"Progress"
"Progress" eventually reached Alder Creek in 1931. After eighteen years of isolation and solitude, the development of the Angeles Crest Highway brought change to the Ranch and to the other mountain resorts. The highway was originally envisioned in 1912, and funding was allocated in 1919. Construction finally began in 1929.
By 1931, construction had apparently approached the area of Loomis Ranch, and the road into the ranch saw its first automobile. The Loomis family had quite a time exploring the construction equipment, as can be seen in these photographs. [Note: At this time, I don't know if the equipment pictured was part of the highway construction equipment, or was being used to build the road into the Ranch.]
Road coming, August 1931.
Wandalee Thompson Collection, Sierra Madre Historical Archives (2004.14.6A)
Up in the Air, September 1931.
Wandalee Thompson Collection, Sierra Madre Historical Archives (2004.14.6B)
The first automobile reached Loomis Ranch in September, 1931, when Norman Ross drove in over the new roads while they were still under construction. In the photo below, Captain and Grace Loomis are seated on the running board of Anna and Norman Ross' car, parked near the main cabin at Loomis Ranch.
First automobile into Loomis Ranch, September 1931.
Wandalee Thompson Collection, Sierra Madre Historical Archives (2004.14.5)
The highway expanded opportunities for recreation in the rugged terrain that had formerly been accessible only on foot. But it also eliminated the need for overnight stays previously common when enjoying the beauty of the mountains. The area would become more popular than ever, but fewer hikers would stay more than a day, resulting in the eventual demise of the mountain resorts.