THE GHOST OF ESPIRITU LEONIS

CHERISHING OUR VALLEY        2013

Long years of abuse and fear for her child followed this photograph of Espiritu Leonis taken between 1879 and 1880. This matter-of-fact image of Espiritu, published in the book "Leonis - The Lion's Brood" was yet to reflect the downtrodden features of the ghostly spirit now believed by many to haunt the grounds of the Leonis Adobe in Calabasas.
Anyone who seeks to know about history of the San Fernando Valley should visit the grand old adobe and buy a copy of the book by Horace Bell discovered as a manuscript in the archives of the Huntington Library and published in 1993 by the Leonis Adobe Association,

Some visitors to the old adobe, and adjacent Plummer House, Sagebrush Cantina and Calabasas Creek Park swear they have seen the ghosts of espiritu Leonis and her son. This seems more prevalent among those who have stopped in the Sagebrush Cantina for one of its especially good Margaritas.

 

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ESPIRITU LEONIS

THE LEONIS ADOBE ON A SUMMER'S AFTERNOON

DISCOVERING OUR VALLEY  2011

What better way to spend a summer's day than sitting in the shade of a massive California live oak tree on the grounds of the wonderful old Leonis Adobe in Calabasas. I love this priceless part of our Southern California heritage. The adobe's grounds are only a few yards across the street from Calabasas Creek, the cooling headwaters of the Los Angeles River. Kids, and most honest adults, are simply amazed at the enormous long horn cattle at the adobe farm yard- it's worth a drive from Sylmar just to see them. If you are the kind who whines about our July San Fertnando Valley's heat, then include a visit next door for one of the Sage Brush Cantina's Margaritas.

I began my walk of Ventura Boulevard a few years ago by exploring the Leonis Adobe. This site alone justifies a fascination with San Fernando Valley history. It is said that the man for whom the adobe is named was the first vehicle casualty in the Cahuenga Pass coming from Hollywood into the Valley. He fell off of a wagon in the canyon.  Some say his ghost haunts the place - probably around Halloween. 

EXPLORE THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY

Goat at the Leonis Adobe - Photo by Gerald Fecht for the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley (click on goat to enlarge)

Hot weather and the economy getting you down? Well, maybe they are the perfect excuse to explore your very own San Fernando Valley. This photo was taken when I walked the length of Ventura Boulevard from Calabasis to Barham Boulevard, a couple of years ago. He lives at the Leonis Adobe.

One of my very favorite places is the charming city of Calabasas and its neighboring Leonis Adobe. Go see for yourself Calabasas Creek, (one of the two year-around streams that form the Los Angeles River), have a required Marguerita at the Sagebrush Cantina, and best of all visit the handsome Leonis Adobe Museum. Go in the morning and watch the animals cavort (Only Mad Dogs and Enlishmen Go Out In The Noonday Sun.) Dinner on at patio at Finns is an especially nice warm weather experience. Notice, I spared you a "goat" pun. Jer

PS - DON'T FORGET THE WALKING TOUR OF NORTH HOLLYWOOD THIS SATURDAY - Meet your Museum guides at 10am at the Amelia Earhart statue - Magnolia and Tujunga in the park - Your $10 or more donation goes to the Museum's development fund and its tax deductible.


The San Fernando Valley, in the heart of the Creative Capital of the World, deserves a great Museum of history and culture.

HUZZAH! THE STAGE COACH HAS ARRIVED!

Los Encinos State Historic Park 2008 - Crowd Greeting the arrival of the Harris Stage - Photo by Gerald Fecht for the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley (click on image to enlarge) Spanish hoscienda in the background

Visitor Elsa Diaz Views Festivities at Los Encinos Historic Park 2008 - - Photo by Gerald Fecht for the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley (click on image to enlarge). The olive tree in which Elsa sits was planted by the owners of the original Spanish rancho.

Stage Coach arrival at Los Encinos State Park 2008 - Background is the two story Basque Sheepherder Eugene Garnier's home. - Photo by Gerald Fecht for the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley (click on image to enlarge)

Helen Baker, founder of the Tarzana Community Center Disembarks Stage Coach at Leonis Adobe. - Photo by Gerald Fecht for the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley (click on image to enlarge)