b'IfItwasnotloveatfirstsight,thenit was fascinationatfirstglance! Herallurewas timelessandreal. This treasured National Historic Site has been visited by thousands via bus tours and elementary school groups, and countless military personnel and their families ever since the docent program began in 1975. The present-day main ranch complex is composed of three adobebuildings. Vintage hand colored arial photo of the ranch house, corral, & bunkhouse circa 1985 The chapel, which was first a winery in the Mission era, later the ranch blacksmith/woodworking shop, and since the Marine Corps took occupancy, a church where services are held each Sunday. The ranch house, (hacienda), has a flowering court-yard that contains one unbelievably old, Bougainvillea vine as an outstanding feature. And our third adobe, the vaqueros or cowboys bunkhouse, which also houses a museum and a gift shop. As a welcoming sight to early dust wearied travelers, a large white cross stands high on the opposite hill from the entrance to the hacienda. The silent landmark has been standing watch over the ranch since the early 1800s, representing the Chris-tian faith of the families who lived there. Isadora was a devout Catholic known for her generous hospitality, and well-read with a library of religious books in Spanish. The biblical command to do unto others as you would have them do unto you, was Isadora Forsters strong belief, welcoming travelers of many faiths. She was the wife of Don Juan (Mr. John) Forster, a well-respected rancher in Southern California, and the younger sister of Pio Pico, the last governor of Mexican Alta Califor-nia. On your tour, you will hear several interesting and personal stories of the important role she played in early ranchhistory. 6 Military Appreciation Resource Magazine HJuly 2021H Thank You For Your Service'