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Journey back in time to Pasadena, California, USA

Explore Pasadena, California, USA! Uncover its rich history and discover the stories of the people who once called it home. Dive into old newspaper articles, vintage pictures, postcards, and genealogy to learn more about this fascinating town.

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Pasadena, California, USA - Pasadena, California, USA - Central Park and Hotel Green

Pasadena, Los Angeles, CA

In 1911, Calbraith Perry Rodgers, piloted America’s first cross-country flight from New York to California. Rodgers, who was deaf, landed the Vin Fiz in Pasadena, California on November 5th. The Armour Company of Chicago paid Rodgers $5.00 a mile as a promotional stunt for their new grape soda "Vin Fiz." The total flying time for the 4,321-mile trip was 82 hours, 2 minutes at an average speed of 52 MPH.

orangetourism.org

Explore even more about Pasadena, California, USA. Keep reading!

Pasadena Nostalgia: Vintage Photos, Ads, and Postcards

Pasadena, California, USA - Central Park and Hotel Green
Pasadena, California, USA

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Central Park and Hotel Green
Pasadena, California, USA - Huntington Hotel
Pasadena, California, USA
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Huntington Hotel

"The Langham Huntington, Pasadena is a luxury resort hotel located in Pasadena, California that dates back to the Gilded Age.

The original hotel on the site was built by General Marshall C. Wentworth, a Civil War veteran, and designed by Charles Frederick Whittlesey in the Spanish Mission Revival-style. It opened in February 1907 as the Hotel Wentworth, but the structure was only partially complete, with the first four stories finished and a temporary roof. The hotel's completion had been delayed due to a shortage of construction crews caused by rebuilding in San Francisco following the 1906 earthquake.[4] Heavy rains that year kept away prospective guests, and the Wentworth closed its doors in July 1907 after its first season.

The Wentworth was purchased by railroad tycoon Henry E. Huntington in 1911 and reopened in 1914 as The Huntington Hotel after a major redesign by the architect Myron Hunt which added the hotel's upper two floors and its iconic central... Read MORE...
Pasadena, California, USA - Sunken Gardens at Busch's Residence, Pasadena, Cal.
Pasadena, California, USA

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Pasadena, California, USA - Bubble Boy for Your Bar
Novelty House
Box 2214, Pasadena, Calif.
Pasadena, California, USA

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Bubble Boy for Your Bar
Novelty House
Box 2214, Pasadena, Calif.

Discover Pasadena: History, News, Travel, and Stories

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1874 - Pasadena, California founded

wikipedia.org
1878 - A Los Angeles paper states that the genuine Smyrna fig commerce has been introduced at Pasadena, Cal.,
where it is almost perpetually in fruit. Last year it fruited from June to January, and this year has already started fruiting and will probably ripen from May day to Christmas.
St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
May 25, 1878
1886 - January 1 - 1st Tournament of Roses (Pasadena California)

historyorb.com
January 1, 1886
1888 - A severe shock of earthquake was felt at Pasadena, Cal, on the morning of the 7th. Brick buildings were shaken, but no damage was done. A shock was also felt at Los Angeles.

St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
March 10, 1888
1895 - Pasadena
Pas'ade'na, a post-hamlet of Los Angeles co., Cal., in San Gabriel Valley, 33 miles from San Gabriel Railroad Station. It has 2 churches. Pop. in 1890, 4882.
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott
1902 - January 1 - 1st Rose Bowl game (Pasadena, California) (U of Mich-49, Sanford-0)

historyorb.com
January 1, 1902
1906
Pasadena, a city and winter-resort of Los Angeles co., Cal in San Gabriel Valley, 10 miles NE. of Los Angeles, on the Southern Pacific, the Southern California (Atchison, Topkea and Santa Fe Coast Lines) and the San Pedro, Los Angeles and Salt Lake Rs. It is situated near the base of the Sierra Madre and is embowered in a wealth of southern vegetation of cork-oak, rubber, eucalyptus, pepper, orange, and palm. The city has important fruit-industries and contains a natural history museum, polytechnic school, opera-house, etc. Pop. in 1900, 9117. Elevation, 830 feet.
Lippincott's New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns ... in Every Portion of the Globe Publisher J.B. Lippincott Company, 1906
1907 - HURLED FROM CARRIAGE.
Special State News.

PASADENA, May 14. - The Misses Elsie and Christina Peterson came here from Los Angeles shortly after noon to visit Mrs. Chris Larson of 800 Magnolia avenue. They were met at the car by Mr. Larson. When the carriage turned down Raymond avenue below California street a portion of the harness gave way. The horses became frightened and whirled, overturning the carriage. The two young women were hurled to the ground, Mr. Larson clung to the reins and succeeded in stopping the horse.
San Jose Mercury
San Jose, California
May 15, 1907
1926 - Grandstand Crash Injures 235 Persons. Shenandoah Investigating Board Finds Disaster Unavoidable. Woman Killed In Plunge Off Building Top. Police Prevent Panic as News of Accident Spreads. Frenzied Horse Hurts Two In Wild Scramble.
Improvised Beds Secured for Great Number of Victims

Pasadena, Jan 1.-(AP)-A day of roses and joy ended in tragedy for 235 persons who were precipitated into a tangled mass of wreckage when a temporary private grandstand collapsed during the parade of the tournament of roses here today. More than 30 cases of serious injuries were treated in the operating room of the Pasadena hospital and 200 others received treatment. Of these, 100 left after first aid and went their homes.

A few blocks distant from the scene of the tragedy, a woman fell from the top of a building while viewing the parade and was killed.

As the miles-long pageant neared its end, a frenzied big black horse, throwing its rider from the line of parade, crashed through the crowd and seriously injured two women.

Tangled Mass

The collapse of the stands came without warning. Witnesses said it started to sway with a groaning noise and a moment later collapsed completely, throwing its human load of nearly 500... Read MORE...

1948 - January 1 - 1st color newsreel filmed (Pasadena, California)

historyorb.com
1950 - Plane Crashes Into House As Pilot, Wife Die
PASADENA, Calif., April 29. (AP) - A private plane crashed into a 25-room house in the Linda Vista district of Pasadena Friday and exploded killing the pilot and his wife and causing $25,000 damages to the residence.

Killed in the accident were O. N. Lowry, 41, North American Aircraft Assembly Plant foreman, and Eleanor Lowry, 38, of Downey. They had taken off shortly before from the east Los Angeles airport for Oroville, Calif., for a visit with Mrs. Lowry's parents.

Lowry apparently tried to land on a nearby golf course. The plane struck the roof of the $200,000 home of Willard Allen, Altadena sanitarium operator.

No one in the house was hurt.
The Big Spring Daily Herald
Big Spring, Texas
April 30, 1950
Here's a list of places to go and things to do in Pasadena, California:
Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens:

Explore stunning gardens, rare books, and art collections at this cultural haven. It's a serene place to spend a day.

Old Pasadena:

Stroll through the historic streets, lined with charming shops, restaurants, and cafes. It's a great place for some leisurely shopping or people-watching.

Rose Bowl Stadium:

If you're a sports fan, catch a game or take a tour of this iconic stadium. The Rose Bowl Flea Market is also a must for bargain hunters.

Norton Simon Museum:

Art enthusiasts will love the impressive collection of European paintings and sculptures, ranging from the Renaissance to the 20th century.

Eaton Canyon Falls:

For a nature escape, hike to Eaton Canyon Falls. It's a beautiful trail leading to a stunning waterfall, perfect for a day of outdoor exploration.

Pasadena City Hall:

Admire the stunning architecture of Pasadena's City Hall. It's a popular spot for photos and often hosts community... Read MORE...

Discover YOUR Roots: Pasadena Ancestry

Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in Pasadena, California, USA

We currently have information about 23 ancestors who were born or died in Pasadena.

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Ancestors Who Were Married in Pasadena, California, USA

We currently have information about ancestors who were married in Pasadena.

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Genealogy Resources for Pasadena

Discover Unique Gift Ideas from or related to Pasadena

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California Dreamin' Ancestry Coffee Mug - Genealogy

Showcasing a witty caption that reads, "I'm from California! That explains a lot about my love for surfing at sunrise and wine tasting at sunset," this mug is designed to bring a smile to your face with every sip.

Lake Tahoe Shower Curtain - Crystal Clear Waters with Mark Twain Quote - Nature-Inspired Bathroom Décor

Transform your bathroom into a serene escape with this Lake Tahoe Shower Curtain, featuring the breathtaking crystal-clear waters of Lake Tahoe and an inspiring quote from Mark Twain. Whether you want to relive your favorite Tahoe memories, bring the beauty of the lake inside your home, or add a stunning touch to your Lake Tahoe vacation rental, this shower curtain is the perfect addition to any nature lover’s space. Designed to complement a Lake Tahoe home, it enhances the ambiance with a refreshing, tranquil vibe that captures the lake’s timeless allure.

Patriotic Memories: Memorial Day Vintage Postcard Coffee Mug

Remembering the Brave, Honoring the Fallen Celebrate the spirit of Memorial Day with this stunning ceramic coffee mug featuring vintage postcards commemorating the holiday. Perfect for honoring the brave men and women who served, this mug is both a functional keepsake and a nostalgic work of art. Whether you're sipping your morning coffee or enjoying an afternoon tea, this dishwasher-safe and microwave-friendly mug is a timeless way to show your patriotism. Ideal as a gift for veterans, history buffs, or anyone who cherishes American traditions, this mug makes Memorial Day even more meaningful.
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Updated: 10/13/2023 9:39:39 AM