Big Pines

Written on the back "January-1941 Big Pines"  I'm always fascinated when I find a photo dated a year or so before America's entry into World War 2.  It's natural to be curious about the lives of people in photographs, and when the image is of people who are about to be thrust into the most destructive war in world history, the most obvious thing to wonder is this; Did this person die in the war?  These two guys look to be in the sweet spot for military service and it's quite certain that at least one of them was in the military, probably both.  But did they survive?  And if they did, did they come back unscathed?

Big Pines is a small community in The Angeles National Forest.  It abuts Wrightwood.

Where's the Snow?

I don't know when this picture was taken, but I do know where.  It's The Mt. Waterman Ski area in the Angeles National Forest, Los Angeles County, California.  Yes Virginia, there is skiing in L.A. At least, when there's enough snow.

  It's going to a be lean, dry year in California, and for those out there who don't care, a brief reminder.  Half of the fruits and vegetables consumed in the United States are grown in California's San Joaquin Valley, dependent on Sierra snow pack for water.  Food shortages in America.  Thank you human caused climate change, that as we know, doesn't really exist.  I understand the doubt, but I've never got the right wing conspiracy theories.

The Gang Take a Trip

Believe it or not,  I recognize the location of photo number 2.  The mountain ridge is called Twin Peaks, take the trail from Three Points, hang a right after five miles, descend to the saddle, and make your way to the notch on the left side of the picture.  The trail to the top isn't really maintained.  It's probably not even a real route, just a somewhat worn path cross country hikers use.  And before I forget, the road is California Route 2, also know as the Angeles Crest Highway, San Gabriel Mountains, Los Angeles County.  Yes, this is L.A.

Written on the back of the first photo in the column, "We stopped here & put the chains on.  Jan 31, 1932"  The second, "Frank (Lois's B.F.), Lois, La Veta, Ernest & I enjoying our lunch.  Jan 31, 1932"  And the last, "Look out Lois from above.  Jan 31, 1932"

If I don't make it back to the antique store with some more money, this is going to be the smallest collection I have, but it is part of greater lot of photos.  Click on "new Californians" in the labels selection to see all of one other image.

Hiking in California

When I first saw this photo I said to myself, "Switzers, in the San Gabriel Mountains." OK, I know there isn't enough in this image to give an exact location, but I did buy this in Los Angeles, it looks like it's from the twenties, and weekends in the San Gabriel Mountains and the Angeles National Forest was a popular thing to do. After all, it was one of the selling points of the L.A. real estate boom of the era, sun drenched beaches and snow capped mountains. I doubt it was very comfortable for young women to hike in these clothes, but it had to be better than the dresses women wore a decade or so earlier while exploring the great outdoors.