"From Cows to Concrete"

We attended a book signing on Saturday at the Workman and Temple Family Homestead in the City of Industry. The book, "From Cows to Concrete," by Rachel Surls and Judith Gerber, tells the story of "the rise and fall of farming in Los Angeles." What better place to illustrate the lost farms of Los Angeles than smack dab in the middle of the City of Industry at the Workman and Temple Family Homestead! This historic piece of property was once part of a vast agricultural area, now surrounded by factories, light industry and freeways.

Photographer Larry Underhill, Angel City Press's Paddy Calistro, Book Designer Amy Inouye

The authors showed slides of some of the many illustrations from the book and told an abbreviated story about the origins and demise of farming in Los Angeles. L.A. was known as wine country before tract homes, factories and civilization took hold.

After refreshments and the presentation, we were guided on a private tour of the Workman and Temple gardens and homes.

The original adobe home, built in 1841 has morphed into an 1870s modified Victorian home for the Workman family. It is typical of it's era with smaller, high-ceiling rooms and a generous front porch. 

The modest Workman Family Home

We were led to the Temple family home called La Casa Nueva (the new house). This expansive home in the Spanish Colonial Revival style was built between 1922 and 1927. 

La Casa Nueva, Temple Family Home

It's loaded with beautiful architectural craftsmanship, including carved wood, ceramic tile, decorative wrought iron and stained glass windows. Being raised among Spanish Revival homes of the 1920s and 1930s, I always appreciate good examples of this type of architecture. This house is a beauty, inside and out!

The Dining Room at La Casa Nueva

Stained Glass Windows in the Entryway

Spanish Tiles surround the fireplace

The tiled floor in the breakfast room is so FAB!

Outside La Casa Nueva, at the end of the garden was a tee pee styled building. Our guide informed us that this was used as a study for Mr. Temple. I want a tee pee in my backyard!

Every Garden Needs a Tee Pee!

This historic site is often used for photo opportunities. We spotted a Quinceañera party, posing for photos at the Gazebo!

It was a perfect day for an L.A. field trip! The Homestead Museum and grounds are free to visit. They offer many events and lectures throughout the year. To read more about the Workman and Temple families, check out this link.