Timeline
Southern Pacific Railroad finished its line to Ventura which required it running the entire length of the Rancho San Francisco.
After continuing to live lavish lifestyles after the death of their father, the families of the 5 sons put an increasing burden on the company. Thinking of the Ranchos a financial, against their father’s wishes, the family to sell two of the Ranchos. Fortunately, none of them sold at that time.
When the Southern Pacific Railroad completed its line, a railroad station was built in “Old Town” (formerly Newhall before it moved) and was re-named “SAUGUS” which was Henry Mayo Newhall’s birthplace.
This is the Saugus Train Station. It was located on Railroad Avenue, just across from the Saugus Cafe’.
The Saugus Café back in it’s day! You can see the train station above the “traffic” on the left side.
Newhall Land and Farming Company established. Sons Henry and William “Mayo” were elected president and vice president respectively. Gilbert Palache was secretary. H.M. Newhall & Co. was appointed treasurer.
Newhall Sons & Co opened to continue with the auction business. The business, run by sons Edwin and Walter, faltered because of the development of communications and commerce. It was heavily in debt and closed within two years.
This is a picture of the original Stock certificate issued when Newhall Land and Farming Co was formed.
Henry’s “new” Newhall had all of its streets named after streets in Philadelphia, PA where he first achieved success. The streets were named Race, Arch, Chestnut, Walnut, Market, Spruce and Pine.
Newhall’s main square faced Railroad Avenue between Market St. and Eighth Street. Railroad avenue was also known as “Main Street” in the 1880’s.
Henry decided to move the town of Newhall, which had been located around the intersection of Bouquet Canyon and Soledad Canyon, about 3 miles south because he couldn’t sell property because of the wind and sandstorms.
Originally called “Old Town”, it would later be named Saugus after his birthplace in Saugus, MA.
Town of Newhall consists of the Southern Hotel and a surrounding park but it would grow and grow quickly.
Henry deeded 426 acres to the Southern Pacific Railroad asking only in return that it name the town after him. (NOTE: The original town of Newhall and the Newhall train station was actually located around the Bouquet Canyon and Soledad Canyon junction.)
Newhall School District was established and Newhall Elementary school was built on 9th and Walnut St. A 2-story wood bldg. which burned down twice.
1876 Pioneer Oil Refinery was built and still stands on Pine Street. It is said to be the oldest surviving refinery in the world.
You could now travel 400 miles by train all the way from Rancho San Francisco to the city of San Francisco.
