Serrania Park in Los Angeles
December 19, 2022
Costanso Fire Station 84 Park
December 19, 2022
It is a cultural landmark and has been a favorite tourist attraction for many years. It has been designated as a California state historical landmark and a California registered historic landmark. It was originally a motel, but later it became a complex with 78 buildings housing around 400 people. It was built by the Ehn family, who operated the motel and later expanded the business into a 2.6 acre village of rental properties. It was later saved from demolition when it was moved to Pierce College in 1988. However, it has suffered from vandalism and exposure to the elements. It should be preserved and reinstalled.
The sculptures are located on the west edge of the Pierce College campus. They are situated between a red barn and a parking lot. They are surrounded by a fence. The sculptures do not have on-site interpretation. This leaves them open to misinterpretation. In order to better understand the work of the artist, a replica log cabin should be installed. It would also serve as a venue to display additional artifacts.
The Old Trapper’s Lodge is renowned for its painted concrete sculptures of the Wild West. These depict archetypal characters from folk tales. The statues were designed by the artist, John “O.T.” Ehn, who incorporated the stories of his life into the art. Using his family as models, he carved and shaped the figures with wood, paint, and glass. He had an interest in mythology and history of the Old West.
When John Ehn first arrived in Los Angeles in the early 1940s, he decided to turn his motel into a tourist attraction, complete with Western memorabilia. The resulting collection of memorabilia was a major source of inspiration for Ehn’s sculptures. A real-life trapper, Ehn used his experience and memories of the West to create his artwork.
The Ehn family took responsibility for the care of the sculptures and placed them on long-term loans. A replica log cabin would better interpret the Old Trapper’s Lodge. It should be preserved and reinstalled at an institution that is committed to preserving and interpreting the artwork of the artist.
The art of the Old Trapper’s Lodge is a unique, storied piece of California folk art. Although it has a 20th century setting, it is important to protect and preserve the sculptures. The sculptures should be moved to an institution that is committed to restoring the artwork and providing a comprehensive interpretation of the work of the artist. The artists’ family and friends appreciate the support of the public and hope that the work can continue to be enjoyed and appreciated.
The Old Trapper’s Lodge has been designated as a California historic landmark. It was once located in Burbank, but it was moved to the Woodland Hills area. The sculptures were relocated to Cleveland Park, behind the Animal Sciences Building on the Pierce College campus.
