Old Pasadena and You

Posted by James Gilbert Pynn

January 31, 2009

by James Gilbert Pynn

With the proliferation of beautiful towns in Southern California, its easy to see why so many people pulled up stakes and went west. It is easy to see why so many settlers and immigrants eventually settled down in sunny Pasadena. The city as we know it today was born, in essence, when Benjamin Wilson became the first Anglo settler in the region in 1841. Wilson would later become the mayor of Los Angeles and a California senator. But is Wilson was the seed, Dr. Daniel M. Berry as the water that would grow this City of Roses.

Dr. Daniel M. Berry had come to from Indiana searching for a miracle. An asthmatic, Berry had been looking for a suitable place to relocate his loyal group of similarly asthmatic patients. He would characterize his sojourn to the area by say, It was the best three nights of sleep in my life. Eager to keep the area a secret, he created the Southern California Orange Grove Association and began to sell shares for a massive 4,000 aces bid. In 1874, the Indiana Colony was born. Pasadena would soon follow.

The colonys reputation for warm weather slowly drew settlers from the East and in the years prior to the Great Depression, Pasadena had become something of a fashionable winter resort for cold-weary Midwestern and Eastern families. This migration brought with it artists, actors, and scientists. The citys cultural wherewithal began to multiply. In 1917, the famous Pasadena Playhouse opened its doors. The Norton Simon Museum was founded in1922 and the Art Center of College and Design in 1930.

What is now the Old Pasadena Historic District was once the focus of commerce and industry for the entire San Gabriel Valley. Today visitors can marvel at historic facades along the rich and bustling Colorado Boulevard. Another remnant of Pasadenas rich history is the annual Tournament of Roses Parade. First begun in 1890 as a showcase for Southern Californias warm climate, the Parade has been held on new years Day ever since. Though it had been followed by chariot races and teams sports, its first association with football began in 1902 and the “Tournament East-West football game. Though the next game was not played until New Year’s Day 1916, it has since been firmly associated with the Rose Bowl.

This rose-shrouded gem continues to draw settlers, students, and artists. From the Historic District to Caltech to the Rose Bowl, Pasadena has something for anyone. Plane, train, or automobile, however you arrive, youre sure to be greeted with broad smiles and perfect sunshine. Theres a tremendous selection of Pasadena hotels to choose from, and even more restaurants, attractions, sights and sounds. The colony Dr. Berry built stands ready to embrace all comers.

About the Author:

Choose a room from any number of Pasadena hotels and plunge into the City of Roses. This gem of the Old West has been featured in many tales of a nation hungry for fulfillment. Of all the Pasadena hotels there are to choose from, you’re sure to find a cozy spot to start your adventures.

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