Monrovia Historical Museum

Summertime.. swim time!
Visitors to the Monrovia Historical Museum frequently tell us about learning to swim at the Plunge. On the first day of operation - June 24, 1925 - kids lined up well before the 9:30am start time. Ivan Purbaugh was the first to be issued a swimsuit, but James Bishop was the first one in the water. After his dive into the Plunge, Bishop called it "keen!"

Designed by local architect Harold B. Dunn and built by local contractor V.R. Bush, the bath house was considered a real asset to the community, modern and beautiful in every respect. Swimsuits were furnished by McBratney's Linens, and the water heating plant was installed by Day & Night Manufacturing.

We share here some newspaper ads from Opening Day.

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Overview

Front view of Monrovia Historical Museum, Monrovia, California

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The Monrovia Historical Museum occupies the building that once housed the city's Municipal Swimming Pool, known as the "Plunge." The former dressing rooms now comprise our two exhibit wings, covering more than 8000 square feet.

The Historic Monrovia Wing introduces the Monroe Family and the town they helped establish, including the famous Pottenger Sanatorium and the Pacific Electric Red Car. Exhibits in this wing depict life in Monrovia in the early 1900s, including faithful reconstructions of a turn-of-the-century kitchen and parlor, a 1907 classroom tribute to Monrovia's early grade schools, and an interactive police department exhibit.

The Historic Collections Wing includes a Natural History section showcasing unusual creatures and oddities seldom seen in public displays. This wing also includes our special collections of vintage telephones and cameras, an exhibit dedicated to Monrovia's service men and women, and much more.
Docent-led tours are available.

The Monrovia Historical Museum Foundation acknowledges that we are on the traditional land of the Kizh-Gabrieleño People.