anaheim-bulletin 1959-04-13

PIONEER OIL REFINERY — The first oil refinery in the area is a little off the beaten path in Newhall. The first commercially successful oil well in California was located six of this point in Pico Canyon. QUIET WATERS — Presently in the news is a description may be found on the contrary about the proper level of water to be kept in Hansen Dam. However, boats of every 1959 Simca Motorlog To Hansen Dam, LA Co One of the many enjoyable reasons for living in this area are the many interesting and historic places which are convenient for either a one-day's drive or a week-end trip. A pleasant day's ride is to take a circle tour west on Foothill Blvd. in the Crescenta - Canada Valley in Los Angeles County, to Hansen Dam and then continue to other interesting scenes not too far away. The Anaheim Bulletin Motorlog Party borrowed a Simca Plein Clel in which to make trip, from Geo. Klimpel Co., Fullerton. This interesting French import is rather new on California highways and not many are to be seen. It is a two-seater sport coupe with a commodious package shelf behind. The shelf is actually big enough to seat small children. Compact, economical and with plenty of pep, it has four speeds forward and one reverse. With proper use of the gears the car is superb in heavy traffic and on the highway it purred along in fine style. We were intrigued by the two-note horn; one is a polite sound where the other means business. Hansen Dam Park, the federally built flood control basin in the San Fernando Valley's eastern end, is skiling, and fishing. The park in which the lake is located has three large picnic areas; and bonfires are permitted in fire rings on the lake's beach. The park also has a camping area which is reserved for groups from youth-serving agencies such as the Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Y.W.C.A., and Y.M.C.A. A variety of privately operated services are offered at Hansen Dam Park under contractual arrangements with the Recreation Park Commission. These include a boating concession where craft are rented to those who do not have their own; a miniature train ride; a pony ride; and the recently established horseback riding stable. It should be noted that Hansen Dam Park is unique in that it is a highly successful experiment in public recreation which began in the first comm oil well in Cali six miles north the refinery was drilled in nia Star Oil W crude oil was wells to the m barrels. The n benzine and k sold locally in Barbara. The s San Francisco sailing vessel. Only a short refinery is the llam S. Hart ooped by the L Park and Rec This is of especial oldsters who re kept the bad silent screen d Northwest o Route 126 is th During the ear industry, this used for locat was named fo Hansen Dam Park, the federally built flood control basin in the San Fernando Valley's eastern end, is rapidly taking its place as one of the nation's most important recreation areas, under the jurisdiction of the Los Angeles City Recreation and Park Department. Popular Center For Play The 1,500-acre park is already a popular recreation center, and its usability will be enhanced by projects financed under provisions of the $39,500,000 recreation and park bond issue approved by Los Angeles voters on May 28, 1957. In the bond fund is an allocation of $1,000 for Hansen Dam Park projects including an 18-hole golf course and clubhouse, ground development, landscaping, comfort stations, and the installation of water and sewage systems. New parking lots have been completed, a new Dronfield entrance to the park is under construction, and golf course consultant David W. Kent is now designing the 18-hole course which will be built in the park. Also, according to the Recreation and Park Department, a new equestrian center is being built in Hansen Dam Park. The project, a concession being financed by the permit-holder, will serve Valley riders. It has been proposed that Hansen Dam Park be developed as a preserve for Southern California's colorful native wild flowers, and this is now under study. Lifeguards are on duty the year-round at Hansen Dam Lake, which offers boating, swimming, water A variety of privately operated services are offered at Hansen Dam Park under contractual arrangements with the Recreation Park Commission. These include a boating concession where craft are rented to those who do not have their own; a miniature train ride; a pony note; and the recently established horseback riding stable. It should be noted that Hansen Dam Park is unique in that it is a highly successful experiment in public recreation which began in 1948, when the Los Angeles City Recreation and Park Commission executed with the Federal Government a 40-year license agreement for use of the flood control basin, including the lake impounded behind Hansen Dam. The staff of the Los Angeles City Recreation and Park Department prepared a master plan for the development of Hansen Dam Park, and this inclusive program was in due time approved by the Department of Defense. The Recreation and Park Department made good progress in the park's development from 1948 to 1957, as funds were available, but passage of the 1957 recreation and park bond fund greatly accelerated the improvement program. Hansen Dam Park is, as has been pointed out, a flood control basin, and it was formed when the Los Angeles District of the United States Army's Corps of Engineers constructed, between September, 1938, and October, 1940, a huge compacted, earth-fill dam across Tujunga Wash. This structure has given flood protection to a vast area, and formed the body of water which is now known as Hansen Dam Lake. Leaving Hansen Dam with a promise to come back to review summer activities, we proceeded to Route 99 and took the cutoff to Newhall to see the Pioneer Oil Refinery. Here a plaque tells us that The Bulletin Auto Tour Your Guide to Places of Interest BOATING AT HANSEN DAM — Boating is popular the year around at Hansen Dam and the Los Angeles City Recreation and Park Department has a continual program of improvement. Motorlog Goes LA County the first commercially successful oil well in California was located six miles northwest of the site of the refinery in Pico Canyon. It was drilled in 1876 by the California Star Oil Works Company. The crude oil was hauled from the wells to the refinery in wooden barrels. The main products were benzine and kerosene and were sold locally in Ventura and Santa Barbara. The surplus was sent to San Francisco by steamer and sailing vessel. Only a short distance from the refinery is the entrance to the William S. Hart Ranch, being developed by the Los Angeles County Park and Recreation Department. This is of especial interest to those oldsters who remember when Hart kept the bad men at bay in the silent screen days. Northwest of Newhall on State Route 126 is the little town of Piru. During the early days of the movie industry, this area was frequently used for location shots. The town was named for the Piru Indians. PIRU LAKE — Simca Plain Ciel is parked by Motorlog Party near this lake which was created by the construction of San Felicia Dam. Rental boats and launching facilities are available. HISTORIC PIRU was built in Piru It was frequent "MEET THE MAN KNOWS YOU Buy STEFFY BUICK Sales and Service 410 S. Los Angeles KE 3-1341 Only a short distance from the refinery is the entrance to the William S. Hart Ranch, being developed by the Los Angeles County Park and Recreation Department. This is of especial interest to those oldsters who remember when Hart kept the bad men at bay in the silent screen days. Northwest of Newhall on State Route 126 is the little town of Piru. During the early days of the movie industry, this area was frequently used for location shots. The town was named for the Piru Indians. They received their name from the river reeds which they used for weaving baskets. Piru lake is located behind the San Felicia Dam about four miles north of Piru. The two-lane road is a good one and the visitor will see many cars toting small boats and outboard motors. The dam was completed in 1955 and the lake has now 55 miles of shoreline. The lake, which is 58 miles from Los Angeles, is popular with water skiers and fishermen. A hatchery is located at Fillmore, only ten miles away, which should mean good fishing at Piru Lake. AUTO GLASS INSTALLED WHILE YOU WAIT Insurance Replacements Solicited Nason Auto Paints ANAHEIM AUTO GLASS and Parts 542 S. Los Angeles KE. 5-4040 "Nick" J. WINGERT "Jim" WINGERT STEFFY BUICK Sales and Service 410 S. Los Angeles KE 3-1341 HARDIN OLDSMOBILE Sales and Service 252 N. Los Angeles KE 5-7211 Consult the Classified Pages of The Anaheim Bulletin for Dependable Used Cars— PLAY AREA — Children are not forgotten among the adult facilities of Hansen Dam. Summertime brings a great use of the area from residents of the San Fernando Valley. HISTORIC PIRU HOTEL — This ancient hotel was built in Piru in the last part of last century. It was frequented in the early days of the movie industry by motion picture stars on location in the colorful area. MAN WHO S YOUR CAR BEST" Buy Your ROBERT H. BONEY DODGE PLYMOUTH Sales and Service 328 W. Center St. KE 5-2113 Buy Your USED CAR From A REPUTABLE DEALER ROBERT H. BONEY DODGE PLYMOUTH Sales and Service 328 W. Center St. KE 5-2113 MC COY MOTOR FORD Sales and Service 320 N. Los Angeles KE 5-2288 "If you don't know the car, know the Dealer"