The Southern California Iris Garden

Frank and Will Rudesill and Will’s wife, Lyde, were owners of the Southern California Iris Gardens, located at 836 West Huntington Drive in Arcadia. Not much has been recorded about this garden, but these photos taken by their neighbors, the Perkins family, seem to be all there is to tell the story. We don’t know whether this was a business, or a private residence and garden. Enjoy a glimpse of a beautiful garden in yesteryear’s Arcadia.

Note the attractive home and its nicely landscaped front yard. The date noted on the back of this photo is: “mid 1920s.” “A scene in the garden, 1926.” The photo of Will and his wife, standing beside the coupe, was taken on June 13, 1931. The photo featuring blooming iris was taken in the garden in June 1930.