Photo History

A large building with a tower that has lights on it.
The stunning 1920's art deco style building served as headquarters for The Richfield Oil Company. Constructed on the northwest corner of Sixth and Flower Streets it stood 372 feet tall and was the most distinct structure in the Los Angeles skyline during its time.
A building under construction with a crane in the background.
After only 38 years, the incredible art deco masterpiece met its fate on November 12, 1968. The Cleveland Wrecking Company worked for several months to tear it down. The Atlantic Richfield Company (ARCO) towers were built and are currently known as City National Plaza.
A pile of rocks in the middle of nowhere.
Some of the large boulders that were removed from the demolition site 1971
A man standing on top of a rock pile.
James Preston Natland with some of the raw boulders. 1971
A black and white photo of an arrow in the dirt.
Perspective of size of boulders showing a glitter of shells to Dr. Natland's pen. 1971
A black and white photo of rocks in the sand.
Lot littered with large boulders which would later become Natlandite. 1971
A black and white photo of rocks with numbers on them.
500 tons of selected large blocks were shipped to Italy. 1971
A close up of the surface of a piece of metal
Some initial pieces were cut and polished in Pico Rivera, California. 1971
Two men standing in a room with tables and chairs.
Dr. Natland and his son Preston inspecting Natlandite slabs. 1971
Two men are working on a project together.
Dr. Natland meticulously applying epoxy as needed.
Two men standing next to a large slab of granite.
Preston and his father proudly showing a finished Natlandite slab.
A table with a chair in the middle of it
French Provincial Table was presented to Mayor Tom Bradley. The table top is Natlandite which is indigenous of Los Angles. September 1981
A table with gold trim and marble top.
French Provincial Table presented to President Ronald Reagan at the White House. The table top is made from Natlandite which is a fossil stone indigenous of Los Angeles. November 1980
A small box on top of a wooden table.
Dr. Natland and his son, Preston made a variety of decorative items such as this jewelry box.
A small cube of wood with some metal on it
The cube that started it all - it is said that it sat on Dr. Natland's desk for 16 years before the larger discovery was made under the Richfield Oil Building.
A rock on top of a wooden pedestal.
A beautiful example of a piece of Natlandite left in raw form showing a glitter of sealife.
Two men standing in a room with furniture.
Dr. Natland and Preston Natland as they present the French Provincial Table with a beautiful Natlandite table top to Mayor Tom Bradley. Mayor Bradley declared Natlandite as the "Official Gemstone of Los Angeles" at the bi-centennial celebration of the City of Los Angeles. September 1981