News of our readers, Echo Mtn. Echoes Spring 1997

News of our readers

Thanks to Gary Boen for sending in copies of telegrams sent by various persons to Professor T. S. C. Lowe regarding balloon accessions during the Civil War. These are a fascinating part of our American history.

Thanks to Kirk Myers for sending out to LSDG copies of the 1894 and 1903 editions of the Sanborn Maps showing the location and layout of the Pasadena Grand Opera House.

Thanks to Gary Mendes and the folks at AAAIM for the fine job on the Echo Mtn. Echoes internet site.

Some of our readers hail all the way from Rockford IL. Bud Reed and family moved away in 1966 but still have the ties to Mt. Lowe. They occasionally get back to hike the trails. Bud has a postcard collection of over 210 Mt. Lowe cards and his daughter Sarah has over 40. Bud has been most generous with contributions to the paper. Thanks Bud.

I met with Mr. Ralph E. Melching In December of 1996 at the Pacific Railroad Museum in San Dimas. We spent an hour or so looking at my collection of photos, some of which were part of the Railroad Boosters trip up the mountain in 1936 of which Mr. Melching was a part of. He had some interesting stories to tell. Try and get over to see the museum when you can.

On December 7, 1996 the SMLHC and forestry volunteers gathered at the fire road around 7:30 AM. It seemed there were at least 18 hardy souls ready for Operation Armature. This 300 pound artifact of the railroad was to be retrieved by the group and hauled up to Echo. Only problem was it was off the side of the cliff! After considerable hard work the team made it to the artifact and succeeded in moving the deadweight object close to a trail for final retrieval at a later date. An unscheduled acrobatic display was provided at one point by Brian Marcroft and first timer Mike Post. Mike's triple roll, double twist, half turn took the "gosh, I wish I had that on film award!" After the grueling workout over the side at Echo, most of us took a break near the powerhouse site and observed quite a few hikers and visitors to the area. A few local scouts managed also to get a lesson it historical preservation courtesy of the SMLHC.

Thanks to Ron Jasinski for his extra efforts in getting subscribers for the paper and keeping me posted on things in general.

The Scenic Mt. Lowe Historical Committee invited a small group of people to a pot-luck dinner Feb 6th at the Oak Grove Ranger Station. About 33 folks showed up and had a variety of tasty portions provided by the attendees. Afterwards a slide show was presented by Brian Marcroft showing the Mt. Lowe Railroad from top to bottom in views from past and present. Two people who rode the rails back then were in attendance, Silky Griffith and Jim Spencer. When the slide show was completed a few of us laid out our collections for all to see. A good time seemed to be had by all. Stay tuned for news of a similar summer event that perhaps more can attend.

Sad to report that the fierce winds this past season caused a good deal of damage to the shingles on the Ramada at Inspiration Point. Needless to say this will have to be repaired with more volunteer labor over roughly a day and a half. The committees funds are getting quite low so if you can help in any way by a contribution or materials please let us know.

Welcome to Micheal Patris, an avid collector that I bumped into at an Image show. Micheal found out at the pot-luck that there are a lot of "Mt. Lowe Nuts" out there collecting memorabilia. That was a fine showing of spoons Micheal!

On Saturday, February 8, 1997 SMLHC member, Lee Varnum was seriously injured while walking through Rubio Canyon. Some portions of this historic trail have become quite treacherous and it is advised to use extreme care if you attempt to hike this trail. Lee was airlifted by helicopter to Huntington Memorial Hospital where he was diagnosed as having a broken hip. Our hearts and thoughts go out to Lee.

February 8, 1997 found a hearty group taking a breather on the lower end of the Macpherson Trestle abutment. Led by Brian Marcroft, the group included Eric Sauppe, Kent Hamel, Bill Ferguson, Robert Wilde, John Harrigan, Scott Neilson and Jake Brouwer. The scenery from this vantage point was awesome.

Jesse Perez and father-in-law Jake Brouwer took the hike to the summit of Mt. Lowe 2/16/97. It was a first for both. The day was crystal clear and ALL of the city could be seen. The panoramic view was as unequalled that day as the two had ever seen. At the summit view tubes were still in place as well as a hitching post and the flag pole. We had a good view also of the Ramada, tennis courts, Fox Farm, and Granite Gate.

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Last modified: February 12, 1999