by Jane Brackman
President, Altadena Historical Society
If you've lived in Altadena for any length of time you've probably been curious about the history of the hauntingly beautiful house on the southeast corner of Mariposa St. and Maiden Lane. It was built in 1911 for well over $20,000, when the average US wage was 22 cents per hour and the annual income was $200 and $400 per year.
When there were only 8,000 cars in the US the owner, Mrs. Effie Neustadt, kept several (along with a chauffer who probably lived in the apartment above the garage.) At that time fuel for cars was sold mostly in drug stores and there were only 144 miles of paved roads. The maximum speed limit in most cities was 10 mph.
Take a stroll back in time on October 23, from 10 AM- 4 PM. The history of this house, along with several others will be featured on Altadena Historical Society’s history tour of the 900 block of East Mariposa Street. Two other homes, the fully restored craftsman house built by the Chamberlain family and the home of our first historian Sarah Noble Ives, will be open for full docent led tours.
Tickets are $15 for members, $20 for non-members, and $25 at the door. To purchase tickets you can send a check to AHS at the address below, or order on-line:
http://altadenahistoricalsocietytour.eventbrite.com/
For more information email me or call 626-794-0700 or go to our website www.altadenahistoricalsociety.org
All tickets will be picked up at the event, to be held rain or shine.
