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Serving Altadena since 1935

The Altadena Historical Society (AHS) was founded in 1935. As a 501(c)3 organization, we gather, preserve, and share print and digital information about the people, places, and events that have shaped the Altadena community.

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“Eyes on Altadena” will continue through 2022. Read more.

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Wondering about the history of your house? Or a notable person from Altadena’s past? Just ask us.

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Groundbreaking service, 1947 In the late 1940's,

Groundbreaking service, 1947

In the late 1940's, many new churches were built in Altadena, including the Altadena Community Church, next door to the Chevron station at Lake Ave. and Altadena Dr. Here's an interesting photo of a congregational groundbreaking service in 1947, and the finished structure one year later. It still looks about the same.
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Old maps - Pasadena in 1895 Here's an interesting

Old maps - Pasadena in 1895

Here's an interesting old map showing many familiar streets and Pasadena city limits that extend only just north of Villa St. Most if not all of these roads were dirt, and between 5,000 and 10,000 people lived here. The intersection of Fair Oaks and Colorado is a bright green dot. All of the schools in 1895 are red dots. The only school still in its original location is Washington (now Octavia Butler) School on the right side of the map. The resolution of the map is fairly high, so you can see good detail by zooming in.
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Old homes that aren't here anymore, part 2 Adolf

Old homes that aren't here anymore, part 2

Adolf and Kate Crane Gartz moved to Altadena in 1907 and built this landscaped estate along the west side of Santa Rosa, between Mariposa and Altadena Dr. This home was the site of many spirited gatherings of notable writers, activists, and intellectuals between the world wars. When Kate died in 1953, a portion of the land was given to the Girl Scouts for Camp Mariposa, and the rest was developed after plans for a park fell through.
—-- 1st image - The Echo Mountain Observatory is visible as a white structure above and to the right of the house.
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