Ken Lafler: July 2014

Photography and Article

Kenneth Lafler.

The Strauss Ranch is located in Malibu, California. Once the home of Peter Strauss, the property was purchased in 1976. The Ranch was originally called,"Lake Enchanto"and was a resort at one time.

The ranch has a huge swimming pool with a small island in the middle which may still be viewed. During the summer months a band would play on the island. This was in the 1920's so mostly the band played swing music. This was also during prohibition so a large tower was constructed on the ranch a as look out for the police , liquor being available there most of the time.

The ranch also had a small metal dam to keep in the lake on the property. Some of the shots in this article are of what remains of the dam, the other's are from Google.

The dam was only about 10 to 15 feet high and was washed out in 1969 during a heavy period of rain. The more interesting dam is only about a mile away.

This would be the Rindge Dam. Built by the Rindge family in the 1920's the dam silted in just a few years rendering it useless. Today people use the dam to bungie jump from the structure which is actually quite dangerous.

The Strauss Ranch Dam was located about a quarter mile from the parking lot. The ranch was originally inhabited by the Chumash Indians for about 8,000 years. After the Spainish Conquest the ranch was named "Rancho Las Virgines" in 1850's, being part of a large land grant from Spain.

In the 1930's a man named Warren Shotbert purchased the ranch and renamed it "Shosen" and built the swimming pool and lake. He also built the dam. The ranch was a popular resort for a while but finally closed in the 1960's.

The ranch is located on Trifuno creek which is where the lake was filled from.

Today the ranch is a state park with a stage, trails to hike, and the pool is still there, just empty.

The park is located on Mulluland Highway close to Agoura. It was purchased by the state in 1987.

Kenneth Lafler.

Some photo's from Google

Research -

The Internet

Wikipedia

Photography and text

Kenneth Lafler

The Los Encinos Park is located off of Balboa blvd. in Encino.

This was one of the first area's in the San Fernando Valley to be settled , due to it's water supply.

The area was originally occupied by the Chumash Indian Tribe , who were considered to be very peaceful.

In the Chatsworth Park area one may still view the acorn leaching pits the Indians used.

This large pond was the site of a large swampy area though out Encino. Turtles may be seen sunning themselves in the shot.

Once again this is the perfect spot for a family Sunday outing!