San Gabriel Valley : Funds Sought to Preserve Historic Mill

Looking to preserve San Marino’s oldest structure without dipping into city coffers, Mayor Bernie LeSage is launching a fund-raising effort to save Southern California’s first water-powered grinding mill.

The mayor and civic leaders in the wealthy enclave are creating a private foundation to raise the $25,000 a year needed to keep the 179-year-old El Molino Viejo and its museum open.

Since the California Historic Society eliminated most of the mill’s staff funding last year, the tiny city, which was bequeathed the structure by the Huntington family, has struggled to keep the facility operating, LeSage said.

“Now we’re going to do something more creative to help the mill that will increase community involvement and make it a center for cultural activities,” he said.

The mill was built by Native Americans for San Gabriel Mission pastors. Director Margaret Eley said that “this is one of the few non-religious buildings built for the mission.”