Leandro Serrano's Tanning Vats

Written by Larry Hunt

In 1962 troop 172 of the El Capitan District of the Boy Scouts of America placed this historic marker in Temescal Valley, California.

The marker commemorated the remains of the tanning vats that were built under the direction of Leandro Serrano in 1819. The marker credits Leonardo Serrano instead of Leandro Serrano.

In 1981 the vats were restored, placed in their present location along Temescal Canyon Road and another marker was made by the Billy Holcomb Chapter of E Clampus Vitus. This stated that the original marker had been salvaged by them.

On October 11th, 1981 a plaque was placed by the State Department of Parks and Recreation and others in this same spot. Location: NW corner of I-15 & Temescal Canyon Rd., 8 mi SE of Corona.

The text on that additional plaque read:

"Nearby, two vats were built in 1819 by the Luiseño Indians under the direction of Leandro Serrano, first non-Indian settler in what is now Riverside County. The vats were used in making leather from cow hides. In 1981 the vats were restored and placed here by the Billy Holcomb Chapter of E Clampus Vitus.

California registered historical landmark no. 186

Plaque placed by the State Department of Parks and Recreation in cooperation with Temescal Water Company, Hydro Conduit Corporation, Glen Ivy Hot Springs, Phil Porretta family, and Billy Holcomb Chapter of E Clampus Vitus. October 11, 1981"

Click here to review the tanning process using similar vats like the ones that are in these photos.

Click image to get a larger view of the plaque for the third Serrano adobe. (Article forthcoming)

Other Web Sites With Additional Information:
Photos From 12/5/96 | Photo From E Clampus Vitus Website

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