items from the archives
Items from the Archives brings out rarely seen treasures from behind the scenes into public view.
This rotating exhibit features artifacts from the Museum’s extensive collection—many displayed for the first time—that reflect both local and global history. Curated by our museum archivist and volunteers, the exhibit highlights curious and unusual objects uncovered through careful research. The exhibit is designed to change regularly, encouraging repeat visits and fresh discoveries!
This rotating exhibit features artifacts from the Museum’s extensive collection—many displayed for the first time—that reflect both local and global history. Curated by our museum archivist and volunteers, the exhibit highlights curious and unusual objects uncovered through careful research. The exhibit is designed to change regularly, encouraging repeat visits and fresh discoveries!
July 2026
From the Salisbury-Cobb Collection:
A set of three Māori artifacts dating from 1880-1910. They were purchased by Clinton Cobb, an avid collector, during a time that was a major era for Maori tourist art especially around tourism centers. These weapons were designed for display rather than combat training or ceremonial use. It is believed they were sold as a decorative set, which was often available to travelers.
From our research, it appears that these artifacts may be representations of taiaha and tewhatewha staffs and they showcase the exceptional artistry and enduring traditions of the indigenous people of New Zealand.
Note: the museum does not have detailed information about the collection other than simple notes. However, with the continuing assistance of our volunteer archive interns, we continue to research and gather information about the many artifacts that are part of this valuable collection, which has been housed in the museum since its 1992 grand opening.
From the Salisbury-Cobb Collection:
A set of three Māori artifacts dating from 1880-1910. They were purchased by Clinton Cobb, an avid collector, during a time that was a major era for Maori tourist art especially around tourism centers. These weapons were designed for display rather than combat training or ceremonial use. It is believed they were sold as a decorative set, which was often available to travelers.
From our research, it appears that these artifacts may be representations of taiaha and tewhatewha staffs and they showcase the exceptional artistry and enduring traditions of the indigenous people of New Zealand.
Note: the museum does not have detailed information about the collection other than simple notes. However, with the continuing assistance of our volunteer archive interns, we continue to research and gather information about the many artifacts that are part of this valuable collection, which has been housed in the museum since its 1992 grand opening.
June 2026
This miniature 1950s Singer Sewhandy (Model 20) child's sewing machine measures about 7"x7"x3" and weighs only 2 pounds. In earlier models, it was made of cast-iron, but the 1950s version was switched to a lightweight aluminum.
Famously known and marketed as a functioning educational tool for children rather than just a toy, it uses a single-thread chain stitch and is highly prized today as a vintage collectible.
January 2026
The photo on the right shows our featured, notable pieces: a late-1800s Chinese Coin Sword (center) and a 1905 Apache Bead Loom (left).
Our museum archivist, Ili Lobaco, gives acknowledgement to our volunteer archival assistants, Madi Arnault and Audrey Strople for their meticulous handling and restoration of these valuable artifacts.
The photo on the right shows our featured, notable pieces: a late-1800s Chinese Coin Sword (center) and a 1905 Apache Bead Loom (left).
Our museum archivist, Ili Lobaco, gives acknowledgement to our volunteer archival assistants, Madi Arnault and Audrey Strople for their meticulous handling and restoration of these valuable artifacts.
NEW FROM OUR VINTAGE COLLECTION: Turn-of-the-Century SAFE
July 2024
July 2024
The Monrovia Historical Museum is proud to showcase this vintage, turn-of-the-century, 800-pound safe. It stands 36" tall and 24" wide and is currently displayed in our 'Lost Businesses of Monrovia' exhibit.
It was originally owned and used by the Monrovia Telephone and Telegraph Co. to store their cash payroll, and subsequently given to the Monrovia Van and Storage Company in exchange for services rendered. Click this link to read about them. We express our deepest gratitude to Don Samuels for this valuable piece of Monrovia history! See below to read its history.
Visit us on any Thursday or Sunday between 1:00-4:00pm to view this precious relic! (Note: we do have the combination to the safe and it is in working order, but due to its weight and vintage condition, we will not be able to allow visitors to try to lock and unlock it.)
The Monrovia Historical Museum is proud to showcase this vintage, turn-of-the-century, 800-pound safe. It stands 36" tall and 24" wide and is currently displayed in our 'Lost Businesses of Monrovia' exhibit.
It was originally owned and used by the Monrovia Telephone and Telegraph Co. to store their cash payroll, and subsequently given to the Monrovia Van and Storage Company in exchange for services rendered. Click this link to read about them. We express our deepest gratitude to Don Samuels for this valuable piece of Monrovia history! See below to read its history.
Visit us on any Thursday or Sunday between 1:00-4:00pm to view this precious relic! (Note: we do have the combination to the safe and it is in working order, but due to its weight and vintage condition, we will not be able to allow visitors to try to lock and unlock it.)
1903 MacNeale & Urban Company Safe
By Don Samuels, Diamond Bar, California
I was born and raised in Monrovia. My father and grandfather owned and operated Monrovia Van and Storage Company from the early 1940s to 1979. From time to time the Telephone Company, on the 100 block of East Lime Avenue would call on Monrovia Van and Storage to move the safe from office to office. At some point in the mid-1950s the safe was no longer needed by the Telephone Company and it was offered to Monrovia Van and Storage for the cost of removing the safe from the premises. The safe was housed in the office of Monrovia Van and Storage at 141 East Colorado until 1979 when my father sold the business. The safe was not included in the sale and my father had no room for it at his home. So I "inherited" the safe and it has served as a conversation piece in my home for the last 45 years.
The safe is 36 inch tall by 24 inch wide and 24 inch deep and weighs around 800 pounds. The safe was manufactured by The MacNeale & Urban Company of Hamilton, Ohio. The MacNeale & Urban Company made their last safe in 1903. Therefore, the safe was made sometime between 1888 when the company moved to Hamilton, Ohio and 1903 when it ceased making safes. The safe has the words Monrovia Tel & Tel Co. painted in red and gold across the top.
Historical Background: The earliest reference to the Monrovia Telephone and Telegraph Company on the Monrovia Legacy site was 1914. The safe was probably purchased by the Telephone Company soon after it opened offices in Monrovia. The story I was told as a child by my father and grandfather was that in the early years of the Telephone Company, employees were paid in cash and that the safe was used to store the weekly payroll. I was also told that at sometime in the past, someone attempted to blast a hole in the bottom of the safe. A steel plate attached to the bottom of the safe Is evidence that there is some truth to this story. The safe was disposed of once the Telephone Company no longer needed it to safely store cash.
By Don Samuels, Diamond Bar, California
I was born and raised in Monrovia. My father and grandfather owned and operated Monrovia Van and Storage Company from the early 1940s to 1979. From time to time the Telephone Company, on the 100 block of East Lime Avenue would call on Monrovia Van and Storage to move the safe from office to office. At some point in the mid-1950s the safe was no longer needed by the Telephone Company and it was offered to Monrovia Van and Storage for the cost of removing the safe from the premises. The safe was housed in the office of Monrovia Van and Storage at 141 East Colorado until 1979 when my father sold the business. The safe was not included in the sale and my father had no room for it at his home. So I "inherited" the safe and it has served as a conversation piece in my home for the last 45 years.
The safe is 36 inch tall by 24 inch wide and 24 inch deep and weighs around 800 pounds. The safe was manufactured by The MacNeale & Urban Company of Hamilton, Ohio. The MacNeale & Urban Company made their last safe in 1903. Therefore, the safe was made sometime between 1888 when the company moved to Hamilton, Ohio and 1903 when it ceased making safes. The safe has the words Monrovia Tel & Tel Co. painted in red and gold across the top.
Historical Background: The earliest reference to the Monrovia Telephone and Telegraph Company on the Monrovia Legacy site was 1914. The safe was probably purchased by the Telephone Company soon after it opened offices in Monrovia. The story I was told as a child by my father and grandfather was that in the early years of the Telephone Company, employees were paid in cash and that the safe was used to store the weekly payroll. I was also told that at sometime in the past, someone attempted to blast a hole in the bottom of the safe. A steel plate attached to the bottom of the safe Is evidence that there is some truth to this story. The safe was disposed of once the Telephone Company no longer needed it to safely store cash.