The Historic Egan Homestead, Laguna Beach

Egan homestead, South Laguna, circa 1910

Dr. Lee C. Hanson writes, “Tucked away on Valido Road [in South Laguna], there is an old, battered house. It has withstood the elements for over one hundred years, capturing within its walls the laughter and tears of a resilient pioneer family—the Egans [no relation to Capistrano’s Judge Richard Egan] who built the house and cultivated the land.”

Hanson notes that “the Design Review Board of Laguna Beach approved the demolition of the Egan homestead house . . . last September. An appeal will be heard by the City Council on January 13,” and that Village Laguna, the South Laguna Civic Association, and other concerned members of the community are coming forward to push for the preservation of the building. They are hoping other will join them.

Esther and Frances Egan in the bean fields in front of their home (Courtesy First American Corp.)

“The remarkable story of this pioneer family and their historic home,” is now being told by Hanson in a serialized history in Stu News Laguna, entitled "The House on Valido Road." Here are links to the articles already published:”

1. Homestead Challenge

2. Homestead Honeymoon

3. Dwelling, House, Home

4. Farm on Fire

5. See How It Grew

6. Hearth and Home

Installments in the series still awaiting publication include:

7. Egan Family Traditions (Dec. 19)

8. Resilience (Jan. 2)