King C. Gillette spent the last three or so years of his life at the ranch home he had built in the rolling hills of Calabasas west of Los Angeles. Designed by Wallace Neff, it was for Gillette a retreat reflecting his greater interest in philosophy and horses than in industry at that stage of life. Gillette died there in July 1932. Though all the buildings are not open to the public, the ranch is a state park and makes for a wonderful place for a spring stroll around the grounds..until you feel at home. Sent from my Nexus 5X using Tapatalk
By the way, if the look of the hills is somewhat familiar, note the ranch is just a bit east of the area where MASH was shot. Sent from my Nexus 5X using Tapatalk
Looks like Mr Gillette had great taste for life in such a tranquil homestead. Looks like a relaxing place for a busy industrialist to unwind after a hard week running a empire.
You will recall at this point (1929-32) he had no empire to run. Though he retained a directorship he had been retired from active participation in the Gillette company operations for many years (he sold 90% of his holdings in 1910 and invested in California real estate), and after the 1930 Autostrop merger it was Henry Gaisman's company in all respects (after Gaisman discovered Gillette Co. accountants essentially cooking the books). Gillette developed real estate (Santa Monica famously and profitably) and wrote poorly selling books on philosophy and economics reflecting his utopian socialist bent. Sent from my Nexus 5X using Tapatalk
Great post! I'm fascinated about all the aspects of our shared interests there are to learn about. Heck, that would be an interesting read even if I wasn't wet shaver. Thanks!!