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LA Man's Hand-Built Stone Home: A Labor of Love
19 Oct
Summary
- Charles Lummis built his home largely by hand, using local river stones.
- Construction of El Alisal took over a decade, from 1897 to around 1910.
- The hand-built house is preserved and open to the public in Highland Park.
In Los Angeles, Charles Fletcher Lummis, a former city editor and librarian, undertook a remarkable construction project: El Alisal. Beginning in 1897 and continuing until approximately 1910, Lummis built his home largely by hand. He sourced stones from the Arroyo Seco and incorporated recycled railway ties and telegraph poles.
Lummis viewed the construction as a physical balancing act to his demanding writing career. He collaborated with architects on structural issues and employed Native American laborers for assistance. The resulting 4,000-square-foot house features thick walls and a distinctive Mission Revival style with medieval influences.
Originally named for a now-deceased sycamore tree, El Alisal faced threats of demolition following Lummis's passing in 1928, particularly due to the construction of the Arroyo Seco Parkway. However, it was preserved and is now a designated California Historical Landmark.
Today, El Alisal is managed as a museum by the Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks. This historic hand-built stone home, located at 200 East Avenue 43 in Los Angeles, is accessible to visitors, offering a glimpse into Lummis's dedication.
