An adobe on the Hammel and Denker ranch, formerly Rancho Rodeo de Las Aguas, Beverly Hills, 1920

Photograph of an adobe on the Hammel and Denker ranch, formerly Rancho Rodeo de Las Aguas, Beverly Hills, 1920. The adobe was known as the Antonio Roche house, although the grant was first given to Manuel R. Valdez. A tall flight of stairs lead to the to the entrance to the second floor of the two-story building. Directly below the 2nd story entrance is the entrance to the first floor. A goat is drinking from a large buck at right, next to a dark entrance into an attached structure of the building. Bushes and trees are visible in the foreground.; Photoprint reads: "Adobe on the Hammel and Denker ranch. This ranch was part of the old Rancho Rodeo de Las Aguas which is now covered with the City of Beverly Hills. A map published in 'The History of Beverly Hills' shows this ranch having three adobes and the one which you have a picture of is marked 'Antonio Roches House'. No date is given. The Roche family, father and son, is mentioned in our histories as far back as 1825. When they built this house or whether they built it at all I do not know. The grant first belonged to Manuel R. Valdez. The picture you have was taken in July 1920. In 1926 Beverly Hills was started, streets planned and the old building removed. Robertson Boulevard and 3rd Street now cross on the old site." -- unknown author.; Picture file card reads: "Southern California adobes. Rancho Rodeo de las Higuals. House of Dona Maria Rita de Valdez. Stood near the center of what is now Beverly Hills"