Grain Fields of the Allen Sphinx Ranch

Above the reservoir lay the grain fields of the Sphinx Ranch in the 1890's and they were at the top of the property. At this time in the San Fernando Valley to the west, the two brothers in law named Isaac, Lankershim and Van Nuys had the entire southern portion of the old San Fernando Mission lands planted in grains.

The Allens had horses and mules and they needed to be fed. The family had a fiscal leaning towards self reliance and it was decided the rough and bouldery 60 acres above Altadena drive and stretching all the way be dedicated to growing barley and hay.

Hay was used for animal feed and barley would also be used to supplement the animals' diet.

Additionally, the barley was used in stews and soups and cereals or sold to distillers to make whiskey or beer. It turned out to be a sage use of the foothill portion of the property and helped with the ranch being more self sustained and less reliant on the marketplace.