The story of McWay Falls is intertwined with the life of Lathrop Brown, a prominent U.S. Congressman. In 1924, Brown embarked on a journey to Big Sur with his wife, Hélène Hooper Brown. Their travels led them to acquire Saddle Rock Ranch, a vast 1,600-acre (650 ha) property.
This property boasted a picturesque seaside promontory known as Saddle Rock, offering breathtaking views of Saddle Rock Cove. Hélène, a close confidante of Julia Pfeiffer Burns, shared a profound connection with her until Julia’s passing in 1928.
For many years, Julia’s great-niece, Esther Julia Pfeiffer, and her husband, Hans Ewoldsen, were devoted to caring for Saddle Rock Ranch. Initially, they resided in a charming redwood cabin perched on the cliffs, just across from the breathtaking McWay Falls. However, in 1940, they embarked on a significant transformation, constructing a modern two-story house aptly named Waterfall House.
The entrance of Waterfall House was adorned with an exquisite brass fish, a golden octopus, and a compass rose, all of which hinted at the elegance that awaited within. Upon entering, one was immediately struck by the well-appointed interior, featuring exquisite furniture and classic paintings that exuded an air of timelessness.
During the construction of the Carmel-San Simeon Highway through Big Sur, Hans Ewoldsen, the foreman at Saddle Rock Ranch, found himself working in the machine shop of the highway crew. His task was to create a Pelton wheel, utilizing redwood from the canyon and other materials he procured. In 1932, he successfully installed the wheel on McWay Creek. This innovative water-powered wheel served as the first electric power source in the Big Sur region. It played a crucial role in powering three houses, a blacksmith shop, and a delightful funicular railway, revolutionizing the area’s energy landscape.
Back in 1956, Lathrop and Hélène Brown embarked on a journey to Florida, where Lathrop’s untimely passing in 1959 left a profound impact. In 1961, Hélène Hooper Brown, driven by her deep admiration for her dear friend Julia Pfeiffer Burns, a true trailblazer, generously donated the entire property to the state. She stipulated that the land would transform into a park and be named in Julia’s honor. Hélène also requested that Waterfall House be transformed into a museum, showcasing the rich indigenous Indian artifacts, plants, and animals of the California coast, as well as historical items from the Big Sur region. However, due to competing museums vying for attention, a lack of financial resources, and the challenging accessibility of the site, the museum’s completion was delayed. Consequently, the mansion was demolished in 1965. In a fitting tribute to the past, an overlook of McWay Falls was constructed where the old home once stood, preserving the memory of Lathrop and Hélène Brown’s remarkable journey.
