Exploring the Lummis Castle El Alisal

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One eccentric journalist walked across the country to build a castle right in the middle of Los Angeles.
Written by: Bethany Guerrero
Cinematography and Visual Effects by: C. Drew Unser
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Web: www.oddityodysseys.com
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Image Sources:
www.laparks.org/historic/lumm...
waterandpower.org/museum/Cali...
Pasadena Museum of History
Braun Research Library Collection, Autry Museum of the American West
www.kcet.org/shows/artbound/c...
commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Fi...
timeline.com/charles-fletcher...
southwesttramp2010.blogspot.co...
truewestmagazine.com/the-wand...
theautry.org/research/blog/li...
www.kcet.org/shows/artbound/c...
historical.ha.com/itm/books/s...
Information Sources:
www.atlasobscura.com/places/l...
www.kcet.org/history-society/...
www.charleslummis.com/categor...
Music by: incompetech.com
"Earth Prelude" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
License: CC BY (creativecommons.org/licenses/b...)
"Brittle Rille" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
License: CC BY (creativecommons.org/licenses/b...)
"A Mission" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
License: CC BY (creativecommons.org/licenses/b...)
"Ashton Manor" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
License: CC BY (creativecommons.org/licenses/b...)
"Crossing the Divide" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
License: CC BY (creativecommons.org/licenses/b...)
"Firebrand" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
License: CC BY (creativecommons.org/licenses/b...)
"Lobby Time" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
License: CC BY (creativecommons.org/licenses/b...)
"Funkorama" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
License: CC BY (creativecommons.org/licenses/b...)
Textures by: startextures.com
Fonts by: fontsquirrel.com

[@noahcount7132]

It's GREAT to see the two of you again. You've been away from your youtube channel for much too long. Enjoyed touring the unique and interesting Lummis Castle with you, of course. Couldn't miss the old L C Smith manual typewriter perched front and center on the antique roll-top desk. A different L C Smith firm manufactured some very well-regarded (but not budget-busting) double barrel shotguns back in the day, as well. Please hurry back with another video adventure.

[@DEEDEEGARRETT1]

I've missed you. Thank you for the video.

[@glennl4511]

What a fantastic treat to waking up to on a long awaited Vid on a Saturday morning. A story I never knew, but thanks to Bethany and Drew we know a piece of untold history. Well done . Winnipeg Canada🇨🇦👍

[@tonymac4044]

This is my 3rd time watching this. Waiting for you guys to come back. Your videos are the very best of their kind on the internet.

[@boxborolad]

Good episode & glad to see you back. I remember driving the Pasadena Freeway back in the early 70s. I drove by the Lummis Castle & never knew!

[@ronaldbucchino1086]

It is always fun to spend a few minutes with you both -- thanks

[@Stingball22]

Just want to tell you how I really love your videos! They are very professionally done and it's obvious you put a lot of effort into them. I've learned so much about LA through watching your videos and am thinking of coming out there to visit some of the places you have featured. Great work!

[@OddityOdysseys]

Thank you so much! That means a lot to us. We hope you get a chance to visit soon. :)

[@bongox2777]

You two are such good storytellers. Very articulate and interesting.

[@MegaBait1616]

Good video. nice to see no spray paint "tagging" all over the walls.........

[@mrdave777]

Ok. So I’ve watched most of your videos. Can I anticipate more?!? I should donate, I really should. And maybe everyone reading this should consider!?

[@Babbledabbledo]

So glad you are back!

[@fredychavez9968]

Awesome content! 👍 You guys should explore Heritage square museum next. It's a collection of beautiful victorian houses and it's right near the Lummus castle. Enjoy!

[@1WideRide]

Lummis Castle ROCKS!

[@OddityOdysseys]

Such a great spot!

[@368fan4]

WOW ! Nice surprise to see you this morning. Good Morning 0.0.

[@stevemoravec2555]

Missed you guys in this period of abnormalcy! 🙃

[@8ballout]

What a magnificent place. Great video, next time a bit longer, please?? Thank you both.

[@brillblonde6705]

Saturdays are back! REAL Saturdays, I mean....LOL! Love it, love you! Nobody does it better.

[@njaneardude]

So refreshing to see you guys. 😄

[@KU25746]

Yes!! You're back! I've missed watching you guys.

[@michaelwalters7333]

🤘Hell Yeah, Thanks for the Video👏

[@DjmDjm-hl8pt]

Love your vids. Can’t wait for more thanks.

[@tonymac4044]

ANOTHER AWESOME VIDEO!!!

[@rudydiaz8741]

Thank you both for all of your awesome content!

[@williamedmonds9581]

I’m a history buff. I find it cool that the tree to the left in the original pic at 2:40 is still there today.

[@buddy8225]

Beautiful.

[@mommaice]

Beautiful!! You always find such interesting places. Thank you for taking us along on this adventure.

[@nhcharmedone]

Soooo happy to see you guys again! Happy 2020 to you both! Fantastic video!

[@texascowboy3000]

Great to see you two back!! Another fantastic job!! Looking forward to your next video!!

[@deniseneria9146]

Awesome... i grew up in that area...👍

[@Nickolaswright]

Welcome back! Another enjoyable episode.

[@racheldelgado9216]

What an amazing place. Thanks for taking us with you.

[@markl3328]

Glad to see you back, I do so enjoy learning and seeing your travels.

[@imbwildrd3693]

Happy New Year and welcome back!! This was a really neat episode, you guys really do a great job at doing this. Can't wait for the next one!

[@malcolmallen3687]

Thanks for the long awaited vlog. The two of you help show the old soul of the LA basin. Thank you.

[@vinceg4532]

So Glad you are back! Great tour of the Lummis Castle! Looking forward to all your new adventures!

[@reynam.1303]

Yes!!! I’m so happy to see you guys♥️

[@gerryh6861]

Nice job guys! Great to see you again

[@johnnygreene5447]

Appreciate your since of adventure and exploration! Keep it up, we enjoy your videos!

[@OddityOdysseys]

Thank you!

[@Spooky_boo22]

So happy for a new video I love your channel

[@richardhoover4471]

Love this “new” find. You two always come up with unknown treasures to delight!

[@nathanbugg3221]

It's great to see you two again. Great video I love you easy going vibe to traffic. Well to everything. Wonderful content thanks for a fun start to my Saturday.

[@Brittany-wx6ob]

Great you guys are back! 😊

[@brucedickison8788]

Thanks for a great Video. I have missed you to. welcome back.

[@kidcivic2002]

Yay you guys are back!!

[@blairo15]

Great to see you guys back on KZbin! It's been a while! One of the best channels for sure!

[@joet2459]

Awesome so close to Pasadena 👍🏼 Thanks

[@cartman4885]

Its good to see you both again so we can once again travel with you on your adventures...

[@MTBLifestyle]

Yay! Another vid is finally out. This has made my day. Thank you! 💯🔥🤙🏻

[@OddityOdysseys]

Thank you for watching! Hope you have a great weekend.

[@melperry3576]

you guys are GOOD!!!!

[@E4drht]

I love the old 110. In the past it would be shut down for racing. I love how twisty it is.

[@tracydowell2]

Thanks both for this fantastic video.

[@OddityOdysseys]

Thank you for watching! Please stay tuned. :)

[@larescats]

Good morn guys great to see y’all back - missed ya yea nice old Fords - what a great castle you put together a super great video you should have a tv show. See ya next time. Larry

[@fullmetalroyal1216]

About damn time guys, welcome back!

[@Two_Wheels_Only_ADV]

Cool 😎 I never knew about this place so I now must go see it myself 🤪

[@regandunn4850]

yay thanks guys huge fan from new zealand

[@concerned1313]

One of my favorite residences, thank you. I love the native gardens around the house. I have gone there just for the serinity of the place. On the freeway, it is the 2nd freeway built in the United States after one in Ohio (I believe). Thank you and informative video!

[@andyoncam1]

Another lovely tour, you two. I hope you arent getting stir-crazy in lockdown. Interesting you should mention the frighteningly short deceleration lanes/ exits on the 110. I experienced them, thankfully incident-free, years ago when driving round the area, and Micah, the helicopter tours of LA guy here on youtube made a special mention of them recently in a video of his flying down the Arroyo Seco Valley. You should get together with the guy and collaborate on stuff.

[@californiathroughmylens]

Great job as always!

[@OddityOdysseys]

Thank you, friend! And love seeing your journey on the Trans-Catalina Trail on Instagram. Super inspiring!

[@rrelectric5159]

Nice video of an interesting place. The unusual craftsmanship reminds me of the Forestiere underground gardens in Fresno which would be a great place for you two to visit if you ever get up there. Keep up the good work!

[@BeyondTheCompass817]

Yay, you're back! Very cool house, but aspects of it reminded me more of a fort than a castle.

[@paulpeterson5214]

Thanks for the new episode, I really enjoy your stuff. If you are looking for another place to visit try Hart park and Hart Mansion, the home of silent film star William S. Hart. It was a great pace for a kid growing up to play. Owned by LA County as a museum.

[@OddityOdysseys]

Awesome, thank you for the suggestion!

[@paulpeterson5214]

@@OddityOdysseys If you are looking for more stuff to visit and report on go to the Air Force Flight Test Center called Edwards Air Force base out near Mojave where you have done a story already. They have a heck of a museum that is open to the public once a month but reservations are required for people not normally allowed on EAFB. Check out their website afftcmuseum.xyx. Substitute .org for .xyz Thanks for your seriously superb work, I love the interplay and bantering between you two.

[@daystar4909]

Very cool video! please upload more often, really missed you guys! your both so awesome!!! 💞

[@OddityOdysseys]

Thank you! We definitely hope to have no shortage of adventures this upcoming year so stay tuned. :)

[@jennifurzoe1302]

Missed you two,I've been to that house before and its a beautiful one at that,glad you both enjoyed it..

[@OddityOdysseys]

Glad you got a chance to see it for yourself!

[@stevekreitler9349]

Fun video. Hate to shoot down the "hidden compartments" theory on the desk, but that is very much a factory made desk. If it was a custom desk with hidden areas, the gallery wouldn't be sagging like that, as a real joiner would build it better.

[@RafaelMunoz1337]

YEEEEAA. I've been waiting for you guys to release a new episode! Its been too long.

[@RandysRides]

Very cool !! It would be nice to have seen it with the original wooden decks on the second floor. Amazing what willpower and time can build. Cheers !! :)

[@OutandAboutWithDiane]

Wow, I am not sure how I have missed this video! My notification settings are on. Anyways, This is an awesome video. I love California History. Great Video

[@ktinca]

I remember back in 1967-1969, when we lived on 42nd Ave, just next to that house. my brother and I were 7 and 5. We don't remember the property being gated, from memory it was easily accessible. It was not an "attraction" at that time. We rode our bicycles around the "park trails". The gardeners keep telling us not to ride in that area. At that time, it was not a "castle", just a plain old big park (to us) with with a house on it. Fun to play.

[@darthfrancium1166]

This channel is sooooooooo fucken under rated. Lol binged a bunch of your episodes. Live in the IE and will definitely check out a bunch of the places featured in your videos. Would be awesome to see you guys explore some things toward the IE as well. Much love!

[@deezynar]

I was actually thinking about you two yesterday. I realized I hadn't seen a video by you in a long time, and I thought maybe something had happened to you. I'm glad you're back. I am not an Angelino, but I have a book on the decorative movement known as the Arts and Crafts style. L.A. had many artists who worked in the style, and Lummis' house was in the book as an exemplar. The Greene brothers were probably the most famous Arts and Crafts designers from the L.A. area, but there were many people who did outstanding work from there. I can't remember, if you haven't been to the Gamble House, one of Greene and Greene's more famous works, I suggest you make a video on it, if they allow it.

[@danielwoodbeck779]

Yay! Glad to see another Video from you two! My family and I are traveling from Mi to SanDiego the end of this month! 1st time to CA with the Fam! We are so excited! Your videos have really inspired to go to CA! Thanks and keep them comming!

[@OddityOdysseys]

So many great spots to see in San Diego as well! Safe travels.

[@danielwoodbeck779]

@@OddityOdysseys Thanks! Planning on spending a day or two in LA as well! Love your videos!

[@nquiet160]

Missed both of you.

[@keithjohnson5398]

Yes, such an interesting place to visit and likely one that's overlooked for out of town visitors. Lummis is such a unique character to read up on. forget which book I read about him and his adventures. And its quite a castle he built. Ugh, the Pasadena freeway, think I hate the on-ramps worse than the off ramps.

[@theorizer]

ya'll deserve to have more subs. production quality is really high

[@mikieson]

Hey guys!! long time no see...always like the videos and look forward to what you do next..

[@BinhPham-cr4cd]

You have been missed! Every time a new video from Oddity Odysseys comes out, my brain releases the same amount of dopamine as in an addict. :)

[@karl1914]

That small bit of freeway, was more like all of the motorways here in the UK lol

[@johanna7254]

I was down in LA last week and I was thinking about you two, hoping you'd upload again soon. Another great video!

[@OddityOdysseys]

Did you get to see any fun spots while you were in Los Angeles?

[@plutus205]

Your Oddity Odysseys design reminds me of the Olive Garden design

[@paulpeterson5214]

I was poking around and found a place you may want to visit. There is a LA County fire museum housed in Bellflower Ca. That's probably right close to you, it's free but they accept donations. It houses lots of fire equipment including squad and engine 51 from the tv show Emergency! from the 70's. They even have a website, I think you would put a great spin on the place. I hope you guys come back after the quarantine is over. Stay safe and stay healthy, thanks for all the information you guys put out.

[@OddityOdysseys]

Hi Paul. Thank you so much for the suggestion. We'd love to check it out! We have a new episode coming out on June 6, but yes, eager to safely explore once again. Take care and have a great weekend. :)

[@Ripplesinthewaters]

I have a roll top desk. It’s extremely useful! 🙂

[@zaydherrera]

You guys should do a episode on the Banning house in Wilmington

[@DPImageCapturing]

Another great video! Maybe one day I will get out to the LA area. I have been there a few tines but I didn't get to explore. I will be in London & Toronto Canada this year though! I will also be in central Nebraska, both trips will be for photography!

[@OddityOdysseys]

Awesome! Sounds like a great year ahead. Please send us some of your photos if you get the time. We'd love to see them! ([e-mail])

[@DPImageCapturing]

@@OddityOdysseys Thx, will do!

[@JunkJordan]

Thanks for the great content. I'd love to check this out sometime!

[@OddityOdysseys]

It's a great spot to visit! Thanks for watching. :)

[@demonetized7803]

any chance that you will do a video on rubel castle in Glendora, if you haven't already did a video on it.

[@toma2667]

yeay

[@pappysproductions]

Great to see you 2 again. What do you use for your cool map route effect? Thanks

[@pappysproductions]

Do you guys respond to comments?

[@johnnada1222]

The stretch of the 110 was the original freeway that is why it is so narrow.

[@DovieRuthAuthor]

You should check out NittWitt Ridge in Cambria. A castle made of castaways. I met the builder decades ago when he was still alive. No disrespect intended, but he was so mentally ill. Incredibly strong though. He claimed he was an Olympic swimmer.

[@arrjay2410]

Roll-top desks work well with laptops. Good to see you guys again, I was beginning to become concerned that you might have found 'real jobs'. Well done. Interesting location too.

[@OddityOdysseys]

Haha, our real jobs are why there was a little break in between videos. :) Thanks for watching and have a great weekend!

[@cbwilson2398]

Drew and Bethany, you may want to think of doing a piece on the 110 (Pasadena Freeway), which, according to Wiki, is the oldest freeway in the US. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arroyo_Seco_Parkway

[@Catz8888]

Long time fan of your channel 🐈Why don't you guys do a piece on Bodie ghost town ? I think that would be really cool keep up the Great Work. 😸😸

[@OddityOdysseys]

Thank you for the suggestion!

[@ALJADID_TYOUB]

👍👍👍👍👍

[@jamesmitchell1780]

Please enlighten us as to what type of cameras you are using as well as grip, stabilization and sound equipment. Your style seems to rely on natural light but on interior shots I encourage you to consider some supplemental lighting.

[@grant2584]

I was wondering, and now very much relieved. How much did it cost to get Drew from the joint. Lolol😁

[@JimmyJamesee]

I want to live here

[@historyhunting_usa4665]

parking like that was the funniest thing Ive ever seen here.

[@princet6969]

Drew man Bethany is fine as he'll she a hot momma

[@ivantruckman1]

She is so pretty

[@thelonehiker4698]

How tall is Drew, about 6ft?