PASADENA HISTORIC HIGHLANDS HOME TOUR

T w e l f t h
A n n u a l
PASADENA
HISTORIC HIGHLANDS
HOME TOUR
Sunday, May 28, 2006
Noon to 4 p.m.
Presented by the Historic Highlands Neighborhood Association
Letter from the Chairpersons
Welcome to the Historic Highlands' twelfth annual home tour. In celebration, we have six wonderful homes in
the historic “Dane Track” to share with you. They represent the full spectrum of the diverse styles of architecture
which characterize our neighborhood. We are featuring six homes on Michigan, Howard and Mar Vista Avenues.
Each of the homes on tour today represents the Craftsman ideal of life in California at the early part of the 20th
Century. Perhaps more important, they are examples of the dedication of the owners who have recognized the
beauty of these homes, hidden for years, and have worked diligently to restore them to their original state.
We want to sincerely thank the Homeowners who have shared the hospitality of their homes with us today. We
appreciate the support of local businesses that have advertised in the programs and participated in our tour. As
you stroll along the block and you happen to meet the neighborhood volunteers, please join us in thanking them
for their hard work in making the tour a reality.
The proceeds from this year’s tour will be used for neighborhood functions, and on-going school and library
projects. Enjoy the newly designed “Triangle” at Howard and Chester. The Neighborhood Association provided
the time and money for the project. We are proud of our program to provide “Mini-grants” to teachers at the
neighborhood schools of Longfellow Elementary, Pasadena Community Day School and St. Elizabeth Parish
School.
Be sure to take time to enjoy the artists and craftsmen on display, as well as the complimentary refreshments in
the beautiful garden setting at 1400 N. Michigan Ave. Finally, we want to especially thank you our guests, whose
interest continues to inspire us to make each year's tour something special.
Andrea Cawlina
Ginger Loesch
Co-Chairpersons, Home Tour Committee
New York Dr.
St. Elizabeth Parish School
N
Woodbury
Woodbury
Woodbury
Atchison
Atchison
Elizabeth
Elizabeth
1478
1447
Longfellow
Elementary
1415
Mar Vista
1411
Tickets
1400
Complimentary
Refreshments
Washington Blvd.
1
Chester
Rio Grande
1271
Holliston
Porta-Pottie
1171
Michigan
Howard
Hill Ave
Topeka
Catalina
Lake Ave.
Lexington
Historic Highlands Neighbor-
is a quintessential Colonial Revival, while 1271
Howard is a transitional Craftsman/Colonial.
Prairie style 1478 Mar Vista is a lovely interpretation of the Craftsman style and close relative
of our native California bungalows. Lastly, 1411
Mar Vista is a charming and whimsical blend of
Period Revival styles.
hood has a rich and eclectic
architectural and cultural heritage. The early development history traces
to Dane Farm,“Sunnyridge of the Highlands” as
it was affectionately known. The other significant developer of our neighborhood was Mt.
Lowe railroad engineer D.J. McPherson who
is responsible for the layout and several of the
homes in the northwest corner of Historic Highlands. The rail-themed names of our streets Erie
(now Woodbury) Atchison,Topeka, and Denver
(now Howard) were inspired by his work as
designer of the Santa Fe Railroad. A handful
of other land speculators and developers also
shaped the growth of our neighborhood. Sadly
very little is known about these developers although real estate speculation is deeply intertwined with Southern California’s roots. Our
neighborhood began at the turn of the century
and came of age during the first World War and
the economic boom of the 1920s. From orange
groves to early 20th century suburb, by the
time of Historic Highlands’ incorporation into
the City of Pasadena in 1925 it had transformed
from a remote country outpost to a bustling
and assorted neighborhood.
EZRA DANE
The earliest architectural style represented in
Pasadena is Victorian, but Pasadena is mostly associated with Craftsman style. Many significant
local architects introduced Period and Revival
style homes which were well received by cosmopolitan residents. The Prairie style might be
attributed to emigrants from the Midwest. Indeed, the Prairie style home is quite at home
next to the California bungalow. Both share
honest craftsmanship and find inspiration in
the simplicity and beauty of nature. True to
the Craftsman ethic of using locally found materials, note the use of locally grown oak and
The homes on tour today showcase a variety of
architectural designs. Both examples of Craftsman architecture, D. M. Renton attributed home
at 1415 Michigan might be the most iconographic Pasadena style represented on tour,
while 1171 Mar Vista resembles bungalows
found throughout the United States. Note the
similarities and differences between the two
tour homes on Howard Street. 1171 Howard
2
Douglas fir and art tile from Southern California’s artisan community in the homes on tour
today. The river rock used for foundations and
chimneys throughout the Historic Highlands
likely came from the Arroyo Seco. Craftsman &
Prairie homes were reactions to the industrialization and heavy and non-functional ornamentation of Victorians.
The architectural details in the homes of Historic Highlands find inspiration from all over
the world. Influential local architects Greene
& Greene were inspired by the Japonaiserie
movement when they visited the World’s Columbian Exhibition in Chicago in 1893. In the
1920’s, American architecture was influenced
by European and early American architecture.
Not necessarily faithful reproductions, Period
revival homes liberally borrowed attractive or
romanticized elements. The European flair of
Period revival homes suggested the culture and
prestige of its residents. Furthermore, in Southern California, Period revival movements represent a reaction against the dark organic interiors of the Craftsman style in favor of brightly lit
and open rooms. Colonial revival reflects national pride and became popular following the
country’s 1876 Centennial. Similarly, the Mission revival style recognizes early California’s
cultural heritage and was popularized following The Panama-California Exposition in San
Diego in 1915. See if you find any inspiration
from these different architectural styles in the
homes on tour.
Today our neighborhood is a combination of
many different architectural styles and cultures,
and it is because of this diversity that we make
the Historic Highlands our home sweet home.
3
1415 Michigan
Our cover house is a two-story
residences of inspired design and thoughtful
craftsmanship. Quoted in an interview published in the Star News’ Pen Pictures of Pasadenans series (3/7/1919), Renton stated that he
owed his success to having learned his trade
under men who believed in doing a job right
or not at all. “Such work may cost a few more
dollars,” Renton acknowledged, “but when finished you have a product of which you can be
proud and a client who is satisfied and knows
where to come if in the market again.”
Craftsman home attributed to
D.M.Renton (1878-1947), a prominent and prolific local builder with a flair for
marketing. “Watch Renton Make It Grow” proclaimed one of his ads for a subdivision of the
Nazarene University Park tract on Hill Avenue.
And grow they did—all over Pasadena—despite the financial panics of 1907 and 1912,
with over 100 buildings eventually credited
Known as the Willman Home, 1415
North Michigan Avenue is one of Renton’s later
Pasadena structures. It was built in 1914 for
Carrie and Leo Willman, Leo serving as vice
president of Pasadena Furniture and Carpet.
And while the Willmans surely continued to
prosper, by any measure, Renton’s career and
implacable work ethic were rewarded with a
to Renton, including Mt. Wilson Observatory.
Notwithstanding his advertising claim that “I
will build homes…as fast as I can erect them,”
Renton’s early pedigree as a contractor for the
architectural firms of Greene & Greene, Hunt &
Grey, and Frederick Roehrig assured that homeowners of even modest means benefited from
5
remarkable ascendancy. As early as 1907 he had
assumed all architectural duties for the homes
he built; rare exception made for projects commissioned by the Greenes, Reginald Johnson,
and a few others. By 1919, Renton came under
the industrious gaze of chewing gum magnate
William Wrigley, Jr. A self-made man like Renton, Wrigley didn’t suffer fools and was a stickler for punctuality. When the contractor that
built Wrigley’s mansion at 391 South Orange
Grove Boulevard (today’s Tournament House)
wanted thirty days to build a Turkish bath in
the residence’s basement, Wrigley balked and
turned to Renton. Renton maintained that he
could build it in twelve days;Wrigley promised
to hold him to it. Renton completed it in eight,
and so began a new chapter in Renton’s life.
With swift purpose, Wrigley appointed Renton
as General Manager of what would become
Wrigley’s greatest legacy, Santa Catalina Island.
Renton was charged with overseeing the development of Avalon; the roads, gas and electric plants, the Casino and Country Club, the
Wrigley’s home on Mt. Ada, and Catalina Island
Pottery. Renton would remain in that capacity
for sixteen years until his retirement.
and having made their way through the jungle of vegetation encroaching upon the home,
the new owners found an empty chair in the
otherwise empty living room in which the old
owner had just spent his last night, apparently
ruminating about a final option for the home
and, perhaps, himself. On the floor beside the
chair the new owners found a full can of gasoline.
In a stirring act of place-making, the
owners embarked upon an extensive restoration project. Their passion was to restore the
home to its former state of grace, as Renton
would have conceived and built it. Yet they
found a significant shortcoming in Renton’s
design, at least as it applied to a modern-day
family: it was a two-bedroom house. So the
restoration also involved expansion, all the
while remaining true to the use of Craftsmanera materials and detailing. Added to the home
are a family room downstairs and a master bedroom and bath upstairs.
The home’s exterior enjoys classic
Craftsman detailing. As you approach the
home, note the attractive gable design, called a
“slat sandwich” in which the vertical beams in
the gables are sandwiched by horizontal joists.
A Renton refinement to the “slat sandwich”
(and distinctive to Renton’s designs in which
he placed features in groups of three) are the
pattern of three-and-one vertical ridge beams
in the gables. As you stand on the front porch,
look toward the pergola to the south where
you’ll appreciate the “cloud lift” pattern on the
rafter tails. The pattern is carried through to
the front porch light fixtures which the owners had custom built, and to the pergola at the
back of the house, newly built to replicate the
original.
Back on the mainland, the passage of
years would begin to take their toll on some
of the Pasadena homes upon which Renton
made his reputation. Concerning 1415 Michigan, Carrie Willman continued to live there
after her husband’s death in 1948. The home
passed through a succession of owners, some
of whom it is thought were extended family
of the Willmans. Time and neglect gradually
dragged the home to the bleak nadir of its existence in 1999, when the current owners purchased it, weathering a volatile escrow of ten
months. On the morning they took possession,
6
Aided by the c1915 photograph of the
home, shown below, the owners have tried
to recapture its original façade, including replacing a shingle roof with a roof with rolled
edges and stuccoing the home in the original
“dashed” finish. The owners also added a front
porch railing, evoking the style common on upstairs porches. Even the concrete porch you’re
standing on is new, yet appears period-correct
due to acid washing and tinting. In fact, all of
the porches surrounding the house and the
driveway (relocated from the property’s south
side to its present location on the north) are
new while being made to look old.
fireplace flanked by casement windows complemented by a built-in bookcase on one side.
As for what might have occupied the other
side, the renovation brought to light the existence at one time of a bench seat. The boxed
beam ceilings are an elegant Craftsman touch.
Craftsman-style columns rising from a
half-wall mark the transition from living room
to dining room. The colonnade, like all the
woodwork in the living and dining rooms, is
made of Port Orford Cedar, which the owners painstakingly stripped of paint. Featured
on the opposite side of the room is a built-in
china buffet and casement windows. Here one
notes again the boxed beams. Rinaudo’s Reproductions in Montrose rebuilt and rewired
all the dining room fixtures, using period-correct cloth-covered wiring. (Rinaudo’s provides
The residence’s front door features beveled glass with casement sidelights. Typical of
Craftsman homes, the front door opens directly
into the living room. Here you’ll find a brick
Photo circa 1915 with original driveway location
7
Wm. Wrigley Jr. & D.M. Renton
Disneyland and Disney’s Imagineering division with many of their electrical fixtures that
require a period look.) As you leave the dining
room, notice the small pass-through window
to the kitchen.
common treatment in the early 1900s due to
its tidy appearance and cleaning ease. Cooking
is carried out on a vintage O’Keefe & Merritt
stove. By the time you view the home, a vintage and impressive O’Keefe & Merritt “Town
and Country” stove may have been installed.
The breakfast nook/butler’s pantry is newer,
having been converted from a screened-in
porch. It features bench seating for seven, outswinging casement windows with casement
stays, and a non-original knuckle joint above
the right side of the nook for a vintage joinery
appearance favored by the owners. There are
only two other locations in the home where
the owners have added this elegant knuckle
joint. Can you find them?
Stepping into the kitchen feels like stepping back in time. The only original elements,
however, are the built-in stove hood and the
lower cabinets on the wall adjacent to the
dining room. All other cabinetry is new, yet
sensitive to the original feel of the home. The
two Bosch dishwashers are concealed behind
cabinet façades; even their air gaps have been
located to the exterior of the home (rather
than the usual placement above the sinks) so
as not to compromise the vintage look. The
original kitchen walls were plastered, scored
and painted to simulate tile. Matte-finish “subway” wall tile made for a welcome upgrade, a
Beyond is the more recently constructed family room, the latest touch being the
ceiling’s new box beams, fixtures and picture
9
rails. Connecting the family room to the parlor is the guest bath with grooved wainscoting,
hexagonal floor tiles and vintage-look surfacemount shower hardware and subway tile. The
parlor features crown molding and two banks
of French doors leading to a porch. A pocket door separates the parlor from the living
room.
though not original to the house. In choosing
pedestal sinks with exposed piping, and surface-mount, nickel-plated shower fixtures, the
owners sustained the period look.
Down the hall from the master bedroom are two bedrooms separated by a doorway minus its pocket door, but equipped with
the necessary, though hidden, sliders to make
it work. Both bedrooms feature French doors
opening onto the front balcony. The fourth
bedroom is a converted sleeping porch.
Heading upstairs, you’re aided by the
illumination provided by a hallway skylight.
Originally, a window supplied this light, but
the addition of the master bedroom blocked it.
The master bedroom enjoys brand new maple
flooring and drop pocket windows that slide
into a slot in the sill—one of Renton’s signature
touches. The windows were relocated from
the sleeping porch during the renovation.
Departing the house into the backyard, you’ll discover the generous lot proportions, newly planted garden with tree roses
and strawberries, and children’s play set. The
latter was specially designed and built by the
owners, instantly recognizable as imitating in
smaller scale the Craftsman-era elements of the
parent house.
The master bath, in keeping with the
bath down the hall, uses hexagonal floor tiles
that were prevalent around the turn of the last
century. The tubs in both bathrooms are old,
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1411 Mar Vista
This
overhang; it emphasizes the horizontal lines
as the home seems to hug the landscape. The
exterior is clad in shingles, clapboard and a
brick porch with matching chimneystacks.
Guests have often commented on the home’s
bold exterior color schemes. The previous
owner selected the main color and invited their
children to select the accent colors. Today’s
owners were attracted to the bright pallet and
as you will see, have continued using bright
colors on the walls or in the décor.
one-and-a-half story
bungalow was built in 1912
and is a lovely representation
of the Craftsman bungalow. It
was home to the Grunewald family from 1920
to 1961. From 1964 to 1971 the Holtz family
occupied the home and it served as a foster
home. Since then, the house has had a number
of owners. The current owners purchased the
home in 2004. They have begun restoring the
house to its original glory, but wanted you to
know they still have many projects on the
docket.
Upon entering the home, one notes fine
examples of custom woodwork. The living
room and dining room include original oak
floors and box beam ceilings. The focal point
of the living room is the original brick fireplace.
It is flanked by a built-in bookcase and secretary.
The leaded glass in the casement windows
The intersecting gable and deep porch are
typical architectural features of the Craftsman
style. Note the tie beam supporting the porch
12
and the bookcase match the upper doors in
the built in dining room buffet. Immediately
to the left of the front door is a colonnade that
divides the living room from the dining room.
The current owners painstakingly stripped
layers of old varnish from the living room and
had the wood refinished. Additionally, they are
looking forward to restoring the dining room
and its Douglas fir wainscoting. Also note the
use of a mirror backing the buffet, a common
technique that reflects light into dark wood
paneled rooms.
the home was a rental property this wall
divided the house into two separate units.
Early records indicate that the home had only
three bedrooms on the second story. The
bedroom immediately off the stairs, which
is currently being used as a office, features
maple flooring. The middle bedroom features
window seats that cleverly utilize space
flanking the furnace flue.This room is the only
room on the second story to have oak flooring.
The nursery is cozily situated off this bedroom.
Douglas fir flooring suggests this room would
not have been intended as a bedroom but
might have once been a sewing room or
generous storage area. Lovely maple flooring
graces the master bedroom. A generous builtin window seat runs the entire length of the
wall. The owners plan to convert the storage
room that is accessed from the closet into a
master bath.
The kitchen was most recently remodeled in
2000, with the current owners just adding
some decorative knobs and period accents.
The hall from the living room features Douglas
fir flooring, a more affordable option than the
oak flooring that is showcased in public rooms.
The center room downstairs serves as a music
room. The sunroom and bathroom at the rear
of the first story were likely added in 1926.
Come back in a few years and you will not
only find the new master bath, but a closet
that will access currently unused space
behind the master bedroom’s south wall, new
fixtures on the doors, and a raised ceiling in
the new bathroom in the sunroom.
On the ascent to the second story, the landing
is graced by a lovely leaded glass window.
Although this is not original to the home, it
admits light while also offering some privacy.
At the top of the stairs are ghost lines on the
banister and walls from a former wall that the
current owner recently had removed. When
13
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1447 Mar Vista
This
business acumen influenced his decision to
become a music instructor and later music
store proprietor. He and his wife, Lena, came
to Southern California in 1911 and settled in
Pasadena in 1912. Long’s Music House at 15
W. Colorado was one of the most successful
music stores in the Los Angeles area and
featured a large balcony for displays and a large
auditorium. Long was also famous for his pink
and blue Chandler automobile that advertised
his famous business and (when decorated
with flowers) won a silver loving cup in the
1919 Tournament of Roses Parade.
1922 home features a
hybrid of architectural styles
including Normandy, Tudor,
and Spanish Revival. An early
photograph of the home, seen on page 16,
displays the lovely oriole window, arch motifs,
ornamental ironwork and plaster, and a unique
clipped gable roof that might represent thatch.
These luxurious details are reminiscent of
romanticized European architecture and
quite befitting the home’s first residents. J.
Harley Long of Fayette County, Ohio, was
both an accomplished musician and athlete.
He played for the semi-pro baseball league in
Columbus, but his love of music and strong
This home welcomes guests with a warm
formal entry vestibule. To the left is a cozy
sunroom with a prominent arched window.
The grand scale living room is the showcase
15
of this home. Perhaps Mr. Long’s piano
occupied the same spot as the current baby
grand, or did musicians perform in the galerie
above the living room? One gains a sense of
light and ventilation from the high ceilings
and impressive windows. One of the home’s
many unique touches, the living room door, is
adorned with an art glass elliptical arch fanlight
and sidelights, reminiscent of French colonial
architecture. The living room showcases
plaster workers’ master craftsmanship with
coved ceilings, a ceiling medallion from which
the chandelier hangs, and a cornice of plaster
molding that likely replicated the molding
around the exterior front door that has since
been removed. Other architectural features of
note include the triptych arrangement of arched
windows and the arch motif in the balusters.
The newel post at the base of the stairs may
have been originally topped with a lamp. The
sconces flanking the galerie are believed to be
original.
The gourmet kitchen represents contemporary
craftsmanship with sensibility to historic
integrity. The custom walnut cabinets were
masterfully crafted by a previous owner. The
cabinetry integrates clever storage options with
inset doors that would have been seen in an early
20th century kitchen. A massive hood faithfully
imitates the plaster hoods in 1920’s homes; it
crowns the professional grade stove. Also note
the arched kitchen door that introduces the
arch motif to the kitchen, normally a utilitarian
and unadorned room at the time.
The dining room is brightly lit by original
casement windows and the French doors that
admit light from the living room. Two built-in
china cabinets emphasize the arch motif.
To the right of the entrance is a modest bedroom
that may have acted as servant’s quarters. A
small square tub efficiently occupies the modest
bathroom.
The upstairs hallway is unusually bright for a
Photo courtesy of Pasadena Museum of History
16
period home thanks to functioning transom
windows above both bedroom doors and
the galerie that transitions from the open
living room to the upper story. The built-in
linen closet was created by the same owner
who built the kitchen cabinetry. Art glass
admits light into the hall and the cabinets are
accessible from both the hall and bathroom on
the other side.
in the 1920’s because their compact design
suited smaller bathrooms and they were easier
to clean than footed freestanding tubs.
The second bedroom also utilizes a vaulted
ceiling to make the medium sized room
appear much more spacious than its actual
dimensions. To the left of the door is a loft with
a small bookshelf and lamp. A bed could fit
here as well. The loft is the top of the stairwell
and is clever utilization of dead space.
The master bedroom’s historic details include
a vaulted ceiling and bay window with original
casement windows. The master bath was
originally a closet, but was tastefully converted
to a period style bathroom flooded with light
by the contemporary skylight.
This home would indeed be considered
quite modern when compared to Craftsman
bungalows with their front facing porches. Be
sure to enjoy the private courtyards to the side
and rear of the home. In the spirit of California
living, these outdoor rooms extend the home
and feature original hardscaping.
The hall bath maintains its original built-in cast
iron tub. These recessed tubs became popular
17
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1478 Mar Vista
As
woodwork and crown moldings accent this
welcoming room, which leads to the elegant
dining room on the left and the spacious living room on the right. The entry also features
a convenient cloak closet with mirrored door
and direct access to the central hallway.
you approach this impressive 1916 American Foursquare
style home, notice the clean horizontal
lines typical of the design. Also referred to
as Prairie Box, this plan generally features a
square footprint with four large rooms on top
of four, joined by a central staircase and hallway. In the West, these homes are often sided
in concrete block or earth-toned stucco, and
have wide eaves and long porches with thick,
square pillars as perfectly illustrated here.
As you enter the living room, note the original glass in the front window, which features
a broad single panel flanked by double hung
side windows as is typical of Prairie & Craftsman design. The living room has extensive
mahogany woodwork and quarter sawn oak
floors as does the rest of the home. The mission style furnishings perfectly complement
the architectural details.
You enter the home from an open porch with
covered portico supporting a front balcony.
The solid entry door featuring sidelights with
beveled glass, opens into the foyer. A reproduction period light fixture, generous mahogany
The far end of the room features an additional library seating area surrounding a fireplace
21
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with tiled hearth. The fireplace is topped with
a heavy wooden mantle flanked by casement
windows and glass front built-ins. The reproduction ceiling fixture and light sconces over
the mantle add to the warmth and character of
the room.
kitchen and the back patio. Accommodating
the multiple entry points, the owners optimized the space with a built-in desk designed
with plenty of work surface and storage, including a bank of file cabinets under the window seat. The casement windows here were
salvaged from another location and replaced
louvered windows.
A 20 light single pocket door leads from the
foyer to the formal dining room, which also features wide crown molding, a period reproduction light fixture over the Tiger Oak pedestal
table, and a picture window flanked by double
hung windows. Note the mahogany wainscoting and plate rail encircling the room, showcasing original family handiwork alongside a
collection of vintage Franciscan dinnerware.
The owner’s grandfather built the wooden tray
on the south wall as physical therapy during
recovery from injuries suffered in WWII. The
recessed curved front buffet rests below a trio
of casement windows, and is complemented
by a freestanding antique sideboard.
The central hallway leads upstairs to four
bedrooms and a full bathroom. At the top of
the stairs, a landing provides direct access to
the cozy front balcony through a single panel
glass door. The hallway features a built-in linen
cupboard and connects to all bedrooms and
the main bathroom. The bathroom was completely remodeled by the previous owners,
who maintained the period feel of the room
through use of traditional hex tiling, pedestal
sink and restoration of the original window
seat with full mirror. The bath overlooks the
back balcony.
The master bedroom features a trio of doublehung windows to the south and another pair
of windows overlooking the rear yard. Note
the antique bird’s eye maple dresser. A walkthrough closet with built-in dresser connects
to the front bedroom.
The large, sunny kitchen was remodeled in
two phases. The previous owners installed
new windows, maple floors and cabinetry
with custom tile counters along the north
wall. The current owners moved the laundry facility to the second floor and installed a
much-needed pantry in its place. The pantry
doors and upper cabinets over the stove and
refrigerator were built to match the existing
cabinetry along the opposite wall.The kitchen
also features a breakfast area with built-in style
banquette seating and a small powder room.
Notice the hinged panel in the floor which
leads to the original California basement. The
breakfast area also features access to the back
patio.
The other back bedroom features a glass panel
door leading onto the back balcony where the
laundry is now located, convenient to the bedrooms and bathroom.
The front bedrooms both feature double hung
windows on the sides and broad front window configurations replicating the pattern on
the first floor. The boy’s bedroom closet also
features a built-in dresser.
The large backyard features an expansive
grassy lawn, a children’s play area, fruit trees,
and plenty of room for outdoor entertaining.
The centrally located home office is easily
accessible from the living room, the hall, the
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Congratulations to the Home Tour Committee
and the Triangle Team . . .
your efforts have beautified Historic Highlands
(pictured above is the Triangle Team)
Just Sold in the Highlands by Veronica Boone
(represented the buyers)
1195 Topeka
925 Atchison
If you are looking to buy or sell a property in Historic Highlands,
call your neighbor Veronica Boone.
Veronica Boone
(626) 243-4236 Direct
(626) 688-8870 Cell
[email protected]
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1171 Howard
This stately home is a quintes-
symmetrical layout and fenestration with double hung six-over-one windows, portico with
columns, louvered shutters, and a simple paneled door with five upper lights. The boldly
painted front door is flanked by twelve-light
sidelights. The entry vestibule, living room, and
dining room feature oak flooring. The original
pocket doors lead from the entry to the living
room. In 1935, a sun porch was converted
to an enclosed sunroom. Note the well-preserved French doors with original hardware.
The fireplace was moved to its current position in 1937.
sential example of the Colonial
style. It was built in 1914 and was one of the
early homes of the Dane development. It may
have been a speculation property built to entice residents to this new neighborhood. Maria McCollogh, a teacher, resided in the home
from 1916 until the late 1920s. Other residents
include carpenter Otis Deale and his wife Zella from 1943 to 1950, and physician Vincent
Amar and wife Shirley from 1951 to 1960. It
was Ernest and Mary Palmer (1930-1937) who
had the most significant impact on the home.
The dining room features a chair rail and contemporary chandelier that blends nicely with
Exterior Colonial architectural features include
25
the simple historic architecture. It appears that
this room originally featured a built-in buffet,
but this was moved to the kitchen when the
door was relocated in 1935. The kitchen is accessed through a swinging door. Little evidence
exists of the original or remodeled kitchen other than the servant’s quarters with its petite 4”
claw foot tub.
The second story has four bedrooms and two
bathrooms. The northeast bedroom interestingly has a ghost window; from the inside only
the casement windows above the bed are present. When you visit the backyard note the second small window.
The showcase of the large open backyard is the
old oak tree. This tree has been the focus of
several production companies that have shot
on location at this home. This tree has hosted
tree houses constructed for a Disney production and Home Depot and Sprint commercials.
The current owners had to replace the badly
worn stairs and selected the lovely deep red
Jatoba wood, an exotic hardwood commonly
known as Brazilian cherry. Of note is the ornament carved artichoke finial on the handrail
and the laundry chute at the top of the stairs.
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1271 Howard
Welcome to 1271 East Howard
presidential campaigns of Warren G. Harding,
Calvin Coolidge and Herbert Hoover.
Street (formerly Denver Street),
In 1915, the home was sold to Rudolph Rosenberg, known as a successful capitalist and
owner of several businesses and commercial
buildings. He also was president of Mission
Hot Springs, Inc., the developers of Mission
Hot Springs in Murietta, California. He owned
the home for just a few years.
commissioned and built in 1912 by the Foss
Company for Robert B. Armstrong and his
wife, Blanche. Mr. Armstrong, originally from
Iowa, worked in the newspaper industry and
also in government service in Washington D.C.
Prior to his arrival in California, Mr. Armstrong
held the position of Assistant Secretary of the
Treasury under President Theodore Roosevelt.
In California, Mr. Armstrong was the editor of
a local daily newspaper, and had subsequent
careers in insurance and real estate. He left
California in 1917 and continued his career
as a correspondent for the Los Angeles Times.
He later became the publicity manager for the
In 1918, the home was occupied by Dr. Harold D. Babcock and his wife, Mary, who would
later purchase the property in 1920. Dr. Babcock was a renowned physicist who worked
at the Mt. Wilson Solar Observatory and Cal
Tech. He specialized in spectroscopy, and was
the recipient of the Bruce Gold Medal (one
27
of astronomy’s most distinguished prizes) in
1953. He was also known for his studies of the
sun’s magnetic fields. Dr.and Mrs. Babcock had
one son, Horace Babcock, who followed in his
father’s scientific footsteps and became the
Director of the Mt. Wilson and Palomar Observatories. The Babcocks sold their home in
1924 to the Simonson family, who owned the
home until 1944. Since then, the home has
had several owners, including a physician, an
engineer and an elementary school principal.
The current owners purchased the property
in 2003.
of the past coupled with the conveniences
needed for today’s busy lifestyles. The entry
hall is spacious and leads to a warm and welcoming living room with a large fireplace. The
dining room contains many Japanese treasures
which the homeowner purchased while living
in Japan. The music room (originally a porch)
was enclosed by one of the prior owners.
The recently remodeled kitchen is a gourmet
cook’s delight. The kitchen was expanded by
a prior owner by taking out a wall and including the space from the former breakfast room
into the kitchen. The kitchen also was extended and the dining area placed to view the back
garden. Note the beautiful cherry cabinets
and designer tile.
The Foss Designing and Building Company
was a very prolific contracting firm headquartered in Pasadena. The firm designed and built
many residences and commercial buildings in
Pasadena and gained a reputation for its design,
methods and materials used. Several homes in
Historic Highlands were designed and built
by the Foss Company, including 947 Atchison
Street, 999 Topeka Street, and the house next
door, 1283 Howard Street. It is highly probable that Foss Company staff architect Harry
M. Banfield was responsible for the planning
and design of this home. Banfield had a “signature” window design, in which the upper and
lower panes are separated by a narrow horizontal band of two smaller mullioned panes
– a slightly Art Deco flair – which is visible in
this house and in the house next door.
Upstairs, the home has been creatively altered
to accommodate a second bathroom. The cur-
Of particular interest is the blending of Craftsman elements into this Colonial Revival home.
Some of the Colonial Revival features were
rather freely interpreted, while the craftsman
features include the wide overhanging eaves,
shake wall cladding, and asymmetrical windows.
Dr. Haold D. Babcock
Upon entering this home, you will find echoes
photo Courtesy of the Archives, California Institute of Technology.
28
rent owners borrowed closet space from the
two west bedrooms to create a kids’ bathroom for their family. The master bedroom has
French doors leading to a lovely porch/patio
with views of the back garden.The cedar lined
closet in the Master bedroom was extended by
borrowing a closet from the front bedroom,
now used as an office. Much of the interior remodeling was completed in 2003 by the current owners.
The most recent improvement to the home has
been the addition of a beautiful shaded rock
garden on the west side of the property. The
soothing garden was inspired by the owner’s
time spent in Japan and replicates a peaceful
river shaded by camellias and Japanese maple
trees. The rear patio and front porch have recently been paved with China Lotus slate tiling, and add to the serene feel of this lovely
home.
Arts & Crafts on Display
Make sure to visit with the following Craftspeople, Artisans and Tradespeople as you make your
way through the neigborhood. They will be set up to answer questions, display their products or
give demonstrations at several locations along the tour route.
Mary Gandsey
Pasadena Architectural Salvage
Wood Stripper and Painter
626-797-3090
[email protected]
Architectural and other Antiques
Cary Pasternak
626-535-9655
pasadenaarchitecturalsalvage.com
Old Pasadena Vintage Lighting
Russell Hobbs
Antique and Reproduction Lighting
Fixtures
Jason McFarland
626-396-0843
[email protected]
Architect & Illustrator
626-791-4222
[email protected]
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CUSTOM FURNITURE RESTORATION
Repair & Refinishing
Wood & Metal Stripping
1025 W. Foothill Blvd. Azusa 91702
LORENZO TATONE
626-334-9517 Cell 626-437-0984 Fax 626-334-2197
www.dipnstrip.com
Tour Proceeds Fund Mini-Grants
2006 Home Tour Committee
Advertisements............ Andrea Cawlina
Ginger Loesch
Nicole Okamoto
Jane Wernberg
Arts & Crafts ................ Amy Richards
Chairpersons ............... Andrea Cawlina
Ginger Loesch
Flower Arranging......... Jeanne Barry
Janine Boyle
Rita’s Mom
Home Histories............ Bridgid Fennell
Home Recruitment...... Mitch Aiken
Andrea Cawlina
Home Write-ups........... Mitch Aiken
Veronica Boone
Bridgid Fennell
Roark Whitehead
Logistics....................... Bill Loesche
Tom Selinske
Photos.......................... Peter Boyle
Printing & Programs.... Bruce Berkey
Post-Tour Party.................... Mitch & Leslie Aiken
Roxanne & Jeff Treloar
Publicity.............................. Gary Klein
Tickets & Mailing List.......... Rex Barry
Tour Refreshments.............. Rene Chiara
Marianne Wolf
Treasurer.............................. Mitch Aiken
Volunteers........................... Jama Meyer
Barbara Sedano
Web Page............................. Mark Reusser
Committee at Large............. Michael Cawlina,
Anthony Fennell, Scott Lane,
Ken Lossett, Judy Rubin,
John Stothers
Special Thanks to:
Russel Hobbs - Cover Illustration
Tim Gregory - House History for 1271 Howard St.
Lasting Impressions Printing
Motif
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1909 Pasadena Street Map
This map shows the border of Pasadena (dotted line) with most of the Historic Highlands on the outside. It wasn’t
until 1925 that Pasadena incorporated much of this area. This also dates from before the Dane property subdivision
which extended Michigan Ave North and created Chester Street.
32
PASADENA ARCHITECTURAL SALVAGE
30 S. San Gabriel Blvd. (at Colorado Blvd.)
Pasadena, California 91107
Our architectural merchandise is salvaged from
period homes and buildings and can be used in a
restoration, remodel or add charm and character to
any home or business. Doors, hardware, mantels,
columns, furniture, lighting, stained glass, ironwork
and garden decor; each embodies craftsmanship and
materials not available today.
pasadenaarchitecturalsalvage.com
10 to 6 Tuesday - Sunday
tel 626.535.9655 toll free 877.535.9603
Pasadena Enterprise Center (PEC) was established in 1987 as a private, 501 (c) 3, nonprofit corporation. PEC encourages and facilitates the
development of new, existing and home based businesses, fostering local economic development and jobs creation. Communities benefit significantly, as a result of small business development. PEC offers a facility in which a number of new and growing businesses operate under one
roof with affordable program fees, shared services, and equipment. Each PEC client has equal access to a wide range of professional, technical
assistance and financial programs.
Most small businesses fail within the first five years of operation because they are undercapitalized and lack access to professional management
and guidance. PEC’s facility provides an environment where public and private resources can combine to meet the needs of small businesses
during their critical stages of development.
PEC Mission Statement: To promote entrepreneurship and job creation by providing assistance primarily focused toward minority and womenowned businesses that will employ people from low and moderate income families.
PEC Business Clients Will:
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Participate in an environment where small businesses can share experiences and conduct business with one another, thereby reducing the risks involved in business start-up.
Attend in-house seminars to develop increased awareness of and access to professional and technical assistance in the area of marketing, business, planning, finance, legal and management.
Gain access to facilities and equipment otherwise unavailable or unaffordable (copy and fax machine and more).
Increase business visibility in a professional atmosphere.
Receive counseling and advice on current technology relevant to the business.
Incubation Program Fee Includes:
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Monthly Free Services - Each company 300 free black & white copies per month ; unlimited incoming and outgoing faxes; and
mail services
Use of Conference Rooms - Unlimited use of two conference rooms, one seating eight the other 75
Shared Equipment Use
Technical Assistance & Counseling - Topics include accounting, finance, business planning, management, marketing, legal services,
etc.
Utilities - Gas, water, and electric
Telecommunications system - DSL connections
Shared common facilities - Each floor has a kitchen, conference room, and copy room.
Maintenance services - Basic daily janitorial services are provided to each individual office.
Security system - Allows you access to the building 24 hours a day on a card access system.
Business loans - Access to a small business loan program
Do I Qualify As A PEC Client? If you wish to submit an application, please contact PEC at (626) 398-9974, for an appointment, or visit the
PEC website: www.pec-sbi.org. Potential tenants will be invited to complete an application form and supply basic information on their business.
This information will be reviewed by an application committee, based on qualification guidelines that include:
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Business plan viability of the company product or service
The business’ financial history
Whether or not the business compliments other businesses within the center
If the business needs the services offered by the Incubation Program
Owner commitment to succeed
Start-up businesses are eligible to apply
The PEC can help you succeed! 1015 N. Lake Ave., Suite 100 - Pasadena, California 91104
Tel: 626 398-9974E-mail: [email protected] , Website: www.pec-sbi.org
High Above The Highlands
This aerial photo from the early twenties shows the
area developed by the Dane Family. Michigan &
Chester Avenues curve through what was once all
orchard surrounding the Dane Farmhouse. Originally addressed on Washington Blvd., the house is still
standing and beautifully restored at 1460 N. Michigan. The row of Palm trees that once bordered the
driveway can still be intermittently spotted in many
back yards on Michigan & Chester. Two of today’s
homes on tour can clearly be seen below.
1271 Howard
Chester Triangle
1415 Michigan
36