|
.jpg) The
Friends of Hart Park and Museum are people in your
community who volunteer their time and talents to
support the museum facilities. For many years, funds
raised by the Friends have been used to help maintain
the mansion, help with the animals in the park, and
clean/restore numerous art treasures.
Silent screen legend William S. Hart purchased a ranch
house and the 265 acre
"Horseshoe Ranch"
in Newhall in 1921. Hart eventually retired to the
ranch, where he spent his last 20 twilight years, until
his death in 1946 at the age of 81.
 In
his will, Hart bequeathed his beloved "Horseshoe Ranch"
to the people of Los Angeles County, to be set aside
for
the use and enjoyment of his fans, and the public at
large,
at no charge.
Hart's generous donation is administered by The Natural
History Museum of Los Angeles County, but it is the
fund-raising efforts, and endless hours of volunteer
work, by The Friends of Hart Park and Museum that
allows Hart's public endowment to retain its pristine
condition after more than 60 years. |
William
S. Hart built a 22 room Spanish
colonial Revival style Mansion atop
a hill on the expansive ranch
property.
Built for Bill's personal
retirement residence, today it
contains all his original
furnishings, plus houses all of
Hart's impressive collection of
western art, Native American artifacts, and many photos and personal mementos, and an
assortment of early Hollywood film
memorabilia.
