by Timothy Rutt
The plans for Altadena's 125th Birthday Bash on Nov. 3 are coming along, now with an historical costume contest added.
Although the dress code for the evening has been loosely defined as “casual nice”, the 125th Committee would like to encourage the more historically inclined to participate by coming dressed in period costume ... The literal minded might even consider coming as a former Altadenan of note. How about the pirate Joseph Chapman, who felled logs in Millard Canyon to build the church that still stands near Olivera Street in the Placita? (He did this before Altadena existed, around 1819, but who’s going to nitpick?) Robert Owens, General Albert Sidney Johnston, Benjamin and Alice Eaton, Owen Brown, John Woodbury, Col. Green, Thaddeus Lowe, Zane Grey, William Davies (in whose building we will celebrate) or even General Charles Farnsworth himself are just a few possibilities. The famous singing Banbury twin sisters, Parlor Provocateur Kate Crane Gartz, Octavia Butler, or more.
Anyone who wishes many enter our costume contest; the prize is a photo session and print, being donated by Photography by Walt, and will be determined by a very old-fahioned, low tech applause-o-meter. But if you just want to get dressed up for the fun of it, don’t let the contest put you off — no one’s going to make you enter!
There are 56 community sponsors so far, donating anything from cash to food to time and talent.
Zack wrote us that "The evening will be filled with music, art, good food, dancing, and a short program. A strong historical element will include exhibits from Desdy Kellogg (Altadena Stables), the Chamber of Commerce, the Sheriff's Department, and Altadenablog (natural disasters in Altadena)." There will also be a continuous loop slide show showing and telling some of Altadena's stories. Zack will , she says, "briefly recount Altadena’s coming into the world — a tale of two very different brothers, dreams of wealth, political intrigue, financial disaster, and more."
The Art Deco Band will perform period music for dancing, and Waste-Less Living will provide compostable utensils to help make it a zero-waste event.
Zack said that, while all Altadenans are invited, "we’d like to alert parents that the program, food, entertainment, are not geared toward children — and no special activities for the younger set have been planned. It might be a good night to find a sitter, especially for young children."
It's also not too late to get involved. You can still bring a platter of appetizers, or create an exhibit that tells the story about your civic group, church, or some other aspect of Altadena's history. Contact jlbrac@earthlink.net or altadenaheritage@earthlink.net for more information, and visit Altadena’s 125th Birthday on facebook. And there’s still plenty of time to get your costume together!
