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Historic Landmarks in South Pasadena

Historic Landmarks in South Pasadena

I had the opportunity to join the Pasadena Group of Sierra Club for a Saturday morning walk, through South Pasadena. From the earliest settlers until today’s planned highway projects, David Czamanske, the organizer, shared his vast knowledge and showed us about a dozen historic buildings during this three hour hike. I have highlighted 6 of the sights below.

Wayside Station
Watering Through & Wayside Station

South Pasadena was incorporated in 1888 and had at the time, a population of 500. Today that number has increased to 25,000, still maintaining a small town feel. The City Council has designated four historic districts and 45 properties and sites as local City landmarks.

Our first point of interest was the Watering Through and Wayside Station, by the South Pasadena Gold Line station, which served as a resting place for people driving carriages between Los Angeles and Pasadena. The Wayside Station, was given to the city in 1906 by the The Woman’s Improvement Association.

Opposite of the Wayside Station is the The Meridian Iron Works, which was hotel and grocery store at first. Later on it was converted into a general store in the 1880s and 1890s. Today it serves as the South Pasadena Historical Museum.

Meridian Iron Works, 913 Meridian Avenue
Meridian Iron Works, 913 Meridian Avenue

Just 5 minutes south of the Meridian Iron Works, is the Wynyate, which is Welsh for vineyard. The Wynyate was built in 1887 by the first governor of South Pasadena, Donald M. Graham and his wife, author Margaret Collier Graham. This three story Victorian mansion consists of 4 bedrooms and 5 baths, and was designed by architect W.R. Norton.

Wynyate - 851 Lyndon Street
Wynyate – 851 Lyndon Street

Once located on 709 Meridian, the Century House was saved from being demolished, due to new building projects, and was moved to its current location. It has been featured in the horror movie Halloween starring Mike Mayers!! Today it serves a commercial building with several offices.

Century House - 1000 Mission Street
Century House – 1000 Mission Street

As you head over to  215 Orange Grove Ave, you’ll find The Porter House, which is one of South Pasadena’s oldest homes. Andrew O. Porter, headed the committee which subdivided the lands of San Gabriel Orange Grove Association in 1874. Built in 1875, this Queen Anne style house, has been passed on to four owners in total. It’s currently occupied by the owner’s daughter.

Andrew O. Porter  Residence
Andrew O. Porter Residence – 215 Orange Grove Ave

The majestic, Torrence-Childs House built in 1902, is a three story English Tudor style house with 8 bedroom and 5 baths. This 13,000 SF home was once occupied by Jared Sidney Torrance, founder of the City of Torrance in 1912, and named it the “Rose Hedge”.

Torrance-Childs House -  929 Buena Vista Street
Torrance-Childs House – 929 Buena Vista Street

If you are interested in joining the Sierra Club for their next historic walk, please visit www.sierraclub.org/angeles/pasadena


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