The Gilded Age Families Who Built Los Angeles (Documentary)

Although the phrase Gilded Age in American history often evokes images of Mammoth Estates nestling the Eastern Seaboard robber barons filling their coffers to the brim with industrial funds culled from the midwest's factories and transatlantic family alliances intermingling between England and the United States there was a simultaneous quiet cultural and social revolution burgeoning in the City of Angels thousands of miles away you see the massive expansion of the then California territory following the discovery of gold in the 1840s led to unprecedented growth and opportunity and Los Angeles once a modest Pueblo became a thriving urban center

by the late 19th century attracting soon to be legendary dynasties who sought to shape its future today we explore these pioneering Visionary lineages who transformed the temperate Southern California landscape With their grand Ambitions constructing I I IC landmarks establishing vast Industries and laying the groundwork for the second largest city in the country and the cultural capital of the world one step into the city of Beverly Hills where the essence of luxury is not just lived but breathed is often said to cast a spell of opulence that blankets the land indeed this sanctuary of Southern California

wealth with its air perfumed by affluence invites you into a World where every Corner tells a story of grandeur here amid the Lush boulevards stand guardians of History Majestic stone edifices that whisper Tales of a bygone era's extravagance however one monument in particular beckons with a presence that transcends its physical bounds serving as a gateway to The Saga of an old money Family whose Vision carved the destiny of Beverly Hills from the dreams of giants this is your entrance into the Legacy of the dhini family an emblem of early American Prosperity that shaped this Enclave

into a citadel of luxury coming from Humble Origins to a level of wealth matched only by the name Rockefeller their foresight transformed the Californian landscape melding their dreams with the Earth to craft an oasis of Elegance in today's episode we invite you on a voyage through their opulent rags to Rich's tail exploring how dreams Etched in stone can Define the heart of a city as we describe the old money family that built Beverly Hills the deini dynasty the 1920s roared for the dhini family with Edward L doin's Pockets bulging from striking black gold in Los

Angeles back in 1892 by this Jazz infused decade he wasn't just rolling in D he was out rolling the likes of Johny Rockefeller picture it dhini a Titan of the oil Scene sitting at top a mountain of cash with a net worth breezing past $100 million by 1925 and that's a cool 1.67 billion today in case you're wondering and dhini wasn't just a lucky prospector alongside his sidekick Charles A Canfield he hit the oil jackpot in Mexico turning them into the world's Oil Kings by 1902 doin's hasta petroleum company was sprawling over 448,000 acres in

Mexico pumping out 85% of the country's oil Making him the biggest independent oil producer on the planet but let's not sugarcoat it while doin's wallet got fatter the benefits for Mexico's people and government were well less than a trickle then there's the piesta resistance of doin's Empire the Greystone Mansion constructed in 1928 for a whopping $3.1 million equal to around 53 million in today's money this Tudor Revival Masterpiece was a gift to his son Edward Ned dhini Jr designed by The star architect Gordon B corfman this 55 room 46,000 ft Behemoth sat on 16 Lush

Acres claiming the title of California's priciest home at the time thus if walls could talk greystone's environs would probably just chuckle and say expensive darling I'm Priceless but Greystone was just the jewel in the crown of the dhini real estate Empire the family also owned a French Gothic shadow in the exclusive Chester Place transforming dhini Senor into the Unofficial king of this gated community if you're picturing Monopoly you're not far off except in this game deini was playing with real houses and real money so while the 20s were roaring for many they were practically singing

for the deenis with edwardel leading the chorus from his oil drench throne overshadowing even the mightiest of Moguls but the dhini family wasn't just about opulent mansions and oil gushers they had a knack for turning everything They touched into a display of grander including the Great Outdoors and the automobile industry they transformed Chester Place into a sprawling private park and generously gifted a chunk of their Coastal Paradise in Dana Point to the state of California creating what's now known as dhini State Beach and their philanthropy didn't stop at the beach they were also instrumental in

the growth of Academia in Los Angeles Doling out Parcels of land for campuses Like Mount St Mary's College and erecting buildings at lyola marry Mount University clearly when the dois went into philanthropy mode they went big but oh the cars the dois took luxury to the streets with a fleet of C custombuilt automobiles that turned heads and set the standard for highclass travel Edward and Ned dhini weren't just car owners they were connoisseurs of bespoke Automotive Artistry commissioning Creations from the Earl automobile works That were as much about status as they were about getting from

point A to point B these were showstoppers each a masterpiece of design and luxury that showcased the doen place at top the social and Industrial ladder plus art and culture weren't left behind in the dhini dash for distinction the family's residences particularly the storied Greystone Mansion doubled as sanctuaries for a lavish collection of art and rare books Their homes were more than mere Living Spaces they were temples of taste brimming with Fine Art and exquisite Furnishings that could rival any Museum and in true dhini style their art wasn't just for private enjoyment it was shared

with the world in exhibitions adding a dash of their opulent lifestyle to the cultural tapestry of Los Angeles and Beyond in every sense the dois didn't just live in the era they were architects of it crafting a legacy that Was as much about the Splendor they surrounded themselves with as it was about the unforgettable Mark they left on Californian society and Industry however this old money Saga isn't one that starts with little Edward holding a silver spoon enjoying his opulent wealth from a young age in fact the dhini journey is one out of the classic

rags to Rich's Style in American history which is what we'll investigate in the next Chapter at the close of the 19th century the ascent of Edward El deini encapsulates the quintessence of the American dream set against the backdrop of an Irish immigrant fam's Endeavor for a better life Born Into the dhini family in 18 56 in Fondulac Wisconsin Edward's narrative was not isolated but part of a larger wave of Irish immigration fleeing famine political upheaval and economic despair Edward's parents represented a microcosm of the Irish diaspora driven By the hope of forging a prosperous existence

in the United States thus Edward's early years were deeply influenced by the resilience and aspirations of his forebears despite the family's humble Beginnings Edward exhibited a tenacious spirit and ambition from an early age and by 16 he ventured out working as a mule driver for the US government's Geological Survey teams marking his first foray into the realm of Prospecting however this endeavor quickly revealed its limitations in terms of financial gain propelling Edward towards the pursuit of precious metals in the West's rugged terrains his quest for Fortune led him across the the American frontier from the

Black Hills of South Dakota to various other locals known for their mineral wealth yet these early attempts at mining were met with limited success the 1880 Census records identifying him as a painter in Prescott Arizona underscore a period of financial instability and a deviation from his initial aspirations but these years characterized by a diverse range of jobs and challenges unknowingly laid the groundwork for doin's eventual Triumph in the oil industry then his Venture into Los Angeles would Mark the Inception of a remarkable chapter in the development of the American oil industry his arrival in the

city in 1890 with Initial aspirations within the legal field quickly took a dramatic turn and Destiny had a unique path charted for him in 1892 doin's attention was captured by a wagon Laden with oil soaked soil while ambling through Los Angeles this peculiar site propelled him to engage with the driver who introduced him to Brea a term for tar igniting doin's curiosity and setting the stage for his future endeavors with the Foundation of his oil Empire commencing dhini alongside his mining partner Charles A Canfield embarked on an ambitious journey by drilling the first successful oil

well in Los Angeles nestled near what is today known as Dodger Stadium in Echo Park this venture not only struck oil but also ignited the Los Angeles oil boom redefining the industry's landscape the Well's success underscored doin's transformation into a Vanguard of The California oil realm stemming from his acute observation and Innovative approach he capitalized on the visible oil seeps in the area deducing the existence of Bountiful underground oil reserves soon the repercussions of doin's discovery reverberated Beyond his immediate circle engendering a profound transformation across Los Angeles and its adjacent regions the Oil Well beckoned

a wave of Prospectors and investors catalyzing the oil industry's Expansion and bolstering Los Angeles's Evolution into a pivotal urban center but soon dhini and his team wouldn't simply limit their influence to Southern California or even solely to the United States dhini was going global as we'll see in the next chapter [Music] Edward L doin's Ventures stretched well beyond the confines of California and significantly marked the early 20th Century's industrial landscape his Foresight led him to teko Mexico in 1901 where he established the nation's inaugural oil well and this Venture wasn't merely an act of pioneering

Spirit but a strategic maneuver that positioned dhini at the Forefront of the oil industry amidst the Mexican Revolution under his guidance the Mexican petroleum company emerged as Mexico's leading oil producer notably in 1916 his Sero aul number four well distinguished itself as the preeminent Oil producing well globally boasting a production rate of 260,000 barrels a day and doin's influence in the oil sector extended to South America where his ventures in Venezuela and Colombia saw the Pan-American petroleum and Transport company Ascend to one of the globe's foremost oil entities in the 1920s his knack for strategic

Investments particularly in essential infrastructure like pipelines and storage facilities played a pivotal role In the efficient distribution of crude oil from these territories however Edward doin's Reign was not without its controversies for example his involvement in the Teapot Dome Scandal stands as one of the early 20th Century's most notable episodes of corporate and political misconduct in 1922 a controversial decision was made by Albert B fall the US Secretary of the Interior to lease significant oil Reserves at Elk Hills California to doin's Pan-American petroleum and Transport company and The Teapot Dome Field in Wyoming to the

Sinclair Consolidated Oil Corporation these reserves were crucial assets of the US US Navy and the leases were arranged without the transparency of competitive bidding a decision that would soon ignite a scandal of national proportions the core of the controversy centered around a $100,000 payment made by dhini to secretary fall in 1921 Purportedly as a gift but widely regarded as a bribe to secure the lease on the elk Hills Naval petroleum Reserve this act of bribery although dhini was ultimately acquitted in 1930 significantly marred his reputation then the Scandal expanded as it was revealed that fall

had accepted similar bribes for the leasing of The Teapot Dome oil field leading to his conviction in the aftermath deini divested a majority of his Holdings in Pan-American petroleum And transport to Standard Oil of Indiana in April 1925 while consolidating his California assets into the newly formed Pan-American Western petroleum company this strategic maneuver allowed dhini to refocus on the core aspects of oil exploration and production distancing himself from the Scandal but the legal entanglements and public scrutiny intensified when dominian fall faced the prospect of a second trial for bribery In 1929 subsequently in a tragic

turn of events doin's son Ned and his assistant Hugh plunet both implicated in the Scandal died in a murder plus Ned taking his own life under circumstances that remain speculative and contentious Raymond Chandler who briefly intersected with the oil industry during this turbulent period later wo elements of these events into his literary work reflecting on the lasting impact of the Scandal in the Years following Edward dhini retreated from the public eye overwhelmed by legal battles and personal loss indeed the shareholder lawsuits that ensued in the wake of the teapot Dome scandal coupled with the death

of his son led to his withdrawal into a life marked by Solitude and declining Health but doin's Legacy while significant in the development of the American oil industry remains intricately tied to one of the most Infamous scandals in US history serving as a cautionary tale of the risks inherent in the unchecked pursuit of power and wealth on the flip side his descendants would pave a much more upbeat path for the west side of Los Angeles in the coming years in the latter part of the 19th century Edward L dhini took a significant step into family

life with his marriage to Carrie Luella Wilkins in 1883 specifically their Union took root during doin's aforementioned initial foray into prospecting and Mining in the challenging Landscapes of the New Mexico territory the couple settled in Kingston a modest and rugged silver mining town where dhini sought to carve out a fortune in mining before shifting his Focus to the burgeoning oil industry the birth of their daughter eileene in December 1885 marked the onset of doin's familial Responsibilities nonetheless these initial years were characterized by economic challenges as dhini endeavored to provide for his family at times engaging

in various occupations including painting following the unfortunate demise of his first wife dhini entered a second marriage in 1900 with Carrie Estelle betal a telephone operator he encountered in Los Angeles by this time dhini had already laid the foundations of his wealth in the oil Sector Estelle born in Philadelphia in 1875 and having moved to Los Angeles at 15 with her German immigrant parents underwent a remarkable transformation from a telephone operator to a prominent philanthropist an avid book collector through her marriage to dhini this transition underscored the profound influence of doin's achievements on his family's

Fortunes in stark contrast to the hardships endured with his first wife His life with Estelle was characterized by affluence and societal influence Estelle leveraged her position for philanthropy significantly impacting the community notably through her support for the Catholic church and her role in founding the dhini ey Institute after suffering partial blindness reflecting the dhini family's extensive social influence but of course The Narrative of the dhini Legacy extends to Edward L doin's descendants notably through Lucy DOI Batson who later became Lucy dhini Batson nien and her lineage which includes Larry nien Larry nen a luminary in

science fiction literature and a recipient of the Hugo award five times exemplifies the broad spectrum of talents and contributions the deini family has made Beyond industrial and philanthropic Endeavors therefore while Lucy's direct connection to her father's Legacy may not have been as publicly prominent as that of her brother Ned her Descendants have made significant cultural contributions particularly in literature and entertainment underscoring the dhini family's diverse Legacy and Ned dhini and Lucy Smith's offspring perpetuated the family's Legacy across diverse spheres notably through their philanthropic and cultural engagements the Estel dhini ey Foundation a homage to Edward

El doin's second spouse embodies the family's dedication to advancing medical research With its endowment surpassing the100 million Mark and Patrick a deini a descendant of Ned has played a pivotal role in enriching Los Angeles's cultural scene notably through his support for the the LA County Museum of Art furthermore despite their profound impact the dhini family has favored discretion over public Acclaim yet their sustained support for esteemed institutions including the Huntington Library eloquently speaks to their Unwavering commitment to fostering cultural and scientific advancement however for most angelinos and Beverly Hills residents the most iconic piece of

the dhini Legacy lives on in a stone edifice that we all know and cherish which we'll discuss next in the heart of Beverly Hills California greyston Mansion emerges as a remarkable Showcase of early 20th century opulence and Architectural Brilliance this Tudor Revival Marvel Completed in 1928 was the brainchild of noted architect Gordon B Kaufman it was conceived as a grand gift from Edward elini to his son Ned and his family embodying the Zenith of luxury and ambition of its era constructed with an investment exceeding $3 million a figure unheard of at the time the Mansion

set a new standard for residential Grandeur in California and since the city of Beverly Hills acquired it in 1965 turning it into a public park 6 Years later Greystone Mansion has woven itself into the fabric of the community's cultural and social life it has graced the silver screen and television serving as a picturesque setting for numerous Productions and thereby cementing its place in Hollywood lore furthermore the mansion's elegance and historical significance make it a prime venue for weddings sophisticated Gatherings and cultural events such as the annual music in the Mansion series Which celebrates classical music

enhancing the cultural offerings available to the community thus Greystone Mansion today is more than a landmark it is a vibrant Testament to the community's dedication to preserving its Rich cultural heritage and beyond their immediate estate the dhini family has significantly shaped the broader Beverly Hills and Los Angeles community Edward L doin's charitable activities especially through the car Estelle dhini Foundation established by his widow have been instrumental in enhancing the welfare health and education within Los Angeles this Foundation together with the am's other philanthropic efforts has contributed profoundly to the cultural and social fabric of the

city furthermore the dhini name has become a permanent fixture in the landscape and history of Beverly Hills and its surroundings dhini Drive serving as a daily Testament to the family's lasting Presence and contributions to Urban Development Runs Through The Heart of the City Additionally the dhini family's Ventures into real estate notably the creation of the prestigious Trousdale Estates on what was once part of the dhini ranch have profoundly influenced the architectural and Community Development of the area and therefore the dhini family's story has all of the trappings of a classic American old money tale Rags

to Riches Triumph Tragedy Scandal and philanthropic Endeavors imagine you and your family have decided to take a sunny vacation to one of the many legendary beaches of Southern California as you discuss where you'd like to lay your hats for a few relaxing days your options gleam with exclusivity the Serene shores of lagona beach the elite Enclave of Newport Beach or the secluded Sands of Palace verde's Estates yet if we at Old Money luxury may be so Bold allow us to guide you toward a local framed by pristine coastlines and imbued with a legendary Elegance the

place in question is none other than Huntington Beach California affectionately known as as Surf City USA as your family reclines on the soft sun-kissed sand you'd be vacationing in an oasis named after one of California's most legendary families a clan that at one time was worth the modern equivalent of more than 30 billion US Dollars and a Lineage that has one of the most scandalous love triangles in US history in today's episode we'll tell you the full Saga of this Gilded Age Dynasty as we describe the huntingtons the old money family that built Los Angeles

beaches the wealth of the Huntington family was in its prime years a figure too high for the average individual to comprehend and though no exact figures can be confirmed it is estimated that had this family's great Empire stood in The 21st century it would have been worth anywhere from 30 to $50 billion furthermore this wealth was built through the creation of not one but two railroad companies that not only revolutionize state-to-state travel in the United States but also deeply Lin the Huntington family's pockets for centuries to come better year the wealth of the Huntington cannot

be Quantified into a mere dollar amount as the family's Legacy is cemented further Through the plethora of locations that bear the family name Huntington Beach California Huntington House New York City Huntington State Park Connecticut Huntington High School Virginia everywhere you look from Arizona to Wyoming the name Huntington is engraved on the top of buildings on park benches and in University books indeed if we were to list every place in America that bears the Huntington name we would be here all day and this illustrious old Money family also enjoyed political influence that likewise cannot be Quantified

the founder of the Empire CIS P Huntington for instance Assad the decisions made in Congress throughout the 19th century bending the minds of politicians to his will as a magician fools his Spectators and with such unwavering Financial abundance and de facto Authority came a life of luxury that most can only imagine stately houses in England an art collection Worth over $3 million Mansions situated in Ohio New York and a ranch fit for 60 guests at a time all was but a scratch at the surface of the Indulgence with which the huntingtons enjoyed their lives at

the peak of their wealth but how on Earth does a family like The huntingtons Gather so much wealth in the first place to answer this question we must travel back to where the Huntington line truly began 17th century [Music] England you see the name Huntington though deeply embedded into American culture in the 21st century actually has its roots in northern England the name Huntington is a habitational one and was given to any person living in the Huntington or Huna area the Founding Father of the Huntington family that we know today Simon Huntington was thus English

in origin however in 1633 Simon Huntington was given an opportunity to board a ship journeying to the new and Fruitful land of America Simon took this opportunity with both hands seeing it as a way to escape the poverty of England and enjoy the Surplus that America had to to offer though Simon never did make it to the land of the free tragically passing away on the journey and leaving his pregnant wife to keep the Huntington flame burning thankfully she was able to make the journey and eventually arrived in modernday Boston subsequent generations of the huntingtons

Eventually relocated to Harton Connecticut and on the 22nd of October 1821 one colis Potter Huntington was born and though his forefathers had moved to the United States to elevate their social status CIS was born into a relatively poor workingclass life the son of a farmer cis's early life was far from glamorous and his days consisted of farm chores long hours and little reward however even in his youth CIS did not see economic limitations instead Everything around him was a tool a conduit that he could use to earn money and secure Financial Freedom in his youth

this entrepreneurial Spirit Led CIS to sell his skills in manual labor to local neighbors where he would do any job to fill his pockets with cash and when he was 16 CIS began working as a door-to-door Salesman traveling as far as Virginia to sell his Wares during his time as a Salesman CIS saw an even greater opportunity for financial Returns he theorized that he could make greater Financial returns by letting the customers come to him rather than wasting all of his time knocking on the doors of uninterested civilians and so with the help of his

brother CIS set up his first business a merchandise store in 1842 it was modest but it was also fruitful and the duo would continue to run the business for the next 6 years by the late 1940s therefore CIS Huntington Enjoyed a life of relative economic Prosperity however for a man as hungry as kis the fruits of modesty and stability were not sweet enough he needed something more and so he turned his attention to Western America California to be precise you see in 1848 the renowned Gold Rush was in full motion hundreds of thousands of hungry

individuals were traveling to California soil in the search of economic glory and riches beyond measure the Allure of Finding Newfound economic returns proved too much for CIS and he had to get a slice of the pie and so as the sun set on the 1840s CIS said goodbye to his family his shop and everything he knew in pursuit of the riches only California could provide Now While most people were traveling to California to mine gold and dig their riches from the earth CIS Huntington had a different idea with his prior entrepreneurial experience he was Aware

that demand for mining supplies in California was going to be at an all-time high yet the supply available was limited thus teaming up with another businessman Mark Hopkins who would later become a key component in the Huntington machine CIS sought to sell mining supplies to those reaching California and to say that this decision was successful would be an understatement CIS received Monumental Financial returns through this project giving him The financial resources for his next big plan you see during his journey to California CIS had noticed that there was no one direct railroad running from easn

to West in America and as a result miners traveling from the East had to risk their lives just to reach California CIS saw this as an opportunity and proposed to build a rail line through America running from east to west to pursue this idea CIS joined forces with a further two entrepreneurs Leland Stanford and Charles Crocker these Titans of Commerce would later be dubbed the big four and so in 1861 armed with a four chest of financial power and a Clear Vision the four created the Central Pacific Railroad Company completing this Monumental task took around

8 years during which time Huntington spent his days in Washington serving as a lobbyist to secure further financing deals and bend political movement to the benefit of the Railroad's construction during the construction of the Central Pacific Railroad the big four also created a new company the Southern Pacific in 1865 the goal of this company was to better connect California to New Orleans to facilitate the state's growth and economy you see in the 19th century California was not the bustling Hub that it is now in fact it was extremely isolated due to a lack of easily

accessible transport routes and as a Result the state's economy suffered its political power was also weakened as a result of its geographical isolation but with a railroad that made transport to and from California easy everything would change CIS likewise served as a lobbyist for this company ensuring that it always had more funding for expansion and that Congress didn't get in the way of its plans and under the leadership of the big four Southern Pacific was able to build a 9,600 m railroad track that became vital to California's development no longer was California an isolated City

now it was a connected Hub a land not withdrawn but drawn to other states and with such success came great personal reward for the big four who received incalculable Returns on their investments in both railroad companies with this new found wealth Collis decided to diversify and solidify his financial Empire with strategic Investments he invested in Land companies in West Virginia he acquired a steamship line in South America a construction company new railroad companies in Virginia an art collection worth millions of dollars if something would make him richer CIS would invest ultimately therefore in his prime

years few could come close to the power both economic and political that CIS Huntington enjoyed he had cemented his legacy as not only one of the most powerful men the country has ever seen But also one of the most influential yet the love life of CIS and other Huntington family members is as wild as the rise to wealth this family enjoyed in the next chapter we'll dive into one of the most entertaining and Infamous aspects of the huntingtons their octopus-like love lives the personal lives of the Huntington family would be great fair for a modern

reality TV show or 1990 soap opera embodying The quintessence of Gilded Age drama and Intrigue you see CIS P Huntington first married a woman named Elizabeth Stoddard in 1844 the two enjoyed a seemingly happy marriage even adopting Elizabeth's niece Clara as their own however cis's romantic life took a particularly dramatic turn when he met Arabella Duval yarington a young woman from the south who moved to New York City following the death of her first husband Mr Worsham being left to raise their son Archer Alone her beauty and wit soon quickly caught the attention of CIS

Huntington who was then married to his first wife soon thereafter kis and Arabella reportedly began a SC scandalous Affair and the death of cis's first wife in 1884 removed the immediate social barriers to their Union and kis married Arabella later that same year now this marriage not only legitimized their relationship but also significantly altered arabella's social standing Propelling her into the upper echelons of American society arabella's influence and role as a socialite and philanthropist grew her Keen sense of style and sharp business Acumen become well recognized but the plot thickened ever more with the death

of CIS in 1900 leaving Arabella a very wealthy Widow with Arabella later marrying none other than cis's nephew Henry e Huntington in 1913 this Union further entangled the family Dynamics as it Blended the lines Of aunt and uncle with those of husband and wife this was further evidenced when kis so easily accepted arabella's son Archer whom she'd given birth to during a previous marriage leading many to believe that Archer was actually cis's son hence his eagerness to make him the heir to the Huntington Legacy thus technically within a few decades Arabella Huntington was the aunt

of her husband the daughter-in-law of her husband and the Mother-in-law of her Nephew however this is not to say Arabella did not spend the Family Dollars frivolously all the time for instance after the death of kis in 1900 Arabella donated $100,000 to the the general Memorial Hospital helping to establish the Huntington fund for cancer research the first of its kind she also sought to preserve the beauty of the medieval and Renaissance World by collecting dozens of works of art items of jewelry and other Priceless Antiques And upon her death in 1924 the majority of her

illustrious collection was donated to a number of public institutions such as Yale University now come the tragic death of kis the head of the family in 1900 the burden lay on his children Clara and Archer to cement the family name and build on the foundations of his Empire and to do this the two children used one of the most powerful tools at their disposal their last name both claraa and Archer used this to Their advantage to attract marital Partners from equally influential families to cement the Huntington name even further Clara for instance married into the

house of hatzfeld a family of infinitely influential German Aristocrats in 1889 partnering with Francy hatsfelt Archer on the other hand ever the philanthropic married first the writer Helen Manchester gates in 1895 however after surviving a brief capture by German forces in the first World war the two decided to divorce in 1918 5 years later Archer married Anna Hyatt a sculptor and philanthropist who shared Archer's passion for the preservation of beautiful things however neither claraa nor Archer felt ready to take the mantle of their father's commercial empire upon his death thus the duty to expand cis's

business fell to his nephew the aforementioned Henry Edwards Huntington born in 1850 in the Metropolis of New York Henry Huntington's early life was dominated by infatuation over the success of his uncle kis the story of his uncle inspired him and as soon as he was able he began to work closely alongside his Idol eager to learn and grow his family's Empire as he gained experience Henry was promoted to an executive of Southern Pacific overseeing its day-to-day growth and management thus come the death of CIS Huntington in 1900 Henry was a seasoned businessman and ready to

take the Reigns of the Huntington Empire however Henry's plans were stifled when his takeover of his uncle's railroad company was blocked locked by a bond holder representative the doors had been shut on Henry's rise and he no longer had a foothold in the companies his uncle built thus embodying the Blazing entrepreneurial spirit that ran in his veins Henry decided to build his own Railroad Company acquiring the Los Angeles Railway in 1898 leveraging the infrastructure of this company Henry sought to render Southern Pacific's railroads null and void in Los Angeles by developing more Modern Electric Railways

in the city over the next few years Henry began to implement electric Railways throughout Los Angeles which proved to be faster more efficient and more consumer friendly than Southern Pacific's attempts he enjoyed Monumental Financial Returns and by 1910 his new and improved electric railroad system covered over 1,300 Mi of Southern California a spanning network that gave the Huntington name yet more influence over the expanse of the Golden State such Financial free also gave Henry the opportunity to give back to his community which became a key part of his being in the 20th century Henry used

his wealth to donate precious land to be used as Parks many of which Bear the Huntington name today he also loved to donate to schools and universities to ensure that the next generation of individuals had better opportunities for growth and development another notable philanthropic Venture of Henry's was his fascination with rare books which he collected and made available to the public with the founding of the Huntington Library in 1919 and upon his unfortunate death in 1927 Henry gifted a large portion of his Personal book and art collection to various universities ultimately Henry Huntington's Legacy is

one of great proportions not only did he build upon his uncle's Empire but he also made it his life's mission to give back to the community he left Los Angeles in a better place than he found it in so many ways and further added to the established Legacy of his family [Music] name upon Henry's death in 1927 the Future of the Huntington family rested on three individuals the first of which was one Helen Huntington Hull born April 1893 the daughter of not one but two wealthy and influential families Helen Huntington Hull grew up in a

world far removed from the early realities that her ancestor CIS endured and her life was nothing short of a reflection of her innate High status Helen had a love for Opera and ballet for instance and in using her status as an American Socialite she was able to find a seat on the board of directors of the New York City Ballet as well as the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts her marriage was also a reflection of her love for the higher echelons of society as in 1914 she married William Aster heir of the prestigious Aster

Legacy the aster Legacy like the huntingtons is one of Rags to Riches born in poverty the family's Founding Father John Jacob Aster grew a business in the beava fur Trade to previously unseen Heights becoming America's first multi-millionaire subsequently the asers built a real estate Empire like the world had never seen and through marriage to the Delano Family extended their influence into the sphere of American politics by Marrying an aster Helen Huntington Hall therefore extended her influence uence and Power in society's Inner Circle dramatically bringing the Huntington name with her And though the two divorced in

1941 her life is a perfect reflection of the status that the Huntington name held come the mid 20th century cis's son Archer also enjoyed the fruits of his father's labor though he preferred to spend his time surrounded by Art culture and Academia perhaps Archer's most notable contributions to the Huntington Legacy come by way of his work in the field of Hispanic studies in 1904 for instance Archer founded the Hispanic Society of New York a museum dedicated to preserving the knowledge of Spanish history further in the same year Archer became a fellow of the renowned American

geographical Society 3 years later he ascended to president of the society and using his financial resources helped to dramatically expand the organization and increase its influence not only in the United States but also on an International scale and finally let us turn our attention to Anna Hyatt Huntington the aforementioned wife of Archer and decorated sculptor Anna through her immense skill in sculpting helped to propel the position of women in the field of Art and show the world that the work of a woman can be as successful as a man if not more so her career

was particularly defined by her sculptures of animals which were crafted with previously unseen skill and Precision the detail in her jaguar eating sculpture is particularly mesmerizing throughout the course of their marriage the two also founded Brook green Gardens a now well-known Wildlife Preserve and landmark in South Carolina Anna donated multiple sculptures to The Preserve and many can still be viewed decades later ultimately therefore subsequent generations of the huntingtons have helped to preserve their great family name rather than Detract from it as so many old money inheritors do when you think of Orange County or the

OC as the kids might say you think of sun soaked beaches upscale shopping malls and reality TV drama but dive a bit deeper and you'll uncover the foundational Saga of the Irvine family whose old money Financial Brilliance and quiet logistical influence sculpted this iconic region from the ground up certainly their foresight in land Development not only crafted the physical landscape of cities like Irvine bearing their name but also laid the groundwork for the thriving economic Powerhouse Orange County is today in this episode of old money luxury we'll take you through Rolling Acres of Farmland as

they change into master planned communities agricultural Fields morphing into bustling suburbs all under the Strategic vision of one influential family as we describe the irvines old Money family who built Orange [Music] County Once Upon a Time in Orange County California or the OC the Irvine family's land Holdings were not just extensive they were legendary indeed the Irvine Ranch as it was called sprawled over an astonishing 110,000 Acres on a mammoth tract of land that stretched a jawdropping 23 mi from the shimmering Pacific Ocean to the Santa Ana River impressively nearly a third of what is

now Orange County was under the irvines domain but the irvines were more than just land Barons they were Master strategists and Community pillars eventually granting SoCal their surname for the City of Irvine California and in a move that would etch their name in educational history the irvines ranch was chosen in 1959 as the proud site for the new University of California Irvine campus This wasn't just a nod to their influence but a cementing of their legacy through the hallowed Halls of Academia and the family's gift of Irvine Regional Park to the OC was similarly thoughtful

now trying to pin down the Irvine family's net worth during their Heyday of landholding Supremacy is a bit like trying to catch a cloud elusive yet undeniably substantial the sheer scale and fertility of the Irvine Ranch alone suggest a Fortune of considerable Magnitude and and if we fast forward to modern times the family's Irvine Company still looms large as a Titan of real estate albeit with leadership outside of the direct descendants enter Donald Bren Real Estate Mogul and Irvine company's lynchpin in the late 20th century with a personal net worth pegged at a cool $8

billion bren's Financial clout is a monetary symbol of the enduring value and high stakes of the lands once ruled By the Irvine family thus through Strategic investment philanthropy and an uniring knack for Land Management the Irvine family not only dominated the land but also sowed the seeds of education and prosperity that would bear fruit across one of America's most legendary well-to-do counties and yet the ragster riches tale of the Irvine family ancestors doesn't begin on a ranch or in a wagon on the Oregon Trail in order to find out how this legendary Family started off

their empire will travel back across the Atlantic to what is now Northern [Music] Ireland the Irvine family Saga is steeped in the storied Legacy of a people known as the Scots Irish in the United States a resilient early American group who journeyed from the rugged Landscapes of Scotland to The Verdant fields of Ireland's ster Province there amidst new communities they wo their Steadfast traditions and fierce Spirit into the fabric of their new Homeland yet the call of distant Horizons was irresistible and it wasn't long before the irvines like many from their Community set their sights

on the expansive possibilities of America born into the harsh realities of 1827 County Down iseland James Irvin emerged at a time when the shadow of Ireland's Great Famine loomed large a devastating blight that would soon Drive Millions from Their homes in a desperate bid for survival in 1845 with the famine gnawing at their heels James and his brother William embarked on a perilous journey across the Atlantic their hearts heavy with loss but a light with hope Landing in the bustling chaotic ports of mid 19th century New York City James initially took employment at a paper

mill a stepping stone that helped him amass the initial Capital necessary for future endeavors then his next move was Bold and transformative in 1848 he ventured West to partake in the California Gold Rush an event that would lay the groundwork for his family's long-standing influence in California now James Irvine's approach to the Gold Rush was distinctive instead of mining he chose to establish himself as a merchant supplying the miners a decision that not only provided immediate profits but also stability but his knack for business didn't stop there Irvine Shrewdly invested his earnings into San Francisco

real estate significantly expanding his financial portfolio by the 1860s Irvin's success had catapulted him into the ranks of San Francisco's Elite businessman he then entered into a lucrative partnership focused on sheep raising in Monteray County with Dr Benjamin flint and others and this Venture capitalized on the heightened demand for wool during the Civil War proving immensely profitable Irvine also joined forces with Flint Bixby and Company becoming a silent partner you see parallel to Irvine's life the Bixby family James Irvine the First's cousins had emerged as significant figures in the regional landscape of Southern California and

their influence was largely through strategic alliances and business Acumen that saw them control vast tracts of land much like Irvine the Bixby family's Legacy in California is deeply Interwoven with the state's development with their name enduring in various locals such as Bixby Hill Bixby NES and Bixby Village in Long Beach as well as Bixby Park these places not only serve as residential and recreational spaces but also stand as enduring markers of the Bixby family's historical and cultural contributions to the region thus the collaboration between James Irvine and Flint Bixby and Company is a significant chapter

in the old money History of Californian families and subsequently in collaboration with his cousin James Irvine founded a ranch sprawling over 85 square miles and subsequent Acquisitions including Rancho lus de Santiago in 1866 expanded their Holdings that particular Ranch primarily rugged and hilly previously served as a sheep Ranch under William wolf skill's ownership despite these rapid expansions Irvine and his Partners diverged from the Common Real Estate practices of Their time such as parceling out land for quick sales instead they focused on determining the most profitable agricultural applications for their extensive landholdings and by 1876 Irvine

had bought out his Partners taking sole control of the 110,000 acre ranch which he then continued to develop and diversify this consolidation was crucial as it allowed for greater management and utilization of the land transitioning from cattle to More profitable agricultural Ventures such as citrus and limma beans which were more suited to the local climate and soil conditions therefore through these Ventures James Irvine the first not only secured his family's Financial stability but also laid the groundwork for the transformation of a significant part of California's landscape however it was through his children that the legacy

of James Irvine I from the foggy shores of Northern Ireland to the sunny Skies of California would be forever embossed into Californian law James Harvey Irvine senior James Irvine's son born in San Francisco in October 1867 would soon emerged as a formidable force in the evolution of Irvine Ranch propelling it into a prominent Agricultural and Commercial stronghold orphaned of his mother at 7 and his father by 18 Irvine II was thrust into the responsibilities of Land Management under the watchful guidance Of his Uncle George Irvine following his father's demand in 1886 then this period of

trusteeship culminated in his full inheritance of the Ranch at the age of 25 and when he was faced with an initial attempt by trustees to auction the estate which was subsequently ruled illegal James II assumed control with a determined Vision by 1894 his strategic foresight led to the incorporation of these Holdings into what would be known as the Irvine Company a move that would solidify the Family Foundation for a prosperous Venture that would span several decades Irvine II's tenure at the helm was characterized by a Hands-On approach with James often recounting the rigorous demands of

managing such an expansive estate he described the extensive Journeys across the ranch which involved daily rides of up to 40 miles to oversee the vast expanses of land and livestock under his care James Irvine II also Played an instrumental role in the establishment of the city of Irvin by granting the city its name thus when James passed away in 1947 at age 80 his son mord Irvine assumed the mantle of presidency over the Irvine Company marking a pivotal shift for the sprawling Ranch wherein it would transition into a full-fledged City you see the late 1950s

heralded the Inception of Irvine's architectural and urban planning spearheaded by Los Angeles architect William Pereira and Irvine Company his own Raymond Watson they conceived the City of Irvine as a collection of distinct townships known as Villages each in circled by six-lane thoroughfares uniformity defines these villages with their residential Styles commercial centers places of worship and educational facilities and these commercial hubs are meticulously positioned to create a well-defined edge around residential zones now Pereira Initially proposed a city plan with a radial structure focusing on artificial lakes and a Central University as its core however a shift

in strategy led to the abandonment of using Central farmland for the University prompting its relocation to the southern Coastal Hills the subsequent adapted City layout evocative of a necklace features Villages strung along two parallel main streets converging at the University of California Irvine and this University Serves as the city's centerpiece or pendant to this day the influence of this layout is prominently visible in the UCI campus and the Dual artificial lakes in Woodbridge one of the key Villages furthermore Irvine's design was heavily influenced by the era's car Centric philosophy resulting in a cityscape where vehicle

travel prevails with scant attention to alternate modes of transportation residential zones are bookended by major commercial districts With the Irvine business complex to the West and the Irvine Spectrum to the east these zones are not only economic lynchpins but also vital social locals that have nurtured Irvine's Evolution from a mere Ranch to a bustling Urban Hub additionally in Irvine the attention to landscape integration is unmistakable streets are lined with generous Landscaping buffers and the city uses reclaimed water for irrigation showcasing its focus on sustainability With rights of way for power lines doubling as bike par

s parks and green belts linking together various ecological preserves thus as Irvine continues to grow the foundational plans laid down by the Irvine family Pereira and Watson remain influential guiding the city's expansion and the meticulous orchestration of its Urban landscape and yet the family Legacy would continue as James II's daughter Joan Irvine Smith would influence the City of Irvine particular particularly with regards to the university in town in the Next Generation Joan Irvine Smith born ay Anita Irvine on the 1st of July 1933 stood as a towering figure in philanthropy the Arts and equestrian training

also inheriting a significant part of the Irvine family wealth the only daughter of James Harvey Irvine II and athley Richardson she was thrusted Into the world of corporate and Civic responsibilities from a tender age and her life was marked by an educational Journey that included time at Westridge school and brief stints at marry Mount college and UC Berkeley setting the stage for her later Endeavors and her father's death when she was merely two and her grandfather's passing in 1947 placed her at the helm of a minor yet pivotal stake in the Irvine Company marking the

beginning of her enduring And often contentious relationship with both the company and the Irvine Foundation despite being a major shareholder she initiated legal battles seeking a larger portion of shares for herself and her cousins illustrating her formidable presence in boardrooms specifically in July 1962 she brought a lawsuit against the Irvine Company claiming $1.2 million for losses tied to a real estate deal that she argued was mismanaged a transaction That involved swapping a substantial parcel in in Orange County for agricultural land in Imperial County This legal action announced with considerable public attention at the Mark Hopkins

Hotel in San Francisco underscored her Readiness to challenge corporate decisions setting a precedent for her leadership style beyond the Realms of corporate disputes Irving Smith's most enduring Legacy perhaps lies in her crucial role in the Establishment of the University of California Irvine but her contributions were not limited to the mere donation of land she was instrumental in the University's location planning and engaged deeply with the academic Community her interactions with UC president Dr Clark Kerr and her discussions at industrial conferences highlighted her vision of directed imagination a concept that bridged Visionary academic planning with Practical

implementation therefore the University of California Irvine owes its existence significantly to her efforts as noted by UCI Chancellor Howard Gilman who acknowledged that without her the institution might never have come to fruition interestingly her influence extended into medical research through the establishment of the reev Irvine Research Center at UCI dedicated to spinal cord injury research inspired by actor Christopher Reeves tragic accident Having passed away only recently it would seem that Joan Irvine Smith would lay claim to the last direct descendant to be directly in power at the the Irvine Company with the next chapter discussing

the new leader of the Family Assets an outsider named Donald Bren Donald bren's Ascent to the Pinnacle of the American Real Estate industry wasn't necessarily written in the stars born in Los Angeles in 1932 bren's familial backdrop was as eclectic As it was influential his father Milton Bren transitioned from a naval career to Hollywood Film Production ction while his mother Marian nubert stood out as a Civic leader thus the breakup of their marriage in 1948 and subsequent new family Dynamics played a pivotal role in shaping bren's character and Ambitions educationally bren's tenure at the University

of Washington culminated in a bachelor's degree in Business Administration and economics and Beyond academics he was a keen athlete and even aspired to join the 1956 Olympics ski team a dream derailed by injury this setback however redirected his energies towards a successful stint in the United States Marine Corp where he further developed the leadership qualities essential for his future business exploits in 1958 Bren embarked on his real estate career by establishing the Bren company which quickly made its Mark Building homes in Orange County California his reputation for quality and Innovation grew and in 1963 he

co-founded the Mission vijo company pioneering one of the nation's first master planned communities likely inspired by the very Irvine Company he would once Helm subsequently bren's Journey with the Irvine Company began in 1977 when he along with a group of investors acquired the company for $337 million outmaneuvering other high-profile biders by 1983 he had further Consolidated his influence through a strategic leverage buyout securing a 70% ownership stake this bold maneuver paved the way for Bren to eventually become the sole proprietor of the company a position he used to spearhead the expansion and diversification of its

portfolio under bren's leadership the Irvine company has further transformed into a model for Master planned communities with the Irvine Spectrum Center and Newport Coast among its crowning achievements today of 2024 Bren is living large an estimated net worth of $18 billion making him the wealthiest real estate developer in the United States and a prominent philanthropist indeed his philanthropic efforts totaling over 1.3 billion US have significantly impacted education and Environmental Conservation with his contributions endowing more than 60 Chairs at the University of California the most by any individual in the system system history moreover bren's dedication

to land preservation has resulted in over 57,000 Acres of the original Irvine Ranch being protected as permanent open space parks and trails thus although he's not a direct member of the Irvine family Legacy his professional bonafides and philanthropic efforts are in line with the moves of one of California's most iconic family Dynasties these days when you hear the name Malibu Califor your mind instantly jumps to Flawless images of pristine beaches Sleek supercars racing down the PC and opulent Seaside Estates that scream if you have to ask the price you can't afford it but rewind less

than a century and you'll find a different scene altogether a rugged Coastline dotted with little more than Dusty rocks indeed it took the vision and determination of one Particular old money New England family to transform this Barren stretch of California coast into the Glamorous Haven we now connect to Hollywood Glamour and Oceanfront extravagance in today's episode of old money luxury we share their captivating story tracing their Journey from the Windswept shores of Massachusetts to the sun-kissed coast of Southern California as we describe the ringes the old money family who built Malibu Frederick H ringe and

Roda May Knight ringe once heralded as the king and queen of Malibu weren't just Titans of charm they were veritable Alchemists of the California coastline before their reign Malibu was merely a collection of Dusty rocks that hardly warranted a Second Glance yet under their midest touch these Barren Bluffs transformed into a lush exclusive Enclave echoing the Lux Vibes of the Mediterranean rivieras that had captured Frederick's Fancy during his European jawns you see Frederick was no stranger to City making magic before he became Malibu's Monarch he had already stamped his mark on the American landscape by

transforming Cambridge Massachusetts into a beacon of culture and Academia and this isn't just any town as many already know it's the brainy epicenter where the likes of Harvard kiss the sky thanks in part to Frederick's Visionary Investments and Civic initiatives with his influence Cambridge morphed from a quaint New England Town into a thriving Hub that mingled intellectual prowess with architectural charm therefore after etching his legacy into this Cornerstone of American education and Innovation Frederick packed up his considerable fortune and set his sights on the golden coasts of California and his dream was to mold Malibu

into the American Riviera investing heavily he conjured up an Atmosphere of exclusivity and opulence shaping Malibu into a sorta Paradise for the affluent but let's not forget the indomitable Spirit of Roda May Knight ringe The Queen by Frederick's side who added her own flare to the Malibu Saga she played a pivotal role in establishing the Malibu movie Colony a Haven for Hollywood stars seeking respite from the hustle and bustle of tinsel town indeed May's Vision transformed Malibu into more than just a Glamorous retreat it became a playground for the Rich and Famous where silver screen

icons mingled with the coastal Elite leaving behind a legacy of Glitz and glamour that still Echoes through Malibu's Sandy Shores today the ringe touch still palpably thrums through Malibu's veins etched into its landscape and lore take the Adamson House for example often hailed as the Taj Mahal of tile this architectural gem was originally crafted for Roda daughter it Stands as a dazzling tribute to the family's penchant for ornate Spanish inspired design its walls a canvas of intricate tile work that Whispers Tales of a bygone era of Splendor just a stone's throw from this historical Masterpiece

lies the Malibu Lagoon State Beach this pristine stretch of Sand and Surf embodies the Tranquil beauty that first lured the ringes to these Shores it's a perfect snapshot of the idyllic Haven they envisioned and brought to Fruition where the waves lap gently at memories of the past not far from the Lagoon nestled within the Malibu Creek State Park stands the ringe dam this robust barrier was another brainchild of Frederick constructed to master the wild waters and support the agricultural Ventures that bloomed under his ambitious gaze the dam isn't just a feat of engineering it's a

landmark of the Legacy Frederick left behind a symbol of his dedication to nurturing and Sculpting the natural beauty of Malibu the ringes vast Estates have also given rise to landmarks of learning and culture like pepine University situated on what was once part of their expansive land Holdings the university though not directly named after them owes its Scenic campus to the land preserved and eventually sold by the rench family and yet how did a couple of Massachusetts Yankees have the foresight and flexibility to leave the Stuffy Halls of old money New England and build one of

the most well-known Sun soaked party Palisades in California in order to learn the answer let's flip over to the next chapter and begin our [Music] journey the story of the ringe family's creation of Malibu California begins with a daring transcontinental adventure and ends on the glittering shores of Malibu a sanctuary for Hollywood's Elite yet ironically this glamorous Destination on Southern California's Golden Coast has its roots in the ivy covered bookish world of greater Boston Massachusetts where the Future Family patriarch Frederick H ringe got his start with helping to First create none other than the academic

Haven of Cambridge home of Harvard University born on the 21st of December 1857 the future founder of Malibu began his life in privilege in the grandiose ringe Mansion situated at the Lively Intersection of Dana and Harvard streets in 19th century Greater Boston however despite such a prestigious beginning Ring's early life was marred by significant sorrow you see tragedy first struck with the early deaths of his siblings Henry and Mary who were taken by scarlet fever casting a long Shadow over his formative years furthermore as a child ringe himself frequently battled severe rheumatic fever which confined

him to bed and Often deprived him of the typical pleasures of Youth yet in 1875 ringe matriculated at Harvard College and his determination did not Wayne he engaged actively in the art Club glee club and Hasty Pudding Club however his university Journey was abruptly halted by recurring health issues leading to his departure from Harvard following a a grand tour of Europe a cultural right of passage at the time for the affluent American and European Youth of the West designed to enrich their education and polish their social graces through exposure to the Arts architecture and aristocracy

of the old world yet his up and down life of wealth and weak Health took a significant turn in 1883 when ringe then only 28 inherited a vast estate from his father Samuel this inheritance was not just a trans fer of vast sums of capital but a baton of opportunity thanks to Samuel's astute investments in textile Mills and real estate thus with nearly $2 million at his command worth about 140 million in today's dollars ringe was equipped not just to manage an estate but to redefine his future and four years later Ring's commitment to his

hometown manifested profoundly Cambridge mayor and Harvard acquaintance William Russell approached him with a humble request for funding to establish a new Public Library ringe responded not just with funding but with A plot of land to boot and by the end of 1887 his contributions had expanded to include a new city hall now known as Cambridge City Hall and the ringe technical school this institution would eventually merge with Cambridge High and Latin School to form the Cambridge ringe and Latin School in 1977 an establishment still pivotal to the educational fabric of Cambridge and Beyond ironically launching

the careers of numerous Hollywood actors including Matt Damon and Ben Affleck indeed those two particular film icons wrote and filmed the iconic movie Goodwill Hunting during their years in and around the schools that Frederick H ringe helped found adding even more modern Hollywood magic to the history of the ringe family Ring's in Ence however stretched beyond the academic and into the more personal aspects of the community's life including streets that still bear his name such as ringe Avenue and Ringfield Street yet it would be his marriage to Roda May Knight that would lead Frederick H

ring from a life filled with academic philanthropy to the creation of one of Hollywood's most iconic locals On the Sunny shores of [Music] California the marriage of Frederick ringe and Roa May night in the late 19th century marked not just the merging of two hearts but also the forging of a future that would shape the very Contours of California including the creation of the legendary Malibu born in 1864 Roa grew up on a bustling sheep farm outside Trenton Michigan with her 12 siblings and her early years as a mathematics teacher and her devout Methodist upbringing

prepared her little for The Adventurous life that lay ahead but the turn in roa's life began rather enchantingly when Frederick while convalescing at a health Colony run by roa's aunt in Northern California Spotted her photograph captivated he sought the aunt's blessing to court Roa soon letters flew between Frederick and Roda quickly blossoming into romance and within a dizzly short span the couple were engaged and then married all in under a fortnite in 1887 the newlyweds boarded a first class pulman Palace rail car Bound for California settling initially at a ranch owned by roders ant before

moving to Santa Monica marking the start of their stored Saga in the Golden State then the couple's vision of idyllic coastal living blossomed in the 1890s with the construction of a Victorian ranch home nestled in Malibu Canyon tragically their Malibu retreat was consumed by a brush fire in 1903 yet the ringes resilience saw them rebuild and fortify their presence in the region it was here amid the scenic expanses of Malibu that Frederick actualized his lifelong dream a Farm by the Sea culminating in his purchase of the Malibu Rancho the last of the Spanish land grants

and Frederick Ring's Deep dive into California's economic and Civic life was marked by his founding of the conservative life insurance company now known as Pacific Life an institution that still stands today offering Insurance and financial services to Millions across the state moreover his strategic roles as vice president of Union oil company and director of the Los Angeles Edison Electric Company Later Southern California Edison underscored his influence in shaping the state's energy and Industrial sectors Southern California Edison in particular has grown to become a Cornerstone of the Region's infrastructure powering home businesses and the Very growth

of California itself but Frederick's Ventures were not confined to the shores of Malibu his Investments stretched to include land near Stockton California vast real estate holdings in the San Fernando Valley and even parel in Sinaloa Mexico a place that would much later become notorious as the stronghold of El Chapo adding a touch of ironic contrast to Ring's own lawful and civic-minded Ventures however Frederick Ring's promising Endeavors were cut short when he died suddenly at 48 in 1905 the mantle of responsibility then fell to Roda who found herself at the Helm of the extensive ringe estate

in an era when Women seldom held such power rhay night Ring's Ascension to the nickname of queen of Malibu would become not just noteworthy but revolutionary now the Reg today known as Malibu lies within the historical territory of the Chumash people stretching from the sanin Valley to San Louis Obispo and encompassing several islands off the southern coast of California known for their Advanced Maritime skills the Chumash navigated The coastal Waters with plank canoes known as toml which were crucial for trade and communication among their widespread communities and the Chumash settlement known as humo meaning the

surf sounds loudly reflects the vibrant soundscape of its Coastal environment this name softened over time to Malibu resonates with the echo of the waves that still Define the area occupied since approximately 2500 BC humaliwo was not only a Vital chish Center but also The second largest of the coastal Villages its significance continued to unfold through history with Spanish conquistador Juan Rodriguez Cabrio believed to have anchored at Malibu Lagoon in 1542 to collect fresh water then the Spanish influence was solidified with the establishment of the California mission system and the delineation of Rancho Tanga Malibu sequit

a sprawling 13,000 acre land grant in 1802 ownership of this Grand expanse passed to Frederick Hastings ringe in 1891 and after Frederick's death his widow May ringe took Extraordinary Measures to protect protect their estate she then hired guards to keep trespasses at Bay and waged a prolonged legal fight to obstruct the construction of a Southern Pacific Railroad line across their land and prior to 1929 access to this secluded Paradise was limited with few roads penetrating the area but the State's victory in a subsequent court case led to the construction of what is now known as

the Pacific Coast Highway this development forced May ringe to to parcel out her Holdings marking the beginning of more extensive Public Access and development in Malibu and in an attempt to alleviate her financial woes ringe ventured into oil drilling on her property at Point jume the Endeavor proved fruitless yet it serendipitously led to the discovery of clay deposits Materials told to be perfect for tile making you see during this era Los Angeles was experiencing a real estate boom with a surge in the construction of homes styled in the mission Revival Mayan Revival Spanish colonial revival

and morish Revival architectures all of which heavily utilize decorative tiles seizing this opportunity ringe established Malibu potteries located a mere Half Mile East of her Malibu Pier she Enlisted the expertise of Rufus B Keela a renowned tile and glaze specialist to manage the operations and at its zenith Malibu Potter is employed 125 workers and churned out 30,000 ft of tile each month the production involved intricate techniques such as qua and quena and the designs were inspired by diverse books from a well-furnished library at the pottery women Artisans hand painted each tile using hazardous substances like

cadmium and uranium for vibrant oranges And reds Cobalt for deep blues and lead for bright yellows yet despite the success of her Pottery business Ring's Financial struggles persisted in an effort to generate income she initiated the development of the Malibu movie Colony around 1926 this exclusive Enclave was designed to attract Hollywood's Elite offering privacy and luxury close to the burgeoning film industry of Los Angeles and the colony featured beachfront Cottages leased to cinema icons such as clarao Bing Crosby Gloria Swanson and Gary Cooper furthermore these residences were quickly constructed by Studio carpenters and featured tiles

from Ring's own Malibu potteries thus the Malibu movie Colony not only provided ringe with a new source of income but also established a glamorous Social Hub that attracted movie stars and Moguls enhancing Malibu's reputation as a luxury Retreat concurrently ringe Embarked on an ambitious personal project the construction of a lavish three-wing 55 room Mansion at Top lomus Hill intended as a grand statement of her status and success this residence often referred to as the ringe castle was to be adorned with extensive use of Malibu pottery's tiles including a massive all tile faux Persian carpet plans

for the Mansion also included luxurious handcarved mahogany details however the onset of the Great Depression in 1929 coupled with a devastating kilf fire in 1931 that destroyed much of Malibu poies severely impacted Ring's financial situation and the financial strain forced ringe to Halt construction of her Grand Mansion by 1932 Malibu potteries had closed and ringe faced increasing pressure to liquidate her assets this period marked a significant downturn in her fortunes leading in to the eventual sale of the Malibu movie Colony properties The Colony itself however continued to thrive and evolve becoming a permanent fixture in

Malibu and a symbol of its ties to Hollywood glamour yet despite her ups and downs soon the legacy of May ringe along with Malibu itself would be cemented for all eternity in parallel to the development of the Malibu movie colony the Malibu Pier was another significant project initiated by the ringe family originally built in 1905 by the aforementioned Frederick Hastings ringe May's husband the pier was constructed to facilitate the transportation of goods for their Ranch which spanned the Malibu Coastline over the years the Pier's significance extended Beyond its practical uses becoming an integral part of

Malibu's cultural Fabric in the 1920 s and 1930s it emerged as a popular destination for tourists drawn to Malibu's sandy beaches and the Pacific Oceans Allure and the later addition of restaurants shops and Other amenities during this period further cemented the peer status as a recreational and social Gathering Place additionally its role in the community continued to evolve through the decades serving as a hotspot for Surfers in the 60s and fishing enthusiasts in the 70s and 80s yet by 1938 May ringe found herself financially insolvent a stark reversal of Fortune for a woman who once

controlled one of the most extensive private land Holdings in California and Her financial demise was exacerbated by strain family relationships particularly with a son who blamed her for the rapid depletion of the family's wealth due to her Relentless Court battles and opulent spending habits May ringe passed away in 1941 leaving behind a complex Legacy but May's contributions to preserving Malibu's natural environment have had a lasting impact today vast portions of the land she fought so fiercely to protect are integral to the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area including the land on which pepine university sits

138 Acres originally part of the ringe ranch donated by her daughter's family surer beach another gem in Malibu's Crown where her historic Pier stands continues to be a celebrated surf spot protected by the Surf Rider foundation and designated as the world's first ever world surfing Reserve by the save the waves Coalition it also holds a place on the national register of Historic places and its cultural significance was cemented in 1933 when may granted permission for its use in the filming of the iconic movie King Kong starring Fay Ray thus may ringe also played a pivotal

role in defining Malibu as a retreat for the affluent and influential figures of the entertainment industry setting the stage for the city to become a sanctuary for celebrities furthermore the legacy of May's entrepreneurial Spirit lives on through The enduring presence of Malibu potteries tiles gracing notable structures like Los Angeles City Hall the Mayan Theater the Roosevelt Hotel the Gein Playhouse as well as other public buildings throughout the United States and abroad these days it seems like every two-bit social media influencer and semi Savvy pop star is making a billion dollars yet much like a sports

debate between Father and Son about how back in My day it was much harder to win a championship the money game played by the family we'll discuss in this video had a totally different set of rules and making that coveted first billion dollars wasn't easy at all indeed from the very beginning the world's first billion dooll media family has been marred in controversy first they had arguably the greatest film of all time made specifically to Lampoon its billionaire patriarch William Randolph Hurst a few decades later a family member surprisingly got imprisoned after getting Stockholm syndrome

during a kidnapping by political radicals all the while the Hurst almost lost multi-billion Dollar Empire in a custody battle due to a bad divorce at the hands of one of their more fanciful heirs and yet somehow for more than a century the Hurst family has managed to keep their coffers not only afloat but filled to their absolute brims to the tune of over $30 billion as of 2023 with that all said today's episode of old money luxury will be undoubtedly like no other as we describe the Hurst family the first billionaires of media in the

grand parade of American Family sagas few names ring out as loftily as the hursts a family original hailing from from Irish soil their origin story unspooled in South Carolina back in 1766 way before anyone even thought of Silicon Valley's Tech Empires or Hollywood's cinematic aristocracy yes these hursts got the ball rolling with a patriarch named George whose gumption in the mining business could put any venture capitalist to shame in the mid 19th century George Hurst left a humble Missouri farm for the glinting Allure of California's gold rush though he didn't strike it rich immediately he

event hit Pay Dirt quite literally with the home stake mine in South Dakota but George Wasn't just a miner he was also a gambler with a knack for scoring in high stakes games winning the San Francisco Examiner in a bet George branched into publishing weaponizing the ink to Champion Democratic party causes he turned a poker hand into a political platform and honestly you have to tip your hat to that kind of Cher yet while George made the money it was his wife Phoebe Apperson Hurst who arguably made the Legacy this matriarch had more than Domesticity

on her mind she was a Visionary starting her career as a school teacher she eventually entered the philanthropic Arena earmarking significant funds for scholarships at the University of California an international architectural competition for the University also Bears her name as does the less succinctly titled Phoebe a Hurst Museum of anthropology but perhaps her most important project was her only son William Rand Olf Hurst Thanks to a private education and extensive European tours courtesy of Mama Dearest young William was groomed for Greatness by 16 he was attending St Paul's preparatory school and although he exited stage

left two years later he had a few more acts to go William then matriculated at Harvard College where his tenure was as colorful as it was brief editor of the Harvard Lampoon and Patron Saint of beer parties Williams Shenanigans even included sending Chamber pots Fe featuring professorial likenesses to his Educators unsurprisingly he didn't stick around to Don a cap and gown next in 1887 William commandeered The Examiner from his dad and before long made it the Lynch pin of an emerging media Empire he went on to Pioneer the much debated yellow journalism sparking a media

rivalry with Joseph Pulitzer that had more fireworks than the 4th of July Williams media strategies questionable though they may Have been did result in expanding his media realm come 1919 the establishment of King features Syndicate had the Hurst name sprawled across multiple media channels from comic strips to editorials reaching a readership as broad as his Ambitions but just when you thought William Randol Hurst had peaked and left his mark an unseen chapter loomed on the horizon pregnant with possibility and offering yet another audacious leap as the Roaring 20s rolled in William Randolph Hurst felt in

an insatiable appetite for expansion indeed he wasn't content with merely ruling the nation's largest newspaper chain he coveted the ink on glossy magazine Pages as well now his first magazine nibble was Cosmopolitan originating in 1886 as a familyfriendly re Cosmo as it's colloquially known underwent several identity shifts before settling into its current iteration as a women's magazine when Hurst acquired it in 1905 he Injected a tantalizing blend of short fiction public affairs and the occasional celebrity profile by 1940 Cosmo was practically a household name boasting a circulation of a whopping 2 million but not one

to stop at just one magazine acquisition Hurst snatched up Good Housekeeping in 1911 catering to American Homemakers the magazine was and still is a blend of women's interests health tips culinary Delights and consumer reports from the good Housekeeping Institute with hurst's golden touch subscription numbers soared past 1 million by the 1920s undeterred even by the grueling years of the Great Depression when the 1930s dawned hurst's avarice turned to radio waves and silver screens his Empire soon ballooned to include 28 newspapers radio stations a film studio a wire service and a bouet of 13 magazines and

let's not Overlook his Silver Screen alliances Hurst St started producing films starring Marian Davies a woman who was more than just a leading lady in his cinematic Ventures she was his lover for over three decades yet even Titans stumble the Great Depression gwed at hurst's Empire puncturing his once impervious Aura of wealth and influence the downturn exposed the media mogul's lasair attitude toward spending as political allegiances shifted hurst's once cozy relationship with President Franklin D Roosevelt soured and he used his media Outlets to accuse Roosevelt's policies of being not too far removed from bolshevism yet

Perhaps the most biting blow to hurst's Ego came in 1941 with the release of Aon wells's cinematic critique Citizen Kane when Hurst got wind of the film he deployed an army of Hollywood Executives and loyal journalists in an audacious albeit largely successful attempt to quash it even the FBI was brought into the fry making wells's film not just a Commercial Venture but almost a matter of National Security all the while the Hurst Castle in California standing amidst 123 Acres of opulent Gardens and Terraces reflected the media tycoons Larger than Life Persona created in tandem with

architect Julia Morgan over a period of 28 years this estate wasn't just hurst's residence it was a gathering place for the creme de La Creme of Hollywood politics and sports yet for all his grandiosity Hurst was Not immune to the ravages of time more Health as the curtain closed on William Randolph Hurst senior's life in 1951 the prologue to another tale was already being written hidden in the margins of his voluminous Legacy while Hurst senior dazzled his generation with what some called yellow journalism and groundbreaking multiplatform media strategies the script for the family's sequel was

secretly being rehearsed by a Cadre of sons indeed the next generation Of H children was set to expand the empire into Terrain even their illustrious father couldn't have envisioned now William Randol Hurst senior not only am mastered a media Empire but also begat a brood of five Sons George William Jr John and the twins Randolph and David and all of them dutifully plunged into the family Inkwell and piggy bank William Jr born in 1908 elevated the familial calling to pulit a prize-winning Artistry known for His commitment to both the Enterprise and journalistic integrity he was

if you will the family's editorial North Star David whtm Hurst born 1915 wasn't exactly a by line lightweight either starting as a beat reporter for the New York Journal American in 1936 David navigated a maze of roles from assistant advertising director at the Baltimore News Post to City editor and eventually ascended the Throne of publisher at the Los Angeles Herald Express in 1950 his Son David junor today holds sway over a sizable share of Hurst Corp complete with newspapers magazines and because diversification is the name of the game stakes in cable networks like ESPN and

a and e but it was Patricia Campbell Hurst an extended family member Who provided one of the most confounding chapters in the family's history kidnapped in 1974 by The symbionese Liberation Army a radical left-wing group The abduction took a bizarre turn the captors intended To swap Hurst for jailed members of their group but the drama unfolded in an unexpected Direction instead of remaining a victim Hurst became an accomplice participating in criminal activities that included robbery and extortion arrested 19 months later she faced a trial in 1976 and was convicted on charges of bank robbery and

illegal use of firearms while initially sentenced to 7 years her term was commuted by President Jimmy In 1979 then the 1980s were transformative for the Hurst Corporation a strategic pivot toward the burgeoning cable television industry saw the company join forces in Ventures like the Arts and Entertainment Network and lifetime however this recalibration was not without its intra family tensions it culminated in a lawsuit filed by William Randolph Hurst II against a 1999 merger of hurst's television stations with Argy Television manifesting Discord among family members regarding the corporation's future Direction moving into the 1990s the Hurst

Corporation deepened its cable TV footprint by acquiring a 20% stake in ESPN followed by investments in French television production and distribution firms associated with Canal plus by the late '90s the company had morphed into one of the largest independently owned broadcasting groups in the nation with Its television and radio stations reaching a whopping 177% of all us households thus when the 20th century Drew to a close the Hurst Corporation had its fingers in more pies than a competitive eater at a county fair with a broadcast Empire that reached into nearly 1if of American homes they

were the proverbial 800 pound gorilla in the room of media conglomerates but as the calendar flipped to a New Millennium a different kind of Beast was emerging the Digital age this posed a challenge but also an unprecedented opportunity now William Randolph Hurst III a Harvard educated mathwiz spent decades ascending the corporate ladder even donning the Hat of editor and publisher of the San Francisco Examiner echoing his grandfather's tenure simultaneously juggling roles as director and philanthropic trustee for over three decades he's essentially the deao patriarch his cousin George Randolph Hurst Jr presided over the Hurst corporations

board like a Symphony conductor until his 2012 swan song leaving behind for Offspring including George Randolph Hurst III he kept the family Enterprise humming in harmony for more than 40 years then there's John Randolf bunkey Hurst Jr the favorite grandchild of William Randolph Hurst who was indeed a controversial figure in the Hurst family his life escapades include twice divorced status race car Adventuring and editorial Pursuits but his diance with matrimony took a darker turn when his nuptuals to Barbara cascaded into a legal scrimmage that rocked the Gilded heurst corridors after Barbara sought a divorce alleging

everything from abandonment to inhumane treatment a court drama unfolded replete with a plot to allegedly drain Bunky's Financial Reservoir legal acrobatics took center stage in 2006 when bunkey's Council designed a cunning plan Sue Barbara for fraud if the court was convinced Barbara had performed Financial slight of hand she'd have to return his assets unfortunately the spotlight on this soap opera momentarily veered toward Hurst corp's confidential Ledger ultimately bunkey withdrew his claims ending the legal Tempest but not before exposing uncomfortable family and corporate Financial particulars moving on to the more spiritual side of the family we

could say Victoria Hurst an Evangelical outlier among socialite siblings an and Patty adds a dash of ideological spice to the family Tableau her convictions starkly contrast the family's more conventional views providing journalists with ample fodder for stories on family Dynamics and philanthropy is another family Forte involved in the pocano Declaration in 1999 the hursts promised to Marshall their assets for public welfare demonstrating that their riches aren't Solely reserved for Hurst Castle upkeep or high society gers as we veered into the 21st century Hurst Corporation grappled with the digital Revolution and the year 2000 proved a

Rubicon moment balancing a print Legacy with the bite-sized detention spans of the internet age Hurst made strides including strategic Acquisitions and digital overhauls 8 years deep into the digital shift and another plot twist the 2008 financial meltdown a saga in itself The crisis disrupted Global economies pressing media entities like Hurst to hasten their transformation into digital juggernauts however for those corporations with a well-balanced portfolio and multiple income channels like Hurst Corporation the bumpy ride of Market fluctuations turned into more of a manageable seesaw yet even as the family comfortably steered the Hurst ship to seemingly

Placid Waters little did anyone know that the Winds of Change Were about to pick up setting the stage for another significant shift in the company's leadership in 2012 the corridors of Hurst Corporation felt a seismic shift as a figurative family baton passed hands the venerable George Randolph Hurst Jr board chairman and patriarch in every sense drew his last breath it was the proverbial end of an era and you can think of it sort of like a classic episode of HBO's succession in terms of Family Dynamics enter stage right Steven R Schwartz the understudy you didn't

know was about to steal the show again much like succession Schwartz once the company's Chief Operating Officer ascended to the throne of president and CEO in 2013 with two decades of herian experience under his belt he piloted the media Empire through a landscape that saw not just growth but a blossoming of innovative diversification furthermore in 2015 Hurst threw its hat into the Real estate ring they ventured into a 4 acre slice of downtown San Francisco with the aptly named 5m project Hurst didn't go it alone though sharing the spoils with Forest City realy trust a

lucrative contract ensured Forest City would have a gleaming new office tower and a 288 unit apartment building to their name while Hurst cozied up to its Chronicle and examiner buildings like a comfort blanket and the same year saw Hurst partnering with the Georgetown Company to Breathe new life into the iconic Herald examiner building picture it creative office spaces mingle with the aroma of artisan coffee and the buzz of Commerce this isn't just real estate it's Hurst applying a Midas Touch to mortar and Bricks fast forward to the 2020s and the Hurst family's reach has stretched

its tentacles into diverse and engaging Avenues among the newer branches on the family tree Lydia Marie Hurst Shaw and Jillian Hurst Shaw are More than just ornamental Lydia a great granddaughter of the original Med media magnet William Randolph Hurst balances her life as a fashion model actress and lifestyle blogger with the ease of a Wall Street juggler her fashion line Lydia Hurst for pummer speaks to a new generation of style mavens her sister Gillian while a tad more reserved adds her own brand of social Allure to the Hearst name she juggles the responsibilities of being

a single Mother and a socialite a Modern Renaissance woman in her own digital domain and while you might Peg them as mere pveers of newsprint and pixel Hurst Corp is a giant squid in a global media ocean under the the chairmanship of William R Hurst III the family business has amassed an astonishing portfolio think ESPN and a slew of financial information services and lest we forget a family fortune that hovers around the $30 billion Mark and so the world's First billion dooll media Dynasty is much like many families flawed but trying to always improve experiencing

ups and downs valleys and Peaks but a lot more coins in the bank than most of us