<![CDATA[Monrovia Historical Museum - Monrovia\'s Almanac]]>Mon, 10 Aug 2026 00:05:18 -0700Weebly<![CDATA[AUGUST ALMANAC]]>Sat, 01 Aug 2026 07:00:00 GMThttps://www.monroviahistoricalmuseum.org/monrovias-almanac/august-almanac1886: Monrovia's Land Boom 
-  Monrovia's first major land boom escalated as town lot sales surged following the townsite’s opening earlier that year. A significant influx of investors from Los Angeles and Pasadena drove a dramatic increase in the construction of residential and commercial properties. By August, only months after the initial sale on May 17, 1886, (annual Monrovia Days) the community was flourishing, with buyers confident in its future as a premier Southern California destination. The very first lot purchase was made by Mrs. Katherine Wilson, who was living in nearby Duarte at the time. She purchased the northwest corner of Myrtle and Orange (now Colorado Boulevard)—one of the most prominent commercial corners in the new town. 
-  A distinctive policy set Monrovia apart from other speculative developments: founders mandated that lot owners build a residence within six months. This rule fostered a genuine community of residents rather than absentee speculators. During this summer of growth, water systems were designed, streets were surveyed, and thousands of pepper trees were pledged as construction continued at a high velocity.
-  Public improvements also gained momentum in August. Plans for a railroad depot on Myrtle Avenue took shape, and work progressed on public buildings, churches, and a hotel. By the month’s conclusion, contracts for the first public school were finalized, signaling Monrovia’s transition from a mere land project to a true community. This momentum led to the city’s incorporation on December 15, 1887, distinguishing it as the fourth incorporated city in the county.
1887: Preparation for Incorporation
-  One year after its founding in 1886, Monrovia had evolved into a bustling town. The landscape now featured established businesses along Myrtle Avenue and organized religious congregations.
-  By August 1887, Monrovia had grown from a promising townsite into a thriving young community. Just over a year after the first lots were sold, the population had reached approximately 500 residents. Churches representing several denominations had been organized, businesses lined Myrtle Avenue, hotels welcomed newcomers, and construction of homes continued at a remarkable pace.

1925: The Municipal Plunge
- Building the Municipal Plunge: During the summer of 1925, construction was progressing rapidly on Monrovia's beautiful new Municipal Plunge. Designed in the popular Spanish Colonial Revival style by noted architect Harold B. Dunn, the building reflected Southern California's architectural heritage while providing residents with one of the region's finest public recreational facilities.
-  When completed later that year, the Plunge featured an indoor heated swimming pool, dressing rooms, spectator seating, and modern amenities that attracted swimmers from throughout the San Gabriel Valley. For decades, generations of Monrovians learned to swim, attended competitions, and enjoyed community events within its walls.
-  Today, the building has been lovingly preserved as the Monrovia Historical Museum, allowing visitors to experience both its architectural beauty and its rich history while exploring thousands of artifacts that tell the story of Monrovia's past.

1926: The Birth of Route 66
-  During August 1926, the nation was preparing for the official designation of one of America's most famous highways—U.S. Route 66. Although the familiar highway signs had not yet been installed, plans for the new transcontinental roadway were taking shape, linking communities from Chicago to Los Angeles.
-  Monrovia became part of the original Route 66 alignment as the highway followed Foothill Boulevard through town. Travelers experienced a community that offered hotels, service stations, restaurants, and small businesses catering to motorists exploring Southern California.
-  Within only a few years, increasing traffic would transform Route 66 into one of the nation's busiest highways. Monrovia embraced its role as a welcoming stop along the Mother Road, helping shape both the city's economy and identity for decades to come.

1930: Aviation Comes to Monrovia
-  The summer of 1930 found Monrovia's newly established airport—known as Foothill Flying Field—buzzing with activity. Located near today's Huntington Drive and Bradbury area, the airport quickly became a gathering place for aviation enthusiasts during the exciting early years of flight.
-  Pilots offered sightseeing flights over the San Gabriel Valley, while flying lessons introduced many local residents to aviation for the first time. Air shows, demonstrations, and visiting aircraft attracted spectators eager to witness the rapidly advancing technology of the "Golden Age of Aviation."
-  Although the airport operated for only a relatively short time before closing in the early 1950s, it remains an important chapter in Monrovia's transportation history and reflects the city's willingness to embrace innovation during a period of tremendous technological change.

1945: Peace Returns Home
-  August 1945 brought joyous celebrations to Monrovia as news spread that World War II had come to an end. Like communities across America, Monrovians gathered downtown to celebrate victory, wave American flags, ring church bells, and express relief that years of sacrifice were finally over.
-  The celebrations, however, were tempered by remembrance. Nearly every family had contributed to the war effort, whether through military service, factory work, rationing, or volunteer organizations. Many local servicemen returned home during the months that followed, while the community honored those who had made the ultimate sacrifice.
-  The end of the war marked the beginning of a new era for Monrovia. Returning veterans helped fuel a period of rapid growth, new neighborhoods were developed, businesses expanded, and the city entered one of the most prosperous decades in its history.
]]><![CDATA[JULY ALMANAC]]>Wed, 01 Jul 2026 07:00:00 GMThttps://www.monroviahistoricalmuseum.org/monrovias-almanac/july-almanac​1887: Rapid Transit Railway
-  July 27 – William N. Monroe incorporated the San Gabriel Valley Rapid Transit Railway, an ambitious effort to connect Monrovia directly with Los Angeles.

1888: The Monrovia Messenger
-  The Monrovia Messenger debuted, providing residents with local news, building permits, obituaries, and community happenings.
1893: Monrovia City High School
-  The Monrovia City High School District was formed, paving the way for the city's first dedicated high school building.

1913: MPD - Frank L. Scott - Future Chief of Police 
-  July 4 – Frank L. Scott joined the Monrovia Police Department as a relief patrolman. He later became Monrovia's first appointed Chief of Police.

1926: Growing Automobile Tourism and Aztec Hotel 
-  As Route 66 prepared to open, Monrovia welcomed growing automobile tourism, while construction of the new Aztec Hotel helped position the city as a destination for travelers.

1929: The Monrovia News-Post
-  Monrovia's primary newspaper was renamed The Monrovia News-Post, serving for more than 60 years.

1951: Iconic Red Cars' Final Trip
-  Pacific Electric's iconic Red Cars made their final trips through the corridor now occupied by Lucinda Garcia Park, ending a significant chapter in Monrovia transportation history.

1955: Walter Botts was Living in the City
-  Monrovia resident Walter Botts, later identified as the model for James Montgomery Flagg's updated World War II Uncle Sam image, was living in the city.

2024: Blair and Brossart Houses Landmarked 
-  The Blair and Brossart Houses at 508 and 512 South Ivy Avenue were designated Historic Landmarks.
]]><![CDATA[JUNE ALMANAC]]>Mon, 01 Jun 2026 07:00:00 GMThttps://www.monroviahistoricalmuseum.org/monrovias-almanac/june-almanac1886: Lot Sales Active
-  The first lots in the new townsite of Monrovia were actively being sold during the great Southern California land boom.

1903: Pacific Electric Railway Expansion
-  The Pacific Electric Railway expansion helped connect Monrovia more directly with Los Angeles, contributing to the city's early growth and popularity.
1925: Construction of The Plunge
-  Construction activity continued on the new Monrovia Municipal Plunge.

1937: McDonald's 'Airdrome' Serving Hamburgers Along Route 66
-  Patrick McDonald's original "Airdrome" hamburger stand near the Monrovia Airport was serving travelers along Route 66.

1938: The Friendliest Little Airport in the Country
-  Early commercial aviation activity continued at the Monrovia Airport, which became known as "the friendliest little airport in the country."

1983: The Municipal Plunge Closes
-  The Monrovia Municipal Plunge closed after serving the community for more than 50 years, eventually paving the way for the Museum's opening in 1992.
]]><![CDATA[MAY ALMANAC]]>Fri, 01 May 2026 07:00:00 GMThttps://www.monroviahistoricalmuseum.org/monrovias-almanac/may-almanac1886 May 17 – Monrovia was founded as town lots were first sold.
1887 – Monrovia became one of the earliest incorporated cities in Los Angeles County.
Early 1900s – Expansion of rail and road systems fuels local growth and commerce.
1938 May 19 – First airmail flight departs from Monrovia Airport.
Annually – Monrovia Historic Home Tour showcases local heritage properties in early-May.
Annually – Monrovia Days celebrates the city's founding with parade and festivities in mid-May.
Various Years – Community schools and civic groups host spring programs and exhibitions in May. 
Modern Era – Old Town Monrovia events and street fairs draw residents and visitors in May.
Ongoing Tradition – Local museums and historical groups debut new exhibits and programs in May.
]]><![CDATA[APRIL ALMANAC]]>Wed, 01 Apr 2026 07:00:00 GMThttps://www.monroviahistoricalmuseum.org/monrovias-almanac/april-almanacEarly Roots: 
1841 – Rancho Santa Anita land grant (Hugo Reid)

Growth & Development: 
1875 – Lucky Baldwin acquires the land
1880s – Town Formation boom

Transportation & Route 66
1926 April 30 – Route 66 established

Landmarks & Preservation
1978 April 6 – The Oaks added to the National Register
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