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

The Old Mill

El Molino Viejo

— The Millstones —

circa 2017

1. The Millstones Marker

Inscription. Originally located in the upper story of El Molino Viejo, these volcanic tufa millstones ground grain for the Indian community of Mission San Gabriel. The stones were turned by water flowing from nearby canyons. When the mill fell into disuse, the stones disappeared. A century later they were found on the Huntington Library grounds by General George S. Patton, who, as a young boy had seen them used as blocks for mounting horses. (Marker Number 302.)

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

Location. 34° 7.167′ N, 118° 7.65′ W. Marker is in San Marino, California, in Los Angeles County. Marker can be reached from Old Mill Road, 0.2 miles east of S Oak Knoll Ave, on the left when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1120 Old Mill Rd, San Marino CA 91108, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within one mile of this marker, measured as the crow flies. The Picture Bridge (approx. 0.4 miles away); George S. Patton, Jr. Memorial (approx. 0.4 miles away); Thornton Gardens (approx. half a mile away); Los Robles (approx. 0.6 miles away);

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Blacker House (approx. 0.6 miles away); Cordelia A. Culbertson House (approx. 0.7 miles away); Tournament Park (approx. 0.9 miles away); Hale Solar Laboratory (approx. one mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Marino.

Regarding The Old Mill. The Old Mill is open daily 1-4 except Mondays and holidays. Free admission. Park on the street and walk up the narrow driveway.

This is California Historical Landmark No 302, Old Mill (The marker was never installed).

California Historical Landmark Statement of Significance: The Old Mill, El Molino Viejo, was designed by Father José María Zalvidea and built of fired bricks and adobe about 1816 to serve Mission San Gabriel. Another grist mill was built in 1823 near the mission and the old mill was gradually abandoned - it passed from mission control in 1846. The property remained in private hands until 1903, when Henry E. Huntington bought the building and used it for a golf clubhouse. Later owners, Mr. and Mrs. James Brehm, had the mill restored in 1928 by Frederick Rupple.

Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. Chapman’s

Millstones and Marker, on the patio image. Click for full size.

circa 2017

2. Millstones and Marker, on the patio

They were found by General George S. Patton.

Mill replaced and improved upon the Old Mill.

Also see . . . Old Mill Foundation website. (Submitted on January 28, 2018, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California.)

Additional keywords. Old Mill, Historical Landmark No 302, Daughters of The American Revolution, Pasadena, Native Americans, 1816

Old Mill patio and entrance image. Click for full size.

circa 2017

3. Old Mill patio and entrance

Old Mill sign, facing the street image. Click for full size.

circa 2017

4. Old Mill sign, facing the street

Old Mill sign and driveway image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Craig Baker, January 18, 2018

5. Old Mill sign and driveway

Photographed By Craig Baker, January 18, 2018

6. 1919 Marker

This 100-year-old brass marker is on display inside the Old Mill, which was built around 1816, not 1810.

Credits. This page was last revised on January 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on January 19, 2018, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. This page has been viewed 422 times since then and 25 times this year. Last updated on January 26, 2019, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on January 19, 2018, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.