Former ranch and mansion of silent Western movie star William S. Hart. Hart, whose movie career spanned from 1914 until his retirement in 1925, was probably the biggest movie actor of this time period. He was renowned for having introduced realism into his Western movies, many of which he wrote and produced as well as acting in them. After his retirement from motion pictures, Hart built a mansion on this hilltop in Newhall, California, which was completed in 1927 and in which he lived until his death in 1946. Here he hosted many of his famous friends such as painter Charles Russell, and Western icon Wyatt Earp. Upon his death Hart willed this property to the County Of Los Angeles to be used as a park open to the public for all time. Hart Park currently consists of Hart's Mansion, which he built on "La Loma de Los Vientos" (Hill of the Winds), a bunk house and the original ranch house which he purchased in 1921. There is a large grassy area down below which is used for picnics and special events, as well as a small zoo and even a herd of buffalo which were donated to Hart Park by Walt Disney in the 1960's.
Also within William S. Hart Park is Heritage Junction, the home of the Santa Clarita Valley Historical Society. The Historical Society was formed in 1975 with it's mission to preserve and teach the rich history of the Santa Clarita Valley. Heritage Junction features 8 historic buildings which were saved from destruction and moved to the Junction from their original locations in the Valley. The main building is the Saugus Train Station, built in 1887 for the Southern Pacific Railroad. The station now houses a museum of the Valley's history manned by expert docents on weekend afternoons. Other buildings include the Pardee House, Newhall Ranch House, Mitchell Schoolhouse adobe, Edison House, Kingsburry House, Ramona Chapel, and Callahan Schoolhouse. More information on these buildings can be found at the Historical Society website www.scvhs.org. |
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