Historic adobe on national radar





The 1850s-era Reyes Adobe rancho has long been a part of Agoura Hills’ heritage, but now the restored home, barn and grounds are recognized as an integral thread in American history because of their location on the El Camino Real route. The route was the main thoroughfare for people traveling to and from Northern California.

In a ceremony at the adobe on May 15, Amy Brink, Agoura Hills director of community service, announced that the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution has classified the property as historically significant because of its link to the nation’s past. A plaque was erected at the site in honor of the designation.

Brink calls the rancho the “little adobe that could.”

Brink commended the docents who work at the adobe. She said they are the “true heart and soul” of the rancho because they share their knowledge of California and Agoura Hills history with visitors who regularly tour the property.

Gingrich-Spiegal of the Daughters of the American Revolution conducted a short ceremony to commemorate the occasion. She said it isn’t easy to qualify for the historical marking. Documentation by three sources is required to prove that the site was instrumental in the development of the nation.

Gingrich-Spiegal called the adobe “an unbroken link in a chain that brought prosperity to our ancestors by way of the El Camino Real.”

The Jon Dodson family took ownership of the property in the 1960s. After her husband’s death, Myrtis Dodson rented the house until the late 1970s. When the last of the tenants moved out, the grounds sat empty for more than 10 years until Los Angeles County purchased the property.

In 1985, Agoura Hills began bringing the site back to life through a combination of grants and other funding.


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