Just like old times at Leonis Adobe

JOHN LOESING/Acorn Newspapers DRESSED FOR THE PART—Karl and Kitty Parsons of Woodland Hills wear authentic Mexican costumes to the Leonis Adobe. Western wear and salsa dancing—and the cutting of Ray Phillips' birthday cake—were the highlight of the evening on Sat., Aug. 16 at the Leonis Adobe museum next to Old Town Calabasas.

Phillips was president of the Leonis Adobe Association for 40 years and was credited with helping to restore the 160-year-old adobe ranch house to near original condition. The association hosted a Mexican-themed party called "Fiesta Under the Stars" with more than 100 guests to celebrate Phillips' 88th birthday and to recognize his accomplishments.

"Ray is one of those special pioneers of our community," said Dennis Washburn, Calabasas City Council member. Current Leonis Adobe president Michael Silberman called Phillips "the guardian" of the adobe's history.

Phillips continues to serve the museum as President Emeritus and advises the board about the importance of historical accuracy and matters of restoration.

Around 1880, Basque immigrant Miguel Leonis and his wife, Espiritu, the daughter of a Chumash Indian chief, moved into the old adobe brick house and transformed it into the Montereystyle mansion that is seen on the grounds today. Even though the site was later declared a Historic Cultural Monument by the city of Los Angeles, it took Phillips and his team of volunteers years of hard work to find the proper construction materials and period decorations so they could bring the old ranch back to life.

Archie Hanson, an owner of the ranch and a resident in the adobe house in the 1950s, came from his current home in Colorado to attend the party and announce that he'll soon be donating scores of valuable photographs and other memorabilia to the museum.

Hanson paid $40,000 for the 6.5-acre adobe ranch—a site worth millions today. He also owned acreage in adjacent Hidden Hills and was the first developer of the exclusive Los Angeles County community.

"When we bought this land it was bald as a billiard," said Hanson, who promised each family a free burro if they bought one of the Hidden Hills plots.

The adobe will celebrate its Wild West heritage with a Sept. 27 fundraiser and dinner theater play called "Hangem Hi."

"It deals with the murder of Miguel Leonis," said Lynn Chaplin, the play's producer.

Known as the "King of Calabasas," the powerful Leonis died in 1889 from injuries suffered in a wagon accident. Many believe his death was planned.

The adobe hosts visits by the public throughout the week, especially by the schools, which use the museum to teach students about the history of California. More than 10,000 children tour the site each year. Original farm equipment, furniture and homemaking accessories can be seen throughout the grounds.

In the future, Leonis Adobe hopes to expand its role in the community.

"Membership is increasing and we have a lot of initiatives going forward," Silberman said.

For more information, visit www.leonisadobemuseum.org, or call (818) 222-6511.