Emmett Shelton, Sr. (1905-2000) was the original developer of Westlake HIlls. He tells of expanding Westlake Drive to the Westlake Highlands and building Toro Canyon Road.
In the 1940s, there was no Pennybacker Bridge or Loop 360 to provide access to this area. One old abandoned Land Grant (Brown Survey) in Westlake Highlands caught Emmett's attention. He got possession of the 500 acres by claiming and gating it for 10 years and protecting it from trespassers.
One Sunday in 1951, Emmett was Challenged. He was hunting on the Survey and found 2 groups of 4 men hunting - he told them to leave. When Emmett came home for Lunch, his son Emmett Jr. encouraged him to be tough on these trespassers. They went back out and told the trespassers to leave, but they didn't.
Emmett, Jr. had just returned from Korean battles and went to help his Dad defend the land. When things got hot - Emmett Jr. leveled off his rifle at the trespassers. They left but later tried to file a complaint for attempted murder.
This conflict was a factor when Emmett Sr. went to court to get the title to the land.
Music: Daddy's Dreams by Emmett's son Polk Shelton
For maps and other info check out our Facebook page: Our Westlake
Stories told by Emmett Shelton / compiled and submitted by Cynthia Shelton.
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