Educate
OC Classrooms
2022
Lewis Fenno Moulton, Nellie Gail Moulton, and Charlotte & Louise with “Dickie” from the Pasadena Rose Parade
View the film and learn about this traditional ranch practice. Then complete the activity lesson.
Explore the history of Moulton Ranch
Our one unit lessons integrate with your local history curriculum. Explore the history of this area with maps, exercises, and coloring pages! These materials were created from archival records to accommodate 3rd and 4th grade classrooms.
This map of Rancho Niguel was based on imagined by Charlotte Gail Moulton and Louise Marie Moulton. The lower right-hand corner of the map reads, “El Toro California imagined as it was when Charlotte & Louise grew up prior to 1935 Orange County.”
Participate in our Moulton Roundup annual tradition of cowboys, horses, potluck, and music. Race to find the clues on the ranch and join the party at the end!
Coming Soon
Nellie Gail, Educator, Circa 1900
As a school teacher in the Seattle area, Nellie excelled in the classroom. She became the principal.
"I stayed at home until I graduated from high school, I was too young to teach school so I entered a seminary and received my teaching certificate and taught in the grammer school in Hebrun, teaching 51 students...
When the school term was over I was offered a teaching position in Chelen, but only taught one year as father decided to go to Southern Calif to El Toro where he started the little country store there, that was still in operation until 1969 when the freeway went through this property."
In 1903, "While at El Toro, I'd received a wire calling me to fill a vacancy at Port Orchard, Washington, where there was an overflow of students." (50) "After Port Orchard I was elected and assigned to a principalship at the Dunlap School, situated in the suburbs of Seattle, along Lake Washington. There were seven buildings, all part of the Seattle school system and all under one superintendent. I was a principal of one. It was a busy, active period."
Family History Handout
This lesson was created by the city of Laguna Hills based on Charlotte Moulton's memoir.
Exhibitions
Visit and learn about the history of Orange County!
Classroom Tour Reservation Form
Your classroom will have a guided tour with a docent and a curator. We have a Hands on the Past Program where we will showcase and handle actual artifacts with your group. Come prepared to learn and experience Orange County with our interactive passport.
Books
Read about the history of California!
Two Years Before The Mast
Written by Richard Henry Dana, Jr. and adapted by the Ocean Institute
Rancho San Felipie
A tale of adventure and an unlikely friendship on one of California's last ranchos. In fourth grade California students study the state's history including the missions and ranchos.
The West: An Illustrated History for Children
A compendium book for Ken Burns' documentary series
Oral Histories
Nellie Gail Moulton
Nellie Gail Moulton, interview by Helen Smith, February 21, 1969, OH 3639, Center for Oral and Public History, California State University, Fullerton.
Alice Genevieve Barnes
Written by Scott T. Barnes, Great-grandson of Lewis and Nellie Gail Moulton, about the story of California.
Charlotte Moulton Mathis
Charlotte Moulton Mathis, interview by Bettie Webber, May 28, 1991, OH 2205, Center for Oral and Public History, California State University, Fullerton.
Woody Barnes: A Farmer's Life in Julian
Written by Scott T. Barnes, Great-grandson of Lewis and Nellie Gail Moulton, about the story of California.
Louise Moulton Hanson
Louise Moulton Hanson, interview Bettie Webber, March 16, 1994, OH 2355, Center for Oral and Public History, California State University, Fullerton.
Future Oral Histories
We are in the process of conducting more oral histories with Orange County pioneers. We are interested in learning more about those who lived and worked on Moulton Ranch.
