Once again local leaders and officials showed their interest in the town and local history and their support for the people and organizations of Arcadia by turning out for the dedication of the Historical Marker for the Arcadia Woman’s Club.
About 40 people gathered just before lunchtime on Wednesday, April 29, to see the presentation and unveiling of the fourth Marker in the History Lives Here series of signs created by the Arcadia Historical Society. (continued)
Get the Flash Player to see this content.
Among those who enjoyed a presentation by Carol Libby about the 95-year history of the Woman’s Club in Arcadia and the lunch and refreshments in the Woman’s Club after the unveiling were Councilmen Gary Kovacic (member of the Historical Marker committee), Bob Harbicht, Riger Chandler and Mayor Pro Tem Peter Amundson; City Manager Don Penman; Police Chief Bob Sanderson; Fire Chief Tony Trabbie; Chamber of Commerce executive director Beth Costanza; and Director of Library and Museum Services Carolyn Garner-Reagan.
Current Woman’s Club President Mickey Ball and longtime member, former Mayor, and current Social Whirl columnist for “Arcadia Weekly,” Floretta Lauber, assisted in the presentations and unveiling.
Toby Kahan, President of the San Gabriel Valley District of the Woman’s Club and each of the representatives of Assemblyman Portantino and County Supervisor Antonovich presented certificates of recognition to the Society and the Woman’s Club, a couple from the office of the President of the United States.
The series of Historical Markers are part of the non-profit Society’s mission to create broader public awareness of noteworthy historical events, people, and landmarks in Arcadia.
The newest one describes the Arcadia Woman’s Club and the 78-year history of the building, and features several vintage photographs of luncheons and garden parties, as well as an artist’s drawing of the first Arcadia Public Library building.
The Woman’s Club was responsible for creating the City’s first public library and their departments and committees were active in many civic and charitable organizations including the Red Cross, March of Dimes, the Peach Blossom Festival, Boy and Girl Scout troops, nurses, libraries, parks, children’s hospitals and the USO.
The Club officially incorporated as a non-profit organization in 1930 and the Club house at 324 South First Avenue was dedicated on July 30, 1931.
During World War II the Woman’s Club sold approximately $20,000 in war bonds, and the Red Cross had access to their Club house as a casualty center. The U.S.O. moved from Wheeler Street to the Woman’s Club in 1943 and used the facility as a social club for its servicemen. The foyer became the writing and reception room; the auditorium, a dance hall; and the solarium was used as a game and cloak room.
The Society’s first Historical Marker was presented in October 2007 during the Centennial Celebration of what is now called First Avenue Middle School. That Marker will be permanently and prominently displayed near the sidewalk in front of the building later this year when ongoing renovations at the property are complete. Click image above right to see video of Centennial celebration and Marker Dedication.
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. Click image at left to see video of Arcadia Park Marker dedication.
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. Click image at right to see video of City Hall Marker.
The fifth Marker will be dedicated on July 16 as part of several activities celebrating the 75th Anniversary of the Arcadia Chamber of Commerce.
Upcoming Markers will be dedicated and placed at Santa Anita Park, and 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.
Ruth Dunlop is president of the Arcadia Historical Society.
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, who co-produced the Woman’s Club Marker with Carol Libby.
Contact: Arcadia Historical Society: 626-446-8512 or Scott Hettrick, e-mail: hreporter@aol.com/ cell: 626-485-8783 or Carol Libby, e-mail: clibby91007@yahoo.com