Phillips Mansion

Phillips Mansion. . , Wealthy landowner, businessman, and Los Angeles county leader Louis Phillips purchased the Rancho San Jose in 1866. The land was originally owned by the Vejar family and encompassed much of what is now known as the Pomona Valley. Louis and his wife Esther built the Second Empire style mansion in 1875 at a cost of $20,000. Originally it contained eight rooms, six fireplaces, extensive woodwork, and gas lights. It was the first fired brick home east of the city of Los Angeles and the first local home converted to electricity. , Phillips died at the mansion in 1900 and his widow lived there until 1916. It remained in the Phillips family until 1931. It was converted to apartments during World War II and later used for student housing. It became vacant in the early 1960s. The historical society of Pomona Valley purchased it in 1966. , The society restored the home and opened it to the public from 1974 to 1990 when it was condemned due to earthquake damage.