L.O. & Ella Hammond Home – 2026

Just east of the corner of Cypress Avenue and Cajon Street is a small 10 acre, 53 lot development created in 1915. Originally named Cypress Court, it was designated Cypress Circle in 1939. Twin river rock, free standing and lighted tapered pillars mark the one way entrance and exit from Cypress Avenue. The homes within were originally single story placed around the outer and inner circles. A Cypress tree lined circular sidewalk is located within the circle.

Fourteen lots were sold the first day. Designed by builder and developer Garrett Huizing, the Hammond house cost $4,500. Lemoul Oscar Hammond and his wife, Ella, married in San Francisco on May 22, 1915 and moved into their new home at 30 Cypress Court on March 1, 1916. The address was later changed to 628. The couple lived there for nearly 50 years.

The Hammond home is a classic Craftsman Bungalow featuring staggered-butt shingle siding, a single cross gable, low pitched roof with protruding rafters, and offset concrete steps leading to the porch. The offset steps preserve clear views to the front door, which is also off-set. The staggered, uneven shingles in an classic earthy tone create a hand-hewn appearance. The porch eves are supported by slightly tapered river rock piers and square wood columns. Other river rock features include planters on the left, right, and center, piers and wood columns supporting the pergola on the left and and the porte-cochère on the right, and a stone foundation. To the left of the door is one window and to the right, two smaller windows. A second entrance set back and adjacent to the porte cochere leads to the kitchen and a breakfast nook. A triangular lattice grid patterned attic vent is located on the front facing gable. Further back is a second gable set at 90 degrees to the facing gable. A pair of triangular vents with vertical slats on the left and right are essential for cross ventilation. Another vent is located in the gable directly above the porte-cochère.

Changes over the years include an electrical upgrade, new roof, water heater, repairs to the garage, and a bath addition. Current owners Jonathan and Rebecca McClure shared they found evidence of an apartment once located in the garage.

Michigan native L. Oscar Hammond arrived in Redlands in 1891. Census records and city directories indicate Hammond’s father, Charles Howard Hammond, his mother, Aramintha Hammond, L.O., and his youngest sibling, Cynthia, lived at 422 East State Street. L.O. was born in 1873, making him about 18 upon arriving in Redlands, which at the time boasted a population around 1900. From 1893 to 1906 Hammond worked for the US Post Office in distribution and general delivery. He was one of the first three Post Office employees delivering mail in Redlands beginning in 1898. He served under five postmasters and four US Presidents before resigning to move to Los Angles to work in real estate. Returning to Redlands two years later, he was hired by the Redlands Daily Facts as circulation manager, a position he held for nearly 34 years. L.O. was a charter member of the California Circulation Managers Association and was the organization’s president from 1923 – 1924. During his extended tenure he hired more than 600 boys to deliver papers. He retired from the Facts in January 1942.

Mrs. Ella Hammond (Robinson) came to California in 1915 from Iowa, having met Lemuel Oscar in 1911 while visiting a sister-in-law living in Redlands. In Iowa she taught school and later, was an agent for the Great Western Insurance Company. In Redlands she, for a time built, and sold houses..

The Hammond’s maintained an active social life and presence in Redlands. They belonged to the 1^st Congregational Church, the Redlands Lawn Bowling Club, were avid bridge players, competed in community outdoor Christmas decorating contests, and served on the committee planning the town’s 1938 Golden Jubilee. L.O. was a charter member of the Lions Club and Ella a member of the Contemporary Club and the bridge playing Friday Club. Both were active in fraternal organizations, including the Redlands Masonic Lodge, Knights of the Pythias and the Eastern Star Pythian Sisters. L.O. proudly said he never failed to vote at any and every election. The couple had a summer home in Newport Beach.

Ella passed away in January 1963 at age 92. In December of the same year, L.O. married Mrs. Edith Mably, a widow from Los Angeles. L.O. died in November 1964. He was 91. Edith and L.O’s daughters from a marriage prior to marrying Ella in 1915 inherited the home. A title search indicated the home remained in the family until Jonathan and Rebecca McClure purchased the property in 1995.

The Redlands Area Historical Society acknowledges and commends Jonathan and Rebecca  McClure’s for 31-years of dedicated stewardship of their classic California Bungalow. 

Research by Steve Spiller

Presented on June 9, 2026.