Location:

The United States of America


 


In the silent film era a cowboy actor who was also a animal lover and who would probably today be called an "animal right advocate" was indeed an oddity. Yes, William S. Hart was one of those of those men who seem to astonish us with their varied and different life style.

As the story is told, in his will that left his mansion "La Loma de Los Vientos" to the County of Los Angeles a requirement was stipulated that animals must always be present in the park. This information comes via some of the docents and staff at the museum. What the actual truth is I am unable to discern at this point but in the end it doesn't really matter.

When you arrive at the William S. Hart Park and "park" in the free parking lot you may not even see the mansion up on the hill. But you will smell, hear an see a group of animals. Alternate transportation is available so it is better stated as: "walked, hopped of a bus or took the Metrolink" up to Old Newhall"! More on that subject later, let's stay on track.


So do not head up the path just yet. Look at the Sat Image below. The parking lot is outlined in BLUE. The barnyard area is next to it and includes the large red tiled roofed building. Great for real kids and kids over 50 accepted as well. The animals really do not care how old you "think you are".


I have a link to the scanned "Trails and Map" brochure showing the actual location in a map view. Remember, please DO NOT bring household leftovers to use in feeding the animals. Many of these animals have sensitive feelings and may not like the fact that you have leftover hot dog buns and want to feed it to the Hog! And I am sure the chickens have absolutely NO desire to be fed French fries no matter what type of ketchup you used.

The park has coin operated food dispensing machines onsite.



Before you head over to talk with and feed the animals or head up the nature trail to the Hart Mansion you might want to identify one of the most important buildings in the lower park area:

Salle de repos (French for .  .  .)

Area de aseo (Spanish for .  .  .)

בשירותים (Hebrew for .  .  .)

Toilette (German for .  .  .)

Yep, it's the local RESTROOM! And no, it's not a "Porta Potty" in disguise. If you are visiting the William S. Hart park and museum always take plenty of water. SoCal summers can be brutally hot, true. But fall and spring can also be deceitfully warm and one might think that water is not needed.

Ok. Water goes in, something going to come out. Don't do it on the nature path up the hill, because eyes and cameras are everywhere. Nuff said, find the restroom!



Hey we have to have rules for the unruly you know. But these simple rules apply to ALL of us. Told you the pigs (hog) were sensitive.



For a bunch of "pigs" they keep a fairly tidy enclosure. I know what you are going to say, they have hired help!

Mr. Bird walked right behind the sign as soon as I snapped the shutter. Guess he is shy or really wants me to move over to Tofurky!

Hmmm, I am beginning to see a pattern here   .   .   .
1st the Pigs are on a "special diet" now the horse and the mule are on a "special diet"! (Mule aka Jackass)



Abby is one friendly Mule Deer


“The deer is just such a star,” she said. “She’s already stealing everybody’s heart.” -animal keeper at the park.

Abby (named for the Dear Abby advice columns) is about 2 years old now. Abby was found on a some hiking trail around Bakersfield, CA and eventually turned into the California Wildlife Center in Calabasas.

Information came from the signalscv.com

This path leads to  .  .  .

If your horse and dog have their own cemetery then the owner must have been a true animal lover.

Fritz was a red & white pinto that passed away in 1938 and is buried here.


A fitting canopy for a horse that starred in many a silent era "Cowboy" style films  .  .  .
 Cactus!


Next: The path up to "La Loma de los Vientos".