Located near the geographic center of Southern California, Whittier is accessible to 19 million potential visitors. Founded in 1887, Ye Friendly Towne offers several historic places worth seeing.
In 1850, California became the thirty-first state. That same year, the last governor of Mexican California purchased the Rancho Paso de Bartolo. That former governor’s name was Pio Pico. The Rancho included areas of the cities of Whittier and Pico Rivera, hence the origin of the name Pico. The ranch also included much of unincorporated Whittier. In 1853, Don Pico built his mansion and lived there until 1892.
In 1887, members of the Society of Friends, led by Aquila Pickering and Jonathan Bailey, purchased a separate ranch of 1,259 acres from John M. Thomas. This ranch was adjacent to Pico’s Rancho. Members of the Society of Friends are also known as Quakers. They subdivided the land, intending to form a new colony. They named their settlement Whittier, in honor of the Quaker and abolitionist poet, John Greenleaf Whittier. Whittier is called the Friendly Towne because it was founded as a Society of Friends colony. It’s also the origin of this blog’s name.
In 1898, the growing village incorporated, becoming Los Angeles County’s tenth city. In 1922, a young Richard Nixon and his family moved to Whittier. Nixon graduated from Whittier High School. Afterwards, he attended Whittier College and graduated in 1934. In 1968, Nixon became the first and only native born Californian to be elected President of the United States. Richard Nixon grew up, attended school and started his career here.
So Whittier is very rich in history, and there are several historic places open to the public that you should visit on your weekend. I recommend visiting them in this order and spending at least thirty minutes to one hour at each location, with the exception of Uptown Whittier. Spend at least two hours in Uptown. A map is at the end, depicting the close proximity of these sites to each other.
1. Pio Pico State Historic Park
At only 8,991 acres, Pico’s ranch was small, as many California ranchos were 50,000 or more acres. Therefore, he affectionately called it El Ranchito. During the Gold Rush, he raised and sold cattle, acquired new, larger ranches, and became very wealthy. The early 1850s were his most prosperous years and lasted until cattle prices dropped in 1856. After this short-lived rise, his empire began to gradually fall. In 1867, his mansion was damaged by floods. This happened again in 1882. Also during this time, Pico lost a lot of money and property due to gambling, falling victim to fraud, and foreclosures.
In 1883, because he could not read English, Pico lost his last, remaining Ranchito acres after he was conned into signing a fraudulent deed. After fighting this injustice in court for several years, he eventually lost and was evicted from his beloved home in 1892.
In 1907, Harriet Williams Russell Strong and other Whittier residents succeeded in making the old residence a historic monument. Mrs. Strong bought and restored the mansion in 1909. In 1917, the property was conveyed to the State and was designated a State Historic Park in 1927.
The mansion was restored to its 1880s condition. It’s on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places and listed as a California Historical Landmark. Approaching 200 years old, it’s a fascinating structure and a fine example of Californio architecture. It’s walls seem to be about eighteen inches thick when looking outside through the windows. It’s one of the oldest buildings in Los Angeles County and probably the oldest in Whittier. Admission is free. When visiting, please make sure to sign the guest book and drop a few dollars in the donation box while you’re at it.
Pico Pico State Historic Park
Friday: 9:30am – 3:30pm
Saturday: 9:30am – 4:00pm
Sunday: 9:30am – 4:00pm
6003 Pioneer Boulevard, Whittier, CA 90606
http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=621
2. King Richard’s Antique Center
When Whittier was founded in 1887, its inhabitants turned to the San Gabriel River for water, the area’s historic, primary source. However, the supply was inadequate and brackish, so the townsfolk began searching for a new source. In 1891, engineer Arthur L. Reed proposed and designed a 12-mile long flume which would bring water from artesian wells in El Monte. The plan worked, many plots were planted, and the colony soon transformed into a citrus producing area. Also during this time, the Southern Pacific Railroad began servicing Whittier.
The Whittier Citrus Association built its packing house in 1902 and expanded it in 1904. It was one of the largest packing plants in the State of California. For many years, citrus production was one of Whittier’s primary industries.
Today, the packing house is the location of King Richard’s Antique Center, the largest antique mall in California. With over one acre of floor area on four levels, King Richard’s is a Southern California landmark where independent dealers rent spaces to display and sell their various antiques. Admission is free. By walking the floors, you will be able to get a close look at a historic building while also getting a close look at many historic items for sale.
King Richard’s Antique Center
Monday – Sunday: 10:00am – 6:00pm
12301 Whittier Boulevard, Whittier, CA 90602
https://kingrichardsantiques.wixsite.com/website
3. Uptown Whittier
Uptown Whittier is the historic commercial center located around the intersection of Greenleaf Avenue and Philadelphia Street. This business and residential district lays entirely within the original 1887 subdivision. Please refer to the map at the end of this article.
At the southeast corner of Greenleaf and Philadelphia is the National Bank of Whittier Building, also known as Nixon Plaza. Built in 1923, this high-rise is the city’s best example of the Beaux Arts architectural style. In 1938, Richard Nixon’s first law office was there. The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. Nixon Plaza is not open to the public yet but new restaurants are in the works. Check back for updates.
Uptown, as its known to us locals, is great for walking. Greenleaf Avenue is lined with an eclectic mix of shops and restaurants. Stop at Lovell’s Records & Tapes if you like music or Pour Le Bain if you feel like browsing beauty products. If you have kids, the Wishing Well offers a variety of toys. And ladies, I hear there are good boutique clothing stores, Shop the Runway and Laura’s Boutique.
After visiting the Pio Pico Mansion and King Richard’s and shopping Uptown, you’ll probably want lunch. Dine at one of the many fine restaurants in Uptown. If you want the outdoor dining experience, I recommend Mimo’s Cafe. If you like Sushi and beer, check out Bambooze which features Japanese fusion and forty, yes 40, beers on tap! For Mexican, I prefer the Uptown Mexican Cafe. If you want Italian, there’s Ravello Bar & Grill. For the full list of restaurants, please refer to the Whittier Uptown Association’s directory by clicking here.
4. The Whittier Museum
The Whittier Museum does a great job of teaching and displaying the Friendly Towne’s history. Knowledgeable guides are available to give you tours and tell you about the founding and life in the early days. When you first step in, you will see a life size street scene from the early 20th century depicting storefronts and signs. You can even walk into one of the buildings and see the historic furniture, fixtures, goods and wares that were used.
As you move through the first floor, you will see an amazing model of Whittier circa 1900, complete with streets, miniature buildings, trees, and vehicles. The entire neighborhood of the original 1887 subdivision is displayed, along with the hills in the background.
On the second floor, you will see a recreation of Richard Nixon sitting in his Whittier law office. My favorite is the Pio Pico exhibit. It’s filled with paintings by Herbert Hahn, historic artifacts from his ranch, and a few of his personal belongings, colorfully illustrating Pico’s life. This exhibit brilliantly confirms this area was the Wild West in the late 19th century.
On your way out, please drop a few bucks in the donation box. Better yet, purchase an item or two from the gift shop or become a member for as low as $25. The museum is operated by the Whittier Historical Society which is a nonprofit supported by donations, memberships, and grants. If you’d like to visit the museum, come on a Saturday when it’s open.
Whittier Museum
Friday: 1:00pm – 4:00pm
Saturday: 1:00pm – 4:00pm
6755 Newlin Avenue, Whittier, CA 90601
Home
5. The Historic Bailey House
One of the earliest settlers of the southern slopes of the Puente Hills was Jacob Gerkens, a German immigrant. He purchased 160 acres of public land and built this house in 1868 or 1869. In 1879, John M. Thomas purchased 1,259 acres along with the house, which had been used as a sheep ranch since 1873.
When the Pickering Land and Water Company acquired the Thomas Ranch, Jonathan Bailey was elected President. In 1887, he moved into the Old Ranch House with his wife, Rebecca Bailey, to help organize the little colony. The first Quaker services in Whittier were held in the Bailey House. In these early days, meetings were held on the front porch and the house was the social, religious, and business center of the fledgling colony.
In 1977, the property was added to the National Register of Historic Places two years after it was deeded to the City of Whittier. The house is furnished with artifacts from the period, including the Baileys’ rocking chairs, a coal oven, and a cistern in the backyard, amongst other items.
If visiting on a Sunday, you will come here instead of the museum. Whittier Historical Society docents lead tours starting at 1:00pm and the last tour is given at 3:30pm. Once again, donations are encouraged. The Bailey House is located near the Hadley – Greenleaf Historic District, one the City’s four historic homes districts. As an added bonus, you will see many beautiful residences of various architectural styles that are 100 years old or more.
The Historic Bailey House
Sunday: 1:00pm – 4:00pm
13421 E. Camilla Street, Whittier, CA 90601
Thanks for reading! If you visit Whittier, please let us know your thoughts and from where your traveled by leaving your comments below. If you’re a Whittier area local, please let us know your comments too.