El Molino Viejo, completed around 1816 under the guidance of Father José María de Zalvidea of Mission San Gabriel, stands as the oldest commercial building in Southern California. Originally built as a gristmill using robust oven-baked brick, adobe, and volcanic tuff, its fortress-like walls and distinctive horizontal water wheel system exemplified early Californian ingenuity
Although its milling operations ceased soon after due to the construction of an improved facility, the Old Mill found new life through a series of owners. In the late 19th century it served as a residence and retreat, and later, under the Huntingtons, it functioned briefly as a golf clubhouse. In the 1920s, restoration efforts preserved its historic structure while adapting it for modern living
Today, the City of San Marino, with stewardship from the Old Mill Foundation, preserves El Molino Viejo as a museum and art gallery set within nearly two acres of lush, accredited gardens maintained by the Diggers Garden Club. Visitors can enjoy changing exhibitions by the California Art Club, explore the landscaped grounds, and admire the historic millstones—later discovered and preserved—including those found by General George S. Patton in his youth
Although its milling operations ceased soon after due to the construction of an improved facility, the Old Mill found new life through a series of owners. In the late 19th century it served as a residence and retreat, and later, under the Huntingtons, it functioned briefly as a golf clubhouse. In the 1920s, restoration efforts preserved its historic structure while adapting it for modern living
Today, the City of San Marino, with stewardship from the Old Mill Foundation, preserves El Molino Viejo as a museum and art gallery set within nearly two acres of lush, accredited gardens maintained by the Diggers Garden Club. Visitors can enjoy changing exhibitions by the California Art Club, explore the landscaped grounds, and admire the historic millstones—later discovered and preserved—including those found by General George S. Patton in his youth
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