History and Historic Sites of the Valley * Then and Now Photos * Lost Crescenta
The story of the La Crescenta Church of Religious Science is so similar to the stories of many of our local churches that it can be seen as archetypical of organized religious groups in CV. It's story began in the post-WWII building boom, with a husband and wife Clifford and Sally Chaffee meeting with like minded friends in a private home. As their numbers grew, they rented the La Crescenta Woman's Club for services. (It would be interesting to take a count of how many of our local churches had their beginnings in the meeting hall of the Woman's Club. They are still hosting new churches!) By 1949, they were ready to break ground on their own church building, which we now know as Chaffee Hall.
The current leader of this church, Rev. Beverly Craig, and several practitioners, will lead us through the history of this church (including the reasons behind their recent name change to the Center For Spiritual Living), and will put a human face on the building we hold our meetings in. It is not just the story of this church, but is the story of many other churches here in our community.
Also on this program, Sofia Portantino will give a brief overview of her research into the health-seekers that were the first major group of American settlers to our area. She did this project as a Girl Scout to complete her Gold Award. In the 1880's thousands of people suffering from lung diseases or poor health in general flocked to Crescenta-Canada Valley for the pure air that might restore their health. Sofia, with the help of the Lanterman House in La Canada, created displays on this aspect of our local history. Ms. Portantino is a high school student living in La Canada. "Health-seekers"
Note: Date has been changed!
The tour scheduled for Sunday Oct 26th at 9AM has been rescheduled due to a massive film shoot taking place in Montrose on that day. The Historical Society of the Crescenta Valley and Mayor John Drayman apoligize, and the new date for the Tour will be Nov. 23rd at 9AM.
Meet in front of Java Brew, 2418 Honolulu Ave, and they are opening-up specially, just for us, on a Sunday! Come a little early and buy a cup of coffee or tea, have a snack or light breakfast, and then enjoy a walking tour of old Montrose from the unique perspective of our own John Drayman. This is a humorous and fascinating look at the changing face of Montrose businesses from its origins in the teens as a dusty main street to its evolution into the charming tree lined shopping park we have today. John tells stories of the many quirky characters that have had businesses over the decades, and the origins of much of what we take for granted as "just Montrose". Where did the name Honolulu come from? What is the origin of City Hall Coffee Shop's name? Which is the oldest business in Montrose? These are facts that might surprise you.This is a walking tour, but at a leisurely pace.
Regular meetings are held the third Monday of each month at 7:00 PM at the the Center for Spiritual Living, formerly known as the La Crescenta Church of Religious Science located at the intersection of Dunsmore and Santa Carlotta.
and don't forget ...John Newcombe's long awaited DVD on the history of the Crescenta-Canada Valley has finally been released. This feature length, professionally made video documents the history of our area from statehood to the present, telling fascinating stories along the way, from the irascible Col. Pickens and his antics, to the pyromaniacal group of Caltech geniuses that eventually formed JPL. Newcombe uses previously unseen photos and rare film clips to tell the stories of murder, lust and greed, mixed with the kindness, art and charity that has made our community special.
You can buy the DVD at the Montrose Harvest Market on Sundays, or at Once Upon A Time Bookstore and Village Newsstand in Montrose. You can purchase it online at www.rancholacanada.com.
