Montrose in La Crescenta-Montrose in Los Angeles County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Paul McCarton
1912 - 1928
| | A True Scout | |
Photographed by Craig Baker, June 16, 2025
1. Paul McCarton Marker
A twelve foot deodar tree was dedicated in this park on December 26, 1928 by the Montrose - La Crescenta Boy Scouts, Verdugo Hills Council, to honor the short meritorious life of the valley's model Boy Scout. A small concrete bench was later placed under the tree by Paul McCarton's parents. In the center of the bench, a bronze plaque memorialized the youngest of our local Eagle Scouts. Over the years fierce winds uprooted the tree and vandals destroyed the bench.
This plaque serves as a rededication to the memory of an extraordinary young man whose accidental death at the age of 16 saddened the entire community. During his brief life span he cherished and practiced the Scout oath and code. A close friend and fellow Eagle Scout summed it up well with this farewell statement: To Paul, Scouting was not a hobby or pastime, but the job of living a life of useful service.
Erected 2005 by Boy Scouts of America; Historical Society of the Crescenta Valley; Crescenta Valley Town Council; and Michael D. Antonovich, Supervisor, Los Angeles County.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these
this page online
Location. 34° 12.543′ N, 118° 13.842′ W. Marker is in La Crescenta-Montrose, California, in Los Angeles County. It is in Montrose. It can be reached from the intersection of Mira Vista Avenue and Orangedale Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2366 Mira Vista Ave, Montrose CA 91020, 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 Mexicos Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Montrose Shopping Park Association (approx. 0.2 miles away); Montrose Shopping Park Redevelopment (approx. 0.2 miles away); Honolulu Avenue (approx. 0.2 miles away); Hollywood Location (approx. 0.2
Photographed by Craig Baker, June 16, 2025
2. Paul McCarton Marker and Bench
Regarding Paul McCarton. The McCartons' home was at 2353 Mira Vista Avenue and faced the small triangular park where this marker is located.
Paul McCarton died in a hunting accident while camping near Lake Tahoe on Sept. 6, 1928.
The Scouts planted a 12-foot deodar cedar tree in the park, which was dedicated on Dec. 26, 1928.
In the summer of 1929, Paul's parents placed a small concrete bench next to the tree. The original plaque had the inscription, "This tree is dedicated to the memory of Eagle Scout Paul McCarton, by the Montrose-La Crescenta Boy Scouts."
Years later, strong winds toppled the tree, and vandals destroyed the bench.
On Dec. 26, 2005 -- 77 years to the day after the original dedication ceremony -- the Crescenta Valley Historical Society replaced the tree, the bench, and the plaque.
Years later, strong winds toppled the second tree.
3. Deodar Cedar Tree and Bench - 2012
The second cedar tree is now gone.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 22, 2025. It was originally submitted on June 19, 2025, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. This page has been viewed 157 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 19, 2025, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 3. submitted on June 20, 2025, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California.
