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25151 Serrano Road Lake Forest, California 92630 (949) 923-2230 http://www.ocparks.com/heritagehill/ El Toro (Spanish for "the bull") was renamed Lake Forest in 1991, a more commercially marketable name that highlighted its man-made lakes and eucalyptus groves and erased a vigorous reminder of its original Spanish-Mexican heritage. The historical park preserves four structures that, with the exception of the José Serrano Adobe, were moved to their present location. Photos copyright © September 2009 Kat Avila TIME OF DAY: late morning and mid-afternoon CAMERA: Canon 780 IS NOTES: I got two different moods by returning a few hours later. The bright sun can either highlight details or wash them out. For the church, the less intense p.m. lighting allowed for discovery of dramatic reddish brown tones in the wooden pews and floor. |
 "Vivid reminders of El Toro's past are preserved in Orange County's first historical park. The Serrano Adobe (circa 1863), El Toro Grammar School (1890), St. George's Episcopal Mission (1891), and Harvey Bennett Ranch House (1908) reflect the history of the area from the Rancho Cañada de Los Alisos to its development as an agricultural community." O.C. Historical Site No. 32 |
 Beneath this plaque lies a time capsule to be opened in 2041 for Lake Forest's 50th anniversary as a city. |
 hand water pump & trough reflecting eucalyptus trees |
 Didn't know the outhouse was "occupied." |
 picnic area among pepper trees |
 horse-drawn hay wagon |
 The garden includes corn, tomatoes, and chili peppers. |
 Serrano Creek Equestrian Center is behind the park (which accounts for the smell of horse manure). |
 horses at Serrano Creek Equestrian Center |
| Serrano Adobe (circa 1863) Longhorn cattle rancher Don* José Serrano was the original grantee of the 10,688-acre Rancho Cañada de Los Alisos. *Don is a Spanish-language courtesy title used for men of high social status. | ||||
 walkway to Serrano Adobe and park office |
State of California Historic Landmark No. 199 "La casa de adobe de José Serrano Home of José Serrano, original grantee of Rancho Cañada de Los Alisos Restored A.D. 1932" |
 living room The horns above the fireplace belong to a longhorn steer. |
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 Serrano family photographs in living room |
 dining room |
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 loom in dining room |
 George Whiting's additions to the adobe in 1932. |
 outdoor ovens |
 traditional adobe horno (oven) used in the Southwest |
 adobe horno (oven) |
 open pit oven |
 open pit oven |
| St. George's Episcopal Mission (1891) | ||||
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| El Toro Grammar School (1890-1914) It was St. Anthony's Catholic Church from 1915-1968. | ||||
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| Harvey Bennett Ranch House (1908) Citrus farmer Charles F. Bennett built the ranch house for a servant. Later, his son Harvey Bennett took over the house. | ||||
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 Wagon Wheel Corral gate |
 Bennett Ranch House |
 The Harvey Bennett Ranch House, 1908 |
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 buggy barn The barn houses a visitor center with historical photos and exhibits. |
 buggy (horse-drawn carriage) |
 buggy |
 El Toro Reserve Firefighters, Station 19 |
 facing the doorway |
| Native American Indian Village (before 1769) The Acjachemen Nation (aka Juaneños, associated with Mission San Juan Capistrano) resided in the local area. | ||||
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 diorama window reflecting surroundings |
 kìicha or wickiup |
 Looking into the kìicha, a traditional family dwelling made of willow saplings and reeds (aka tules). |
 inside the kìicha |
