Morrall Ahlstrom

Morrall Ahlstrom and his wife became caretakers of the Victor Girard mansion in 1930, succeeding Mr. and Mrs. Albert Sans (caretakers 1927-1930). They were responsible for maintaining the elaborate estate built on 35 acres above Lime Kiln Canyon overlooking the sea.

The Girard mansion was a lavish redwood pole construction with an 8x14 foot plate glass window, an 80-ton stone fireplace large enough to barbecue a whole beef, and electrical refrigeration. All materials were packed in by mule over the trail from “The Corrals” at the foot of the Nacimiento grade.

In 1933, while clearing land and burning brush, sparks carried to the big house and it burned to the ground, leaving only the massive stone chimney standing - still visible from Highway 1 today.

The Ahlstroms “enjoyed their stay. They liked the coast and its people and were part of it.” (Mabel Plaskett)

Source: “Story of an ‘Empire’ Symbolized by Chimney” by Mabel Plaskett (1959).