Paramount in Los Angeles County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Paramount Hay Tree

Photographed by Craig Baker, October 3, 2018

1. Paramount Hay Tree Marker

Inscription. The towns of Hynes and Clearwater, later incorporated as Paramount, were the center of the hay and dairy industry in Los Angeles and Orange Counties from the 1920s through the 1960s. Considered the “Milk Shed of Los Angeles”, Paramount developed into the largest hay market in the world. Each day the price of hay sold here was quoted by brokers in Chicago and New York City as the International Standard. Major hay sellers would gather each morning under this 120-year-old Camphor tree to determine the day’s price. The Hay Tree was also a cherished spot where truckers, workers, and farmers gathered for a lazy lunch or a spirited game of cards. The Camphor is the last remnant of the "World’s Largest Hay Market”.

Erected 2004 by California State Parks; and City of Paramount. (Marker Number 1038.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the California Historical Landmarks series list.

Location. 33° 53.055′ N, 118° 9.634′ W.

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Marker is in Paramount, California, in Los Angeles County. It is on Paramount Boulevard half a mile north of California Route 91, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 16493 Paramount Blvd, Paramount CA 90723, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Greater Los Angeles

and in the Transverse Ranges.

It is also on the American Pacific Coast.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Ring of Fire,

in the Pacific Rim,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Under the Hay Tree, World’s Hay Price Was Set (a few steps from this marker); Bellflower Pacific Electric Train Depot (approx. 2 miles away); Apollo Boilerplate 12 (approx. 2.9 miles away); Eagle Tree (approx. 3.3 miles away); Domínguez Ranch House (approx. 3½ miles away); Rancho Los Cerritos (approx. 3.7 miles away); Heritage House (approx. 3.7 miles

Photographed by Craig Baker, October 3, 2018

2. Paramount Hay Tree Marker

away); Douglas Park (approx. 3.8 miles away).

Paramount Hay Tree image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Baker, October 3, 2018

3. Paramount Hay Tree

Credits. This page was last revised on January 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on January 4, 2019, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. This page has been viewed 1,391 times since then and 119 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 4, 2019, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.