Description
This collection chiefly contains ranch journals of the Sphinx Ranch, vineyard, and commercial winery in Altadena, California,
purchased
by William Allen in 1878, as well as some additional materials related to ranch and the Allen family. The journals primarily
document
the day-to-day activities of the ranch, from pruning to harvesting and irrigating the vineyards and citrus trees.
Background
William Allen, a native of England, purchased a 502-acre
ranch in Altadena, California, in 1878 and brought his
family to Southern California the following year. Named
the Sphinx Ranch because Allen spent twenty-three years in
Egypt as a broker before coming to Southern California,
the ranch had a vineyard and small commercial winery at
the time Allen purchased it. Allen had additional acres of
grapes and citrus trees (mostly oranges) planted on the
property. After Allen's death in 1886, his wife and
children, including his son Walter I. Allen, continued to
operate the ranch. In 1911 a part of the ranch was
subdivided, and additional subdivisions followed in
subsequent years.
Extent
72 items, including 46 volumes
Restrictions
The Huntington Library does not require that researchers request permission to quote from or publish images of this material,
nor does it charge fees for such activities. The responsibility for identifying the copyright holder, if there is one,
and
obtaining necessary permissions rests with the researcher.
Availability
Open to qualified researchers by prior application through the Reader Services Department. For more information, contact Reader
Services.