Newhall in Santa Clarita in Los Angeles County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Mary Ellen’s Tea Room

and Sundeck

— William S Hart Park and Museum —

Mary Ellen’s Tea Room Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Baker, April 18, 2026

1. Mary Ellen’s Tea Room Marker

Inscription.
The tea room and sundeck were built in 1930 for Mary Ellen Hart, the younger sister of William S. Hart. Mary Ellen accompanied Hart to California and lived with him until her death in 1943. She served as his companion and advisor for much of his career and the 1930 United States Census lists her as a partner in the William S. Hart Company. She also published several short stories. Hart said of her, "Her well-trained mind has the keenest sense of dramatic values. I have always considered her my best critic, confident that she really knew."

In 1917, Mary Ellen was injured in a car accident during the filming of one of Hart's films in the Mojave Desert. After the accident, she became increasingly dependent upon her wheelchair. The Tea Room and Sundeck were easily accessible from Mary Ellen's bedroom and were designed by architect Arthur R. Kelly in the same Spanish style as the rest of the complex.

Mary Ellen was as fond of animals as her brother. Her favorite pet was her cat, Westport Pouffins, named in honor of the family home located in Westport, Connecticut.

Erected 2026 by City of Santa Clarita.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Architecture. A significant historical year for this entry is 1930.

Location. 34°

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22.417′ N, 118° 31.64′ W. Marker is in Santa Clarita, California, in Los Angeles County. It is in Newhall. It can be reached from the intersection of Newhall Avenue and Main Street. Located at the top of the hill, behind the Hart mansion. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 24151 Newhall Ave, Newhall CA 91321, 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 walking distance of this marker: La Loma de los Vientos (within shouting distance of this marker); American Bison (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Ranch House (approx. 0.2 miles away); William S. Hart (approx. 0.2 miles away); Pardee House (approx. 0.2 miles away); William S. Hart Park and Museum (approx. 0.2 miles away); Newhall Ranch House (approx. 0.2 miles away); Mitchell Adobe (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Santa Clarita.

Also see . . . Hart Park, Santa Clarita. (Submitted on April 19, 2026.)

Mary Ellen’s Tea Room and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Baker, April 18, 2026

2. Mary Ellen’s Tea Room and Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on April 19, 2026. It was originally submitted on April 19, 2026, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. This page has been viewed 16 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 19, 2026, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California.