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Volunteers spruce up historic McCrea Ranch
Courtesy photo Rotarians reconstruct the cattle chute at the McCrea Ranch on May 3. Actors Joel McCrea and Frances Dee raised their family there.
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Local Rotarians, community volunteers and staff members of the Conejo Recreation and Park District held a work day at the historic McCrea Ranch on May 3.
The 30-person work party, mostly members of the Thousand Oaks, Westlake Sunrise and Newbury Park Rotary clubs, cleaned up debris, installed fencing, painted and constructed a replica of the original cattle chute at the historic ranch.
"This is a real jewel in the Conejo Valley," said Tom Mosher, a member of Westlake Sunrise Rotary and District Community Services chairman, who organized the event. "Rotarians are always willing to jump in and provide a helping hand in the community."
The McCrea Ranch, located at the bottom of the Norwegian Grade, was owned by movie stars from Hollywood's golden age. Western movie actor Joel McCrea and his wife and partner for 57 years, movie star Frances Dee, raised their three sons there.
The McCreas donated their ranch and family home in 1995 to the Conejo Recreation and Park District effective in 2004. The ranch home and outbuildings, originally constructed in the 1930s, are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
"I really felt a strong interest and a sense of community today," said Wyatt McCrea, grandson of Joel and Frances. "I am proud to be a part of this process."
He gave the workers tours of the property throughout the day.
"We accomplished a lot of good work," said Tom Hare, administrator for parks and planning for the Conejo Recreation and Park District. "It was a big initial step in our plans for the facility."
To further preserve the historical character and working ranch atmosphere, the Park District is considering developing and restoring the historical buildings, lake, riparian habitat, hiking and equestrian trails, amphitheater, corrals, agricultural fields, day camp facilities and parking.
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