A warm and Western howdy to you, dear saddlepals, as we start knocking on the door of summer. We’ve a most interesting trek ahead into the foothills and back canyons of Santa Clarita history. In the key of R-rupted flat, as my pal John Duarte likes to estimate it, let us sing Happy Birthday to the original Newhall Land & Farming Co.
Let’s also ride gingerly past squirrel wranglers, lepers from south of the border, the Lone Ranger (both of them) and look back at The Mighty Signal’s take on when boys could marry at 14 and girls at 12. Make sure to take your dusters. We’ll also be riding in the rain.
What say we rein our horses toward that compelling vortex up yonder and see what used to be? You’ll be truly amazed this trek, dear friends ...
WAY, WAY BACK WHEN HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE BIGGEST BIZ IN TOWN — Back on June 1, 1883, six signatures and the issuing of 10,000 shares of stock set into motion arguably the most profound set of circumstances in Santa Clarita Valley history. Margaret Jane Newhall, widow of Henry Mayo Newhall, and their five sons (kinda, it’s a complicated family) founded The Newhall Land & Farming Co. The boys took 1,250 each and Margaret kept 2,500.
The original company included 143,000 acres — or 225 square miles — of prime California real estate. The boys, at the time, were from 21 to 30 years old. Not a bad inheritance for being so young.
Some love the company. For others, it’s a burr under their saddle. But, they have provided thousands.
