I've been hosting and overseeing dance weekends at Harwood Lodge since January 1972. It's a very special place for many hundreds of dancers in the Sierra Club. Because people often ask me about the history of the Lodge I thought I'd republish an article from the Angeles Chapter Schedule #298, written by, and with the kind permission of, Mary Morales, to honor the 75th anniversary of the lodge in 2005. Bob Brooks

Aurelia S. Harwood Memorial Lodge... A Continuing Legacy

The year is 1929, Aurelia S. Harwood, first woman President of the Sierra Club has passed away the previous year and the Executive Committee of the Club's Angeles Chapter sets a goal of raising the funds to build and dedicate a new lodge in her memory. Although daunting, the project has seed money from Ms. Harwood herself. Among her bequests is a sum to be put towards this ambitious undertaking.

To realize her wishes, the Chapter Executive Committee pledges $1000 from the treasury and elects a Building Committee Chairman, Peter van Oosting to raise additional monies with fundraising activities and member donations. Counting on all-volunteer labor, van Oosting's building committee charges full speed ahead to lease a 5-acre parcel from the Forest Service in Manker Flat at an elevation of 6000 feet, approximately 4 miles from what is then known as Camp Baldy (now Mt. Baldy Village). Location secured, work begins to clear the land that same year.

In the spring of 1930, groundbreaking takes place and the cornerstone is laid. Construction ramps up that summer with workers camping overnight on weekends and holidays to labor away from sun-up to sundown. Timber and supplies are trucked in, stones and boulders are gathered from nearby canyons and a 5000-gallon water tank is built on the incline above the lodge. An on-site carpenter and a stonemason are the only two men who receive modest wages during the construction. From $5 and $10 donations to a theatre party for club members that nets just over $800, the money comes in to pay for everything.Remarkably, only four and a half months after breaking ground, a beautiful two and a half story, gray granite structure complete with a Belgian slate roof stands ready for occupancy. The final cost is $6500. Planning begins for the dedication ceremonies.

On November 16, 1930, seasonal rain showers christen newly built Aurelia S. Harwood Memorial Lodge, but do nothing to dampen the spirits and excitement of the more than175 people who fill its oak-beamed living room. Many speeches by distinguished guests pay homage to a woman of slight frame but enormous stature. Her passion for the preservation of nature's flora and fauna settles itself into every stone and timber and well into the hearth and "home" for countless future visitors.

Today, Harwood Lodge stands among tall pines that were mere saplings on that long-ago dedication morning. In the ensuing years, several roofs have been replaced and scores of paintbrushes have been stroked across its walls, both inside and out. New construction in the 50's to expand the living space has added a bathroom and scullery at the rear of the building. And with inflation, lodge fees have gone up a bit from the inaugural 25 cents for overnight stays!

A present-day Harwood Committee headed by Chair, Russ Hansen, carries on the goals of that first gatekeeper, Peter van Oosting. Volunteers still come up for work parties every spring, summer and fall to maintain the lodge's rustic charm in tip-top condition. A steadfast roster of overseers ensures that it's available every weekend of the year, whether for open days or entity-hosted events. Donations and overnight fees help to keep it self-supporting.

In her day, Aurelia Harwood envisioned a welcoming mountain retreat where hiking and enjoyment of the great outdoors were within easy reach of everyone. Seventy-five years later, this great stone lodge is her continuing legacy to all Sierra Club members, their families and friends. Please join us in celebrating Aurelia's spirit, generosity and sense of adventure.