Good morning, Pasadena. Welcome to 2025! It’s been 150 years since this city was dubbed “crown of the valley”. Pasadena, an Ojibwa word is historic, rich with culture and FUN! I’ve curated my favorite historic photos from the Pasadena archives for you. Enjoy this holiday edition! We will be back next week for our regular newsletter 🙂 See you at the parade!
A Slice of History 🌹
History Of Old Pasadena
It’s been 150 years since Pasadena was establish. To honor our past and lets enjoy some throwbacks…from way way back! Although we know it as the City of Roses this city was home to the orange groves. Following its founding in 1874 as an agricultural cooperative for orange growers, the City of Pasadena is incorporated in 1886.
1880s: Colorado Street, Fair Oaks Avenue
But the Rose Parade tradition is nearly as old! Check out this 1890s float when the Tournament of Roses Parade first started as a promotional effort by the Pasadena Valley Hunt Club.
Mrs. Charles Vilas and Mrs. Walter Raymond
The early 20th century was an era of grand hotels and Pasadena’s growing national reputation as a premium tourist destination and winter resort for the wealthy. Pictured here is the original architecture of Castle Green, known back them as Hotel Green and the Central Annex. The Central Annex is what’s left.
1900s: Hotel Green
Colorado Boulevard was always busy, even if it looked a bit different in the 1930s. Did you know that the original street was too narrow? So City Council decided the buildings were to be set back 14 feet on each side of Colorado, and most of the Victorian façades were replaced by Spanish Colonial Revival and Art Deco frontages.
1920s: Colorado Boulevard
As we look ahead into the New Year, let us be thankful that we are here…in this moment…where we have the technology to get a newsletter straight to your in your inbox. Cheers to the (new) roaring 20s!
However you chose to spend your day today, I sincerely hope you at peace and among your neighbors. Good luck to the Rose Bowl game players and fans today! 🏈
1939: Rose Bowl
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