Redlands

Scenes of Redlands

My adopted city of Redlands is still relatively small, with a population of 63,591 in the 2000 Census. It is nestled in the Inland Empire Valley near the San Bernardino Mountain Range. The weather is usually mild in the winter and hot in the summer, but the nights are typically cool. Redlands has an arid climate, so that only the very few 105+ days feel oppressively hot. And there is air conditioning...

Although there was a settlement in the Redlands area in 1870, the Redlands Colony was officially formed in 1881, named for its characteristic red soil, noticeable in a couple of photos below. The city was incorporated in 1888. Frank E. Brown of New Haven, Connecticut, and Edward G. Judson were the founders, but the Smiley twins, Albert and Alfred, brought to Redlands much of what has become its character.

Redlands is known by many for its well-preserved 350 Victorian-era mansions. These homes were built by citrus industry fortunes. Known as the “Marmalade Mansions," they help to give Redlands its special quality. A few of these homes are featured below.

According to Larry E. Burgess, Archivist, "... During the years between 1895 and 1910,. ... Redlands became known far and wide not only for its tourism, attractive climate, and productive orange groves but also as a mecca for well-to-do eastern visitors. While interest may center upon the lavish parties, the large mansions constructed, or even upon the names of famous residents, it often obscures a period marked by sizable philanthropy and cultural development, including the founding of the University of Redlands in 1907."

It is with this backdrop that Grace Stewart Mullen founded the Redlands Bowl in 1924 (the well-known Hollywood Bowl was not opened until 1945.) The bowl provides the surrounding community with free entertainment each summer through the presentation of about 20 outstanding performances. It is well attended, and typically shows to between 80,000 and 100,000 people each year.

Open-air theatre is offered throughout the summer in Prospect Park's by Redlands' Theatre Festival (RTF.) And the Footlighters have year round fare. Redlands' Symphony Orchestra , under the able direction of Dr. Jan Robertson, performs at the Memorial Chapel at the University of Redlands.

Redlands is rare in southern California, in that it is a relatively stable community, with many of its graduates returning to live, work, and raise their children in this community. It is a relatively safe community, with crime rates that are significantly better than the national average. In 2001, the murder rate for Redlands was 1.54 per 100,000 (1 murder) as compared with a national rate of 9.58 per 100,000. Children may generally play safely on our streets. Most people work close to home, too, with commutes averaging 17 minutes. Redlands demographics may be found at http://www.city-data.com/city/Redlands-California.html. There are many activities and civic organizations that enrich Redlands; some are listed on these pages, http://www.redlandsweb.com/history/.

Location, location, location... Location is central to almost everything. Despite our very mild climate in Redlands, skiing in the San Bernardino Mts. is only 35 minutes away. One of several beaches can be reached in 60-80 minutes drive. Palm Springs is 45 minutes away. The Music Center in downtown Los Angeles is an hour and ten minutes from home.

I have published several photos of Redlands that reflect the way I see the city:

Click on Photos for larger image.