Tucked away on a hill, overlooking the expansive valley below, lies a true jewel of local history. Famed silent movie actor William S. Hart moved into his home in present day-Hart Park in the heart of Newhall on Thanksgiving Day in 1927. The 10,000 square foot mansion included 22 rooms that were filled with 1920s modern appliances, and was occupied by Hart, his spinster sister, two servants, and the occasional guests.

After spending much of his life on the East Coast (Hart was integral to the Broadway scene of New York City), Hart moved to Hollywood in 1914 to improve what he considered horrible misrepresentations in Hollywood Western films.

As a child of a New York grain miller, William S. Hart was fascinated with Native American culture, going as far as learning the Sioux language. He later took this knowledge to the musical scene and acted for years on Broadway. In 1900-01, he traveled across the country and Europe starring in Ben "Hur." In 1914, Hart came to the budding movie scene in Los Angeles to revive the Western films. Between 1914 and 1925, when he retired, Hart made over 70 movies, acting in many as well.

He was married once in the early 1920s to a fellow actress, which lead to his only son, the late Bill Hart Junior, who died recently after serving as an attorney in Washington for many years.

The mansion in Newhall was completed in 1927. The home, cut into the hill, has survived the last 80 years without damage from the numerous earthquakes and fires.

Inside the home, there were quarters for the servants, his sister, and guests. The house was outfitted with the latest technology from the 1920s including an original refrigerator, a dumb-waiter, and a $1,600 (over $16,000 in modern dollars) home entertainment center with a radio and record player. Works of Western art and statues adorn the home along with one of the largest private collection of Navajo rugs.

William S. Hart was a legend not only in the film industry but in 1920s culture. He was invited and declined to be a founder in United Artist Production Company. He was close friends with Amelia Earhart, Wyatt Earp, and Will Rogers.

Hart's famed pinto pony Fritz starred in most of his movies. Fritz received 100 to 115 fan letters a week during the height of his career. Fritz also authored a book, "Told Under a White Oak Tree." William was also an author, including a number of boys' adventure stories in the Golden West Boys series.

Following his retirement in 1925, Hart stayed very involved in the community, often performing charity work with the Children's Hospital in Los Angeles. This was not his first experience with working for the benefit of others; during World War I, Hart sold a record number of war bonds among the Hollywood stars.


The Hart Mansion is managed by the Los Angeles County Parks and Recreation Department. Free guided tours are available Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. every 30 minutes. For more information call 254-4584.

The surrounding Hart Park was left to Los Angeles County after Hart's death in 1946. The park includes Hart Hall, trails, a small zoo, and the headquarters for the North County Parks and Recreation department. Also on the grounds is Heritage Junction, with several buildings from the turn of the century. The Santa Clarita Valley Historical Society manages Heritage Junction. More information is available on their website at www.scvhistory.com.