by Jane Brackman
President, Altadena Historical Society
Although Pasadena lays claim to the Rose Parade, Altadena also had a part in its beginning. Michele Zack wrote that the concept came together in the Altadena home of Banyard Smith (now the site of the Theosophical Society on the northeast corner of Santa Rosa and Mariposa, across from the McNally house). "It was at Smith's home that the Valley Hunt Club was founded in the early 1890s, from whence grew Pasadena's Rose Parade." ( Altadena: Between Wilderness and City, 2004, p. 122)
The elite Club may not have had the Pasadena Rose Bowl Motel in mind as their idea of upscale lodging (see attached history), but it’s the motel that became part of Altadena’s inheritance.
BTW -we still have Michele Zack’s Altadena history book available. It makes a great Christmas gift. Go to http://www.altadenahistoricalsociety.org/bookorder.htm or call us at 626-797-8016.
And finally, as you do your end of the year tax planning, please consider making a charitable contribution to help us keep Altadena’s history alive. Gifts can be an excellent means of not only making meaningful donations for the public good, but also establishing the basis for potential tax benefits to you, the donor.
On behalf of all of us at Altadena Historical Society, have a wonderful holiday. See you in 2012!
