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FOUR SEASONS BREEZE | MARCH 2017 57 Two dozen hikers "walked" the streets of Redlands under cloudy skies in February, marveling at the assortment of houses (old and new, large and small, conservative and avant-garde) that characterize this charming community. Reminders of city's history of citrus farming and health refuge are interspersed with the houses as pockets of orange groves flourish and medical offices now occupy 19th century structures. The day was ideal for our adventure and strolling along the urban landscape was quite a change from our mountain and desert trails. For many of our residents, this scene was reminiscent of small towns of their youth. Redlands developed after the Civil War and horses were the means of local transportation, with the railroad connecting the community to the outside world. Many lots included space for barns and corrals and, eventually, a small one-car garage. Wrap-around covered porches were common, later replaced by air conditioning and TVs. Automobiles and the passing of pioneers transformed much of the rural character of Redlands. Descendants sold off groves to developers and individuality disappeared. One of the earlier "tract" developments was Normandie Court with 16 small French chateaus built just prior to the Great Depression. After WWII, returning veterans invaded the housing market and a variety in housing styles populated the empty spaces and disappearing orange groves. Today, one finds surprises on every street — quite a difference from Four Seasons. Lunch was at the Royal Falconer Pub. Fish and chips, corned beef and Shepherd's Pie made for a happy ending to our adventure. To find out where we are hiking in 2017 call or email Lynette Simonson at (951) 377-0392 or lynette.simonson@gmail.com. ~ Len Tavernetti TAKE A HIKE CLUB John McFarlane, Tony Ramu, Judy Winters, Yunell Montalbo, Mona Swinhart, David Kershaw, Lynette Simonson, Bev McLaughlin, Vicki Howard, Bobbi Bennet, Susan Jennings, Walt Webster, Craig Henderson, Bev Webster, Willis Fagan, Bob Howard, Bruce Heimlich, Adona Lamar, Mary Liebenberg, Susan Jennings, Jerome Lieberberg, Ruth Tavernetti and Nicki Maciogi

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