The Untold Story of E.J. Baldwin Shared in Arcadia

Ed Andersen is a fourth generation Californian. – Courtesy photo

Just about everyone is familiar with the name “Lucky” Baldwin, the man who purchased the sprawling Rancho Santa Anita in 1875 and became one of the most famous and wealthiest builders of the American West. Much has been written about his ruthless business dealings and dalliances with young women, but there is another part of the story that few know about. “The Untold Story of E. J. Baldwin” will be presented by Ed Andersen on behalf of Arcadia Historical Society on March 2 from 11:30 a.m. – 1:15 p.m. inside Jordan Meeting Hall of Church of the Good Shepherd, 400 W. Duarte Road, Arcadia. The presentation will provide a revealing look at another side of this controversial character.

Ed Andersen is a fourth generation Californian. He is a graduate of Santa Clara University and served his country as a First Lieutenant in the United Sates Army. After his military service, he worked for 24 years in sales for The Procter and Gamble Company and six years afterward for one of the world’s leading career management companies. He has been married to his wife Debbie for 42 years and they have lived in Arcadia since 1977.

Anderson has always had an interest in the outdoors, coming from formative boyhood experiences he had in Yosemite National Park. He is an avid book collector and John Muir historian; and he is a member of the Board of Directors of the Arcadia Historical Society. He has published three books, including “Lessons of the Wild,” “Learning from the Wisdom of Nature” and “The Truth About Forgiveness, What Your Therapist Isn’t Going to Tell You” (written with Thomas Shenk).

​For reservations contact Robin Graney, president of Arcadia Community Coordinating Council, at arcadiacommunitycouncil@gmail.com. RSVP by Friday, Feb. 28 for discounted tickets.

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