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History of Arcadia, California, USA
Journey back in time to Arcadia, California, USA
Explore Arcadia, 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.Do You Have Arcadia Ancestry? Share YOUR Family Story!
Located northeast of downtown Los Angeles, Arcadia is bordered by six other communities: Pasadena, Sierra Madre, El Monte, San Marino, Monrovia, and Temple City.
Arcadia is named after Arcadia, Greece.
The area was acquired by Gold Rush immigrant, businessman, and major regional land owner Elias Jackson "Lucky" Baldwin in 1875...
In 1889, on a site just north of the corner of First Avenue and St. Joseph Street, adjacent to the Santa Fe tracks, Baldwin opened the 35 room Hotel Oakwood to be the centerpiece of his new town. The first liquor license was issued to his oldest daughter Clara Baldwin. This becomes more significant when one understands that Pasadena, which borders Arcadia, was dry from its founding in 1886. In 1890 the Rancho Santa Anita Depot was built serve Lucky Baldwin's interests, and the people and needs of the town.
By the turn of the 20th century, Arcadia had a population nearing 500 and an economy that was becoming based on entertainment, sporting, hospitality, and gambling opportunities. The latter including an early version of the Santa Anita race track. Baldwin oversaw the incorporation of Arcadia into a city in 1903, and was its first mayor...
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Arcadia Nostalgia: Vintage Photos, Ads, and Postcards
Arcadia, California, USA
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Club House and Grandstand. Los Angeles Turf Club.
"Santa Anita Park was originally part of "Rancho Santa Anita," which was owned originally by former San Gabriel Mission Mayor-Domo, Claudio Lopez, and named after a family member, "Anita Cota." The ranch was later acquired by rancher Hugo Reid, a Scotsman. Later, it was owned by multimillionaire horse breeder and racer Lucky Baldwin. Baldwin initially built a racetrack adjacent to the present site in what is today Arcadia, outside of the city of Los Angeles, in 1904. It closed in 1909 and burned in 1912.
In 1933, California legalized parimutuel wagering and several investor groups worked to open racetracks. In the San Francisco area, a group headed by Dr. Charles H "Doc" Strub was having trouble locating a site. In the Los Angeles area, a group headed by movie producer Hal Roach was in need of further funds. These two groups combined and the newly formed Los Angeles Turf Club reopened the track on Christmas Day in 1934, making it the first racetrack in California. Architect Gordon Kaufmann designed its various buildings in a combination of Colonial Revival and a type of art deco known as Streamline Modern, painted primarily in Santa Anita's signature colors of Persian Green and Chiffon Yellow.
In February 1935, the first Santa Anita Handicap was run. The race's $100,000 purse, largest of any race ever in the United States until that time, produced its nickname the Big 'Cap.
In its heyday, the track's races attracted such stars Betty Grable, Lana Turner, Edgar Bergen, Jane Russell, Cary Grant, Esther Williams, and other stars. Bing Crosby, Joe E. Brown, Al Jolson, and Harry Warner were all stockholders..." (wikipedia)
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Santa Anita Race Track, Arcadia, California.
Club House and Grandstand. Los Angeles Turf Club.
"Santa Anita Park was originally part of "Rancho Santa Anita," which was owned originally by former San Gabriel Mission Mayor-Domo, Claudio Lopez, and named after a family member, "Anita Cota." The ranch was later acquired by rancher Hugo Reid, a Scotsman. Later, it was owned by multimillionaire horse breeder and racer Lucky Baldwin. Baldwin initially built a racetrack adjacent to the present site in what is today Arcadia, outside of the city of Los Angeles, in 1904. It closed in 1909 and burned in 1912.
In 1933, California legalized parimutuel wagering and several investor groups worked to open racetracks. In the San Francisco area, a group headed by Dr. Charles H "Doc" Strub was having trouble locating a site. In the Los Angeles area, a group headed by movie producer Hal Roach was in need of further funds. These two groups combined and the newly formed Los Angeles Turf Club reopened ... Read MORE...
Arcadia, California, USA
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A Beautiful Drive Bordered With Native California Sycamores, Near Arcadia
Arcadia, California, USA
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City Hall, Arcadia, Calif.
Discover Arcadia: History, News, Travel, and Stories
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The town's site became part of the Spanish Mission San Gabriel Arcángel lands in 1771.
After Indian Reductions to become Mission Indians, the Tongva were known as the Gabrieliños after the Mission's name. and under whose control these people worked during the mission period in California.
The Mexican land grant for Rancho Santa Anita was issued to Perfecto Hugo Reid and his Tongva wife, Victoria Bartolomea Comicrabit, in 1845. It was named after a family relation, Anita Cota, on his wife's side...
wikipedia
After Indian Reductions to become Mission Indians, the Tongva were known as the Gabrieliños after the Mission's name. and under whose control these people worked during the mission period in California.
The Mexican land grant for Rancho Santa Anita was issued to Perfecto Hugo Reid and his Tongva wife, Victoria Bartolomea Comicrabit, in 1845. It was named after a family relation, Anita Cota, on his wife's side...
wikipedia
1892 - A SPLENDID RESIDENCE BURNED. J. W. McClelland's House at Arcadia Laid in Ashes.
Mrs. McClelland Narrowly Escaped Perishing in the Flames.
One of Her Rescuers Badly Burned - A Gasoline Stove Was the Cause of the Fire - Loss $6000. Partly Insured.
By the Associated Press.
ARCADIA, Cal., Sept. 24. - The fine two story frame building of J. W. McClelland, of this place, was burned to the ground about 2 o'clock this afternoon. It was valued at about $6000; partially insured. By the brave efforts of Gus Delude and Bob Maehl, Mrs. McClelland was rescued, exhausted, from a second story window. The fire was caused by the explosion of a gasoline stove. Mr. Delude was severely burned about the face and hands.
Los Angeles Herald
Los Angeles, California
September 25, 1892
Mrs. McClelland Narrowly Escaped Perishing in the Flames.
One of Her Rescuers Badly Burned - A Gasoline Stove Was the Cause of the Fire - Loss $6000. Partly Insured.
By the Associated Press.
ARCADIA, Cal., Sept. 24. - The fine two story frame building of J. W. McClelland, of this place, was burned to the ground about 2 o'clock this afternoon. It was valued at about $6000; partially insured. By the brave efforts of Gus Delude and Bob Maehl, Mrs. McClelland was rescued, exhausted, from a second story window. The fire was caused by the explosion of a gasoline stove. Mr. Delude was severely burned about the face and hands.
Los Angeles Herald
Los Angeles, California
September 25, 1892
August 5, 1903 - Arcadia is incorporated
On August 5, 1903, Arcadia, a city nestled in the San Gabriel Valley of Los Angeles County, California, officially became incorporated. This marked a pivotal moment in the region's history as it transitioned from a small settlement to a recognized municipal entity with its own local government. Arcadia's incorporation allowed it to establish formal structures for governance, including city councils and municipal services, which were crucial for managing its growing population and urban development.
On August 5, 1903, Arcadia, a city nestled in the San Gabriel Valley of Los Angeles County, California, officially became incorporated. This marked a pivotal moment in the region's history as it transitioned from a small settlement to a recognized municipal entity with its own local government. Arcadia's incorporation allowed it to establish formal structures for governance, including city councils and municipal services, which were crucial for managing its growing population and urban development.
1903 - Chief of Police Madden, of Arcadia, Cal.
ARCADIA, Cal., Sept. 15. - "Billy" Madden, manager of scrappers, aspires to be a chief of police under the wizard of Santa Anita. Billy has just filed his application with "Lucky" Baldwin of Arcadia for the chief's star. "Billy" considers his years of experience handling the big boys have fitted him for the strenuous job of police chief. "Lucky" never thought of appointing such as official, but is considering the addition of such a well known character as Madden to his future El Dorado. Madden realizes that the duties will require considerable time, but figures he will be able to spare a few hours with the punchers. The climate and scenery are fine and the ambitious pugs can be worked out by the thoroughbreds.
Fort Wayne Daily News
Fort Wayne, Indiana
September 15, 1903
ARCADIA, Cal., Sept. 15. - "Billy" Madden, manager of scrappers, aspires to be a chief of police under the wizard of Santa Anita. Billy has just filed his application with "Lucky" Baldwin of Arcadia for the chief's star. "Billy" considers his years of experience handling the big boys have fitted him for the strenuous job of police chief. "Lucky" never thought of appointing such as official, but is considering the addition of such a well known character as Madden to his future El Dorado. Madden realizes that the duties will require considerable time, but figures he will be able to spare a few hours with the punchers. The climate and scenery are fine and the ambitious pugs can be worked out by the thoroughbreds.
Fort Wayne Daily News
Fort Wayne, Indiana
September 15, 1903
1916
Arca'dia, a post-village of Los Angeles co., Cal. Pop. about 100.
Lippincotts New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns, Resorts, Islands, Rivers, Mountains, Seas, Lakes, Etc., in Every Portion of the Globe, Part 1 Angelo Heilprin Louis Heilprin - January 1, 1916 J.B. Lippincott - Publisher
Arca'dia, a post-village of Los Angeles co., Cal. Pop. about 100.
Lippincotts New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns, Resorts, Islands, Rivers, Mountains, Seas, Lakes, Etc., in Every Portion of the Globe, Part 1 Angelo Heilprin Louis Heilprin - January 1, 1916 J.B. Lippincott - Publisher
1918 - WIRELESS MESSAGES REACH ARCADIA, CAL., FROM BROOKLYNYARD
Balloon Used at Training Field Is the Highest Aerial in the World.
Eagle Bureau, 901 Colorado Building
Washington, September 17 - The wireless station at Arcadia, Cal, by using for aerial the cable of a balloon, put aloft from the training field, has intercepted messages sent by the Brooklyn Navy Yard wireless stations, according to an announcement by the War Department today. This balloon cable probably makes the highest aerial in the world.
This announcement was made by the Division of Military Aeronautics, indicating increasing efficiency in both the work of students and the equipment of the War Department's various balloon training fields. The balloon school at Arcadia has 106 miles of wire in use in teaching military communication. For the purpose of demonstration it has a complete system of wiring strung as it would be in the front line trenches on the battlefield. Communication posts and stations for all kinds of messages are used by the students the same as soldiers use ... Read MORE...
Balloon Used at Training Field Is the Highest Aerial in the World.
Eagle Bureau, 901 Colorado Building
Washington, September 17 - The wireless station at Arcadia, Cal, by using for aerial the cable of a balloon, put aloft from the training field, has intercepted messages sent by the Brooklyn Navy Yard wireless stations, according to an announcement by the War Department today. This balloon cable probably makes the highest aerial in the world.
This announcement was made by the Division of Military Aeronautics, indicating increasing efficiency in both the work of students and the equipment of the War Department's various balloon training fields. The balloon school at Arcadia has 106 miles of wire in use in teaching military communication. For the purpose of demonstration it has a complete system of wiring strung as it would be in the front line trenches on the battlefield. Communication posts and stations for all kinds of messages are used by the students the same as soldiers use ... Read MORE...
1922 - Dirigible Z-2 Arrived At Arcadia, Cal., Today
(Special to News by United Press.)
Pacedonia, Cal., Today. - The Dirigible Z-2 arrived safely at Rose Field at Arcadia, Cal. at 9:25 a.m. to-day. The flight from San Francisco was without incident. Landing was perfect.
Lebanon Daily News
Lebanon, Pennsylvania
September 28, 1922
(Special to News by United Press.)
Pacedonia, Cal., Today. - The Dirigible Z-2 arrived safely at Rose Field at Arcadia, Cal. at 9:25 a.m. to-day. The flight from San Francisco was without incident. Landing was perfect.
Lebanon Daily News
Lebanon, Pennsylvania
September 28, 1922
1945 - 4 Dead, Scores Hurt in Wreck
ARCADIA, Sept. 5 - Failure of the engineer on the California limited's lead locomotive to obey speed orders was blamed today by Santa Fe officials for a wreck that killed four persons and injured scores in a derailment last night near the Santa Anita race track.
The death list was expected to increase since many persons were seriously hurt.
ENGINE RAMS SWITCH
A Santa Fe spokesman said that Engineer W. L. Lyons, 58, of San Bernardino, was not observing the 15-miles-an-hour speed limit over track that was under repair. The lead locomotive rammed a siding switch, overturned, and rolled into a ditch, taking with it the second locomotive and four coaches. Three other coaches were derailed but did not go down the embankment.
Repair work was being done in Santa Anita wash to protect the road bed against winter rains. The first section of the California limited passed safely over the temporary track, but the second, fouling the switch, tore up 200 feet of track, knocked down... Read MORE...
ARCADIA, Sept. 5 - Failure of the engineer on the California limited's lead locomotive to obey speed orders was blamed today by Santa Fe officials for a wreck that killed four persons and injured scores in a derailment last night near the Santa Anita race track.
The death list was expected to increase since many persons were seriously hurt.
ENGINE RAMS SWITCH
A Santa Fe spokesman said that Engineer W. L. Lyons, 58, of San Bernardino, was not observing the 15-miles-an-hour speed limit over track that was under repair. The lead locomotive rammed a siding switch, overturned, and rolled into a ditch, taking with it the second locomotive and four coaches. Three other coaches were derailed but did not go down the embankment.
Repair work was being done in Santa Anita wash to protect the road bed against winter rains. The first section of the California limited passed safely over the temporary track, but the second, fouling the switch, tore up 200 feet of track, knocked down... Read MORE...
Here's a list of places to go and things to do in Arcadia:
Santa Anita Park:
Imagine a place where you can feel the thunder of hooves on the track. That's Santa Anita Park for you. It's not just a racetrack; it's an experience. Catch some horse races, maybe place a bet, or just enjoy the excitement.
Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden:
Ever wanted to take a stroll in a garden that feels like it's from a fairy tale? This is it. The Arboretum is like a living museum of plants. You can chill by the peacocks, explore the different gardens, or just take a leisurely walk among the trees.
Westfield Santa Anita:
If you're into shopping or just want to grab a bite, Westfield Santa Anita is the place. It's a big shopping mall with all the usual suspects and some unique shops. Plus, there's a ton of food options. Shopping and eating - a classic combo.
The Gilb Museum of Arcadia Heritage:
Want to know more about the history of Arcadia? This museum has got you covered. It's not huge, but it's packed with interesting stuff... Read MORE...
Santa Anita Park:
Imagine a place where you can feel the thunder of hooves on the track. That's Santa Anita Park for you. It's not just a racetrack; it's an experience. Catch some horse races, maybe place a bet, or just enjoy the excitement.
Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden:
Ever wanted to take a stroll in a garden that feels like it's from a fairy tale? This is it. The Arboretum is like a living museum of plants. You can chill by the peacocks, explore the different gardens, or just take a leisurely walk among the trees.
Westfield Santa Anita:
If you're into shopping or just want to grab a bite, Westfield Santa Anita is the place. It's a big shopping mall with all the usual suspects and some unique shops. Plus, there's a ton of food options. Shopping and eating - a classic combo.
The Gilb Museum of Arcadia Heritage:
Want to know more about the history of Arcadia? This museum has got you covered. It's not huge, but it's packed with interesting stuff... Read MORE...
Discover YOUR Roots: Arcadia Ancestry
Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in Arcadia, California, USA
We currently have information about 5 ancestors who were born or died in Arcadia.View Them Now (sorted by year of birth)
Genealogy Resources for Arcadia
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