Historical Markers in Arcadia: user guide

You may have seen one or more Historical Markers around town, each attached to two dark green posts and featuring vintage photos and a brief text summary of the building or area where they stand.

There are actually five markers installed as of August 11, 2010. A sixth — er, the first — will be installed by September. Four are within easy walking distance of each other. Each of them, including three within a few blocks of each other on First Avenue, and one just a  block west on Huntington Dr. at Santa Anita Avenue.

The Historical Markers, under the theme “History Lives Here,” are part of the non-profit Arcadia Historical Society’s mission to create broader public awareness of noteworthy historical events, people, and landmarks in Arcadia.

The first one was presented in October 2007 during the Centennial Celebration of what is now called First Avenue Middle School. A major construction project delayed the installation of that Marker for nearly three years. It will soon be permanently and prominently displayed on the northeast corner of the school property near the new music building at the southwest corner of the intersections of First Avenue and California Streets.
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(Story continues following highlights of the Centennial celebration and Marker dedication in video below…)
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The second Marker, noting the many evolutionary features on the property that is now Los Angeles County’s Arcadia Park, was dedicated in ceremonies on May 14, 2008. (Story continues following video highlights below…)
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The third Marker denoting the original City Hall building on the northwest corner of Huntington Drive and First Avenue was dedicated on July 13, 2008. (Story continues following video highlights below…)
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The fourth Marker, dedicated April 29, 2009, describes the Arcadia Woman’s Club, which officially incorporated as a non-profit organization in 1930, and the 78-year history of the building at 324 S. First Avenue dedicated on July 30, 1931 — just across the street at the southeast end of First Avenue school property. (Story continues following video highlights below…)
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The fifth Marker was dedicated July 16, 2009, as part of several activities celebrating the 75th Anniversary of the Arcadia Chamber of Commerce. (Story continues following video highlights below…)
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The sixth and most recent Historical Marker was dedicated Dec. 26, 2009, at Santa Anita Park on opening day as part of many events to commemorate the 75th anniversary season of Santa Anita Park. (Story continues following video highlights below…)
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Upcoming Markers will be dedicated and placed along First Avenue to mark the original Oakwood Hotel and nearby train depot, and the first traditional house in Arcadia belonging to original City Manager Hiram Unruh.

The Society would like to thank the City of Arcadia for co-funding the Markers and for installing those being placed on City property and others, including the Arcadia Park Marker. Thanks also to the Arcadia School District and First Avenue Middle School for its cooperation.

Gene Glasco is president of the Arcadia Historical Society in 2010.

The Historical Marker Committee is chaired by Scott Hettrick with members Carol Libby, Gary Kovacic, Gene Glasco, Don Swenson, and former founding Committee member Jack McCrea.

Contact: Arcadia Historical Society: 626-446-8512

– By Scott Hettrick