Library Park Fountain
Wanted!! As preparation is underway to begin restoring the library park fountain, a fixture at the corner of Lime and Myrtle Avenues since 1907, one significant hurdle must be overcome. When the fountain was almost completely knocked apart by an errant automobile, approximately 70-80 of the Spanish roof tiles were destroyed. Because of their age, replacing them with like tiles may prove to be difficult. If you know of a source where the City of Monrovia might obtain replacements, please use the Contact Us feature of this website. See the pictures below for a detailed view of the tiles needed.
July 9, 2014 - Work began today on rebuilding the granite portion of the fountain. It is expected to take less than a week to restore the granite blocks to their original positions. After that MOHPG will assist in replacing the roof.
2014 Home Tour Wrapup
On Sunday, May 11, 2014, the Monrovia Historic Preservation Group hosted its 32nd annual home tour. Over 500 paid visitors and over 220 volunteers spent the day viewing the five homes, the Aztec Hotel, and the Monrovia Historical Museum. The weather cooperated (unlike last year when temps topped 100 degrees) with a warm but not uncomfortable day, and the delight of the attendees was readily apparent as docents provided details of the houses' histories and occupants. Over 20 vintage automobiles could be seen driving around town, and a dozen vendors set up at one location gave visitors a chance to do a little shopping on Mother's Day.
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House captain Bill Deets and docent Liz Leavens (seated) share information about one of the houses with two visitors.
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Space had to be set aside alongside the houses to provide parking for the numerous vintage cars.
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Three city trolleys provided tour goers with an option to visit the homes without the hassle of driving and parking throughout the day.
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Docent Randy Townsend, one of many of the docents who volunteer for the day, wears appropriate attire to enhance the atmosphere and let guests imagine that they have indeed traveled back in time.
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It seemed as if antique cars were ubiquitous on the streets of Monrovia during the morning.
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Front porch docent Hal Leavens (in the straw hat, right) sets the stage for people to see the home by providing some details of what they can expect to see inside.
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Carolin Hayes (in the hat) has been a tour docent for many years and travels over 50 miles (one way) just to be a part of the MOHPG tour each year.
Home Tour House Histories
The buildings on the 2014 home tour have long and varied histories. City historian Steve Baker has done extensive research on each one, so much so that there wasn't room in this year's tour brochure for all the information. If you would like to see Steve's entire text on each structure, click below:
Restoration of Another Kind
Within the past year, the project of restoring one of Monrovia's first fire engines has begun in earnest. Jump started by an anonymous donation of $100,000, the restoration of Monrovia's 1917 Seagrave Fire Engine is moving forward , with the hope that the fire engine can be completely restored by the year of its centennial (1917). To meet that goal, however, approximately another $50,000 will be needed to complete the restoration.
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After the loss of the La Vista Grande Hotel in 1915, Monrovia was able to purchase this 1917 Seagrave Pumper at a cost of $5,000.
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The fire engine was on display for the MOHPG Mother's Day home tour on May 12, 2013. Its condition reflected years of being exposed to the elements, exacerbating its already poor state.
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The process of restoration is taking place at Tired Iron Works, an upscale vehicle restoration business in Monrovia. Owner Chris Kidd is supervising the project, with a goal of completing the work by 2017. (March 4, 2014)
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Although progress is slow and work is often halted to transport the engine to a car show or other event, steady improvement in the engine's condition can easily be seen. (May 30, 2014)
If you would like to contribute to the effort to "Save the Grave", send a check payable to Save the Grave to:
Save the Grave
P.O. Box 2021
Monrovia, CA 91017
You will receive a receipt by mail acknowledging your donation which may be tax deductible; consult your tax advisor.
To view a detailed history of the Seagrave fire engine, written by MOHPG member Robb Stewart, click here.
HL#130 Now Official
At the April 23, 2014, meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission, the Commissioners voted to designate the property at 227 N. Ivy Avenue as a city historic landmark. Two weeks later, on May 6, the City Council concurred and gave final approval for the property (which will also have a Mills Act contract) to become Historic Landmark #130.
The two-story Craftsman was built in 1913 and has recently undergone extensive restoration. The front porch had been enclosed, and opening it up improved the curbside appeal of the structure.
Carriage Barn Reconstruction
Follow the progress as Monrovia's oldest carriage barn is reassembled at its new location
To recap: The carriage barn originally located behind the 1889 Queen Anne Victorian at 131 E. Greystone Avenue was dismantled in April, 2013. The cost of dismantling the barn removing it to its new location was borne by the 29 donors who contributed to the project. The cost of the reconstruction will be assumed by the family on whose property the barn will be re-erected. Work on this effort is being overseen by MOHPG member Jimi Hendrix.
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This watercolor of the carriage barn was rendered by Monrovia resident Elaine Smith. And yes, it did lean before it was moved!
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As work begins to move the barn, the building is braced and the cupola and front gable are removed.
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A crane was used to dismantle the barn as it was too big to be moved to its new location off Norumbega.
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As day breaks the morning of the 14th day, nothing remains of the barn at its original location. It took 13 days to prepare the structure for the move and to transport it to its new home.
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The carriage barn is being reconstructed on a one-acre parcel of land in the 900 block of Norumbega.
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By October, 2013, a foundation and metal framework to support the structure had been finished.
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By March, 2014, the cupola nears completion. A new copper roof is added with a hand-applied patina .
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The sides of the barn are hung on the metal structure using angle iron.
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On May 6, 2014 the gable ends of the upper story were set in place with a crane.
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5/20/14: With the roof and cupola in place, the final appearance of the barn begins to take shape.
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On July 21, donors and friends of the owner were invited to a pig roast and had the opportunity to view progress on the barn up close.
