MARGARITA FISCHER POLLARD
1886-1975
EARLY RESIDENTS DIVISION 2024
Margarita Fischer Pollard, known as the American Beauty of the silent movies, made her first silent picture, "Jackie of the Navy" in 1916. Her husband, Harry Pollard, was an actor-director, and later, an official of Metro-Goldvwn -Mayer. The Pollards purchased Rancho Buena Vista in 1931 from Jack Knight and in the ensuing years spent be-tween $100,000 and $150, 000 reconstructing and refurbishing it.
While the rancho was first being made suitable for occupancy, the Pollards stayed at the Vista Inn.
They had brought with them from the Metro- Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Arthur Fields, who stayed at the Inn also. Fields, who lived at the rancho for 20 years, was responsible for the planting, landscaping and general maintenance. He was also chauffeur, confidant and family friend. Mr. Pollard died in 1934 and after his death Fields stayed on as caretaker and supervisor of the property for Mrs. Pollard. He died in December of 1974 at the age of 84 years.
After Mr. Pollard's death, Margarita continued the work of refurbishing the adobe, bringing tiles from Italy and Mexico for floors and baths; candlesticks and other rare bric-a-brac from abroad and from Mexico; and hung the walls with rare tapestry and pictures.
With failing health, and unable to continue her work, Margarita sold the Rancho BuenaVista in 1951 to Frederick Reid, part owner of the Golden Nugget Casino in Las Vegas. Margarita continued to live in Vista until the early 1970’s when she entered a convalescent home. She died March 11, 1975. She was a charter member of the Board of Directors of the Vista Ranchos Historical Society,