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View Winners → Summer for Free in L.A. (Part 3): The Old Mill
Arcadia Weekly Jul 01, 2015
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-Courtesy Photo
By Ea Nicole Madrigal
As mentioned before, the kids are out of school and one of the first questions is: what are some enjoyable activities that my family can enjoy together? Perhaps even more pressing in the post Great Recession age is this: what activities can we enjoy together that won’t cost our family too much? Each week, Beacon Media News will take a quick glimpse at free entertaining activities in Los Angeles in hopes that this summer can be one to remember (and one that won’t break the bank).
If you live in the San Marino, South Pasadena, or Pasadena areas, I bet you have passed it by a few times before. I bet you rode your bike at least once in the Lacy Park area and likely pedaled on by without knowing what you just missed. What is it that you are missing that you perhaps had no idea even existed? The Old Mill, or El Molino Viejo.
I don’t blame you if you have never heard of it or if you drove right past. It’s easy to miss, because the Old Mill is nestled among quiet, large trees off of Old Mill Road in between beautiful homes in a residential neighborhood of San Marino. However, if you decide to make the visit there, you’ll understand why it is a hidden treasure of our Valley that all residents should come enjoy.
The Old Mill has existed since 1816. Yes, you read that correctly. If you appreciate history, you will enjoy your short visit there. It first served as a grist mill for the much better known Mission San Gabriel. The Mill was used particularly for producing milled grain. Despite being overshadowed by Mission San Gabriel, it was once the first commercial building in Southern California. Its illustrious history still lives on today as the grounds have become both a small museum as well as a garden.
In fact, as the friendly staff member at the Old Mill informed me, next year the members of the Old Mill Foundation will celebrate the 200th anniversary of the historic site. Undoubtedly, 2016 will be a fantastic year to visit the Mill for the first time, if you haven’t already. But, don’t wait; go this summer because visiting the Mill is free (donations, of course, appreciated).
The Old Mill provides one of the most family friendly summer activities you can find for free. The downstairs of the Mill features the small museum, equipped with a brief history of the mill as well as a mechanical display that shows how the Mill once functioned. Outside, you can stroll through the gardens and fruit trees. Small gazebo areas offer relief from the sun and a lovely, peaceful place to sit to enjoy the scenery. Back inside the Mill, upstairs, you can visit the California Art Club Gallery where contemporary artists display their work inspired by various scenes from around California.
A visit to the Mill is not one that will take several hours like other activities. However, you could easily spend an hour walking around or just sitting in the shade enjoying the garden view. The Mill offers docent, garden, and school tours. It is open every day from 1 to 4 p.m., except for Monday when it is closed. Visiting the Old Mill offers the easiest way to step back in time to a San Gabriel Valley long gone, and unfortunately more often than not, long forgotten.
