Do you know why Monrovia was the 4th city to become incorporated in LA County?  Why was Hillcrest Boulevard originally named Banana Avenue and when was the path of Route 66 through Monrovia changed?
Learn the answers to these questions and lots more during a two hour walk through downtown Monrovia with MOHPG.  The cost is only $5 per person.  Meet at the SE corner of Palm and Myrtle Avenues this Saturday, September 2, at 10 am.

The City of Monrovia invites you to an informational meeting to view the initial report of a historical context statement for Monrovia.  What is a context statement?
"A robust historic context is the foundation for identifying, evaluating, and handling historic properties and will help us make land use decisions."
Day and Date:  Thursday, August 24, 2017
Time:  5:30 - 7:30 pm
Place:  Community Room, Monrovia Public Library
This statement is the next logical step in our decades long effort to protect and preserve our architectural heritage.

To see the full text of the city's invitation, view the document below.

The Monrovia Historic Preservation Group, in partnership with the Monrovia Fire Department, will be sponsoring a workshop on earthquake preparedness for residents of Monrovia.
WHEN:  Saturday, September 9, 2017
TIME:  11:00 am to 2 pm
PLACE:  Community Room, Monrovia Public Library, 321 S. Myrtle Ave.​

      The guest speaker will be Margaret Vinci who is currently the manager of the Office of Earthquake Programs at the California Institute of Technology.  Her presentation will include:​

• ​Sharing the latest understanding of our earthquake hazards and potential losses.
•  Providing resources and information for home, work, and business.
• Empowering listeners to be ready for the next large earthquake.

If you would like to attend, you must RSVP.  Seating is limited.
As if Thursday, August 31, all the spaces at the workshop have been reserved, and it is no longer possible to take additional reservations.

The signs marking the boundary of the newest historic district in Monrovia, the North Encinitas Historic District, were unveiled at the dedication ceremony held on Thursday, July 27, 2017, at the corner of Encinitas and Greystone Avenues.  A large crowd was on hand to celebrate this latest preservation achievement, an effort that was entirely driven by the residents of the 100 and 200 blocks of North Encinitas.

Monrovia's second historic district, the North Encinitas Historic District, will be officially dedicated on Thursday, July 27, 2017, at 5 pm.  And YOU are invited!!

​To see a video produced by North Encinitas resident Dennis Sanchez showing the houses on the street (it has been posted on YouTube), click here.

Balloons lining the street from Foothill to Encinitas (two blocks), short house histories posted outside homes NOT on the tour, a barbershop quartet harmonizing with melodies reminiscent of another time, vintage cars out in force - the 35th annual MOHPG Historic Homes Tour provided something for everything on Sunday, May 7.

Even a little rain in the afternoon (first time in 35 years!) failed to dampen spirits as visitors marveled at the homes within Monrovia's newest historic district, just over one month old.  Crowds were a bit smaller, caused no doubt by the rain threat.
If you missed out this time, set your calendar now for the next home tour, coming May 6, 2018.

The 35th annual MOHPG Historic Homes Tour is only a few weeks away, and final preparations are underway.  With North Encinitas now officially named as a historic district, tour attendees will get the opportunity to see firsthand why this area has historic significance.  Open for viewing will be six homes built between 1901 and 1921 and the Anderson House Museum, a 1886 Queen Anne Victorian.

                                                                                                           Photos by Larry Marotta
As in past years there will be numerous "horseless carriages" parked in front of tour homes.  Vendors will be located in the middle of the block (Cedar Avenue, between Encinitas and Ivy) as will the portable restrooms.  On tour day tickets will be sold here and Will Call tickets will also be available at this location.
A highlight of the day will be the appearance of the barbershop quartet, The 4tets, who will be performing for visitors.
​Complete ticket information can be found in the Online Store on this website.

At the city council meeting last night, the five council members concurred with the staff findings and the judgment of the Historic Preservation Commission by officially making the North Encinitas Historic District Monrovia's second area of significance.
The 5-0 vote by the council concluded two years of effort on the part of the residents of this two-block stretch of vintage homes.  For this was entirely resident driven.  Allen Holmquist, Mary Stohlman, Dennis & Kate Sanchez, Bill & Min Potter, and Lois Marples comprised the so-called EHDwg (Encinitas Historic District working group) that led the effort to provide an additional layer of protection for the homes on this street.
​Congratulations to EHDwg and all those who live on Encinitas for a job well done!!

It's official!  There will be six vintage homes, built from 1901 to 1921, that will be open for viewing when MOHPG hosts its 35th Annual Historic Homes Tour on Sunday, May 7, 2017, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  In addition the 1886 Queen Anne Victorian known as the Anderson House Museum will also be open.
​

Monrovia residents have waited patiently for decades, but at long last the restoration of the Santa Fe Depot off South Myrtle Avenue is officially underway.  The ground-breaking ceremony was held February 9, and work is expected to continue until August 2017 or so.  It is hoped that a restaurant will occupy the building upon the completion of the restoration process.
​Watch this website for regular updates.