Originally posted by
HossC
I couldn't resist circling it.
Thanks for locating the SP,LA & SL RR arrowhead emblem
Hoss. I thought I had covered every angle of that bridge.
While I was driving around in the google-mobile searching for the RR emblem, I found another interesting tidbit of history in the area.
About 1,500 feet northwest of this spot (along Whittier Boulevard) there is a "one-of-a-kind" tree. ('one-of-a-kind' as in...the only one on Earth!)
google_earth
a closer look.
The tree's name is the "Paradox Hybrid Walnut Tree".
History & Significance:
"Mr. George Weinshank planted the Paradox Hybrid Walnut Tree as an agricultural experiment.
Mr. Weinshank taught agriculture at the Whittier State School and the planting of the
tree was connected to an experimental planting conducted through the University of California,
Department of Agriculture. The tree is an unusual cross between the Black and English walnuts, and
is "believed to be one of a kind today." (Report from Consultants and Researchers C.J. Pilkerton and
Associates). As of January 19, 1994, Park Department official’s report fruit production still occurs,
however, the age of the tree prohibits the development of mature fruit as the walnuts are dropped
prior to ripening.
The method of grafting the two trees was conducted with failed results was abandoned and the tree,
possibly part of a larger grove, was left to die. The subject walnut tree consistently obtained water or
moisture from a nearby reservoir and flourished at the site. In 1955, highway plans illustrated the
removal of the walnut tree. Members of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Whittier Chapter
and the Native Daughters of the Golden West, Parlor #298 and Whittier Community Beautiful
persuaded the State to save the tree, and allow it to be maintained within a 3,000 foot long divider
strip.
The health of the tree was questionable and some surgery was performed on the tree. The park
facility includes a graded area of approximately 500 feet and in length and the sidewalks were
installed on both sides of the tree. Although the health of the tree improved, the parkway surrounding
the tree proved to be too difficult to maintain for the Whittier Community Beautiful organization, and a
long term agreement between the Whittier City Park Department and the State was executed.
Maintenance jurisdiction of both the tree and the divider strip was thus handed over to the City in
1965.
The tree has a canopy of approximately 100 feet and a trunk diameter of more than 13 feet in
The Walnut Tree stands beside a widely traveled highway, Whittier Boulevard, and
serves as a highly visible natural landmark."
www.whittiermuseum.org
http://www.waymarking.com/waymarks/W...ee_Whittier_CA
Today, it has some low-tech branch support.
www.haymaking.com
....from the google-mobile. (looking a bit scraggly)
gsv
Partially hidden by some shrubs on the left, is a plaque (shown below). -also note the "Camino Real Bell" on the right.
http://www.hmdb.org/marker.asp?marker=50978
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