Ed Anderson has been interested in John Muir for 20 years and his presentation showed his research and knowledge.  He shared stereoscopic views of photographs taken in the era when Muir was in our vicinity.   Ed’s presentation gave us more than just where Muir went, but also about the man and his influence.  Ed said Muir was always adventurous.  When Muir was 66 he made a two year world tour – when his traveling companion opted out, Muir continued.

When more youthful in 1869 he walked, “strolled” as Muir describes it, from San Francisco to Yosemite.  In 1877 he came to Southern California staying with a friend at the corner of Colorado and Orange Grove where the Rose Parade turns.  He ventured into our nearby San Gabriel Mountains.  Ed showed us a picture of Eaton Canyon Falls at the time and views from the trails over the rural valley.

Before there were trails. Muir took two days to go up Mount Wilson,  Apparently towards the top he had to crawl.

Muir travelled light with some bread, some tea and a bedroll.  Ed said on occasion Muir hiked in a three piece suit.

In the 1890’s there was a building boom in Pasadena and a conservation movement nationally.  Muir  became the voice for conservation and a celebrity. For example, he encouraged President Grover Cleveland to reserve 13 additional areas of natural habitat. Photographs of celebrities and leaders often had Muir visible in the background, usually the least well-dressed of a group.

In 1903 Arcadia was incorporated but at the time it was less than a “Community of Homes” but rather populated with saloons and brothels.

Muir died in 1914.  His legacy is extensive.  In 1981 he was named the most important individual in California History by the California Historical Society.