This general store served the employees of the ranch, residents of surrounding communities and the village of Sierra Madre. It was located just south of the Santa Anita Depot on the Old Ranch Road. It was forty feet wide and edged by tall Eucalyptus and pepper trees.
When land was not selling and business was bad, Baldwin set up a system so that trade orders were issued and passed as currency on the ranch and in the store for goods or supplies.
Employees had charge accounts for goods “purchased” at the store. At the end of the month, their accounts were tabulated, and rarely did they ever receive any money. There was no payday.
Most everything was for sale at the store including groceries, shoes, clothing, notions, building bricks and lumber, and, of course Baldwin’s wine and brandies.
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Carol Libby and Karen Hou
Carol Libby & Karen Hou
Arcadia Historical Society