History and Historic Sites of the Valley * Then and Now Photos * Lost Crescenta * Rockhaven * Membership and Donations
Author Nat Read reveals the amazing tale of the "pioneer, beaver trapper and trader, grizzly bear hunter, Indian fighter, justice of the peace, farmer, rancher, politician, horticulturist, vintner, real estate entrepreneur, and one of the great landholders in Southern California". His holdings included what are now Altadena, Pasadena, South Pasadena, San Marino, Alhambra, Beverly Hills, Culver City, Riverside, and more. He faced near death experiences with Indians, grizzlies, and a firing squad. Mount Wilson is named after him. This is a story people of all ages will want to hear.