The Street Seen: Strachey Tract
Hill to Pier between 4th & 6th
The Strachey Tract (Hill to Pier between 4th & 6th) is an 1887 subdivision of Block 14 of the Lucas Tract. In 1903, the tract is sold and re-subdivided in as the Stoneham Tract. The Strachey Tract ceases to exist.
In 1885 J.H. Lucas and Sylvia Sessions, heirs to the Lucas Ranch, sell the 11.34 acre Block 14 (XIV) of the Lucas Tract to George L. Strachey and his wife, Jane Maud Strachey1 for $760. In 1888, Strachey subdivides the property into six blocks (A to F) of the Strachey Tract. There are 53 150-ft x 50-ft lots.
Streets established with the Strachey Tract - Strachey chooses English countryside street names - Partridge St, Aschwick Grove, Edmonstone St, Addington St, Bownham St, and Sutton St.
Between 1886 and 1887, there is a real estate boom is Southern California partly caused by the rail fare war between Santa Fe and Southern Pacific. However, the real estate market crashes in 1888, with many planned communities unbuilt.
In 1888, F.M. Doyle, agent for Strachey, advertises 49 lots for sale - at $900 each ($300 down and the remainder in 18 months). Each buyer is entered into a raffle (1 chance in 49) for the Strachey cottage on ¾ acre (150-ft x 217.8-ft) at the corner of 4th & Raymond.
In 1893, Strachey leaves Santa Monica (to grow olives in Escondido) and the tract is not developed. In 1903, Strachey sells the property and moves with his family to Canada.
In 1903, Stoneham, Page, and Churchill re-subdivided the property as the Stoneham Tract.
George Cuthbert Leonard Strachey (1848 – 1932). Born in England, Strachey (age 36) marries Jane Maud Evans (1864 – 1943) in 1884, and they come to Santa Monica. In 1885, they acquire Block 14 of the Lucas Ranch Tract, which in 1887, they subdivide as the Strachey Tract. In 1893, Strachey becomes a US citizen and leaves Santa Monica to grow olives in Escondido. In 1904, Strachey moves to Calgary Canada where he dies in 1932.