Today our Funday Monday Adventure takes us back over 188 years. Hidden among the towering old trees just off of Sepulveda Blvd in Mission Hills, California, is the Andres Pico Adobe.
The Andres Pico Adobe is the oldest residence in the San Fernando Valley. The Adobe was built in 1834 by residents of the San Fernando Mission, the Tongva, Tataviam, and Chumash Indians.
The Andres Pico Adobe was built for General Andres Pico in the center of the San Fernando Mission’s orchards and vineyards.
In 1873, Andres Pico’s son Romulo Pico and his wife moved into the Adobe. They nicknamed it “Ranchito Romulo,” or Romulo’s little ranch. Romulo and his wife Catarina added the kitchen and the second floor to the Adobe.
The Pico’s moved to Los Angeles in the late 1880s. They kept the Adobe through the late 1890s for overnight stays when they came to the San Fernando Valley.
The Adobe lay abandoned for the first two decades of the 20th century and fell into disrepair. The structure deteriorated and was vandalized. Even the floors were dug up in search of buried treasures.
In 1930, the Curator of the Southwest Museum, Mark Raymond Harrington, purchased the Adobe and restored it to its former glory. In addition, Harrington added his personal touches, including the patio walls, additional fireplaces, and a garage.
Andres Pico Adobe is Purchased by the City of Los Angeles
The City of Los Angeles purchased the property in 1965. Extensive repairs were made following the 1971 Sylmar earthquake.
Today, the Andres Pico Adobe is administered by the City of Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation.
Andres Pico Adobe
Home to the San Fernando Valley Historical Society
The Adobe itself is managed by the San Fernando Valley Historical Society as a “Living Museum.”
Colleen and I enjoyed the hands-on tour our docent Cody gave us of the interior of the Adobe.
Today, the Adobe is a “Living Museum” and home to the San Fernando Valley Historical Society. The Museum houses an extensive array of San Fernando Valley history.
First, the walls are filled with portraits of the early San Fernando Valley leaders. General Andres Pico, Governor Pio Pico, and Romulo and Catarina Pico are prominently displayed. The paintings also include well-recognized names like farmers Issac Van Nuys and Issac Lankershim. Also on display is General John Fremont. Fremont signed the declaration ending the Mexican American War in what is now Studio City.
Next, the museum’s rooms are filled with antiques donated by early San Fernando Valley residents. The rooms include a wardrobe room displaying clothing from different centuries and decades.
Above all, we would like to extend a special thank you to our docent and tour guide, Cody. It is fun to see all the historical items on display. But it is quite a unique experience to have them all explained in great detail.
Lastly, the Andres Adobe is located in the Andres Adobe Park at 10940 Sepulveda Blvd. in Mission Hills, California. The Adobe and Museum are only open Sunday and Monday from 10 am-4 pm. Free docent-led tours are available. Learn more about the Andres Adobe and the San Fernando Valley Historical Society at https://sfvhs.com/.