Early construction on the dam (1949-1959).

Prior to his ranching career in Isabella, Burel Mulkey established himself as a rodeo champion on the national stage.

The first school was established in the Hot Springs Valley in 1876.

Family members and neighbors on horseback at a corral on the ranch.

Livestock at the home ranch c.1960.

Alex and Dora Silicz married in 1910 and managed the family business established by Dora’s father, John Neill.

John Neill was a successful business owner in Isabella. At the same time that John and his wife Annie established the ranch, the couple also managed the Hot Springs House, a local hotel, restaurant and mineral spa. 

Constructed sometime after 1910, Melvin's house was a residence for a variety of visitors and workers at the ranching operation.

Family ranch c. 1970 and 2016.

360 degree view near the farmhouse and Melvin's house on the ranch in Isabella Lake, California, Oct. 25, 2016.

360 degree view on the west side of the property at the ranch in Isabella Lake, California, Oct. 25, 2016. 

360 degree view near the pump house on the ranch in Isabella Lake, California, Oct. 25, 2016.

360 degree view near the farm equipment on the ranch in Isabella Lake, California, Oct. 25, 2016. 

Rusted equipment lies clustered in the fields on the ranch, a testament to the daily work of running the ranch. Artifacts include spring tooth harrows and disk plows, which would have been used to break up soil.

Built in 1949, the farmhouse is a one-story building with one bedroom, one bath, a small dining room, kitchen and living room.

The 25 to 30 foot windmill pumped groundwater for household and agricultural uses.

Outbuildings provided shelter for livestock and storage for tools needed to maintain ranch operations.

Outbuildings provided shelter for livestock and storage for tools needed to maintain ranch operations.

The wood building was used for storage of saddles and tack, and there are posts and hitches on the outside for tying horses. 

Before the wood roof collapsed and weather and age took its toll, the blacksmith shop was used to repair various pieces of farm equipment, tools and metal items used around the ranch. An intact wood work bench is still visible inside the building and various rusted metal connectors and chains hang from the walls. 

A section of concrete near the garage foundation showed the cattle brands of the Silicz family.

Three generations of ranchers and cowboys built and repaired sheds, fences, shelters and many other structures on the ranch. This wood foundation was found near the pump house and windmill.