Charles F Lummis Home & Garden

I’ve been wanting to come here since I read about this place. The grounds seems like they could use some help. It looks as if they need to call a landscaper to come tidy things up. The house itself was unique and wonderful. The exterior was very nice. The interior was adobe and some of the wood in the house and some nice carvings. There were about 5 or so rooms that we could tour. The upstairs being closed. There was a docent on hand that was very nice and informative. The house is small so it won’t take too long to make your way through.

Interesting little historic site. The docent there was great. Well informed and attentive.

I literally live a walking distance from this place and as a kid I always thought it was a little weary inside. Passing through at night, the outside house lights are always on and till this day I could never look at it, or it gives me the creeps.
But I must admit, it is cool that they preserved the house there for such a long time now. The location is pretty big, because of the garden and such, but the house itself is pretty small, so the tour around the place can take about 10 – 20 minutes. Open days are normally free walk ins unless they have a special event. The times I have been, there was never a guided tour, so as a child I didn’t learn much. But for the adults they always thought it was amusing.
I give it 3 out of 5 because I think it’s cool that they preserved this house for so long, and open it for free for many people to visit!

I had been wanting to check out this place for weeks now, I finally made the time to come here today.
The gentleman working today was very knowledgeable about the history of the house.
Though the house is not that old from what we were told, being there really takes you back.
Lummis Day falls on June 7^th and on that day they host an event in which Lummis’ granddaughter is present to read some of her poetry and to speak at the event.
Definitely worth it especially considering is free!

A quirky old home made by a guy with flamboyant dreams.
When my girlfriend said we were going to a «rock house in a questionable part of Los Angeles», I quickly reminded her that I’m not into recreational drugs. Ah, but this is a house made of rocks. And for a house this old in earthquake territory, there wasn’t a «crack» to be found.
All joking aside, it is impressive that a 100+ year old home with an un-​reinforced boulder exterior is in such good condition. Unfortunately the design was only mildly interesting to see. The interior with thick wooden beams and crazy fat and crazy low clearance doors wasn’t visually exciting either. The low doors in these old homes are really getting on my nerves. Just because the builder was a short person, why can’t they have consideration for those who are taller? How would short people like it if they came to my house and each step was two feet high? It’s rude.
The visit took 30 minutes, but would have been shorter had one of the docents not showed us around a bit. The loosely guided tour helped because he pointed out details in poorly lit areas and let us see rooms that were otherwise inaccessible.
The «garden» isn’t much, but provides a nice buffer from the surroundings.

I help run a photography meetup group. We are constantly on the hunt for new and interesting locations around LA, and we got the opportunity recently to shoot here. Most places are very particular about permits or payment to use their location — in Los Angeles, I understand. There are so many production companies with limitless budgets that it makes sense to try and get as much money out of people as possible. But it makes it very difficult for hobbyists or students to utilize a lot of these locations — it’s a hard city to be a starving artist in.
Lummis House not only welcomed us in to their historic and killer location, but went to great lengths to make sure we were comfortable, well watered, and taken care of. We were invited as a group to come to their artist events the final Sunday of every month, where different artists and members of the historical society collaborate and mingle. The Lummis House, we were told, was the mecca for artists for many years. They continue to honor the spirit of the place to this day, trying to help breathe new life into the artistic culture in Los Angeles. As an artist of many types, as well as a historical re-​enactor, it was really excellent to see this being done. If only more places followed suit.
All of the people who worked there were very knowledgable, friendly, and interesting. We had a great time there as a group and I look forward to coming back during one of their more formal events, as well as bringing my fellow historians and artists along.
Their collection of artwork inside was impressive, as was the list of historical Californians who had visited the house throughout the 1800’s and early 1900’s. The home is all hand crafted — also something I appreciate as a historical re-​enactor. It’s always exciting to see someplace helping keep craftsmanship and artistry alive.
Thanks for being so gracious, we look forward to coming back!

Came by here last Sunday with my husband in honor of MOTA day (museum of the arroyos,
) for free admission. We actually were at Heritage Square before hand (a little over a mile away from each other). We parked on one of the residential streets.
Anyways, the place was a self guided tour but I did see a docent that was there in case people had questions. Charles F. Lummis’ home is actually kind of small, we at least the areas we were allowed to access. 2 of the rooms were created into offices, which I thought was strange. But anyways, aside from the small home, I really like the structure of the home. I am a fan of all stone walls, something about it looks pretty cool to me. There is also a garden that has a lot of bushes, trees, plants, etc. But I wasn’t really impressed with it. We pretty much walked through the house and garden in maybe 20 minutes or less. I think if there were actual guided tours, this place would probably peak my interest more.
So sorry to say it, but I don’t see myself coming back here. Glad that I didn’t have to pay for admission.

Definitely some amazing architechture, but was very dissapointed when we got there and there were only a couple of rooms we were able to go into, two of which were turned into modern office spaces. I would have liked quite a bit more historical information on the home.
My favorite part was definitely all of the unique doors in the house. I really hope they find a way to restore more of the house so visitors can explore the upstairs areas and the guest houses. It could also use some landscaping help.
Overall, I was glad we stopped by, but I wouldn’t suggest it as the main event of your day. I think it would be a great quick stop if you are headed to another historical home tour or just happen to be driving by.
There aren’t guided tours, but they do have some pamphlets that are helpful and the guy working the day I was there seemed to know a lot and was happy to answer any questions.
I’m looking forward to the Historic Society’s headquarters to move out of there so someone can give some attention to making more of the space accessible to the public.

You should have saw my friend’s expression when we showed up to this place: «Are you sure this is the place?» The house is in a fairly run-​down neighborhood and the entryway into the small parking area in front of the house looked «sketchy.»
Alright, the house itself is pretty unique. Seeing the exterior of the house and the little pond out front with lilies in it raised my hopes.
We entered the house and after we started walking around was met with a very friendly gentleman who was very knowledgeable about Charles Lummis and actually had lots of little cool stories to share. That’s why I upped my score to the 2^nd star. He was a great guide.
What was most disappointing was the «garden.» If that’s enough to be called a garden then I should be a gardener because I think I could do a better job keeping it up than they are doing. One reason I wanted to go was to walk around the garden so that was extremely disappointing.
There is no admission but a box for donations. I donated because of the nice gentleman that helped us around. If you are bringing someone here for a date then make sure they are really, really into history or otherwise they will be fairly bored. I personally wouldn’t recommend the place. Sorry folks.

Checked out the place on Lummis Day, and had a blast. It was pretty crowded there and I had to park sort of far, but on a regular day its probably not that bad at all. The house is very vintage and unique, and the inside takes you back in time. The outside/​garden is nice and relaxing and well kept. Great small paths for toddlers learning to walk. If you go on Lummis Day they have awesome artist booth’s outside in the gardens with very eclectic modern exhibitions.

A few weeks ago I was fortunate to grab tickets to tour the Charles F. Lummis Home and the Southwest Museum. I am avid history buff and I love local travel/​sightseeing so it was a real treat to learn a part of the history of the Los Angeles area while touring the Charles F. Lummis home; El Alisal.
Although the Los Angeles Visionaries Association hosted the tour, my group was fortunate to have Mr. Ariel Van Zandweghe of the Historical Society of Southern California give us an in depth story of Charles Lummis and the history of the El Alisal (Charles Lummis’ home). Along with the history, we were able to tour the grounds and the home. We were one lucky group of history buffs to get the grand tour from Ariel.

Felt little weird walking into this site as no one greeted you. I just walked right into home and freely walked around take a look. I’m glad it was free as it was nice to see a piece of Los Angeles history, but it was just a little adventurous trip after I visited Heritage Square.
There were some people who just said hello to me.
The gardens were not impressive but were labeled and had some info to read as you walk the gardens.
I would recommend a trip if you were in the area and like me, passing by and curious of what was inside the Lummis home of the late 1800s. From behind, the building looked more impressive as it looked like a small castle made of stone.

Charles Lummis seems like a pretty cool guy. He dropped out of Harvard and walked 3ooo miles from Cincinnati to California. He spent a decent portion of time in New Mexico and Arizona on his way, where he developed an interest in Spanish and Native American history. He was so enthralled by Native American culture that he had the local Navajo help him build a house.
The House was constructed along the Arroyo Seco in Los Angeles in 1896. The home contains architectural features reminiscent of the California missions and indian pueblos with a hint of «castle». The arroyo stones on the exterior give it the castle-​like appearance and may have inspired the use of arroyo stones within homes throughout the area.
I decided to check the place out so I headed up the 405, then onto the 710, then north on the 5, then up the 110 to check it out.
Individuals are free to tour the first floor of the Lummis House, which consists of various artifacts such as old books, dishes, photographs, letters, and an old trunk. The first floor contained old furniture, including a rug over the concrete floors. The tour guide pointed out that the concrete floor descends within each room as you go from the kitchen out through the front door. The descending concrete allowed them to hose the place down after large parties. It is reminiscent of the Great Gatsby while also being completely unlike the Great Gatsby.
The tour guide was very informative about the history of the house and Mr. Lummis. We were especially appreciative, since we had (unknowingly) entered the home 30 minutes before its scheduled opening time (i.e. before they were obligated to talk to us). The tour guide had a lot of stories to tell. He informed us Charles Lummis originated the term «Southwest» to describe Southwestern U.S. culture. He also founded the Southwest Museum, which was the oldest museum in Los Angeles. The museum is currently closed and under direction by the Autry museum. The Southwestern Museum folks are pretty mad at the Autry Museum folks, as demonstrated by a pamphlet on display at the house (and various articles online).
The Lummis House is free. Your visit will only take about a half hour, so you may want to follow it up with a visit to the Heritage Square Museum just across the
arroyo.
You can read more (and see pictures) by following the link to my blog on my profile.

OK, you are screaming south down the Pasadena Freeway section of the 110 freeway, trying to avoid the complete a-​holes who enter the freeway (on one of the many curves) at 10 MPH and expect that you will swerve to avoid them, because it is their god-​given right to be an a-​hole behind the wheel. You look to your right and see one of those distinctive California landmark signs which cover the State and direct you to cool historical places. It says «Lummis House». You say, «WTF is a Lummis House?» As you push harder on the gas pedal. you chance a quick peek at the next offramp and you don’t see anything interesting. You shrug and get back to defending your lane from intruders who are changing lanes in front of you so that they can slam on the brakes to text their friends — ain’t social media great?
Huge kudos to the people of the Historical Society of Southern California! Their headquarters are here and their volunteer docents are wonderfully interesting people who love to walk and talk about the Lummis House.
So next time you are hurdling through the chicanes (not chicanos) of the old wash, turn off and visit the Lummis House. Spend an hour. Mr. Lummis may have had a screw loose, but knowing a little more about how Calfiornia life was lived in the past won’t hurt you. You might even learn something. You will be able the enter a cool pic or two on your Fcbk account and you can Tweet someone while you are there. That should make you happy. 8-)

I’m giving 3 stars because the visit is free and the docents are very sweet, knowledgeable and enthusiastic.
Having said that… the Lummis house needs an infusion of cash (rich person, please take on this cause!) and a strong curatorial vision. Parts of the home are well-​kept, but others (bedrooms, guest cottage, pond, etc.) are in sore need of preservation.
May I suggest that the museum offer a standard tour, combined with a brochure? Each docent is very knowledgeable, but they emphasize their interests, instead of giving a straightforward tour. Sometimes «cookie cutter» is good.
We found ourselves trying to escape our (very kind) tour guide, in an effort to actually see the house without a cumbersome sidekick. I truly mean no offense to the volunteers, who have some amazing stories about Charles Lummis. The visit becomes like a cocktail party, however, where you eventually have to leave because you can’t avoid the talkative guy who keeps following you.
Again, to The Rich Person Looking for a Little Museum to Support: please call Lummis House, stat. It’s a sweet little house and group of docents who are ready to rock, with some help.
Until then, you might as well visit on a quiet, nothing-​to-​do afternoon — it’s free and the Charles Lummis stories are a hoot.

The first time I saw pictures of the house, it was a flier for the Lummis Day festivities going on there and at nearby Heritage Square. I kind of laughed, thinking they took a picture of a castle in the United Kingdom and slapped it on the ads.
Boy, was I wrong.
The Lummis House is… well, epic. Its exterior is entirely arroyo stone, which sort of evoked the look of the Round Tower at Windsor Castle, but California-​style.
Its inside is like a cozy, wild west ranch with its whitewashed adobe walls, exposed wood cross-​beam ceilings, tiled fireplaces, and antique photographic plates in place of windows.
With the house composed of local stone and the garden filled with native flora, the Lummis home is a gorgeous salute to California, free to tour all year round.

I don’t get what is so great about this place. It’s a historic house located in a now-​bad neighborhood. The house and gardens themselves are poorly kept and the visiting hours are limited.
Pros:
–Free
–Really enthusiastic employee who told us so many stories about Charles Lummis
Cons:
–Unimpressive gardens
–Poorly decorated interior
If you’re in the area for something else, this may be worth a stop but a drive out here just to see the house is certainly not warranted.

Kind of a cool little hide out from the city.
Free admission and located across from Heritage Square.
Sign says it closes at 4pm, but we were there a little past 4.
The wonderful thing about this place is that it has a small courtyard/​garden (mostly desert plants + trees). A really fun place to take family or stroll with a date (we played hide n seek actually … it’s that bushy!)
The house itself is small (at least the tourable areas) but quaint. It’s got this cozy, dim feeling going on and an interesting architecture to go along with it.
Plenty of street parking.

Where Ave 43 intersects with the oldest highway in Los Angeles, sits an acre or two of land that still looks like it did back in 1898. It is a bit of a miracle really. But Charles Lummis was all about miracles
Perhaps that’s what happens when you drop out of Harvard; walk well over 3000 miles across the desolate country; escape the grips of death by scoundrel, weather, and beast many times over; have an awakening of spirit; find your calling; write a book by gas and campfire light; and then decide to build a house where you finally choose to rest for a while.
Or perhaps when next, you establish the very first museum in Los Angeles; dedicate it to preserving the objects of your passion — Native American textiles, Pueblo Indian culture, and American cowboy history, while simultaneously working as the first Editor of the Los Angeles times, and you’ve just turned 26, perhaps people want to preserve your home. (Did I mention he also worked as the City Librarian, was an archeologist, and a renowned photographer among many other things)
— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — -
You owe it to Charles and to yourself to go:
As you wander the garden, glancing at the bright xeriscape perennials, and native brush, take a second to close your eyes and go back in time.
It’s 1898, LA is but 48 years old, the influence of Spanish settlers is still everywhere, and construction of the Lummis home has just begun. The Arroyo Seco isn’t yet lined with concrete, it’s a flowing stream fed by the San Gabriel Mountains. Smooth stones line it’s riverbed — wavering and quavering beneath steadily flowing water.
Charles Lummis and Navajo Indian workers are pulling choice stones from the riverbed and piling them up on the south side of the property.
Now open your eyes and look up. The Navajos are gone, Lummis has disappeared… but the stones are still there. The very same stones pulled from the river over 100 years ago. And you can walk up and touch them. Those stones still have the energy and the knowledge of the workers who placed them. They were carefully laid one above the next to form the south facing façade of «El Alisal» — translated «The Sycamore» The name Lummis christened his home.
When Lummis named his home. «El Alisal» I suspect that he picked that name because in his native Ohio, sycamore trees — (that incredibly become hollow after a couple of hundred years) — served as temporary homes for many displaced or impoverished colonial families at the time. So much so in fact, that the sycamore tree became synonymous with the word «shelter» by the Victorians of the time. And although the south wall IS imposing, resembling a castle wall, and suggesting at the very least «shelter», ironically, the house itself was rumored to be horribly susceptible to rain and poor weather. Perhaps it was because Lummis had grown so accustomed to sleeping outdoors.
There are docents on duty who will give you a tour and take you inside the house where you can touch and admire the wooden furniture, some of which Lummis himself hewed. If I remember correctly they have the flask that saved his life on display. It seems a Lummis detractor had snuck onto his property and attempted to assassinate him. Although peppered in the face, the buckshot that would have attacked his heart was repelled by a flask of spirits that he often kept in his shirt pocket. In typical Lummis style, he then chased his enemy off the property.
And sitting in his living room you can readily get a taste of what it was like to live at that time. The architecture is charming, and practical. Lummis hand crafted his whittled hardwood window frames, and cleverly inserted glass lithographs into them with images that he took of his trip to the southwest and of the Pueblo Indians who’s culture became the inspiration for his greatest life works.
But for me, the Lummis home is symbolic and transforming. Lummis started from Ohio sharing the same prejudices shared by most Europeans at the time about the «swarthy Indians». 3500 miles of walking later, after being immersed in their culture, and being taken in by many of those same people along the route, he became enraptured by them, and by their rich and ancient culture, their spirit, creativity, hardiness, stories, songs, and ability to survive in an harsh element. He became one of the biggest proponents of Native American rights of the time and enlightened many people.
He changed himself yet held on to the good. And although much has changed around that little patch of land, the residual power of his personal enlightenment and subsequent accomplishments has managed to create a forcefield around his home. Go visit it while you still can.

A visit to the Lummis House will make you feel inadequate. Yes, inadequate. Listening to the wise docent talk about all the badass things Charles F. Lummis did during his lifetime made me feel a little less accomplished. I mean, who gets shot in the face and chest at point-​blank, SURVIVES, and immediately runsoff get his own shotgun to go after the assailant?! No one other than Mr. Lummis himself. That was just one of many, many interesting facts I learned the day I visited this historical landmark.
This was a very interesting house which doubled as a museum for visitors who care to visit. We were free to roam around the house and touch whatever we wanted while there. What a cool museum! And even better, it’s FREE!
Parking was a breeze since the house is located in a quiet neighborhood in Highland Park. Just find a spot on the street and you are free to hang out at the house for as long as you care to (during business hours of course). I wouldn’t recommend you try to break in or anything. That Lummis fellow did one heck of a job reinforcing his windows and doors so you might not be able to get in even if you tried.