Derby celebrates 90 years

After nearly a century of being the top watering hole for famous jockeys and a fine dining steak house for residents of Arcadia and visitors from all over the country, it’s about time someone threw a party to celebrate The Derby.

Hall of Fame jockey Laffit Pincay and other luminaries from Santa Anita and the horse race industry will join restaurant co-owners Dustin Nicolarsen and Michael Thomas and officials from the Arcadia Chamber of Commerce and the Arcadia Historical Society in commemorating the 90th anniversary of the restaurant with a Chamber business mixer from 5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 11. The Arcadia Historical Society will kick off the celebration of the eatery made famous by legendary jockey George Woolf by unveiling the group’s eighth historical marker in the community at 5:30 p.m. near the entrance from the driveway. Mayor Gary Kovacic, Mayor Pro Tem Bob Harbicht, and County, State, and federal officials will be on hand to present certificates. Following the presentation, the Chamber Business Mixer, featuring refreshments, will be held in the largest of the restaurants three dining rooms. Mixer tickets are $10 for Chamber members and $15 for non-members. Afterwards, all are invited to stay and buy dinner at the iconic restaurant and enjoy the historic showcase of memorabilia.

The “History Lives Here” historical marker features vintage and recent photographs and descriptions of the history of the iconic Derby restaurant that relocated from Foothill Boulevard to its present location at 233 E. Huntington Drive in 1931. The Derby, one of the oldest restaurants in Los Angeles County, has continued to be a favorite hangout of famous jockeys, trainers, and locals for decades.

The Derby was previously Proctor’s Tavern when it was relocated from Foothill Blvd to its present location on Huntington Drive in 1931 by then-owner Hudson M. Proctor. Seven years later, in December 1938, The Derby celebrated a grand re-opening under new co-owners Bill Petersen and George “The Iceman” Woolf.

Woolf was acknowledged as the greatest money rider of his time, guiding champions such as Seabiscuit, Whirlaway and Kayak II. He was fatally injured during a race at Santa Anita in 1946. Woolf’s widow Genevieve ran The Derby for another five years and lovingly maintained the racing memorabilia her husband had accumulated.

In 1951, Genevieve Woolf sold The Derby to the Sturniolo’s – affectionately nicknamed Murph and Slugger, who, along with their son Chip in later years, kept the dynamic connection to the Sport of Kings alive throughout their combined sixty years of ownership.

Current co-owners Dustin Nicolarsen and Michael Thomas bought the iconic restaurant and watering hole several years ago after Dustin had been general manager for seven years. They have been good stewards of the legends, memorabilia and quality service, food and ale at The Derby.

The series of Historical Markers dedicated in the past four years are part of the non-profit Society’s mission to create broader public awareness of noteworthy historical events, people, and landmarks in Arcadia. Other markers are located at Santa Anita Park, The County’s Arcadia Park, First Avenue Middle School, Adams’ Pack Station, the Arcadia Woman’s Club, the site of the original City Hall, and the Arcadia Chamber of Commerce.

The Society would like to thank the City of Arcadia for co-funding many of the Markers, including The Derby marker, which was installed by the restaurant. Gene Glasco is president of the Arcadia Historical Society. The Historical Marker Committee is chaired by Scott Hettrick with members Carol Libby and the two who are most responsible for The Derby marker, Sandy Snider and Jacquelyn O’Sullivan.

 — By Scott Hettrick