View of Millard Canyon, Altadena, CA, 1914.(Paul Ayers) #altadenahistoricalsociety #altadenahistorical #altadena #altadenahistory #millard #canyon #millardcanyon #1914 #boulders #rocks #waterfall #lovely #hiking #paulayers
Two views of North Lake in front of Websters, Altadena, CA. The one looking north was taken 2/6/1962; the one south, 1955. #altadenahistoricalsociety #altadena #altadenahistorical #altadenahistory #northlake #websters #looking #north #south #1962 #1955 #kerns #deli #telephonepole #pharmacy #cleaners #realty #bank #jeweler #liquor #store #cars #classic
Camp Sierra 1901-1934. About 3 years ago, we posted a few pics from Camp Sierra, and here are a few more. Camp Sierra sat high on Sunset Ridge above Altadena. C.W. Seifert operated the camp for several decades, hosting hikers and horseback riders who made their way up the trail from the Cobb Estate at the top of Lake Ave. In our archives, we have several photos from the early 1920's featuring a woman named Ruth Darrow. Here are several more scenes from the Camp as well as a map indicating its location. All that is left now is a flat bench of land lined with Coulter pines at the end of the driveway off of the Sunset Ridge Fire Road. —---1st image - Here are some of the buildings at Camp Sierra in the 1920's. In the distance, you can see the San Rafael Hills with the unchanneled Arroyo Seco at left center —--- 2nd image - Before selfies, people still did crazy things. This is Ruth Darrow balancing on the crest of a roof. Millard Canyon is in the background. —--- 3rd image - Six visitors to Camp Sierra in the 1920's. There seems to be a lot going on here. The high-laced boots are impressive. —--- 4th Image - This photo is labelled as 'Granite Gate' on the Mt. Lowe Railway. It's an unusual angle on that landmark, with railway wires a prominent part of the image. It would have been a fairly short hike from Camp Sierra. —--- 5th image - Map indicating the location of the camp. Camp Sierra was visible from Altadena on Sunset Ridge. #altadenahistoricalsociety #altadenahistory #altadena #altadenahistorical #campsierra #sunsetridge #decades #hosting #hikers #horsebackriders #cobbestate #map #location #whatsleft #now #flat #bench #coulterpine #driveway #fireroad #sanrafael #hills #arroyoseco #before #selfies #crazy #things #crest #roof #millardcanyon
View to the northeast at the intersection of Lake Ave. and Foothill Blvd. [now Altadena Dr.], Altadena, CA, 7/21/1927; note infrastructure of PE's Mt. Lowe Line in the foreground. (Paul Ayers) —-- 2nd image - Same view 2/10/2016; note ridgeline match with 1927 photo. #altadenahistoricalsociety #altadena #altadenahistorical #altadenahistory #north #northeast #intersection #lakeavenue #foothillboulevard #altadenadrive #1927 #note #infrastructure #pacificelectric #mtloweline #mtlowe #foreground #sameview #2016 #ridgeline #match #paulayers
View north at the intersection of Lake Ave. and Mariposa St., Altadena, CA, July 21, 1927.(Paul Ayers) #altadenahistoricalsociety #altadenahistorical #altadena #altadenahistory #view #north #intersection #lake #avenue #lakeavenue #mariposa #street #mariposastreet #1927 #paulayers #hotel #marcheta #classic #car
Animal news! Animals wild and domestic have a long history here. Our clippings files on 'Animals' has a wide variety of stories. Here are two. 1. A bear captive at the Alpine Tavern zoo died of apparent poisoning in 1910. The Alpine Tavern was located at the terminus of Mt. Lowe Railway, high in the mountains where the Mt. Lowe Trail Camp now stands. 2. Sometime in the 1930s, a rabies epidemic was declared in Altadena! For 90 days, you couldn't let your dog off your property for walks or drives. Good luck with that! #altadenahistoricalsociety #altadena #altadenahistorical #altadenahistory #animal #news #animalnews #wild #domestic #clippings #widevariety #stories #bear #captive #alpinetavern #zoo #died #apparent #poisoning #romeo #largest #blackbear #1910 #rabies #epidemic #90days #dog #offproperty #leash #walks
Outing on the Mt. Wilson Toll Road, Altadena, CA, ca. 1890s. (Paul Ayers) #altadenahistoricalsociety #altadena #altadenahistorical #altadenahistory #outing #mtwilsontollroad #mtwilson #circa #1890s #donkey #dress #tollroad #trail #hiking #hikingclothes #paulayers
Altadena #AlfredHaymond #altadenacalifornia #observationalphotography #BandWisbeautiful #losangelesinblackandwhite #raymondchandler #altadenahistoricalsociety #ilovela #noirphotography #goodneighbors #altadena #waltermosley #sgv #noir #filmnoirphotography #americana #kentonnelson #nextdoorneighbor #urbanphotojournalism #freelancephotographer #fostersylversmisdemeanor
Originally built in 1915 for Walter Valentine, this house was later added onto by Henry Green of the Greene & Greene brothers in 1922. Prominent architects in Pasadena, they were the ones who also designed and built the Gamble House, which was featured in the movie Back to the Future. 🎥 You can see similar architectural styles here, with locally sourced arroyo stones, craftsman features, and a private view of Rubio Canyon. This project took a few days as we had to work around rain and other factors, and cleaning and washing windows at a 100+ year old house is never easy. Glad to see it’s on the market this week refreshed and ready for its new owners. #altadena #altadenarealestate #greeneandgreene #henrygreene #altadenahistoricalsociety #backtothefuture #gamblehouse #sevengablesrealestate #rubiocanyon
Don't miss out on learning about the incredible life of Ellen Garrison, a black educator and activist from Concord who traveled through the South to teach. She eventually was buried in an unmarked grave in Altadena, CA. Lifelong resident Veronica Jones will discuss her efforts to uncover Garrison's grave 129 years later and the resulting benefits for the Altadena community. The program will take place on Saturday, April 13, at 2 p.m. at the Concord Library. See library link in bio to register. This event is co-sponsored by @robbinshouse , @concordma250th , and @concordlibrary William Munroe Special Collections. #ellengarrison #ellengarrisonday #standupforellen #altadena #altadenaca #concordma #concordmassachusetts #altadenahistoricalsociety @altadenahistoricalsocietyca
On Friday April 12, from 10:30 to 11:30, Tim Gregory, the Building Biographer, will lead a walk-and-talk tour of the mid-century architecture of the Library building. The Main library was designed by architect Boyd Georgi [1967]. Additionally, the Altadena Library Director Nikki Winslow will share more about the future renovation plans for this beloved community building. On Saturday April 13, from 9:30 to 10:30, AHS docents will lead a short walking tour of the four corners of Mariposa St. and Santa Rosa Ave. which used to be the center of "Millionaires' Row" in old Altadena. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED for both programs. Please scan the QR code. #altadenahistoricalsociety #altadenahistorical #altadena #altadenahistory #building #biographer #timgregory #walkandtalk #tour #midcentury #architecture #library #mainlibrary #designed #archirect #director #future #renovation #plans #beloved #docents #walkingtour #mariposa #santarosa #center #millionairesrow
View north of Barley Flats from Mt. Wilson, CA, ca. 1920s; the photo was probably taken from one of the solar telescopes' towers.(Paul Ayers) #altadenahistoricalsociety #altadenahistorical #altadena #altadenahistory #barley #flats #barleyflats #mtwilson #north #california #circa #1920s #probably #taken #solar #telescopes #towers #paulayers #clouds #trees #mountains #hills
View of the valley of the Arroyo Seco from Red Box, CA, ca. 1920s, C.D. Wegner photo.(Paul Ayers) #altadenahistoricalsociety #altadenahistorical #altadena #altadenahistory #valley #arroyoseco #redbox #california #circa #1920s #wegner #photo #paulayers #hills #mountains #sky #trails #nature
Setting up the Mt. Wilson Observatory In the first half of the 20th century, the Mt. Wilson Observatory was at the cutting edge of astronomy and astrophysics. For many years, the largest telescope in the world was located there. To build the telescopes and observatories, a lot of equipment had to be hauled up. Here are two photos from our archives that show some of the work done. For more information, here's a link to the Mt. Wilson website: https://www.mtwilson.edu/bringing-astronomy-to-an-isolated-mountaintop/ —-- 1st image - This photo was taken in 1908, showing part of the 60 inch telescope that was being built up at the observatory. From 1908 to 1917, it was the largest telescope in the world. It was replaced by the 100 inch telescope, also at Mt. Wilson. Horse and wagon technology meets astrophysics. #altadenahistoricalsociety #altadenahistorical #altadena #altadenahistory #mtwilsonobservatory #mtwilson #observatory #firsthalf #20thcentury #cuttingedge #astronomy #astrophysics #largest #telescope #world #equipment #hauledup #60inch #100inch #horseandwagon #technology #rolling #dome #1908 #1917 #steel #cargo #steeldome
"The Night Before Christmas", Altadena's entry in the 1938 Tournament of Roses Parade; teachers and students from Altadena's elementary school rode on the float.(Paul Ayers) #altadenahistoricalsociety #altadenahistorical #altadena #altadenahistory #tournamentofroses #parade #entry #1938 #teachers #students #elementaryschool #float #paulayers #thenightbeforechristmas #roseparade #christmas #night #before #elves #deer #fairies
A group of tourists on their way to Inspiration Pt., PE's Mt. Lowe Line, Altadena, CA, 1932.(Paul Ayers) #altadenahistoricalsociety #altadena #altadenahistorical #altadenahistory #group #tourist #tourists #way #inspirationpoint #pacificelectric #mtlowerailway #1932 #welldressed #trip #ontheirway #inspiration #hill #paulayers
West Altadena and the proposed Brookside Air Park - 1946 Here is an image and article from the Pasadena Press (August 18, 1946). Apparently, there was a proposal in the air to create an airfield on what is now the Brookside Golf Course. The newspaper photo is a bit grainy, but it gives a good aerial view (looking south) of the bucolic western edge of Altadena before the 210 Freeway was plowed through there. The red oval is approximately where the airfield would have been. #altadenahistoricalsociety #altadenahistorical #altadena #altadenahistory #westaltadena #pasadena #brookside #airpark #1946 #image #article #pasadenapress #apparently #proposal #create #airfield #golfcourse #golf #grainy #aerial #bucolic #western #edge #210freeway #redoval #approximately #voters #battle
Paul Ayers' great-grandaunt Pet kept clippings of interest to her, and for some reason she kept this little account [the beginning of which is lost] of a trip to Echo Mt. on the Mt. Lowe Rwy., ca. 1898. #altadenahistoricalsociety #altadenahistorical #altadena #great #grandaunt #pet #clippings #interest #little #account #trip #echomountain #mtlowerailway #circa #1898 #reverie #disturbed #professorlowe #veranda #sunset #finest #views #moonlight #deep #gorges #weird #glare #searchlight #burros #paulayers
Altadena, California is a charming community nestled at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains, known for its picturesque tree-lined streets, historic architecture, and stunning views of the surrounding natural beauty. 🌲 #christmastreelane Credits: - #myhome @alfaromeoofficial Follow me @scottjamesluxuryestates DRE #01911554 with @douglaselliman for more amazing real estate content! #altadena #altadenacalifornia #alfaromeo #altadenafarmersmarket #altadenalibrary #altadenahistoricalsociety #midcentury #midcenturymodern #midcenturyhome #spanishrevival #mediterranean #frencharchitecture #historical #villacarlotta #missionrevival #modernarchitecture #altadenatownandcountryclub #altadenahomes #altadenagolfcourse #altadenaschools #myronhunt #wallaceneff #thebuildingbiographer #milliondollarlisting #douglasellimancalifornia #altdadenarealestate #thenextmoveisyours 🔑
"Halloween" [1978] in Altadena. In the seminal slasher, Dr. Sam Loomis [Donald Pleasance] travels to the Warren County Sanitarium, where he tries to convince the director that Michael Myers is on his way to Haddonfield, to run amok. The two walk out of the "office" down a path to the parking lot and where Loomis drives off in a high dudgeon. This scene was shot at the soon-to-close La Vina Respiratory Hospital which is all too clear from the inscription on the door mat. (Paul Ayers) —-- 2nd image - General view of the La Vina campus, ca. 1970s; the road seen at center is the extension of Lincoln Ave. up from Loma Alta Dr. The building seen in "Halloween" is the round ICU facility at left. —-- 3rd image - A closer look at the ICU facility. I've put in a faint red line to show the course of the actors as they leave the building and walk to the parking lot. —-- 4th image - A still from the scene showing the round ICU facility in the background. —-- 5th image - Loomis prepares to get in his car. The stairway at rear right is visible in the second aerial photo. #altadenahistoricalsociety #altadenahistorical #altadena #altadenahistory #halloween #1978 #seminal #slasher #sanitarium #michaelmyers #donaldpleasance #amok #office #path #parkinglot #lavina #respiratory #hospital #inscription #doormat #icu #facility #round #actors #stairway #campus #paulayers #loomis #stills
Rare Pair Of Spanish Revival Sconces Salvaged From Local Los Angeles Estate #spanishrevival #spanisharchitecture #losangelesarchitecture #historicalsalvage #salvagelighting #altadenahistoricalsociety #glendalehistoricalsociety #pasadenahistoricalsociety #sandiegohistoricalsociety #sandiegohistoricalsociety #hollywooddreams #hollywoodarchitecture #hollywoodstyle #revivalantiques
Home After 83 Years. Brian Marcroft, one of the founders of the Scenic Mt. Lowe Railway Historical Committee, has returned a small part of the railroad complex to its original location. As a former AHS Board Member, he has generously given us permission to post the following photos of his hard work last month. In brief, Marcroft and his crew returned a steel stand for the incline cars to Echo Mountain. The stand was used in the old railroad days when they needed to remove the passenger compartment to haul up supplies and equipment. See the images for more.... Here is the SMLRHC website: http://www.mtlowe.net/ #altadenahistoricalsociety #altadenahistorical #altadena #altadenahistory #home #after #83 #years #founders #scenic #mtlowerailway #committee #returned #part #railroad #complex #original #location #boardmember #generously #permission #hardwork #steel #stand #inclinecars #echomountain #passenger #compartment #marcroft #brianmarcroft
Snow view of Mt. Wilson, CA, ca. 1920s; the camera looks southwest; the main building of the Mt. Wilson Hotel is seen at the upper center right. (Paul Ayers) #altadenahistoricalsociety #altadenahistorical #altadenahistory #altadena #snow #view #mtwilson #1920s #camera #looks #southwest #main #building #mainbuilding #hotel #upper #center #right #paulayers #snowcapped #white #mountwilsonhotel
Breathtaking landscape 🤌 #inspirationpoint #altadena #echomountain #cobbestate #sangabrielmountains #losangelescounty #altadenahistoricalsociety #mountlowepreservationsociety #echophone #castlecanyontrail #sammerilltrail #losangeles #pasadena #saltyshrimp #lahikes #angelesnationalforest #landscapephotography #rollinghills #natureart
Good News! On Tuesday, Feb. 27, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors unanimously nominated the Owen Brown Gravesite, located in Altadena, CA, as a Los Angeles County historic landmark; it is expected that the Los Angeles County Historical Landmark and Records Commission will approve the designation. Once the designation is confirmed, the gravesite will be managed by the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy. Hopefully state and federal historic designations will follow. (Paul Ayers) #altadenahistoricalsociety #altadenahistorical #altadena #altadenahistory #goodnews #good #news #tuesday #losangelescounty #boardofsupervisors #unanimous #nominated #owenbrown #gravesite #historic #landmark #expected #records #commission #approve #designation #confirmed #managed #santamonica #mountains #conservancy #state #federal #willfollow #paulayers
Promotional trail map produced by Opid's Camp [just east of Red Box on the West Fork], CA, ca. 1930. The map appears to be based on a 1926 USGS map of the ANF. (Paul Ayers) #altadenahistoricalsociety #latadena #altadenahistory #altadenahistorical #promotional #trail #map #trailmap #produced #opidscamp #opids #camp #1930 #appears #based #usgs #anf #angelesnationalforest #alpinetavern #mtlowe #mtwilson #echomountain #picturesque #mountain #scenery #sturtevant #paulayers
Three boys who drove their motorcycles from Pasadena, CA to Opid's Camp [just east of Red Box on the West Fork] using what is now the Gabrielino Trail, 7/9/1923.(Paul Ayers) #altadenahistoricalsociety #altadenahistorical #altadena #altadenahistory #three #boys #threeboys #drove #motorcycles #pasadena #opid #camp #opidscamp #just #east #redbox #westfork #west #fork #gabrielino #trail #gabrielinotrail #1923 #paulayers
"Riding and Hiking Trails, Altadena Area", produced by the Dept. of Parks and Recreation, County of Los Angeles, drawn by R. Izumi, December 1961. (Paul Ayers) #altadenahistoricalsociety #altadena #altadenahistorical #altadenahistory #riding #hiking #trails #area #produced #departmentofparksandrecreation #department #parks #recreation #county #countyoflosangeles #drawn #izumi # #1961 #paulayers
A little piece of history. When the Mt. Lowe Rwy. acquired land for its Echo Mt. facility in the 19th Century, it marked the corners of the property with a pipe and cement monument. The 1934 map on the left shows the general location of the corners; the image on the right is the Corner No. 2 monument which still sits adjacent to the Chalet Trail, down slope from the Echo Mt. site. Locating photos in the succeeding images. (Paul Ayers) —- 2nd image - In this 2015 view of the Chalet Trail, the location of Corner No. 2 is, again, marked with a red dot. Note Echo Mt. site at top. —-- 3rd image - In this 1898 photo of Echo Mt., the location of Corner No.2 is marked with a red dot. #altadenahistoricalsociety #altadenahistorical #altadena. #altadenahistory #little #piece #history #alittlepieceofhistory #mtlowerailway #land #echomountain #facility #19thcentury #marked #corners #property #pipe #cement #monument #adjacent #chalet #trail #down #slope #echomountain #locating #photos #succeeding #images #paulayers #reddot
There’s snow on Mt. Lowe! Postcard view of inbound Alpine Division car, PE’s Mt. Lowe Line, between Mt. Lowe Tavern and Granite Gate, Altadena, CA, ca. 1920s.(Paul Ayers) #altadenahistoricalsociety #altadena #altadenahistory #altadenahistorical #snow #mtlowe #mtlowerailway #postcardview #postcard #inbound #alpine #alpinedivision #car #pacificelectric #line #between #mtlowetavern #granitegate #circa #1920s #paulayers
Two views of Thalehaha and Roaring Rift Falls, Rubio Cyn., Altadena, CA, the first from a postcard, ca. 1890s, the second following heavy rains, 2/2008.(Paul Ayers) #altadenahistoricalsociety #altadenahistorical #altadena #altadenahistory #twoviews #thalehahafalls #roaring #rift #roaringriftfalls #rubiocanyon #first #postcard #from #circa #1890s #second #following #heavy #rains #2008 #paulayers #storm
Glorious gas stations of the past, 1949 and 1980 Along Lake Avenue, we used to have more gas stations than there are now. Here are four photos, one from 1980 and three from 1949. The Union 76 gas station was on the current site of Everest Burgers (southeast corner of Lake and Mendocino). Burke & Jack's Texaco station was at the southeast corner of El Molino and Fontanet, across the street from El Patron Restaurant. In 1949, part of the gas station was on the site of the current restaurant. #altadenahistoricalsociety #altadenahistorical #altadenahistory #gasstation #glorious #gas #station #past #1949 #1980 #along #lakeavenue #union76 #currentsite #everest #burgers #texaco #across #elpatron #restaurant #current #mendocino #elmolino #fontanet #burkeandjack #oldcars
View of Leontine Falls (named for the wife of Prof. Thaddeus Lowe) from the Middle Old Echo Mt. Trail, Rubio Cyn., Altadena, CA, 4/15/2005.(Paul Ayers) #altadenahistoricalsociety #altadenahistorical #altadena #altadenahistory #leontine #falls #waterfall #named #wife #professor #lowe #thaddeuslowe #from #middle #old #echo #echomountain #trail #echomountaintrail #rubiocanyon #2005 #paulayers #green #greenery #water #rocks
View of workmen testing the grip wheel for the Great Incline, Echo Mountain, Mt. Lowe Rwy., Altadena, CA, 1893, and more or less the same view 2001.(Paul Ayers) #altadenahistoricalsociety #altadenahistorical #altadenahistory #altadena #view #workmen #testing #grip #wheel #greatincline #echomountain #mtlowerailway #1893 #more #less #moreorless #thesame #2001 #allgone #concrete #paulayers
Getting my groove on - Echo Mountain, site of an old railroad track that took people to a hotel 🏨 in the early 1900s. Love this piece of Pasadena and Altadena history. #echomountain #sammerrilltrail #altadenahistoricalsociety #altadenatrails #hokaoneone #flyhumanfly @hoka @strava #oldmanrunning
Map of PE's Mt. Lowe Line, Altadena, CA, illustrating an article in the Los Angeles Times on 3/19/1933.(Paul Ayers) #altadenahistoricalsociety #altadenahistorical #altadenahistory #altadena #map #pacificelectric #railway #mtlowerailway #illustration #article #latimes #losangelestimes #mtlowe #mtwilson #eatoncanyon #lasflores #canyon #incline #castlecanyon #rubiocanyon #capeofgoodhope #mtlowetavern #horseshoecurve #paulayers
Man on a motorcycle contemplates the ruins of the Mt. Lowe Tavern, Altadena, CA, ca. 1955; the subject bike appears to be a BSA B33.(Paul Ayers) —--2nd image - Ruin of the Mt. Lowe Tavern fireplace. —-- 3rd image - The shell of the Tavern Annex, blown up by the Forest Service in 1959. #altadenahistoricalsociety #altadena #altadenahistorical #altadenahistory #man #motorcycle #contemplate #ruins #mtlowetavern #1955 #subject #bike #appears #model #brand #fireplace #shell #annex #blownup #forestservice #1959 #paulayers
Equestrian party paused in the snow, Mount Lowe East Trail, CA, winter, ca. 1900, Harrison Gray Otis Collection. (Paul Ayers) #altadenahistoricalsociety #altadenahistorical #altadena #altadenahistory #equestrian #party #paused #snow #east #trail #mtlowe #mountlowe #easttrail #winter #1900 #otis #collection #horses #horsebackriding #snowgear #wintergear #paulayers
Postcard view of Alpine Tavern, PE Mt. Lowe Line, Altadena, CA, ca. 1903. (Paul Ayers) #altadenahistoricalsociety #altadenahistorical #altadena #altadenahistory #postcard #view #postcardview #alpine #alpinetavern #pacificelectric #mtlowerailway #1903 #circa #tavern #midair #stairs #welldressed #visitors #guests #paulayers
Blended view of the second Echo Mt. Powerhouse, PE's Mt. Lowe Line, CA; the early image is from 1907, the later, from the mid-1990s.(Paul Ayers) #altadenahistoricalsociety #altadena #altadenahistory #altadenahistorical #blended #blendedview #second #echomountain #powerhouse #pacificelectric #mtlowe #line #early #image #earlyimage #1907 #later #1990 #mid90s #paulayers
Cancelled For reasons having to do with finding an appropriate venue, my January 22, 2024 Mt. Lowe presentation is cancelled. Further information will be forthcoming. My apologies for any inconvenience. (Paul Ayers) #altadenahistoricalsociety #altadena #altadenahistorical #altadenahistory #cancelled #presentation #mtlowe #reasons #finding #appropriate #venue #further #information #forthcoming #apologies #inconvenience #inclinecar #echo #greatincline #1903 #paulayers
Postcard view of Horse Shoe Curve, Alpine Division, PE's Mt. Lowe Line, Altadena, CA, ca. 1910. Locating map in the next image. —--- 2nd image - Map of the Mt. Lowe Line and associated trails prepared 5/1981 by Jack Bascom, well-known Sierra Club hike leader; Horse Shoe Curve is shown at center left. (Paul Ayers) #altadenahistoricalsociety #altadena #altadenahistorical #altadenahistory #postcard #horseshoe #curve #alpine #division #horseshoecurve #pacificelectric #mtlowe #circa #1910 #map #associated #trails #prepared #1981 #sierraclub #hike #leader #shown #center #left #echomountain #history #paulayers
Map of Mount Lowe Railway, Altadena, CA, from brochure, ca. 1900. (Paul Ayers) #altadenahistoricalsociety #altadena #altadenahistorical #altadenahistory #map #mountlowe #mtlowerailway #from #brochure #circa #1900 #paulayers #alpinetavern #grandcanyon #inspirationpoint #millardcanyon #circularbridge #capeofgoodhope #rubio #echomountain #pasadena #incline #summit
"A thing of beauty is a joy forever". Incline car No. 1, named "Echo", at rest at the Echo Mt. landing of the Great Incline, PE's Mt. Lowe Line, Altadena, CA, ca. early 1930s. Note the glimpse of Alpine Division motor car No. 1520 at rear left; better view of 1520 in the second image. (Paul Ayers) #altadenahistoricalsociety #altadenahistorical #altadena #altadenahistory #inclinecar #numberone #named #echo #athingofbeauty #athingofbeautyisajoyforever #atrest #pacificelectric #mtlowerailway #echomountain #landing #note #glimpse #alpinedivision #motorcar #1520 #rear #left #betterview #hay #loadofhay #paulayers
View of Rubio Station at the base of the Great Incline, PE's Mt. Lowe Line, Rubio Canyon, CA, ca. 1930s. Note Mt. Lowe car at right, passengers embarking on Incline car at left.(Paul Ayers) #altadenahistoricalsociety #altadena #altadenahistorical #altadenahistory #rubio #station #rubiostation #base #greatincline #great #pacific #pacificelectricrailway #mtlowe #mtlowerailway #rubiocanyon #1930s #note #car #passengers #embark #embarking #right #left #paulayers #base
Two views of Grand Chasm Falls, Mt Lowe Rwy. site, Rubio Cyn., Altadena, CA. At left, Ms. Leona Phelps at the falls, 1905, at right, my now wife, Marshall Ayers née Nalle, 12/1987.(Paul Ayers) #altadenahistoricalsociety #altadena #altadenahistorical #altadenahistory #grand #chasm #falls #grandchasm #mtlowerailway #1905 #right #wife #1987 #waterfall #paulayers #lovelyladies #cool #coolwater
Two views of Rubio Gorge, Mt. Lowe Rwy. site, Rubio Cyn., Altadena, CA; the one on the left is from ca. 1897, I took the other in 1999; note distinctive rock formation at center in both.(Paul Ayers) #altadenahistoricalsociety #altadena #altadenahistorical #altadenahistory #twoviews #rubio #gorge #mtlowerailway #site #rubiocanyon #theone #left #circa #1897 #theother #1999 #note #distinctive #rock #formation #center #both #paulayers #face #mansface
Two views of Thalehaha [above] and Roaring Rift Falls, Mt. Lowe Rwy., Rubio Cyn., CA, one from ca. 1900 and the other from 2016.(Paul Ayers) #altadenahistoricalsociety #altadena #altadenahistorical #altadenahistory #twoviews #thalehahafalls #above #and #roaring #rift #falls #roaringriftfalls #mtlowerailway #rubiocanyon #california #circa #1900 #2016 #paulayers #ribbon #rock #ribbonrockfalls #rockclimbing #waterfalls
Two winter views at Granite Gate, Mt. Lowe Rwy. site, Altadena, CA, one from ca. 1900, the second taken by Jeremiah Small on 12/28/2020; the camera looks west. The third image is an additional same day photo (later that day ) by Jeremiah. (Paul Ayers) #altadenahistoricalsociety #altadena #altadenahistorical #altadenahistory #two #winterviews #winter #granite #gate #granitegate #mtlowerailway #circa #1900 #second #image #taken #2020 #camera #looks #west #additional #sameday #photo #jeremiahsmall #paulayers #third #laterthatday
Save the date! On January 22, 2024, I will present the first of my two part history of the Mt. Lowe Railway, “Rubio Canyon and the Great Incline”, at 7:00 pm, Altadena Community Center, 730 E Altadena Drive. The event is hosted by the Altadena Historical Society and is free to Historical Society members; donations will be gratefully accepted from other attendees. Reservations are strongly encouraged; a facilitating link will be provided in January. Hope to see you there.(Paul Ayers) #altadenahistoricalsociety #altadena #altadenahistorical #altadenahistory #savethedate #first #mtlowerailway #rubiocanyon #greatincline #altadenacommunitycenter #event #host #hosted #free #members #freetomembers #donations #gratefully #accepted #attendees #reservations #strongly #encouraged #facilitating #link #provided #january #hopetoseeyou #paulayers
Two views of Sphinx Rock, a natural formation on the Castle Cyn, Trail between Echo Mt. and Inspiration Pt.; on the right, a postcard view, ca. 1915, on the left, a shot from 5/1993. B&W image —- T.S.C. Lowe and party at Sphinx Rock, circa winter 1893. Professor Lowe loved giving tours, especially for visiting magnates. At left center, with bushy sideburns is Marshall Field, founder of the famous Chicago department store. Professor Lowe is just behind and to Field’s left in a derby. The older woman with the [under the circumstances] elaborate hat is Mr. Field’s wife Nannie. To the left of Nannie is one of Lowe’s many daughters, Edna. The man standing to the right of center with white papers in his coat pocket is the governor of California, H.H. Markham (1890-1894). Markham is the only California governor to come from Pasadena; Mount Markham is named for him. Beside the governor is Andrew McNally, the map king; his ornate Altadena mansion still stands at the corner of East Mariposa St. and Santa Rosa Avenue. (Paul Ayers) #altadenahistoricalsociety #altadena #altadenahistorical #altadenahistory #sphinx #sphinxrock #natural #formation #castlecanyon #trail #echomountain #inspirationpoint #postcard #1915 #thaddeuslowe #party #1893 #magnates #bushy #sideburns #marshallfield #markham #governor #pasadena #mountmarkham #andrewmcnally #mapking #ornate #mansion #paulayers
Ruins of the Inspiration Pt. shelter prior to 1996 restoration, Mt. Lowe Rwy. site, CA, 9/26/1992. (Paul Ayers) ----- 2nd image - 1920s view of the shelter ----- 3rd image - View of Inspiration Pt. shelter 10/10/2009 ( from Brian HikeUp) #altadenahistoricalsociety #altadenahistorical #altadena #altadenahistory #ruins #inspiration #point #shelter #inspirationpoint #prior #1996 #restoration #mtlowerailway #site #views #paulayers
The 210 Freeway and Altadena The 210 Freeway was constructed through northwest Pasadena in the 1960's and 1970's, a neighborhood of Black and Japanese-American families. One of the casualties of the freeway condemnations was the Metropolitan Baptist Church at the corner of Zanja and Mentone, an intersection that no longer exists. Metropolitan Baptist has been a mainstay of the Altadena community for decades, but its beginnings go back even further. Here is a Sanborn Map from the 1940's, and a current aerial from Google Maps. #altadenahistoricalsociety #altadenahistorical #altadenahistory #altadena #pasadena #210 #freeway #210freeway #northwest #neighborhood #1960s #1970s #black #japaneseamerican #families #casualties #condemnation #metropolitan #baptist #church #corner #zanja #mentone #nolongerexists #metropolitanbaptist #mainstay #community #decades #sanbornmaps #googlemaps
Prank photograph of two men fighting on the luggage deck of the Incline car, "Rubio", Echo Mt., CA, ca.1900, courtesy of Jake Brouwer.(Paul Ayers) #altadenahistoricalsociety #altadena #altadenahistorical #altadenahistory #prank #photograph #two #men #twomen #fighting #luggage #deck #inclinecar #rubio #echomountain #circa #1900 #paulayers #platform #boxing #courtesy
Postcard view of the Great Incline, Incline car, "Rubio" ascending, Mt. Lowe Rwy., Rubio Cyn., CA, ca. 1900.(Paul Ayers) #altadenahistoricalsociety #altadena #altadenahistorical #altadenahistory #postcard #view #greatincline #inclinecar #rubio #mtlowerailway #rubiocanyon #california #circa #1900 #ascending #paulayers #railway #passengers #amazing #engineering #platform
Floods and aerial photos, 1969 We have posted here before about the destruction of the beloved El Dorado Inn during the storms of late January 1969. (Here's a blog post about it: (https://altadenahistoricalsociety.blogspot.com/2017/09/altadenas-eldorado-inn-destroyed-in.html) One of our local historians, John Fode, found a new photographic perspective on the incident and donated this image to us. It is an aerial photo of the Eaton Canyon area around New York Drive, taken just hours before the El Dorado Inn was taken off its foundations and destroyed on January 29, 1969. #altadenahistoricalsociety #altadena #altadenahistorical #altadenahistory #floods #aerial #photos #1969 #posted #destruction #beloved #eldoradoinn #storms #late #blog #blogpost #local #historians #new #photographic #perspective #incident #donated #image #eatoncanyon #newyorkdrive #takenoff #foundation #destroyed
Two women, Mt. Lowe Tavern, PE's Mt. Lowe Line, CA, Fourth of July, 1934. (Paul Ayers) #altadenahistoricalsociety #altadena #altadenahistorical #altadenahistory #two #women #mtlowetavern #mtlowe #fourthofjuly #1934 #paulayers #hotel #vacation #resort #vacationresort #notjustahotel #tavern #lovely #hairdo
Two children pose on burros, Echo Mt. corral, Mt. Lowe Rwy., Altadena, CA, ca. 1894.(Paul Ayers) #altadenahistoricalsociety #altadena #altadenahistorical #altadenahistory #children #burros #echomountain #corral #mtlowerailway #circa #1894 #paulayers #fun #bridle #headcovering #hats #info
Condors above Altadena, 1878 Here's a shockingly cheerful news item from a 1936 issue of the Star News. In 1878, three brothers from the Giddings family went hunting in 'the hills back of Pasadena.' That sounds like somewhere above Altadena in the canyons and ridges. One of the three brothers accidentally shot and killed a condor, with a wingspan of over 10 feet! The excuse given was that they thought it was a bald eagle. Times have changed. Note: The Giddings were early landowners in Altadena. Their ranch occupied the area around Loma Alta Park and the La Vina neighborhood, and they donated the land for the current Mountain View Cemetery. #altadenahistoricalsociety #altadena #altadenahistorical #altadenahistory #condors #above #1878 #shocking #cheerful #news #item #1936 #issue #starnews #threebrothers #giddings #family #accident #shot #killed #wingspan #excuse #baldeagle #early #landowners #ranch #lomaaltapark #lavina #neighborhood #mountainviewcemetery
This Saturday, November 18, 2023 from 10 am to 12:30 pm we are celebrating the 200th birthday of Ellen Garrison Clark, a 19th century abolitionist and civil rights activist who died in Altadena in 1892 and is buried at the Mountain View Cemetery. We will also be unveiling new headstones for Harry Clark (1820-1897) and Susan Garrison-Johnson (1813-1898). #altadenahistoricalsociety #altadena #altadenahistorical #altadenahistory #200th #birthday #19thcentury #abolitionist #civilrights #activist #1892 #mountainviewcemetery #unveiling #headstones #sunrisechapel #family #members #honor #history #saturday #juneteenth #event
The mystery cabin, Mt. Lowe Railway, 1930's At some point during the operation of the Mt. Lowe Railway (1893-1936), a cabin made partially of stone was built near Dawn Mine Station, between Echo Mountain and the Alpine Tavern, near Cape of Good Hope. The ruins and artifacts still stand among the manzanita, sage, and sumac, but its purpose remains unknown. Here are some photos from different time periods. —- 1st image - Aerial photo taken in November 1935. The cabin is in the upper left area. —- 2nd image - A view of the cabin ruins in 1964, looking north up Millard Canyon. —- 3rd image - The ruins in 2018 —- 4th image - Artifacts left behind... part of a stove? —- 5th image - More artifacts, including melted glass. —- 6th image - The back (uphill) wall. —- 7th image - Some of the ruins are on the left of this photo. They had a nice view. La Canada, JPL, and the La Vina neighborhood are down there in the valley. #altadenahistoricalsociety #altadena #altadenahistorical #altadenahistory #mystery #cabin #mtlowerailway #dawnmine #echomountain #alpinetavern #capeofgoodhope #ruins #artifacts #manzanita #sage #sumac #purpose #unknown #aerial #millardcanyon #stove #melted #glass #lacanada #jpl #lavina #view #neighborhood #valley #1930s
HAYNES GROUP - New Listing 2919 N. Lake Ave. Altadena, CA 91001 Come home to this historic 1930’s Spanish retreat featuring 2 bedrooms and 1.5 baths. Set behind gates down a long drive, this private retreat offers peace and serenity in a busy world. Come home to Casa de Los Agaves. Offered at $945,000 #haynesgroup #compass #altadena #altadenahistoricalsociety #altadenarealestate #spaniahstyle #teamworkmakesthedreamwork #adventureswithmom
The man who built the Mt. Lowe Railway The Mt. Lowe Railway owed its success and safety to a Canadian-born civil engineer named David Macpherson. Thaddeus Lowe is perhaps better known as the entrepreneur who financed it, but the railroad was planned and designed by Macpherson, including the spectacular trestles and bridges. He was born in London, Ontario in 1854 and died in Pasadena in 1927. He moved to Pasadena in 1885 and struck up a partnership with Lowe. The railroad project soon followed. A small piece of the old right-of-way was preserved as the Macpherson Parkway, between Maiden Lane and Mt. Curve Ave. A small monument was dedicated on the Parkway in 1964. Here are a few photos to peruse. —- 1st image - David Macpherson stands on the incline while it was under construction, c. 1892. This section of trestle was unofficially named after him. —- 2nd image - David Macpherson in about 1890. —- 3rd image - David Macpherson at age 70. —- 4th image - Monument dedicated 1964. —- 5th image - The Macpherson Parkway in July 2022. #altadenahistoricalsociety #altadena #altadenahistorical #altadenahistory #theman #mtlowerailway #success #safety #canadian #civilengineer #davidmacpherson #thaddeuslowe #entrepreneur #finance #spectacular #trestles #bridges #born #london #ontario #1854 #died #pasadena #partnership #rightofway #macphersonparkway #monument #maidenlane #mountcurve
LA County Fire Department - Station 11 in 1928 and in 2023 The Los Angeles County Fire Department has always been a first responder in Altadena. An early fire station is pictured here in 1928 with its full crew in dress uniform in front of their station. Note the shiny badges in the afternoon sun and the fire truck behind them. This was taken looking east at the corner of what is now Lake Ave. and Altadena Dr. The current 2023 view is also included, although your intrepid historian could not stand in precisely the same location as the original photographer without risking a serious injury from eastbound traffic. #altadenahistoricalsociety #altadena #altadenahistorical #altadenahistory #losangelescounty #firedepartment #station11 #1928 #2023 #always #firstresponders #fullcrew #dress #uniform #dressuniform #station #firefighter #firestation #shiny #badges #afternoonsun #firetruck #behind #intrepid #historian #original
La Mariposa Hotel. Lake and Mariposa La Mariposa Hotel was a hub of activity in the early days of Altadena. It had a post office, barber shop, and rooms to let on the second floor. It was also on the street car route to Echo Mountain and Ye Alpine Tavern. The building was razed in 1956. Here's a photo from about 1905 with a current image from Google Maps. #altadenahistoricalsociety #altadena #altadenahistorical #altadenahistory #lamariposa #hotel #hub #activity #earlydays #postoffice #barbershop #rooms #secondfloor #streetcar #route #echomountain #yealpinetavern #buildings #razed #1956 #1905 #currentimage #googlemaps
The Mt. Wilson Toll Road in a Hupmobile, 1935 In the summer of 1935, it was big news that a Hupmobile made it up the Toll Road to Mt. Wilson in high gear. Here is an article from the Star-News describing the event. The Toll Road started at what is now the corner of Crescent and Altadena Dr. and descended into Eaton Canyon at the Pinecrest gate. From there it climbed about 7 miles past Henninger Flats to the top of Mt. Wilson. The Toll Road was closed to public travel in 1936 with the opening of the Angeles Crest Highway, and the maker of Hupmobiles (Hupp Motor Car Company) was out of business by 1940. #altadenahistoricalsociety #altadena #altadenahistorical #altadenahistory #mtwilson #mtwilsontollroad #hupmobile #1935 #summer #bignews #tollroad #highgear #starnews #crescent #altadenadrive #eatoncanyon #pinecrest #gate #henningerflats #angelescrest #highway #outofbusiness #1940 #huppmotorcarcompany
An early view of east Altadena One of our photos from our new Mike Post Collection is this beautiful view of our mountains. One is the original image, one is an annotated copy. There is no label on the photo. It appears to be Holliston Ave, perhaps near Altadena Drive. The absence of buildings on Echo Mountain means that it was taken after 1905, but probably not too long after that. #altadenahistoricalsociety #altadena #altadenahistorical #altadenahistory #earlyview #east #mikepost #collection #beautiful #mountains #original #image #annotated #copy #nolabel #appears #holliston #avenue #altadenadrive #absence #buildings #echomountain #after #1905 #inclinerailway
Postcards of the Mt. Lowe Railway Our recently acquired collection from Mike Post has several hundred postcards of the Mt. Lowe Railway (not our previously reported 100). We posted a few postcard images of the Horseshoe Curve on the railway earlier this month. Here are three images of the famous incline funicular from Rubio Canyon up to Echo Mountain. #altadenahistoricalsociety #altadena #altadenahistorical #altadenahistory #postcard #mtlowerailway #recently #acquired #collection #mikepost #hundred #horseshoe #curve #railway #famous #incline #funicular #rubiocanyon #echomountain #worldfamous #greatincline #cablecar #pacificelectric #pacificelectricrailway
Backyard landmarks Some backyards in Altadena have historical structures or relics that may be unknown to the current owners. We received a research request recently that asked about a small roofed structure in a local backyard. It turns out that it was part of the landscaping at the Gartz estate, a landmark mansion from the early 1900's owned by Kate Crane Gartz, an activist in socialist and feminist causes, and her husband. The mansion no longer exists, but this structure lives on. —--- 1st image - Current image of the structure. (Photo by Ann Scheid) —--- 2nd image - Current image of the structure. (Photo by Ann Scheid) —--- 3rd image - A photo from our archives. The Gartz home in 1907 with the backyard structure shown at the red arrow. —--- 4th image - This is an aerial photo from 1934 showing the Gartz estate, left center. The backyard structure is probably in the red oval. To the right of Santa Rosa, the estate you see is still there, now owned by the Theosophical Society. #altadenahistoricalsociety #altadena #altadenahistorical #altadenahistory #backyard #landmark #historical #relics #unknown #current #owner #structure #backyard #landscaping #gartz #estate #mansion #activist #feminist #socialist #1907 #santarosa #theosophicalsociety
Mt. Lowe postcards from the Mike Post Collection (Part 2) We recently acquired a collection of Mt. Lowe Railway artifacts from Mike Post. Included in this donation is a set of over a hundred postcards showing scenes from the old railway. These appear to have been sold widely throughout southern California at many tourist destinations. The railway was a major tourist destination for many decades, much as Disneyland, Universal Studios, and Griffith Park are now. #altadenahistoricalsociety #altadena #altadenahistorical #altadenahistory #mtlowe #postcards #mtlowerailway #artifacts #hundred #sold #widely #southerncalifornia #tourist #destination #touristdestination #major #decades #disneyland #universalstudios #griffithpark #mikepost #donation #horseshoe #curve