Development of West Arcadia began in about 1916 when large tracts of land were placed on the market for approximately $1500 per acre.
Just one store, located on the southwest corner of Baldwin Avenue and Duarte Road, served the area, until Peter Cuccia built a block of stores along Baldwin Avenue just south of Duarte Road in 1925.
Two years later, the Bank of Italy opened its doors on the southeast corner of Baldwin and Duarte. Business was brisk since the area was growing rapidly with new streets, homes and a developing poultry raising industry.
Baldwin Avenue never became a major north-south thoroughfare as expected. Its grade separation at the Santa Fe railroad crossing proved to be too costly, and no entity would commit to the expense. Rosemead Blvd. became the major north-south route instead.
We hope you enjoy our Historical Tid Bits about Arcadia, CA.
Carol Libby and Karen Hou
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Carol Libby & Karen Hou Arcadia Historical Society