

feet feet

in in The The length. length. two two tunnels tunnels are

Mendenhall Highway Highway traversible. traversible. was was

been been required required to to go go to to school school in in La

in in length length and and the the second second tunnel tunnel is is 470

of of Crest Angeles Angeles

short short new new section section the the have have incurred incurred been been had had the the children

structed. structed. first first The The tunnel tunnel is is 680 680 feet

above above

Montrose. Montrose. a that that

only only

time time At At miles miles of of round round trip trip travel travel that that would

tion, tion, two two

tunnels tunnels to to had had be be con-

and and

mountain mountain sides sides

canyons the the tion tion school school the the to to children children saved saved the the 74

narrow narrow pioneer pioneer roads. roads. loca- At At this this

denuded denuded which which

fire fire

forest forest of of vegeta-

City City School School District. District. Bringing Bringing the

too too steep steep for for construction construction

of of

even

there there 1933 1933 very very

was was destructive In In a a

teachers teachers furnished furnished by by the the Pasadena

face face of of

Mt. Mt.

Williamson Williamson proved proved to to be

all all

elementary elementary grades grades by by competent of of his his ity ity staff staff by by 100 100 percent.

sloping sloping

ridges ridges projecting projecting

out out from from the

37, 37, in in Camp Camp and and were were instructed instructed ment ment in and and the the fire fire forest forest fighting fighting

abil-

rugged rugged

and and precipitous. precipitous. Two Two steeply

"little "little red red school school house" house" right right proved proved there management; management; the the the the develop-

Islip Islip Saddle, Saddle, the the topography topography is is very

location location at at Cedar Cedar Springs. Springs. Near Near West

by by Camp Camp

37 37

forces forces

from from

the the

present No. No. Tunnel Tunnel visible visible 2 2 Tunnel Tunnel through through No. No. 1

View View of of portal portal westerly westerly No. No. of of 7unnef 7unnef of of 1 1 near near Camp Camp two two Camp Camp 37 37 Honor Honor tunnels tunnels on on Angeles Angeles and and Cresf Cresf these these Highway, Highway, were were with handled

on on the the Angeles Angeles Crest Crest was was the the building

The The most most spectacular spectacular construction

Two Two Tunnels Tunnels BuilT

type type cribbing cribbing had had to to be be used.

concrete concrete forced forced cribbing cribbing or or metal metal bin-

and and masonry masonry retaining retaining rein- walls, walls,

steep steep that that fill fill would would slopes slopes not not catch

slopes slopes of of the the mountain mountain sides sides were were so

structed. structed. In In many many other other locations locations the

steep steep side side hill, hill, bridge bridge a a half half was was con-

stance stance of of the the location location being being along along very

roadway roadway embankments, embankments, and and in in one one in-

to to build build retaining retaining walls walls to to hold hold back

economical economical to to construct construct bridges bridges than

the the canyons canyons steep steep it it was was found found more

established established at at feet. feet. 300 300 Over Over two two of

and and start start later later the the minimum minimum was

-foot -foot curves curves 200 were were put put in in at at the

standard. standard. high high Actually, Actually, only only a a few UPPER—Completed Angeles Crest Highway at entrance fo Upper Chilao recreational area in the Angeles National Forest. LOWER—Looking easterly showing long embankment slopes where junction occurs between Crystal Lake Highway and Angeles Crest Highway. Completed Angeles Highway fo left. Crystal Lake Road under construction, to right. and Public ~/~rlss

6 6 California California Highwpys

Assistant Assistant Refired. Corfelyou, Corfelyou, Engineer, Engineer, Highway Highway State State

V. Spencer Spencer honor honor to to in in named named were were Springs, Springs, springs springs These These Cortelyou Cortelyou center. center. shown shown traffic traffic of of vicinity vicinity the the in in striping striping Angeles Angeles for for spotted spotted Highway Highway Crest Crest along along

in in northeasterly Looking Looking Antelope Antelope RIGHT— showing showing background. background. Valley Valley Campground Campground Angeles Angeles Buckhorn Buckhorn from from near near Highway Highway Cresf Cresf northwesterly northwesterly Looking Looking — LEFT

tapestried tapestried hilltops hilltops in dark dark or or shadow shadow Angeles Angeles have County County Los Los of of leys leys the is is This This Newcomb. Newcomb. Louis Louis by by 1878 1878

valleys valleys of sun, sun, the the in in to~vns to~vns or or val- and and the the shimmering shimmering of of "The "The people people homesteaded homesteaded in acres acres 160 160 is is extent, extent, in in

mist in in smoking smoking mountainsides mountainsides views, views, follows: ranch Canada Canada La La This This Pines. Pines. Big Big and and

changing swiftly swiftly vistas, vistas, the the as situation situation spectacular spectacular described described

Angeles, Angeles,

grounds grounds between Camp Camp midway midway about about

of world world a a to to them them of of introduce introduce Company Company They They Trust Trust and and Los Insurance Insurance

Chilao Ranch Ranch beyond beyond

located located

just just

areas. timbered timbered rolling, rolling, by by 1946 1946 slopes slopes Title as as the the its its and and in in published published est," est,"

Newcomb's Crest Crest Angeles Angeles is is Highway Highway

studded

-

pine

or or of of

covered covered National National

chaparral- Angeles Angeles its its the the For- Story Story

points points the of of on on One One interest interest of of the the

its its his his in in canyons, canyons, peaks, deep deep Robinson, Robinson, of of sharp sharp W. W. W. W. "The Service. Service.

to to Angeles Angeles Forest. National National S. S. U. U. miles them them endless endless its its with with facilities facilities the the acquainted acquainted by by offered offered Forest

1908 1908 in in changed Then Then was was name name the the make the the of of and and Angeles Angeles Forest Forest recreational National National appreciative appreciative very very

Reserve." Timberland Timberland Gabriel Gabriel "San "San of of them of of this this of of vast vast the the always always —into —into the have have area area interior interior been people people

called first first was was area area The The 1892. 1892. rison rison in in `the `the lands. lands. forest forest and and mobiles mobiles people'— The canyons canyons tains, tains, carry carry thousands

Har- Benjamin Benjamin President President of of lamation lamation auto- "Today, "Today, and and some some highways highways of of paved paved acres acres 700,000 700,000 of of moun- sists sists

proc- official official by by followed followed 1891, 1891, in in tion tion Forest Forest fringes. National National ern ern Angeles Angeles The The con-

ac- congressional congressional to to back back dates dates sorest sorest the the beyond beyond

lay lay that that west- playground playground

Forest

of of Story Story

National Angeles Angeles of of creation creation The The about about more more learn learn to to the people people began began

supervision, supervision, ranger ranger Timberland Timberland National National ganized ganized the under under roads roads Reserve. started.

and and trails trails of of by by rangers rangers forest forest newly newly building building the the With With or- first first dirt the the first was was construction construction initial initial since since

mouths mouths of of as as 1898 1898 in in of of appointment appointment the the one one his his at at dle dle the pools pools canyons. develop and and grow grow Highway Highway Crest Crest

dells dells and and the the ferny ferny was was officially officially country country the the recognized recognized pad- than than ther ther by Angeles the the watched watched has has he he capacity capacity

got got they they little little however, however, of of knowledge knowledge whose whose the the pioneers pioneers far- reserve, reserve, back In In Forest. Forest. this Angeles Angeles National National the the

of of creation creation the the one one the the was was "Before "Before Newcomb Newcomb of of boundary. boundary. forest the for appointed appointed supervisor supervisor forest forest was was

recreation. for for Mountains Mountains Crest Crest the the within within 1929 Highway Highway geles geles in in then then and and forest Forest, Forest, National National bara bara

the the San San to to gone gone always always on on land land owned owned An- privately privately the the only only served served he he Bar- Gabriel Santa Santa the the in in time time short short green. During 1945, visitors to the Highway, wrote in Cglif oynia High- forest numbered 1,310,000. The forest ways and Public Works: caters to the people. There is a super- "As the ascent is made, a beautiful vista visor of recreation on the forest super- is unfolded. From certain prominent points a view can be had of Los Angeles, Pasadena, visor's staff, and every ranger has Glendale and many other cities and small `recreational' activities second in im- towns in the flatter country below. On ex- portance only to fire prevention. ceptionally clear days the ocean and Cata- lina Island can also be seen. in planning the construc- Camping Grounds "Care was used tion of this road to avoid making high cut "Charlton Flats, with its stand of or fill slopes which could be seen from the ponderosa pine, incense cedar and big- valley. The beauty of the mountain slopes (pazticularly super- in the vicinity of Los Angeles cone spruce, is, under forest north of Hollywood and Beverly Hills) has vision, aparadise for the Sunday pic- been destroyed in many cases by the con- nicker. This place was once the goal struction of subdivision streets and roads of the sweating three-day hiker. Now making unsightly gashes in the forest cover. long fill slopes at exposed drive from Los To avoid these it is the end of a quick places, the excess material was hauled far- Angeles for father, mother and the ther into the mountains and deposited out children, who arrive spick and span of view to make parking places and picnic with twice too much lunch. The grounds. ground is soft with pine needles and Striking Seenic Views l~At. Waterman Ski Lift on Ang=ies Crest Highway the air is fresh with pine scent. "Wherever possible, in the construction of "At Chilao, a little farther on, are this highway, the scenic points have been as to form areas where cars can camping grounds for those who like graded so of Cajon Pass and Wrightwood. In park overlooking the valley below." to go to sleep with the whisper of the winter it has been visited on Sundays pines in their ears. There are trailer In addition to the scenes mentioned by 20,000 people—devotees of skating, units, too, as well as a corral for the by Cortelyou, of the Los Angeles sledding and skiing. The ski tow on horses of those who ride through on coastal plain, there are many striking Table Mountain, overlooking the area, the old Sturtevant Trail from Sierra views of -the San Gabriel Mountains, has a vertical rise of 500 feet. Skiers Madre. Chilao, when snow covered, Mohave Desert, and the distant Sierra get a startling desert view from Table has slopes that are good for safe and Nevada Mountains as one crosses Mountain and also of Mt. Baden- feet, and sane sledding. Cloudburst Summit at 7,000 Powell—black pines against blue- Dawson Saddle nearly 8,000 feet in Highway "The same Angeles Crest white. Blue Ridge, also of this area, elevation. of Southern that introduces the people has ski-heaven slopes." The construction on the Angeles and pleas- California to the beauties Since Mr. Robinson wrote about the Crest Highway was handled as four Chilao and ures of Charlton Flats, Angeles National Forest in 1946, the separate and distinct operations which to other play areas, carries them on U. S. Forest Service has greatly in- however often overlapped each other, of winter Mt. Waterman and the joys creased the scope of its activities. As both as to sections of the Angeles lift toboganning and' skiing. A chair of 1955, Mendenhall reports that the Crest Highway being worked on, and level takes the skier ~xom the highway number of yearly visitors has in- with respect to the time element. The at at 7,000 feet to near the summit creased to 1,700,000. There are also first construction by regular state 8,000 feet, giving him a thrilling view now in use at Holiday Hill and highway contracts was in 1929 and and a tug at the pit of his stomach. Kratka Ridge, additional areas where extended from La Canada four miles On the mountain top are a thousand winter visitors can enjoy the sport of northerly. Then,two day labor camps, acres of open, rolling slopes and two skiing. Additional camp ground fa- Camp D and Camp K, were estab- supplementary tow ropes. To this land cilities along the Angeles Crest High- lished during 1930-33 as a relief meas- of shining snow comes the parade of way are being provided. There will ure to alleviate the unemployment sit- those wearing ski pants, windbreakers soon be in operation on the newly uation, especially for transient home- and many-hued shirts, the people who opened section between Cedar Springs less men in the City of Los Angeles use strange words like `slalom' and and Blue Ridge, three additional pic- and vicinity. This work consisted of `crouch' and `telemark.' nic areas with tables and cooking grading pioneer roads, clearing and facilities located at Pine Hollow, grubbing, and erosion control. Then Scope of Work Increased White Thom, and Lodgepole. in 1930 to 1934, state highway con- "In due time this same highway will tracts completed the construction be extended to the Big Pines recrea- Beautiful Country from La Canada to Red Box. tional area which is under the iuris- In 1934, Spencer V. Cortelyou, then The next phase of construction was diction of the Valyermo Ranger Sta- District Engineer and later Assistant a group of eight contracts, from 1934 tion. Big Pines is now reached from State Highway Engineer, in charge of to 1950, carried out by the U. S. Bu- the desert side of the Angeles Forest District VII until his retirement in reau of Public Roads and financed by way of Mint Canyon, or by way 1949, in describing the Angeles Crest from National Forest Highway Funds.

and Public Works 7 ~ ~~>

~ 8 ~' ~: ~~- , These expenditures, according to Bu- again changed in 1939 to Cedar the editor of the San Francisco News reau of Public Roads records, totaled Springs and was known as Camp 37. prefaced the issue as follows: $1,308,381 and the construction work Honor Camp 37 remained in opera- "What happens after sentence? Where was on various sections of the Angeles tion until it was closed down in Sep- does the prisoner go? What kind of treat- Crest Highway between Red Box and tember 1942 when the World War II ment does he get? What kind of food does he eat? Where does he sleep? What work, Big Pines. situation became acute and shortages if any, does he do? What interest have you, of critical material developed. Opera- State and U. S. Funds the taxpayer, `the people of California,' in tions were resumed in June, 1946, the this prisoner? Do you care, for that matter, Simultaneously with this work be- camp being reopened with William E. whether he comes back alive to the respon- ing carried on by the U. S. Bureau of Melcher and Frank B. Cressy, who sibilities of citizenship or with senses dead- Public Roads, the State Division ened to anything but crime? of had just returned from a tour of duty "You should care, because he is an expen- Highways through day labor work with the U. S. Navy, in charge. Ben sive `guest' while in prison; and potentially orders financed from funds budgeted Henry resumed his old post as super- an expensive ex-criminal, unregenerate and by the California Highway Commis- intendent, taking over from Frank bent upon more expensive crimes upon re- sion extending over the years 1935 lease; or, having served his term in custody, Cressy when the latter was promoted is a new person, with a new outlook upon through 1956, excepting during the to the position of district construction life, with new determination to become a war years, carried out construction engineer for District VII. In 1948, useful member of society. work utilizing honor camp labor. This when Ben Henry accepted an assign- "It was to inquire into these alternatives, vas done in cooperation with the ment in the District VII office, Harry this cost of custody, confirmation in crime, or rehabilitation of the prisoners of the State Department of Corrections. The D. Johnson became superintendent of State, that Al Ostrow, reporter, and Herman work conducted by Honor Camp 31, Camp 37, and has been continuously C. Bryant, head photographer for The Honor Camp 35, and Honor Camp in charge up to the present rime. News, toured the prisons of California, 37, completed all the remaining con- examined every cell, every shop, every yard, During the periods of day labor every infirmary. They saw everything. struction between Red Box and Big camp operation many engineers on the Pines that was not completed by the District VII staff had assignments as S. F. News Articles U. S. Bureau of Public Roads con- resident engineers on this work. "What they found is that California is tracts. Among these were: M. L. Bauders, conducting the most extensive and progres- During the years 1930 through sive experiment in reclaiming human beings, 1956, Eugene Burge, W. J. Calvin, Ralph in straightening out distorted minds, in re- the California Highway Commission has Chase, Ray De Groff, W. D. Eaton, habilitating men and women to become use- made 22 allocations of funds totaling G. E. Farnsworth, E. W. Fehsenfeld, ful citizens ever attempted in the history of $6,336,205 for day labor work on the K. M. Fenwick, J. M. Lackey, W. E. penology. Angeles Crest "The story was told in a series of articles, Highway. Melcher, F. A. Read, P. R. Reed, L. F. The earlier with pictures, and is reprinted here. The camps, Camp "D" and Phillips, and H. A. Wildy. story is entitled, `Send 'Em Back Alive!"' Camp "K," were operated during the During the period of construction years 1930-33 on the section of the In his story Ostrow has considerable on the Angeles Crest Highway the Angeles Crest Highway between La to say about State Highway Honor work was successively under supervi- Canada and Red Box,and were largely Camps. In discussing the operation and sion of District VII Construction En- for the purpose of providing worth- accomplishments of Camp 37 on the gineers L. M. Ransom, A. N. George, while work to relieve the unemploy- Angeles Crest Highway, he said: F. B. Cressy, E. G. Bower, and Bruce ment then existing in the Los "There was enough dynamite in the cache Angeles A. Gentry. During the construction area. The superintendent in charge of to rip open the seams of both Folsom and period, general supervision was the re- San Quentin Prisons, and the men handling Camp "D" was A. N. George, and the sponsibility of District Engineers S. V. it were convicts. resident engineer was M. L. Bauders. Cortelyou (later promoted to Assist- "But Harry Johnson, the rugged State For Camp "K," C. C. Rossi was su- in charge ant State Highway Engineer), P. O. Highway Department Engineer perintendent, William Axtman was his of the Angeles Crest road camp at Cedar Harding (later promoted to Assistant assistant, and M. L. Bauders was resi- Springs, was not apprehensive. dent engineer. State Highway Engineer), M. E. "`We're too busy building a highway Cessna, W. L. Fahey, George Langs- through mighty rough country to worry ner, and Lyman R. Gillis. General su- about such things,' he confided. Operations of Camps "The camp is 6,800 feet above sea level, pervision is now exercised by Assist- amid the scenic splendor of Angeles Na- Later the three honor camps previ- ant State Highway Engineer Edward ously referred to tional Forest, not far from the famous Mt. were established to T. Telford, District VII. Wilson Observatory. This is the type of utilize prison labor as supplied by the upland grandeur that inspired the inscrip- State Department of Corrections. tion on the State Office Building in Sacra- Camp 31, located three miles east of Rehabilitation Program mento: `Bring me men to match my moun- Red Box, was put into operation in tains: August of 1935 with Benjamin H. During the year 1948 the San Fran- Few Escapes From Camps Henry as superintendent and M. L. cisco News reprinted a series of arti- "Freedom seems particularly precious in Bauders as resident engineer. In 1937, cles on California state prisons and the the wide open vistas of the Coast Range, this camp was to a new loca- problems of organization and opera- where bald rocks tower boldly above the moved timber line and great trees sway gently in tion near Newcomb's Ranch and tion that faced the State Department the embrace of pine-flavored breezes. A man called Camp 35. The location was of Corrections. In this reprint edition with a number who has spent several years

and Public WQrlcs 9 's" ~. $~: ~ g '~.4. ~`°~ ~.r~ ~a ~~ .~:; ,~ ~' ~ _~~ ,~

yp ~ ,. „ e.,,.

~}

~i ~; a ~~' W

~ `. .. w

.a ~ ;~ ~'• .. ~

These old photos show snow conditions at Angeles Crest Road Camp No. 37 in Los Angeles County. UPPER LEFT AND RIGHT—A 72-foot depth of snow is indicated by views of tank in center of each photograph. LEFT—Before heavy snow3all. RIGHT—After heavy snowfall with top of tank just visible. CENTER LEFT—Free family quarters near Camp 37. CENTER RIGHT—Camp equipment shop. COWER LEFT—Removing snow from road through camp. LOWER RIGHT—Clearing snow to office entrance.

10 California Highe~rays behind prison bars might easily become in- nia Highways c~nd Public Works,fully of the California Institute for Men toxicated by the fresh atmosphere and de- covered the history and legislation be- near Chino, that is operated by the cide to take a deep draught of liberty. activity as well as detailing State Department of Corrections. One "It's easy to escape from Angeles Crest— hind this but few men do. They have too much to the accomplishments. of the main duties of the honor camp lose by running away, and a lot to gain by The employment of prison labor superintendent is to maintain close staying. for the construction of state highways contact and harmonious cooperative "There are no armed guards and no guns relations with the camp supervisors at Angeles Crest. The custodial force con- in California was first advocated in a sists of two officers whose job, aside from bill introduced in the 1915 Legislature and correctional officers of the State the nose counting, is about the same as that by Assemblyman B. B. Meek of Butte Department of Corrections. The op- of policemen in any isolated construction County, who later held the ofFice of erations of Honor Camp No. 37 on camp. Their job is made easier—or perhaps the Angeles Crest Highway work have harder—by the fact that intoxicating liquor Director of Public Works from 1927 and gambling are banned. to 1931. This bill was enacted into law proven over the years that the pro- "The prisoners work side by side with and became the basis for establishment ductiveness of inmate labor is com- 25 foremen employed by the Highway De- during that year of honor camps in parable to that of free labor. partment. They blast tunnels through the locations throughout the State. mountains, crush rocks, build culverts, pour various Withycombe Report concrete, clear underbrush, cut timber, and As honor camp operations employ- scale the crags to knock loose projections ing prisoners on highway work pro- Assistant State Highway Engineer which might eventually fall and block the ceeded, the need for changes in the Earl Withycombe, in submitting his highway. law was recognized, and the original annual progress report on honor camp "The prisoners expect to stay only six projects as of June 30, 1956, com- months to two years each. All of them are legislation was modified by statutes that close to parole. of 1923, 1935, 1941 and 1947. The law ments as follows: inmates shall be "The Department of Corrections is re- Careful Selection of Workers now provides that paid a daily wage of $3.50, from sponsible for inmate welfare in the camps. "Carefully selected from the inmate popu- The Department of Public Works pays to lation of the California Institution for Men which are deducted necessary ex- the Department of Corrections $3.50 per at Chino, most are volunteers eager to get penses. The law also provides that inmate day on a day's worked basis. The out of confinement and into the bodybuild- nonconvict personnel be assigned to Department of Corrections in turn feeds, ing outdoors, as well as to save up some supervisory positions and to all jobs clothes and pays the inmate $15 per month money before their release. on a six-day week basis, or $18 per month "The punishment for breaking the rules at requiring skilled labor, such as shovel on a seven-day week basis. Angeles Crest is immediate return to Chino. operators and truck drivers. Prisoners "During the last fiscal year all major Men who violate the confidence of the clas- are not automatically assigned to high- grading operations were completed on the sification committee which assigned them to way work in the honor camps; they final 16 miles of the Angeles Crest Highway, the camp by running away lose their parole must first make a voluntary request Road VII-LA-61-C,D between the camp and dates and face an additional penalty of a Blue Ridge, 2.1 miles westerly of Big. Pines. year to life at San Quentin or Folsom for and meet certain minimum require- "Activities during the spring of 1956 were escaping from a state prison. ments to become eligible. There are concentrated on the cleanup of minor slides "The road camps are part of the program far more applicants for service in the and sloughs into the gutter which was per- of the State Department of Corrections de- honor camps than there are jobs to be formed with rented equipment. The power signed to send men out of prison better pre- shovel was utilized in removing a major pared for normal social life than when the filled. As George Tilton expressed it: slide which had occurred during the winter gates closed behind them; to `send them and completing some rock excavation. back alive: Eligibles Eager to Work "Fine grading operations were completed "The number of men who can be sent to "There is probably no greater pleasurable and selected material was placed on the the camps is rigidly limited by security con- anticipation in the gamut of human emo- roadbed for bituminous surfacing operations siderations. There wouldn't be much point tions than the prospect of departing prison to be performed by contract during the in sending a lot of prisoners whose records environment after years of close confine- summer. indicate they would very likely attempt to ment. Having once reached the eligible list, "Unusually good weather conditions also escape from the camps as they are presently the inmate eagerly awaits the time he is to permitted continuation of grading operations run. That would -only make trouble for the be sent to a camp. Immediately prior to on the Crystal Lake Road, VII-LA-62-B for camp officials, and also for the men—since prison departure, he is interviewed person- 1.2 miles southerly from the intersection statistics show that close to 99 percent of ally by a prison official and told that he is with Route 61 at Islip Saddle. This section America's escaped convicts are recaptured:' being placed on his honor to obey all camp requires extensive drilling and blasting op- rules, and that he is expected to work at erations as the location is generally in rock Legisla4ion in 1915 any tasks assigned to him. formation. For many years while he was as- "Upon arrival in camp, new inmates are "A total of 452,658 cubic yards of exca- vation were moved this year at an average sistant construction engineer on the promptly assigned to comfortable quarters and acquainted with camp routine and rules cost of $1.09 per cubic yard. To date a Sacramento headquarters staff, George by the senior camp supervisor responsible total of 4,179,929 cubic yards have been A. Tilton, Jr. had the responsibility for their custody. The day following ar- moved at an nverage cost of $0.76 per cubic of general supervision over all honor rival in camp, the prisoner comes in active yard. camps operated Depart- contact with state highway personnel for "The inmate quota of this camp is 100 by the State men, but population varies during the year Di- the first time, and the relative freedom of ment of Corrections and the State an outdoor life:' depending on the weather. The average vision of Highways. Published shortly inmate population was 79 for the year, the after his death, George Tilton's book, Honor Camp 37, with respect to re- lower figures during the winter months Prison Road Camps, based on a series sponsibility for the inmates, is under pulling down the average. This spring the district requested an increase to 114 men of articles he had written in CalifoY- the jurisdiction of the Superintendent because of favorable working conditions. and Public Works 11

Highways California California 2 2 ~ ~

reached reached most most the the water. is is forces forces far far by by serious serious powerful powerful proportions. proportions. Recreational of of and and Highways, Highways, conferred Kraebel Kraebel

and and such such forces, forces, ated ated these these has has these of of of of work work deposits deposits by by natural natural some some in in localities

scape scape the the for for Architect Architect Division State State

compared compared The The works. works. water water is is the with with traffic traffic damage damage cre- supplies supplies unimportant unimportant to to by by

H. H. Bowers, Bowers, Dana Dana Land- supervising supervising

the the roads roads - water and and wear grounds, grounds, spreading spreading irrigation improved improved newly newly On On state. state.

wild the the to to immediately immediately into into revert revert

to to it it by by channels, channels,

occupied occupied stream stream area area

reservoirs, Work Work Erosion Erosion Important

this this and and displaced displaced its its the finds finds eradicate eradicate cause cause material material road road way way entire entire the the to to almost

of of sections sections most most great great a a California California damage damage short, —in slopes of part part back back and and berms bridges:' and and roads roads to to shoulder shoulder

of edges edges squared squared the the denly denly to to descent descent beauty beauty accelerated accelerated the the sea. sea. and and off off mud mud round round by by and and fills, fills, the the In boulder boulder and and flows, flows, in

tear tear on on during during the the the the started started down and and grounds, grounds, surface, surface, sud- construction construction a a road road up up in in break break to to of of bine bine despoliation despoliation streamside

soil soil of of tities tities are are com- and and rock rock all all silt silt and and loosened which which gravity, gravity, of of the the pull pull in in sand, sand, camp constant constant of of the the and and destruction destruction

course, course, of of the the enormous enormous heat, and and minaticn minaticn movement movement cold cold filled filled fish fish of of of of eroded the the by by quan- wind, wind, pools pools in in and and Water Water it. it. destroy destroy

"The "The cause cause direct direct this this all all to are are of of work work values values at at hit, hit, are are is, hard hard damage damage similarly similarly exter- the the in in nature nature of of forces forces the the than than

constructed road road new new a a is is sooner sooner "No "No

Nature Wifh Wifh Battle Battle

Big Big recreational recreational Pines Pines of of area.

Highway Highway Crest Crest centerline centerline with with traffic traffic marking marking at at miles miles striping striping three three

for for Summif, Summif, Ridge Ridge Blue Blue westerly

responsible.

avoidably avoidably

road road side side of of who who motorists motorists the the for for ofF ofF park park to to development development — wish wish LOWER highway. highway. Angeles Completed Completed

un-

means means no no

though though

invariably invariably

by by almost almost

— UPPER Looking Looking Angeles Angeles along along easterly easterly Highway Highway Crest Crest Pines Pines area, area, approaching approaching recreational recreational Big Big showing

roads roads are new new the the which which for for way way rights rights of of

the beyond beyond damages damages erosion erosion from from of of train train

the the is is viewpoint, viewpoint, long economic economic the the from from

serious more more Another Another even even result, result, traverse. traverse.

necessarily they they which which topography topography rugged rugged

the and and built built are are they they which which on on standards standards

high the the of of results results the the unfortunate unfortunate of of one one is is

to to intended intended they they reveal are are charms charms very very

disfigure disfigure the often often roads roads these these That That parks. parks.

national and and forests forests national national the the in in larly larly

particu- areas, areas, recreational recreational of of opening opening the the

devoted devoted roads roads to largely largely are are new new the the and and

pleasure pleasure is is traffic traffic this this of of bent, Much Much lines. lines.

roads roads old old modern along along of of reconstruction reconstruction

the and and roads roads standard standard - high new new many many

the the building building compeIled compeIled has has of years years recent recent

California California during of of parts parts mountainous mountainous the the

traffic traffic motor motor into of of increase increase rapid rapid "The "The

excerpts: following following the the

by shown shown well well is is subject subject his his of of grasp grasp

Kraebel's and and Highway, Highway, Crest Crest geles geles

the the to to made made An- references references are are many many

book this this In In Roads. Roads. Mountain Mountain on on trol trol

Erosion Erosion Con- entitled entitled published, published, was was

1935 1935 handbook Kraebel's Kraebel's In In slopes. slopes. of of

seeding to to even even done, done, be be should should work work

how how show show to to the demonstrations demonstrations cal cal

on on put put and and practi- personally personally control, control,

of of wherefores wherefores and and whys whys erosion the the

explaining construction, construction, during during out out

worked be be could could features features control control sion sion

ero- adequate adequate that that end end the the to to job, job, the the

spent spent on time time considerable considerable Service, Service, est est

Department Department Agriculture, Agriculture, of of For- S. S. U. U.

senior senior the for for silviculturist silviculturist Kraebel, Kraebel, J. J.

Crest Crest Charles Angeles Angeles construction construction the the

that that states states Bauders Bauders Mel Mel during trol. trol.

was was problems problems con- erosion erosion chief chief the the

1939. 1939. period, period, this this During During of one one and and

1929 between between construction construction Highway Highway

various various Angeles Angeles on on times times Crest at at neer neer

Engineer, Engineer, Projects Projects resident resident was was engi-

County County and and City City VII VII Cooperative

L. L. now now Bauders, Bauders, Meldon Meldon District

Control Erosion Erosion

engineer."

E. E. and and office office F. F. assistant assistant was was Burge Burge resident

E. E. was was perintendent, perintendent, Wescott, Wescott, W. W. field Sr., Sr.,

the the D. D. H. H. year year su- was was "During "During Johnson Johnson innumerable times in working out the body's idea was given a trial. In retrospect of sheep's foot roller. We call this method erosion control features to incorpo- it is now somewhat amusing to review the our Type "C" stabilization. We also found rate in many approaches to the problem. Prac- that compaction of the slope surface into the Angeles Crest Highway tically everything was done in an effort to which straw had been incorporated was of construction work, to the end that protect the raw slope surfaces, except the paramount importance. Water more slowly damage from storm water flow would single natural method—the use of grass. Bar- penetrates a hard surface, therefore reducing be kept to a minimum. Regarding this riers of every kind and description, from saturation and slump. The straw imbedded feature of the Angeles Crest Highway steel to fish netting, were employed, all of into the surface serves the same purpose as which required hand labor to install. Tn the grass root mat that would form as the construction, Dana Bowers has this to those days hand labor was plentiful and season progressed. In short, we are now say: cheap, but as the depression eased off and merely imitating, on a speeded up schedule, "Erosion control methods have been con- good times and high prices arrived, it be- nature's age-old method that can be ob- siderably simplified and perfected since the came the popular thought of the day to served on every hillside, but it took us years `early' days of 1935. At that time we were avail ourselves of more economical methods. to see it!" just becoming erosion conscious, a con- "Consequently, because of economics, sciousness that was accelerated by the ever- plus observation and analysis of the various U. 5. Bureau of Publie Roads increasing soil losses occurring on higher erosion control methods that had been in- Many passing references have been cut slopes resulting from the demand for stalled, we finally arrived at the present mad"e in this story to the U. S. improved alignment and grades. method we are using which involves the use Bureau "For many years erosion control was a of straw, cereal grain and other seeds, fer- of Public Roads and the part its per- period of trial and error, and almost any- tilizer, and for compaction a modified type sonnel played in bringing to consum-

Easterly end of Angeles Crest Highway where it joins existing road of Big Pines recreational area

and Public Works 13

Highways 14 14 California California

wouldn't wouldn't trade trade their their job job Los for for any any other. the the and and Highway Highway Crest Crest geles geles on work work maintenance maintenance engineer, engineer, and and

"And "And the the watch watch

over over them men men who who

the the An- been been there there not not Had Had mountain. mountain. district succeeded succeeded Fahey Fahey as as assistant assistant

Has Has Own Own School Camp Camp the towers towers atop atop transmission transmission television television Sedgwick 1955. 1955. W. W. D. D. November, November,

installation installation

of

the the aspect aspect due due to to trial trial and and service who who retired retired state state from from of of their their better better citizens citizens because because experience.

an an indus- on on Wilson Wilson has has taken taken the the of of Mt. Mt. have have ception, ception, come come away Chino Chino men men promoted promoted 1950 to to engineer engineer in in district district

Highway Highway

Almost Almost without without ex- employees. employees.

top years years the the Road." Road." During During later later Toll Toll

was engineer engineer who who was was W. W. L. L. Fahey, Fahey,

30 30 under under Division Division the the of

of of

supervision supervision

"The

as as

known known slope slope of of Mt. Mt. Wilson, Wilson, maintenance Succeeding Succeeding Voorhees Voorhees as. as.

the the —have —have away away at at at at a a time rocks scraped scraped

the the south

curving curving wagon wagon road road on on

taking taking Springs. traffic traffic as as far far as as Cedar Cedar Through Through -50 -50 100 the the years years the the prisoners to to

and steep steep -lane -lane seded seded an an old old single one one ness ness supervisor. leave leave him,' him,' advises advises 38 38 were were partment, partment, in in use, until until miles miles

want want to to see see about about the the a a mean- week week if if you you Wilson. Wilson. It It super- tories tories on on top top of of Mt. Mt. turned turned De- over over to to the the Maintenance Maintenance

jackhammer jackhammer for on on a a put put a a man man " " `Just `Just

Observa- Carnegie Carnegie Institute Institute hotel hotel and and

quently, quently, were units units as as completed completed other other

mountains. against against the the up up

the

Box, Box, to to Highway Highway to to Red Red Crest Crest

district district Engineer. Engineer. Subse- maintenance maintenance

years years until until they they came for for

had had it it tough tough a a few few

Angeles already already of of completed completed portion portion

of of 1931 1931 was was the I. I. S. S. Voorhees Voorhees when when they

who who

thought thought Chino Chino

men men

from from Prison, Prison,

via via the automobile, automobile, nia nia easy easy access access by by came came `trusties' 16 16 miles. miles. est. est. This This them them last last the the latter latter With With part occurred occurred in in

Califor- of of it it

gave gave the the people people at at those because because picking picking away away Springs Springs and and begin begin nada nada into into For- the the Angeles Angeles

National National

camp camp at at open open Cedar a a construction construction to to

highway important important a a

This This was was very very

was was extending extending from from La La 2 2 % % Ca- miles, miles,

engineers engineers

1946 1946 before before

rerurned

was was in in

"It "It

Box. at at Red Red Crest Crest Highway Highway Angeles Angeles

The The first first opened section section that that was was

where.

with with the Wilson Wilson connecting connecting Mt. Mt.

40 -mile -mile road road was was a a Palmdale, Palmdale, to to no- it it to to

Maintenance Maintenance DepaMmenf

scenic scenic highway miles miles of of

tract tract for for five five

Angeles Angeles Forest Forest Highway turnoff turnoff over over for for a a

completed completed a a con- Road Road money money Forest Forest

Ridge. Ridge. and and Kratka Kratka Waterman Waterman Except Mt. Mt.

nance nance

Department.

across across Barley Barley

Flat Flat Wilson, Wilson, around around Mt. Mt. to U. U. $500,000 $500,000 Roads Roads of of with with S. some some

District District

responsibility responsibility Mainte-

of of the the

Red Red through through Lookout Lookout Box Box Gap Mountain, Mountain,

Bureau Bureau Public 1934 1934 U. U. of of the the S. S. In In

and and became became from from that that time time forth forth the wound wound its its past the the way way road road construction construction

During During Highway Highway the the 1930's at at La La Canada. Canada. sections sections to to traffic, were were opened opened public public In In Mt. Mt. Area Wilson Wilson

of of Angeles Angeles for for Crest the the beginning beginning survey survey

and and the the

these traveled traveled oil- treated, treated, way way

he he

1928 1928

when when remember remember

helped back back to to

Angeles Angeles National National

Forest.

Crest Crest completed Highway Highway have have been been

Burge Burge Engineer Engineer Eugene Eugene

"Resident "Resident can

part part of of its its the activities activities

in in recreational recreational

As As fast fast as as sections sections of of the the Angeles

desert. outlet outlet to to the the new new a a

tion tion the the U. U. S. S. Forest Forest Service Service of of as as a

Angeles Angeles and and miles miles provide closer closer to to Los Los 27 27

civilization."

has has now now been been returned returned to to the the jurisdic- Pines Pines

Wrightwood Wrightwood and and will will bring bring Park Big Big

a a

wilderness wilderness

to to bring bring

it it

reach reach of

within within

Angeles Angeles areas. areas. Exciting Exciting ski ski new new

recreation recreation the the This This area Crest Crest vast vast Highway. Highway. slopes

of of

pioneering pioneering through

adventure, adventure,

breaking breaking

was was sight. sight. The The highway highway dream dream will will open

in in

Park Park County County end end of at at the the easterly easterly rocks rocks into into the the canyons. canyons.

And And

there there

is is a a

sense

of of a a 30 -year roads, roads, the the realization realization mountain mountain

gerously gerously as as push push

and

they they

still still

more more dirt dirt Recreation Recreation Pines operated operated the the Big Big

this this most most $180,000 $180,000 rugged rugged

for for of paving paving

dozers dozers crawl crawl along along the the edge edge

dan-

tipping tipping

Parks Parks County County and Department Department

of of

appropriated appropriated Commission Commission a a final

recently recently

watch watch for for rocks rocks

tumbling tumbling from from

above. above.

Bull-

a a few few years years Los Los Angeles ago, ago, the the the the State State

But But coat coat Highway of of asphalt. asphalt.

when when

work work and and

it it

is. is.

Workers Workers

must must constantly

quite quite ready ready for for

a not not

rock - littered littered trail trail

in in the the Angeles Angeles Crest Crest Highway. Highway. Until

were were looks looks man -made. -made. It It like like dangerous

this —just —just atwo

-lane wide wide

freeway freeway

"No "No

a a Los Los Angeles Angeles County County has has piles piles big big leaning leaning stake against against the the sides mountain mountain

lows: Gillis, Gillis,

it it was was hard hard to to believe believe the the huge huge rock Sacramento, Sacramento,

E. E. C. C. Brown. in in

Orange Orange and and Ventura Ventura bounties. bounties. Even Even for

part part writes writes as as Highway, Highway, fol- in in Crest Crest

direction direction of of District District eral eral the the Engineer

neer neer for for

construction construction

in in Los Los Angeles,

work work

on on the the Angeles construction construction ing ing

operarions operarions the the been been under under gen- have have

the the road road for for L. L. R. R. Gillis, Gillis, new new district district engi-

Writer Writer Charles Charles

Ridgway, Ridgway,

in in

describ-

until until date, date, 1946. 1946. the Since Since 1946 1946 and and to to "Cressy "Cressy this this week week conducted conducted a a tour tour over

Mirror- Nezvs, Nezvs, Los Los Angeles Angeles the the Staff dynamite dynamite nearly nearly 1,000 1,000 pounds pounds of of every every day.' in in C. C. San San Morris, Francisco, Francisco, Charles Charles

400 400 500 500 feet feet below. below. The The camp camp or or uses

9, 9, In In the the April April 1956, 1956, issue issue of

of of Division Division eral eral Engineer direction direction the the

into into then then the the roll roll the the debris debris down down canyon

of of Public Public Roads Roads

were were under under the the gen-

New New Recreation Recreation Areas top, top, blow blow the the You You rocks rocks begin begin loose, at at the the

S. S. The The Bureau operations operations by by the the U. U. be be the the way way has has to to blasted blasted with with dynamite.

area. Pasadena -Los -Los Angeles Angeles

in in to to but but dozers dozers yard yard move move help, help, every every of trict trict in in Office Office Sacramento.

work. work. When When

the the

path path is is

wide wide enough, enough,

bull-

dale dale area area of of Antelope Antelope Valley Valley and and

the

the the

U. U.

Bureau Bureau

of of Roads Roads Dis- S. S. Public Public

`it's `it's almost almost Highways Highways hard District District VII, VII, all all

motorists motorists traveling traveling between between the the Palm-

Engineer Engineer now now Principal Principal Highway Highway in

construction construction for for intendent intendent Division Division of of of

highway highway tant tant additional additional facility facility for

of of Public Public Roads. Roads. H. H. A. A. Alderton Alderton is " " `At `At explains explains Frank Frank Cressy, Cressy, super- first,' first,'

This This has has proven proven to to be be a a very very impor- feet feet at at Powell. Mt. Mt. Baden - for for U. U. location location S. S. Bureau engineers engineers the the

summit summit road road winds winds 8,000 to to about about a a four four of of nearly nearly up up miles miles from from La La Canada. H. H. Alderton Alderton and and A. A. A. A. Garber, Henry Henry

It's It's one one Islip Islip Saddle. Saddle. as as only only of of many many the

Highway Highway at at

Clear Clear Water Water Canyon

Big Big Pines Pines was was carried carried Box Box out out and and by

huge huge cut cut across across the the face face of of sheer sheer cliffs cliffs near

the the that that connects connects with with Angeles Angeles Crest

Angeles Angeles

Red

Crest Crest Highway Highway

between between feet feet

more more There's There's than than 1,000 1,000 in in

length. length. a

est est Highway Highway to to northerly northerly Vincent The The for for location location engineering engineering the tunnels tunnels Mt. Mt. through through Williamson Williamson totaling

what what has has Road Road Department Department is is already already the the been been done. done. There There are are two Angeles Angeles For- 300,000.

it it Take Take a a back back take take so so long? long? look look over

by by oped oped the the Los Los Angeles Angeles

County

way way a a cost cost of of appro~umately appro~umately at at $1,-

is is waiting waiting the the job job finished. finished. Why Why until until does

Another Another important important project project devel- of of

16 16 miles miles

the the

Angeles Angeles Crest Crest

. . High-

Johnson Johnson eligible eligible for for but but is is retirement retirement is

construction construction arate have have contracts, contracts, proven proven insurmountable. building been been on on the the since since it it started started 1946. job job in in

Superintendent Superintendent Harry Harry Camp Camp Johnson Johnson has of of Public Public Roads Roads vision vision carried carried transmitting transmitting out out eight eight sep- installations installations might

-room -room school school

has has eight eight camp's camp's one

students.

and and panying panying S. S. maintaining maintaining tabulation, tabulation, making making the the

U. U.

Bureau

of of

these these tele-

a a mile mile from from the the prisoners' prisoners' barracks. barracks. The

the the Highway. Highway. Wilson, Wilson, As As the the Box Box on on to to Mt. Mt. accom- Red Red shown shown problems

live live in in a a separate separate `free' `free' workers workers camp camp

about

maintained maintained the the Angeles Angeles County County Angeles Angeles mation mation completed completed road road Crest from of of 15 15 families families supervisors supervisors About About and and other UPPER LEFT—Looking northeasterly along Angeles Crest Highway of Cloudburst Summit, entering the Mt. Waterman winter sports area. UPPER RIGHT—View looking westerly from Cloudburst Summit, elevation 7,000 feet, showing Angeles Crest Highway winding through the forest. CENTER—View from location 70 miles northeasterly of La Canada showing fhe Angeles Crest Highway along the side of the mountains approaching Red Box, background right. Road fo Swifzer's Camp showing in foreground. LOWER LEFT—View of completed Angeles Crest Highway six miles northeast from La Canada at the 3,000-foot elevation. LOWER RIGHT—Angeles Crest Highway where it enters south boundary of Angeles National Forest. Note crib wall supporting roadbed, center left. and Public Works 15 UPPER—Ribbon cutting by Director of Public Works Frank B. Durkee. Lefi to right: Roger Jessup, Supervisor, Los Angeles County; Victor Jory, Master of Cere- monies; Fred Dickson, Superintendent, California Institute for Men, Chino; Durkee; G. i. McCoy, State Highway Engineer; Harrison R. Baker, former member of California Highway Commission; S. Wesley Break, Chairman, Board of Supervisors, San Bernardino County; Elmer Wilson, Chairman, Convention and Tourist Com- mittee, Pasadena Chamber of Commerce; John Anson Ford, Supervisor, Los Angeles County. LOWER—Honor Camp 37 cottages for State Division of Highways em- ployees. The building at left is the schoolhouse operated by the Pasadena City School District.

16 California Highwa~rs the Angeles Crest Highway is now CONST tiJCT10N CONTRACTS C~IRRIED OUT BY STATE part of his responsibilities. total Resident The maintenance crews who pres- Description Date tonfracEor cost engineer ently maintain the road from the junc- La Canada to 2 ~h mi. north- tion of Foothill Boulevard in La Ca- grading 8.14-29 H. W. Rohl Co. $270,063 A. N. George nada to its temporary terminus at Bridge across La Canada Canyon_ 12- 9.29 Whipple Eng. Co. 35,167 R. W. Van Stan Cedar Springs, work out of the La 1 mi. north La Canada Crescenta and . Chilao Maintenance yz to 4 mi. north—grading Stations. 1.27-30 T. M. Morgan 309,712 A. N. George Paving Co. During the summer months of May la Canada to 2 y2 mi. n~rth— to September, the maintenance of the oiling------12- t-30 Chas. A. Ladeveze 6,366 A. N. George roadway is of a general nature typical 4 mi. north La Canada to Colby C. of many mountain roads. The traveled —grading 4-15-31 T. M. Morgan 452,747 M. L. Bauders `vay surfacing is patched where nec- Paving Co. essary to maintain a smooth, hazard- Bridge across Fern Canyon 8-13-31 Houghton and 31,470 R. W. Van Stan freesurface. The shoulders and ditches Anderson are graded and kept clean of slough At la Canada—oiling 10- 6-31 Square Oil Co. 2,248 A. I. Bird and other debris. Guard rails, sight posts and culvert markers are painted, Between Colby and Mt. Wilson road—grading restenciled and replaced as necessary. ______9-ZO-33 Jahn and Bressi 351,122 C. P. Montgomery Const. Co. A large part of the Angeles Crest Between Cedar Springs and Blue Highway is constructed along steep Ridge—oiling 7-12-56 E. C. Young 135,219 F. W. Luchsinger side hills and through ridges where slopes are acted upon by wind, rain $1,600,114 and snow. To keep the road safe dur- C06a@STCtflDCTION CONTRACTS BY U. 5. BUREAU OF PUBLIC ROADS ing heavy rains, maintenance trucks location Iosf equipped ~vit11 rock plows patrol the Tyke of work Dafes Res. Engr. Angeles Crest Highway constantly. Red Bax to 1.367 miles east__ $131,359 Grading and drainage 1.27-37 E. E. Hapson Frequently between storms crews 4.272 miles to 9.243 miles east 7- 3.37 bather up slide material with skip of Red Box 300,463 Grading and drainage 9-12-35 H. Booth loaders, and trucks haul it to disposal 9.243 miles to 12.5 miles east 7- 3-37 areas. Unlike many other locations in of Red Box______142,700 Grading and drainage 5.17-37 E. E. Hopson the State, slide material and rocks can- 18.96 miles t~ 21.02 10-11-37 not be bladed or dumped in any miles east of Red Box 133,861 Grading convenient gully or canyon. Every and drainage 5. 1-39 B. H. McCain 2' 8"39 effort must be exercised to avoid un- 21.02 miles to 22.75 miles east ~ sightly spoil banks, and slide material of Red Box_____-______142,841 Grading and drainage 9- 8.39 B. H. McCain must be hauled to specifically desig- 8.22.40 nated locations where the disposal will Red Box to i 2'h miles east.. __ 36,346 Read mix surfacing 6.15-39 B. H. McCain not be unsightly. 9.15 miles to 10.12 miles east 10-17.39 For many winters the Angeles Crest of Islip Saddle______145,716 Grading and drainage 5.14-34 Roy Schmitlt Highway has been kept open from La 13.19 miles to 15.90 miles east 7.1235 Canada to Cedar Springs. This is the of Islip Saddle______275,095 Grading, drainage and 1950 C. F. Storm nearest sno~~ country for winter road mix surfacing sports in the Los Angeles area. One of the bid problems without ~ 1,308,381 ready solution is traffic control dur- ing snow removal operations. Several at the resorts could not leave. On The California Highway Patrol times in the past, the number of vehi- some of these occasions it became nec- renders splendid cooperation, assign- cles attempting to reach winter sports essary to close the highway temporar- ing extra men and patrol .cars to the resorts has been so great that the snow ily to incoming traffic until the road- area on ~~eekends when the snow plows could not operate and motorists ~vay could be cleared. sport travel is the heaviest.

DR9~/ER AL@RT(~lESS The AAA motorists' organization Alertness 'by drivers can do much Motorists should be aware that the points out that freeways could be toward accomplishing this reduction. most frequent type of accidents on made even safer than they are if the Freeway drivers, therefore, should freeways are rear-end and sideswipe mmiber of rear-end and same-direc- be particularly heedful of sudden collisions, warns the California State tion accidents on these controlled ac- changes in speed, following too close, Automobile Association. cess traffic ways could be reduced. passing, lane-changing, and cutting in.

and Public Works 17