Encinitas: Our History and People

G
Originally known as Noonan’s Point
this impressive piece of land became
the property of the Self Realization
Fellowship in 1936 when it was
purchased as a gift for Paramahansa
Yogananda for his private hermitage.
1883 ä
• John Pitcher buys half of Encinitas and gifts 2.25 acres for a new schoolhouse.
• Edward Graham Hammond and Jane Latchford Hammond family arrive on
May 8th with their seven children, Thomas Latchford (Jane’s father) and Harry
Carter. The arrival doubles the population from 11 to 22. The only buildings in
town are the combination grocery store/ticket office and three section houses
where Ben Elliott and the Chinese rail workers live. These were built by Ruben
and Sue Chaffin not only manages the store but also sells train tickets and is the
post-mistress. Most of the Hammonds settle in the area that eventually becomes
part of the Paul Ecke Ranch. There they establish the Hammond Sunset Ranch
complete with a natural spring fed artesian pond, which is still there today.
(southeast corner of Quail Gardens Dr. & Leucadia Blvd). Edward Hammond
is also an experienced cabinet maker. He constructs several buildings in the
community, including the first dedicated school building, the Pitcher House
Hotel and the Derby House (649 South Vulcan Avenue.)
• One-Room Schoolhouse (390 W. F St) is built by Mr. Edward G. Hammond
and his 17-year-old son Edward “Ted”. John Pitcher had already personally
gifted this land at 3rd and “E” Streets specifically for a school on March 8th.
This 900 square foot building is made mostly out of redwood with fir for the
flooring, using handmade square nails. The “desks” are slab tables with
redwood benches. In 1890 “combined desks” replace the slab benches.
Seventeen children attend the first class. It is currently the oldest building
still standing in Encinitas, maintained by the Encinitas Historical Society.
• James Benjamin Elliott, a railroad foreman, directs Chinese train laborers in
planting acres of Eucalyptus trees shipped from Australia. Eucalyptus and
Cypress trees are planted in Leucadia from 1885-1900.
1 8 F E N C I N I T A S : O u r H i s t o r y a n d P e o p l e