Shadow Ranch

Alfred F. Workman Residence

 

 

History

The Alfred Workman Ranch was constructed between 1869 and 1872. This ranch was constructed around an old three-room adobe built years earlier. Workman, originally from England, by way of Australia, went to work in the lumber industry and eventually became owner of 13,000 acres in this valley where he built his home and imported and planted eucalyptus seedlings. These eucalyptus were the first of their kind in the San Fernando Valley and many are still on park grounds. The blue gums located on this ranch are the parents of all of our blue gums in Southern California.

The Paull Family purchased and moved to the ranch in the early 1900's. During this time Willard and Bessie (Cheatham) Paull had 9 children but, it has been rumored that it was up to 13 children living in the house. As a side note, Paull's father, William H. and Willard were well known in the Moorpark area as the primary lima bean producers!

In 1932 Colin and Florence Clements purchased and restored the old ranch house and changed the name to Shadow Ranch. By now the trees were tall and casting long shadows on the ranch.

In the 1950s, a complex of structures on the grounds served as a private girls school, called “Robinnaire.”

In 1957 Los Angeles acquired and converted the house and grounds to a park and community recreation center. To this day it is still used as a community center. (see above picture of classroom)

 

Investigation #1

July 16, 2005

Time:	5:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Sunrise:	5:54 a.m.
Sunset:	8:05 p.m.
Weather Conditions:	Clear, Sunny
Lunar Phase:	First quarter Moon
Equipment:	35mm Cameras Digital Cameras IR Thermometers Digital Recorders

 

 

 

 

 

Investigation in conjunction with:

International Paranormal Research Organization