Among the carnage caused by the Palisades fire were two pieces of California history from a bygone era.
The historic farmhouse of Will Rogers, owned by the famous social commentator, actor and actress, and the Topanga Ranch Motel, built by newspaperman William Randolph Hearst, were the victims of the fire that caused damage throughout Southern California in the last two days. according to California State Parks Director Armando Quintero.
Both were burned by the fire, which has burned a total of nearly 16,000 acres and burned an additional 300 structures — including homes and businesses — as of Wednesday afternoon.
“California State Parks mourns the loss of these precious natural and cultural resources, and our hearts go out to everyone affected by the devastating fires in the Los Angeles area,” Quintero said the statement.
Both structures were part of the damage that occurred throughout Topanga State Park and Will Rogers State Park as the fire destroyed state employee housing, along with more than 30 other structural losses.
Rogers, known in relation to later part of his life to comment on politicshe was once one of the highest paid actors in Hollywood. He began his career as a vaudeville performer and popular comedian.
The aftermath of a fire at the historic Topanga Ranch Motel on Jan. 8, 2025.
(California State Parks)
In the 1920s, Rogers bought land in Santa Monica, developing what became a 359-acre farm overlooking the Pacific Ocean in what is now Pacific Palisades.
The original farmhouse had 31 rooms, with an adjacent guest house, stables, corrals, golf course and hiking trails.
Rogers died at the age of 55 in a plane crash in Alaska in 1935.
His widow, Betty, eventually donated the farm to the state in 1944, and it became a state historic park.
The family said in a statement on Wednesday that they are deeply saddened by the destruction of Rogers’ home and the “barn made of jokes”.
“While the loss of the Will Rogers Ranch is devastating, it pales in comparison to the loss of property and businesses and, most importantly, the lives of those in the surrounding area,” said Jennifer Rogers, representing the Rogers family, in a statement. statement.
Rogers was born into a Cherokee family in Oklahoma and was considered “one of our favorite Cherokees,” said Principal Chuck Hoskin Jr. of the Cherokee Nation.
“The loss of Will Rogers’ historic home is truly tragic, and the entire Cherokee Nation sends our thoughts and prayers to granddaughter Jennifer Rogers-Etcheverry and family,” Hoskin said. said the statement.
The Topanga Ranch Motel before the Palisades fire.
(California State Parks)
In 1929, San Francisco native Hearst built the bungalow-style Topanga Ranch Motel, which was across the street from Topanga Beach.
The motel housed 30 rooms and construction workers who were building the Pacific Coast Highway.
While local hotels are pricey, the Topanga Ranch Motel offers an affordable beach vacation.
Tourists, families and writers have lived there for decades. The facility was acquired by California State Parks in 2001.
There were plans to renovate 20 bungalows for public use again.
State Parks closed Topanga and Will Roger state parks and beaches shortly after the Palisades fire started Tuesday, Quintero said.
Other historical or significant losses include:
Palisades Charter High School
The 3,000-student institution suffered major damage, including the school’s athletic fields and bungalows. Adjacent Palisades Charter Elementary and nearby Marquez Charter Elementary are feared to be total losses.
Pasadena Jewish Temple and Center
The Torah scrolls were saved, but the temple and the center were destroyed by the calling community A Pasadena home for over 100 years.
Pierson Playhouse inside Theater Palisades
The games date back to the 1960s, and the playhouse was built in the 1980s. The board of directors has suspended all operations due to the extensive damage caused by the fire, according to the statement.
This is the Reel Inn site
One of Malibu’s famous “seafood shacks,” the Reel Inn burned, its owners confirmed on Instagram. The establishment was 36 years old.
