At its peak in the 1970s and '80s, Egg City produced 2 million eggs a day, laid by 3.5 million hens. It also exuded a major stink that offended noses in much of Ventura County.

Earlier this month, the Shekell fire near Moorpark ravaged 13,600 acres, destroying five houses as well as the large egg factory, which had been abandoned since 1996.

Almost since it opened in 1961, the agricultural landmark had been imperiled by fires and Newcastle disease; rattled by high winds and earthquakes; and attacked literally by vandals and figuratively by lawyers. Finally, development henpecked it into oblivion.

Source: Los Angeles Times