A Trip Back In TimeA Trip Back In Time

The Leonis AdobeThe Leonis Adobe

Leonis AdobeLeonis Adobe The Leonis adobe was built by

Miquel Leonis in 1846. It was built on the Rancho El

Escorpion in what is now Calabasas and Woodland Hills.

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The Leonis adobe was built by Miquel Leonis in 1846.

It was built on the Rancho El Escorpion in what is now Calabasas and Woodland Hills.

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The FamilyThe FamilyMiguel and Espiritu had onedaughter,Marcellina, whodied at 20 from smallpox.Espiritu had a son, Juan Mendenez, from a former marriage. He inherited thelands after the death of his mother 1906.

Miguel LeonisMiguel Leonis

..Miguel LeonisWas of Basquedescent. In additionto Rancho El Escorpion,he controlled much of the west San FernandoValley in the late 1800’s.He was called “The KingOf Calabasas.”

Espiritu LeonisEspiritu Leonis

The wife of Miguel Leonis, Espiritu was a Chumash indian. She was the

daughter of Chief Odon.

The wife of Miguel Leonis, Espiritu was a Chumash indian. She was the

daughter of Chief Odon.She would prepare the food, wash theclothes and clean the adobe. All without any electricity!

The Adobe KitchenThe Adobe Kitchen

Espiritu used a woodburning stove.What do you see that is similar to what is in your kitchen? What do you see that is different?

Beehive OvenBeehive Oven

All baking was done outdoors in a “beehive” oven. Can you tell why it was called a “beehive”? Where does your family do their baking?

All baking was done outdoors in a “beehive” oven. Can you tell why it was called a “beehive”? Where does your family do their baking?

Espiritu: 1905Espiritu: 1905

Miguel died in 1889 when he fell off his wagon and was run over. His will did not leave his vast fortune to Espiritu.

She had to fight in court for 16years before she had control overthe fortune. Sadly, she died thenext year.

Miguel died in 1889 when he fell off his wagon and was run over. His will did not leave his vast fortune to Espiritu.

She had to fight in court for 16years before she had control overthe fortune. Sadly, she died thenext year.

This is the Leonis Adobe in 1916

This is the Leonis Adobe in 1916

How is Adobe made?How is Adobe made?

Adobe is made from the soil which is like clay.It is mixed with water and some straw and then placed into molds.

Adobe is made from the soil which is like clay.It is mixed with water and some straw and then placed into molds.

After setting in the molds, the bricks are removed

and allowed to dry completely.

After setting in the molds, the bricks are removed

and allowed to dry completely.

Then the bricks are used to build the structure. In this case, a barn.

Then the bricks are used to build the structure. In this case, a barn.

RuinsRuins

For many years, no one lived on the rancho. The adobe buildings fell into ruins.

For many years, no one lived on the rancho. The adobe buildings fell into ruins. �

The Adobe is saved!The Adobe is saved!

In 1962, the Leonis adobe was designated a “Historical Cultural Monument”. It was restored and opened to the public.

www.leonisadobemuseum.org

In 1962, the Leonis adobe was designated a “Historical Cultural Monument”. It was restored and opened to the public.

www.leonisadobemuseum.org