

It was planted on the site of the first Strong house (11000 block of Howard Street). Strong planted a seedling of a Cedar of Lebanon that she had shipped from the Holy Land. In 1905, she started the Governor Pico Museum and Historical Society that raised money for the acquisition and renovation of the site, which was threatened by demolition from state road crews paving Whittier Boulevard. Strong was also instrumental in saving the Pio Pico Mansion. She became the first female member of the Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce, founded the Ebell Club, served as a Director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, spoke before Congress on Water Conservation, and was one of the first to advocate bringing Colorado River water to Los Angeles. When Charles Strong died in 1883, Harriet assumed management of the Ranch and the business of pampas grass took it to new heights. Strong invented a process for preserving pampas grass to be used decoratively, mostly to overseas customers. The property, known as Rancho del Fuerte, was planted with walnut trees, a crop just coming into favor with California farmers, and pampas grass. In 1867, Charles and Harriet Russell Strong purchased 320 acres of land from the former Governor of California, Pio Pico. An original "El Camino Real" marker dating from the 1930's can be seen at Whittier's Civic Center (across from the Bailey School House Bell). Northward from San Diego, the road passes through many intervening towns of the present day to San Luis Rey, San Juan Capistrano, Tustin, Orange, Santa Ana, Anaheim, Fullerton, La Habra, Whittier and Pio Pico Mansion to Los Angeles Plaza then connecting with Sunset Boulevard and the Cahuenga Pass to Ventura, Santa Barbara to San Francisco. The origin of El Camino Real, "The Road of the King," dates back to the founding of the Missions in California by the Padres. In early days this bell was rung on many civic and patriotic occasions. The plaque on the monument reads "First Bell in Whittier - 1889 Hung in old Bailey Street School -1926 rehung in new Bailey School on Hadley Street. Today the bell can be seen at the rear entrance of City Hall, 13230 Penn Street. When the second Jonathan Bailey School building was razed in 1962-63, many people sought to save Whittier's first school bell. In 1888, school bonds in the amount of $8,000 were approved and the Jonathan Bailey Grammar School was completed in 1889. Guided tours are available by calling (562) 945-3871 for more information. The Bailey House is on the Local Official Register of Historic Resources. The house was deeded to the City of Whittier in 1975 and is operated under the auspices of the Whittier Historical Society. The first "Friends" meetings were held on the front porch of the house. The property was the home of Whittier's first settlers, Jonathan and Rebecca Bailey, between 18. The Bailey House was built by Jacob Gerkens around 1868-1869 and is the oldest building in the City.

Learn more about Whittier's Art in Public Placesįormerly known as "The Old Ranch House," the Jonathan Bailey House is still located at its original site at 13421 Camilla Street. The Art in Public Places Advisory Committee advises the Commission and the Council on public art matters. The Ordinance requires new residential, commercial or manufacturing development having a total value of $250,000 or more to provide artwork valued at one-half of one percent of the total project cost or pay in-lieu contributions equal to the same amount. The intent of the program is to provide a collection of nationally recognized artwork throughout the City for public benefit. In 1993, the City Council adopted the Art in Public Places Ordinance (WMC 12.52), which established a percentage for art programs in the City. View our parks, at in public places and facilities via our interactive map experience. County, State and Federal Elected Officials.
