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.
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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.

The 35th annual MOHPG Historic Homes Tour is coming soon!  And this edition of the tour promises to be extra special as it will feature several homes in the 100 and 200 blocks of North Encinitas Avenue, which is soon to become Monrovia's second historic district!

The tour will be held on Sunday, May 7, 2017, from 10 am to 4 pm.  As more information becomes available, we will post it here.  Set the date aside so you won't miss this exciting event.

Need an extra teaser?  The barbershop quartet, "The4Tets," will be performing, and they are a group you won't want to miss!

​Join conservator Amy Green, founding partner of Silverlake Conservation, as she offers tips and techniques for caring for your Batchelder tile.  She will share stories and images of tiles she’s restored from a wide variety of public and private installations including the Batchelder fountain at the Pasadena Playhouse. 


​​Ms. Green holds a certificate in historic preservation from the University of Southern California, a MA in tile conservation from Antioch University, and is a Professional Associate with the American Institute for Conservation of Historic & Artistic Works (AIC).
Advance reservations requested; click here to purchase tickets online.

Several weeks ago MOHPG was notified that it had been selected as the Grand Marshal for the 2016 Monrovia Holiday Parade on December 1.  MOHPG's entry consisted of three vintage "horseless carriages", with members of the MOHPG Board of Directors riding in the vehicles.
                                                                                                   Photography by Larry Marotta

The day after the parade, December 2, MOHPG was notified that it had been awarded the "Best Themed Entry" prize.  Recognition of that honor occurred at the City Council meeting a few days later, on December 6.  Congratulations to our drivers and all who participated!

The Monrovia Historical Preservation Group has just published its latest book, entitled Houses by Hand.  It is a collection of 13 pen-and-ink drawings by artist Marjorie Brewer, who in the late 1950s began her artistic renderings of homes that she feared would be torn down (three later were).  The soft cover, spiral bound book includes vintage photographs and house histories.  It's the perfect gift for a Monrovia resident!
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The books cost $10 each.  To order a copy, go to the Online Store on this website.
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​Monrovia’s First Houses – Still Remaining
Monrovia Legacy Project, Nov. 2016
 
In 1886 – the year Monrovia was ‘born’ - fewer than ten buildings existed here.  By the end of 1887, 220 buildings had been built! At least 66 of these homes and four commercial buildings remain. The Monrovia Legacy Project has prepared a list detailing these ‘first houses’ still in existence -- giving their address, original owner, cost or tax value, and landmark status -- to help in the preservation of Monrovia’s historic heritage.  To view the document, click below.
Contact monroviahistoricalsociety1896@gmail.com with any questions.