The HSSC is hosting a tour of the St. Francis Dam and the William S. Hart Museum and Ranch on June 4, 2016.
**As of April 25, this tour is sold out. Eventbrite has a waitlist. There will be no on-site registration for this event.**
Just after midnight on March 12, 1928, the recently completed St. Francis Dam collapsed, sending a 12-billion gallon wall of water through the narrow canyon and ultimately to the Pacific Ocean. The disaster killed at least 450 people and effectively ended the storied career William Mulholland, who designed the dam and presided at opening ceremonies just two years earlier. The tour of the dam site will be led by geologist Mark Vincent. Mr. Vincent, a graduate of CSULA and an engineering geologist for GeoLogic Associates, will discuss the history and the geology of the area and the engineering and geological issues that led to the dam’s failure. The tour will commence approximately 1.5 miles beneath the dam site. Participants will able to explore remnants of the dam itself – immense blocks of concrete which were washed down the canyon by the force of the water.
The second part of the day will include a tour of the William S. Hart Park and Museum. The site is the former retirement home of the famed silent film actor and director who produced a series of hit Western movies in the early 1900’s. His beautiful Spanish Colonial Revival Style Mansion – now the Museum – exhibits an impressive collection of Western artwork by noted artists Charles M. Russell, Frederic Remington, and Joe de Yong, as well as mementos from early Hollywood, personal furnishings and effects, and artifacts representing multiple Native American cultures. The Museum also includes an historic 1910 Ranch House that exhibits Hart’s tack and saddle collection, personal furnishings, and additional Hollywood mementos.
Schedule:
9:00 am-11:30 am Tour the St. Francis Dam Area
The dam site is located approximately 1.3 miles up a mostly paved road. There are several parts of the road that are partially covered with gravel, but most of it is easily walkable. There is approximately 120 feet of elevation gain over the course of the 1.3 mile walk. Participants should wear comfortable walking shoes and bring sun screen and hats.
11:30 am-11:45 am Drive to lunch
11:45 am- 12:45 pm No-host lunch at the Newhall Refinery
12:45 pm – 1:00 pm Drive from lunch to the William S. Hart Ranch and Museum
1:00 am-3:00 pm Tour the William S. Hart Ranch and Museum
The tour will include a guided tour of the museum and a self-guided tour of the ranch house.
Attendees will need to walk up a hill to get to the museum and the museum tour included 17 stairs.
Addresses:
St. Francis Dam
Meet at the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) Power Plant #2.
Directions to Power Plant #2:
From Los Angeles, take Interstate 5 north to Santa Clarita
Exit Interstate 5 at Magic Mountain Parkway heading east for 1.3 miles.
Turn left (north) on to McBean Parkway for 3.1 miles
Turn right (east) on Copper Hill Drive and drive for 0.3 miles
Turn left (north) on to San Francisquito Canyon Road
Drive 5.9 miles to LADWP Power Plant #2. Parking is limited but there is additional parking approximately 450 feet up the road.
Newhall Refinery
24258 Main Street, Santa Clarita, CA 91321
William S. Hart Park and Museum
24151 Newhall Avenue, Newhall, CA 91321
Reservation Information:
- Tour Cost: $20 non-members, $10 members (email hssc@thehssc.org for member discount code- the code may be used for the member and one guest.)
- Go to http://hsscjune4tour.eventbrite.com to purchase your tickets.
You may also order tickets by contacting the HSSC by emailing hssc@thehssc.org or calling 323-222-0546. If not ordering online, please contact HSSC to check availability before mailing a check. - Refunds available until May 28, 2016.
- Tour is limited to 20. Spots will be given on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Email hssc@thehssc.org with any questions.
