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Then and now: Baldwin estate was all-inclusive

Published: December 28, 2014  By: admin, In: Grab Bag,  3 Comments
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(private collection) 1908 postcard

A 1908 hand-colored postcard of the Tallac House. Photo/Private Collection

2 (private collection) 1908 postmark

The same card postmarked at 5pm Aug. 4, 1908. Photo/Private Collection

Elias “Lucky” Baldwin opened his opulent Tallac House and Casino near Mount Tallac on the South Shore in 1899. It stood 3½ stories.

Boasting steam heat and electricity, this year-round favorite of the wealthy included a ballroom, a pool room, bowling alley, boathouse, and spectacular view.

Ballroom Photo/Lake Tahoe Historical Society

Ballroom
Photo/Lake Tahoe Historical Society

Billiards room Photo/Lake Tahoe Historical Society

Billiards room
Photo/Lake Tahoe Historical Society

Baldwin was adamant about protecting this forest land and he prohibited any logging. The tallest trees on the South

Bowling alley Photo/Lake Tahoe Historical Society

Bowling alley
Photo/Lake Tahoe Historical Society

Shore are on that land. Besides his Tahoe property, Baldwin’s imprint remains today on his Southern California properties which include Baldwin Park, Baldwin Hills, Santa Anita, Montebello, Sierra Madre, Arcadia, and Monrovia. He also built the Baldwin Theatre and Hotel in San Francisco.

Boat house Photo/Lake Tahoe Historical Society

Boat house
Photo/Lake Tahoe Historical Society

Baldwin died in 1909 at age 80 at his Arcadia ranch.

View from the Baldwin estate. Photo/Lake Tahoe Historical Society

                                View from the Baldwin estate.                                       Photo/Lake Tahoe Historical Society

By 1927, the Tallac House was deteriorating and Lucky’s daughter Anita ordered its destruction and then restoration of the site. The land was deeded to the U. S. Forest Service and is open to the public with seasonal historical tours, activities and exhibits.

— Bill Kingman

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Comments (3)
  1. Cher says - Posted: December 28, 2014

    Hi Bill,
    Love these pics and history. I have my great aunts photo book of early days around ( on) the lake.Our family enjoying Tahoe since the early 20s, as this book attests,grin.
    I’ve been looking to share this book w someone to find out more….
    If you wouldnt mind, how might I get your email?
    Cher

  2. Old Long Skiis says - Posted: December 28, 2014

    Bill, Good photos Of the Baldwin Estate. First time I’ve seen pictures of the interior. Quite a place! Too bad it couldn’t have been saved. I like the pic of the old boats as well…love to have one of those now.
    Save the Barton House , lets not lose another historical part of Tahoe. OLS

  3. Old Long Skiis says - Posted: December 30, 2014

    Cher, Bills phone number is in the book and he’s one of the nicest guys you’ll ever meet. I can’t speak for Bill,but I bet he’d love to see your family photo books from the early days. Give him a call, so with your permission, Bill can share them with us all. OLS