San Gabriel History

Own a piece of history

As reported in the winter issue of Grapevine, residents can own a piece of City history!  San Gabriel is replacing street name signs citywide. Many of these signs – some of the oldest among Southern California cities -- date back to 1966, making them potential collectors’ items of interest to families and businesses that would like a piece of San Gabriel history as we approach the 2013 Centennial. Thus far over 300 signs have been sold.

There are still a lot of collectible signs left! To defray the cost of the project and reduce its impact, the signs are available on a first come, first serve basis for $35 each. If you are interested in acquiring an existing street name sign please contact, Patty Peña at (626) 308-2825 or ppena@sgch.org.

San Gabriel an early participant in Rose Parade

As San Gabriel moves closer to its 2013 Centennial, Council Weekly will feature regular short items regarding San Gabriel’s past.  This week we focus on the Rose Parade. 

San Gabriel’s first entry – sponsored by The Mission Play – was a festive, flower-bedecked homage to the Mission in 1913; and for a period of 35 years ending in 1972, San Gabriel was a regular participant in the New Year’s spectacle.  Here’s San Gabriel’s 1958 entry, “Fisherman’s Dream,” as it passes by Carmelita Park, now the site of the Norton Simon Museum.

Now, after a 40 year absence, San Gabriel is planning a triumphant return to the Tournament of Roses on January 1, 2013 in honor of San Gabriel’s Centennial.  If you are interested in donating to the project – which will be completed without City funding – contact Sponsorship Chairman Mario De La Torre at 626.308.2803.

First ‘Centennial Corner’ tells the story

of City’s first fire engine

Centennial Corner, a new feature in the San Gabriel Grapevine newsletter, will feature quarterly stories between now and December, 2013 on aspects of San Gabriel’s history.  The first feature, at right, focuses on the tale of how San Gabriel got its first fire engine.

Have something historical to share? We want to know!
Do YOU have items to share? We would welcome correspondence, newspapers (i.e. the original San Gabriel Sun, or the former Alhambra Post-Advocate), business giveaways, photos of old buildings or sports teams or events…? If you would like to retain the original(s), we would be happy to scan the items and return them to you.

Take a look in your attics, and think of what you can help us collect for future generations to enjoy! If interested, please call the Museum at 626.308.3223 and leave a message for Camilla Lopez or Ellie Andrews. The San Gabriel Historical Association is a 501(c)3 organization, and donations are deductible to the extent permitted by law.