Tom McGah’s 1956 grid map, in 200 foot square quadrants, allowed for the recording of every plant on the Arboretum property. Originally documented on index cards, today they are computer generated.
Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden Queen Anne Cottage
As one of the most iconic structures at the Arboretum, the Queen Anne Cottage has come to symbolize, with immediate recognition, the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden. The cottage was constructed in 1885-1886 for Baldwin and his fourth wife, Lillie Bennett, the daughter of the cottage's architect Albert A. Bennett, although E.J. never lived in the home. Upon E.J.'s death in 1909, his daughter Anita closed the cottage and disposed of all furnishings. Some of the architectural elements of the cottage, such as the stained-glass windows, black walnut doors, and marble fireplace mantels were stored in the Coach Barn. The stored items were reinstalled in the cottage during the 1951-1953 restoration. The cottage has been used for numerous films and television shows, most famously for the opening of Fantasy Island, where the character of Tattoo can be seen ringing the bell in the cottage's tower and Mr. Roarke is seen exiting from it. The cottage is currently undergoing additional renovation to repair deck flooring and other aspects of the cottage structure.
Stay tuned for more about the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden.
