Institution

In those early days the Opera House was the cultural and social center of the whole city. It housed the city’s library for a short while, then in 1908 the Women’s Club formed and they held their first meetings there until the completion of their own clubhouse. Many musical shows took place there. The Masons held their meetings here, as well, until their own Masonic Lodge was built. Since city hall hadn’t been built yet, it was the early meeting place for many of the city’s founding fathers. In 1937, Bank of America took over the main floor and First National bank and occupied the space until 1970. Various Glendora merchants have occupied the space since then such as Martha’s Candies, the Andrews family who owned the Venberg Store, and the Sizzler restaurant. The building is presently occupied the Village Vault Restaurant. The original vault door still remains and can be seen inside the Village Vault Restaurant.

Built in 1906 by C.A. Weaver, this is one of the most historic buildings in downtown Glendora. When the building first opened it was occupied by the First National Bank on the main floor while the city’s Opera House made up the second floor. The First National Bank was opened in 1907 with Carrol Whitcomb, son of George Whitcomb as President and M.C. Whitcomb as cashier. Early photographs of the building show statues of Mozart and Beethoven decorating the outside of the Opera House. On the north side of the building double doors opened up to a grand entry way leading to the second floor of the building, this entry way still remains today mostly as it did in those early years.

First National Bank/Opera House

Director

This walking tour includes several dozen historical landmarks and allows both residents and visitors to explore the stories behind the historical buildings of Glendora. Learn about the namesakes behind our famous buildings, the prominent families and people who built Glendora, and how these buildings look today. This tour was created in partnership with the Glendora Public Library and Glendora Historical Society.

The Frank Chance Building, also known as the Cub Building, was located on the corner of Michigan and Minnehaha avenues (now Glendora Avenue and Foothill Boulevard) and was built in 1912 by Frank Chance. Cub Grocery occupied the north portion (Glendora Avenue side) of the building for many years and was famous for offering 10 cent loaves of bread that were express shipped every morning from the Buffalo Baking Co. in Los Angeles. Frank Leroy Chance, first baseman for the Chicago Cubs, was a member of the famous "Tinkers to Evers to Chance" double play combination that completed 1,213 double plays in eleven seasons; he was also famous for being the first player ever to be ejected from a World Series game (in 1910). Chance eventually went on to manage the Cubs.

This vernacular brick commercial building was constructed in 1912 by Frank Chance, best known as the first baseman in the famous (c. 1912-15) Chicago Cubs double-play combination “Tinkers-to-Evers-to-Chance.” It was also known as the “Cub Building” because it housed the Cub Grocery for many years. A fire several years ago led to the structure being seismically retrofitted with senior citizen apartments created on the second floor.

Cub/Chance Building

In 1926 the store enlarged and changed to include women's wear, and a larger variety of ready to wear items. The new building also housed a beauty shop which was operated by several different owners, including Dorothy Evans Singleton, and Delore Watkins Fay. It was Glendora's first department store and became one of the longest continuing operating businesses in Glendora. The Venberg family lived on Vermont Avenue originally but eventually built their own home at 535 N. Michigan, later building another house across the street at 550 N. Michigan Avenue.Andrews Inc., is a family owned business and when they bought the building in 1985 there was much time and money spent refurbishing and updating it. The ware which had been the beauty shop now serves ad the office, and the area which had been a mezzanine now houses tailors for the customers alterations. The interior is tastefully decorated and new lines of merchandise have been introduced. The Andrews, as did the Venburg family, contributes to local affairs and continue to serve the community as a business as well as individually.

Now occupied by Andrew’s, Inc., this structure housed the first department store in Glendora. Arthur Venberg was an early Glendora merchant who originally began his store in what became the Reed’s hardware building. This building was constructed in 1925 at a cost of $25,000. The architect was L. E. Richardson, the contractor was Mans Hopper. Also a “vernacular brick” structure, it is representative of many commercial buildings built here and throughout foothill communities during the period c. 1900–1920.

Venberg Building 

Eddie Nelson, a U.S.C. graduate and pharmacist, was set up on a blind date with Helen Wilson by one of Helen's sisters. Helen, herself was a UCLA graduate and public school teacher. In 1934, they married and two years later they bought what would become the first Nelson's Drug store on the southwest corner of Michigan (now Glendora Ave) &amp; Foothill. In 1943, Eddie and Helen Nelson moved their pharmacy north from it's residence on Michigan &amp; Foothill to the Converse building. Helen and her sister Louise worked at the store alongside Eddie. Early on in Eddie's career he had been a "soda jerk", he enjoyed it so much they decided to add a soda fountain. Eddie would run his soda fountain alongside being the pharmacist. Nelson's soon became "the place to go" in town and they started serving up light lunches, convenient to the workers on the main street. Helen and Eddie had a bustling social life in Glendora and were members of the Glendora Country Club, Bridge club and Dance Club.Around 1965, the building was stripped of it's Italian style and overhanging corner offices and “modernized” at least twice to its present vernacular “style.” The first modernization removed the cornices and decorative items, leaving the extended corner windows on the second floor. The second reconstruction, flattened the area at the corner windows and added some other decorative features.After Eddie passed away in 1976, Helen sold the store to the Lee family. In 1992, Dean Lee sold the business to his son, Dan. The building was renamed the Lee Building.

Originally known as the Converse Building, it was built c. 1905 in an Italianate style and was graced in front by a water fountain installed in 1909 by the Women’s Christian Temperance Union (WCTU). The fountain was a fully operational drinking fountain, for horses on one side, and people on the other. One of the first tenants of the Converse building was The Confectionery Shop, in 1909 which sold ice cream, cigars and chocolates.

Nelson's Drug Store

The Gem building was at least the third key contribution by Weaver in establishing Glendora (then known as Michigan) Avenue as the central business district of the community. Weaver’s work in bringing the Pacific Electric to Glendora, along with his construction of the Bank/Opera and Gem buildings assured that business would be concentrated where it is today rather than along Vista Bonita Avenue as had been the case earlier.In early April 1911 it was announced that the reading room would be opened to the public on Monday, April 10 with Mrs. Coulter as the librarian. This was the foundation from which the Glendora Public Library grew. Mrs. Suydam stated in her history of the Library that this reading room was a front room in the Gem Building rented from Mrs. Weaver.

The Gem building was built by C.A.Weaver in 1910. It has been used and rented for many different organizations and events over the years. It adjoined the bank to the north.

Gem Building

Matthews and Wamsley ran a grocery store in this building, built c. 1905. It is where Venberg’s began before moving to 111 North Glendora. It later housed Reed’s Hardware for many years which was succeeded by Glendora Hardware. Shen and Roland Reed ran Reed's hardware and a sporting good store. The building was seismically retrofitted when it was converted to restaurant use.The Reeds were known for their expertise and personal service, they greeted everyone with a smile. They had a complete line of fresh and salt water fishing supplies with the hardware store supplying general hardware, plumbing fixtures, electrical appliances, and water heaters.

This building was built in 1905. It originally started as a grocery store but transformed to a hardware store, sporting goods store, and eventually as a restaurant. The hardware store was run by father-son team Shen and Roland Reed. The Reeds were a very prominent family in Glendora and were part of many committees and groups in the community.

Reed's Hardware

Opened on April 1, 1887. As with many of the foothill communities in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Glendora had its railroad station and its hotel. After all, future property owners needed a place to stay until they acquired their piece of the California dream. Note: to encourage easterners to come west, for a time in the late 19th Century, the Santa Fe railroad (which served foothill communities) offered tickets from Kansas City to southern California for $11. The Belleview was razed in 1934.Visible behind several trees, the 2-story Bellevue Hotel was built to be the center of activity in the city of Glendora and was located on Meda Ave. between Vista Bonita and Michigan Ave. It was built by the Glendora Land Company on April 1, 1887, and many years later, was used as a meeting hall known as The Foothill Club.Glendora was officially incorporated as a City in 1911. In the mid-1930s, nearly all of the city's 4,500 acres of land were cultivated for citrus fruit; by the late 1950s agriculture had given way to large-scale residential development. As of 2006, population of the city known as the "Pride of the Foothills" was estimated at 51,608.

This site is the former home of the Belleview Hotel. It was a place to stay after traveling on the Santa Fe Railroad. It was built and opened on April 1, 1887.

Belleview Hotel

The remoteness of hospitals in the early 20th century encouraged the operation of maternity homes by midwives. Mrs. Bunn’s was one of at least two such establishments in Glendora. Many Glendora residents came into this world in this home. The entire cost was $45 for the first child and $65 for the second child. This price included a two week stay, with meals, and the cost of the doctor. The maternity home was set up as bedrooms in a home so the new mother and baby could be more comfortable. When the birth date was approaching, the doctor would be called to deliver the baby.

This residential home was used as a maternity home and was built in 1920. This home, in the Craftsman style, dates from c. 1920. Mrs Bunn’s operated from early in the century to at least 1927 or ’28. Rumor has it that there was “always a bun(n) in the oven!”

Mrs. Bunn’s Maternity Home

This is the second of three homes known to have been built by the Suydam family in Glendora. The first, at 645 N. Vista Bonita Ave., is believed to have been the first home built here (1887) after the town site was formally established. The third is at 130 S. Vista Bonita Ave. The son of the original settlers, Keith Suydam, built and lived in this home. He became mayor in 1936. His mother and his wife helped form the Athena Club which established Glendora’s first library (1904) and evolved into the Glendora Woman’s Club. The house was completely restored by a later owner.

The Suydam house was built in 1887. It was the first structure erected in Glendora after it became a townsite. The house has undergone many changes through the years. It was originally a story and a half but the Suydam's had the roof raised making it a two story house.

Suydam Home

The historic two story woodd frame house, located at 301 E. Meda Avenue, was typical of the farm houses that once populated this area. At the time, most of Glendora consisted of citrus ranches and this was how the pioneers supported themselves. Usually they were forced to have jobs on the side as the citrus industry was very unpredictable in those early days. It is not known who originally constructed the house on Meda. The Brunjes family were the first known occupants: John Brunje, his wife, and daughters Phyllis, Gertrude and Winifred.In 1997, this beautifully restored dwelling was given Landmark status by the Glendora City Council.

The Brunjes family, active in early Glendora, built this 2200 square foot Victorian home in 1905. Mr. Brunjes was the manager of a local packing house. In 1997, this beautifully restored dwelling was given Landmark status by the Glendora City Council. This home is a typical example of the farm houses that once populated the area.

Brunjes House

Built in 1900, this structure is unusual both for Glendora and other local downtown districts in that it is constructed of stone rather than of brick. The walls are about 18 inches thick and the building also features extra-wide doors where the horse drawn wagons could pull in and deliver or unload goods. It was modified c. 1946 into the vernacular style popular at the time through the plastering of the exterior walls. For much of its recent history, the building was occupied by Finkbiner’s Market (preceded, perhaps as early as 1939 or 1940 by a market owned by the Kussart family) and operated by Joe Finkbiner, long time mayor of Glendora. After Joe Finkbiner, Tony and Nedra Miller owned it for many years and turned it into a old fashioned establishment.In 1983 a television commercial was filmed at the store for a new tortilla chip product. Six actors dressed as cowboys rode horses up and down Glendora Ave. with the market being used to shoot interior scenes.The building has gone through many owners but most recently is a restaurant.

This building was constructed in 1900. In 1945, Joe Finkbiner, former mayor of Glendora, bought the store and in 1949 it moved to its present location. In addition to its grocery shelves, there was a delicatessen, frozen food, and ice cream freezer. At the time, the store was considered very modern.

Finkbiner's Market

Seimears later opened a bicycle shop at this location then added a furniture store and a funeral parlor upstairs. When business was booming at the funeral parlor, he built a brick building and moved his business, Glendora Undertaking, to 138 N. Michigan Ave (Glendora Ave). In 1926, he extended his corrugated original building to a concrete building with a 50 foot frontage and 70 foot deep and it became one of the biggest furniture stores in the San Gabriel Valley. When Frederick Seimears retired from business in 1945, his twin son and daughter, Dan and Margaret, took over the business. Seimears was the oldest furniture store in California and the longest continuously operated family business (70 years) in Glendora when it closed it’s doors in 1973. The furniture store then became Orange Tree Bazaar, an antique mall. This location now houses a local restaurant, Luca Bella Fine Foods.

Frederick A. Seimears came from Howard, Kansas to Glendora in the year 1901. His parents were German immigrants who settled in Kansas in the 1800's. Seimears first job was with the Covina Telephone Company as a linesman, which was housed in a tin building at 216 N. Michigan Ave (now Glendora Ave).

Seimear’s Furniture (Orange Tree Bazaar)

This was the law office of Rolfe C. Bidwell who was city attorney between 1911 and 1950 (and namesake of the Bidwell Forum). In November 1911, the first City Council, elected at the time of incorporation (November 13, 1911), met here to organize Glendora. The Council continued to meet in the building at the rear of his home (facing Vermont Avenue) for two years until the first City Hall was built on north Michigan (Glendora) Avenue.Rolfe Bidwell, and numerous others, spent that first decade documenting historical narratives and events, collecting artifacts, and preserving invaluable data of life in Glendora and the upper San Gabriel Valley that would help start the Glendora Historical Society.

Rolfe Bidwell used this craftsman house as his law office during the early 1900s. His Law office was also the location where the first City Council would conduct their meetings.A product of the Arts and Crafts Movement of the early 20th century, the Craftsman is epitomized by the work of the Green Brothers in Pasadena (Gamble House).These homes were generally built between 1905 and c. 1930.Again, there are many permutations of the craftsman but they have: low pitched gable roofs, wide eaves, a broad front porch/verandah, and wood siding (a mass-built version with stucco siding and smaller porches was built in the late 1920s and 30s and called California Bungalow).

Bidwell Law Office

This Craftsman home, built between 1901 and 1916, is one of many such Craftsman homes built in the city during the first two decades of the 20th century. It was the longtime home of Rolfe Bidwell, whose law office adjoined this property. Active in city affairs for over half a century, Bidwell donated a large sum of money in memory of his daughter Lillian for the construction of the Bidwell Forum as part of the Glendora Library.When Rolfe Bishop Bidwell was born on 7 November 1876, in Gold Hill, Storey, Nevada, United States, his father, Thomas Jefferson Bidwell, was 43 and his mother, Frances Flora Viola Bishop, was 29. He married Robina Ann Munro on 7 November 1901, in Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States. They were the parents of at least 1 son and 1 daughter. He died on 17 October 1960, in Glendora, Los Angeles, California, United States, at the age of 83.A product of the Arts and Crafts Movement of the early 20th century, the Craftsman is epitomized by the work of the Green Brothers in Pasadena (Gamble House).These homes were generally built between 1905 and c. 1930.Again, there are many permutations of the craftsman but they have: low pitched gable roofs, wide eaves, a broad front porch/verandah, and wood siding (a mass-built version with stucco siding and smaller porches was built in the late 1920s and 30s and called California Bungalow).

This is a Craftsman house. Craftsman style homes were deeply influenced by the English Arts and Crafts movement. It includes the use of natural materials, natural wood finishes, and simple detailing. It was the home of Rolfe Bidwell and his law office adjoined the property. It was built between 1901 and 1916.

Bidwell Home

Reuben Hamlin and his wife, Helen, came to Glendora in the year 1900 when the population was a little over 500. Mr. Hamlin was a successful citrus farmer and a member of the Orange Grower's Association, who supplied the White House in Washington, D.C. with their oranges and lemons during the Taft administration. Construction on the main house wasn't started until 1906. The carriage house was built in 1905 and was located across the street from the main house, the Hamlin's lived here until the main house was completed in 1909. Charles Mace of Azusa was the builder of Hamlin's home and many other notable "Craftsman" style homes in the north San Gabriel Valley. Mace also helped build and design the Azusa Women's Club House. The Hamlin family lived in the home until Mr. Hamlin's death in 1933. Mrs. Hamlin continued living in the home until late 1961.The Hamlin Home was eventually purchased in 1982 by the California chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and has served as their state headquarters since that time.Hamlin's wife, Helen, is said to have planted the bougainvillea vines on Bennett and Minnesota Avenue that are now dedicated as a State Historic Landmark.

Built as the "dream home" of Mr. and Mrs. Reuben Hamlin, this 4,223 square foot home was completed in 1909. The Craftsman style home was built during the "Arts &amp; Crafts" movement in the United States and incorporated many natural elements local to the region. This included natural rock from the San Gabriel River, a low-pitched gable roof with wide eaves, wood paneling inside, natural wood finishes on the outside, stone/brick facing porch supports, wood ceiling beams, and a hand wrought door and lighting fixtures.

Hamlin Home

The home was occupied by the Hamlins while their home was under construction. Some have suggested that this may have been a “mail order” home. That is, it was ordered from a catalogue, delivered as a kit, and then assembled on the site. Though there is at least one confirmed Sears “Honor-Bilt” kit home in Glendora at 120 W. Colorado, such homes were mostly produced between 1908 and 1937. A longtime resident of Glendora, Ruth Richardson, recalled many years ago that the original house was a single story and that one-time (1930s) owner William Potter, a music professor at Citrus College, added the second floor.

This building does not have an official name. This Colonial Revival home was built c. 1898. It is especially noteworthy because this style of architecture and buildings of this vintage are rare in Glendora. The house is a City Historic Landmark.Built mostly in the late 1920s and 1930s, these buildings recall California’s mission heritage. Plastered with stucco to simulate adobe, these have small porches, tile roofs, and, often, arched windows and/or doorways. Mediterranean homes have flat roofs with tile trim.

 A Colonial Revival home

The boulder at the northeast corner of Bennett and Glendora Avenues (in front of the First Christian Church, completed in 1923, though the congregation originated in 1888 in a building at the northeast corner of Bennett and Wabash) commemorates the sale of the first Glendora lot at this site by the Glendora Land Company, April 1, 1887. Jefferson Patten paid $400 plus $75 for the priviledge of making the first purchase. By nightfall, 291 lots had been sold at prices ranging from $200 to $600. This lot later became part of property on which Glendora’s first City Hall (and present Museum) was built. The city sold the corner lot to the First Christian Church in 1922 after moving into the present City Hall.

This boulder is the site of the first lot sold in Glendora. It later became part of property on which Glendora’s first City Hall (and present Museum) was built. The lot was originally sold on April 1, 1887 by the Glendora Land Company. The boulder represents the start of a new Glendora.

First Lot Sold in Glendora

On October 1 of 1930, the Independent Brethren Church of Glendora officially formed with 140 charter members. In it's first years, the Independent Brethren Church met downtown in the Kamphefner Building on the northwest corner of Glendora and Meda, the former location of Kussart's Grocery and later, Finkbiner's Market. During this time period, to save on building costs, the men from the IBCG started mining the rock quarries in the San Gabriel Canyon above the bustling citrus groves in Glendora and brought down large stones out of which they built the structure that stands as Cornerstone Bible Church today.

This church is a stone structure that was completed in 1931, on the corner of Glendora and Whitcomb Avenues. In 1930, a group of families, with spiritual differences, had been searching for stronger bible teachings and chose to break off from the Glendora Brethren Church to form the Independent Brethren Church of Glendora (IBCG).

Cornerstone Bible Church

Several lots were offered to the Women's Club for a clubhouse location, including one offered free of charge by George Whitcomb, the city's founder, but they had definite thoughts in mind and wanted a particular location. As a result of their flurry of activities, including a series of card parties held in 1917 and a concert by the world-renowned vocalist, Ellen Beach "Lark Ellen" Yaw, they raised enough money to purchase the lot at 424 N. Michigan (now Glendora) Avenue for the price of $350.After purchasing the lot, they had had to raise money for the construction of their building. One of the ways they raised money as through a subscription contest, held by the Los Angeles Examiner. The club sold enough subscriptions to win the prize of a Cadillac (which they then sold for $1,892.00). Bidding instruction stressed, "Only contractors who are residents or property owners in Glendora are eligible to bid." On June 4, 1912 they accepted the low bid of $5,600 for construction of the clubhouse from R. M. Goebel. Plans were prepared by T.W. Wamsley. Total cost of construction ran $6,136.40 and with furnishing was $7,873.14.On November 5, 1912, just 3 1/2 years from their initial gathering, the members held their first meeting in their new clubhouse.

The Glendora Woman’s Club, which met initially at the Opera House, built a wood frame Craftsman style club house on this site in 1912 and held its first meeting here on November 5, 1912. That building still exists within the heavily “modernized” exterior and interior resulting from a renovation in 1955. It as used as a setting for countless social gatherings and still houses the Women's Club today.

Glendora Woman's Club 

This Victorian wood dwelling, sometimes known as the Woodworth Home or the Sheppard Home, was built in 1890 as a maternity home. The earliest known recorded owners were W.G. Hall and Frank Sheppard. Legend has it that when the house was first built there was a cesspool hole that became so large that a team of horses fell in. Since there were no hospitals in the area, this maternity home was very important to Glendora. Pregnant women would stay in this private home and as the birth date grew near, the doctor would be summoned. This house has withstood more than 100 years of progress.

This building was one of a few maternity homes in Glendora. It was built in the 1800s. The house was constructed with square nails and kiln-dried redwood which supposedly makes it termite free. It claims to be the first home wired for electricity and one of the original light globes remains with the house today.

The Woodworth Home

This is a simple Victorian home with some Craftsman features. The original owner, O. D. Fay, was active in many Glendora businesses. His son, Dan Fay, was a longtime (1947-64) Glendora police chief.The History of Public Safety in Glendora The first police officer in the city was actually known as the City Marshal. The Marshal’s office was created in 1911 with the incorporation of the City of Glendora, a position first held by Frank Kuhry, who was paid $90 a month to be the Marshal, which included $50 a month to be the night watchman, and $15 a month to be street superintendent. Prior to that, the only law enforcement in the area was provided by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department from Station #8 (San Dimas) and the Azusa tree warden. Anyone found injuring a tree was fined $100.00, a testament to our Citrus industry heritage. Glendora’s population at that time was about 700 people.Nine different officers held the title of City Marshal from 1911 to 1926, at which time the Glendora Police Department was formed. Glendora officers didn’t wear formal uniforms until 1934. From 1926 until 1931, Officer Milton Squires and Chief Sam Baxter, the first Chief, who doubled at the department’s traffic officer, were the entire staff of the police department until a third man was hired as an officer and fire truck driver. The population had increased to 2,700 by this time. From 1920 until the 1950’s, the City of Glendora had an appointed Police Commissioner, a position held by a member of the City Council as a civilian figurehead. The first city jail consisted of a wooden jail in the barn of City Marshal O.D. Fay; whose son O. Dan Fay Jr eventually became the Chief of Police in 1947 and is who the present police facility is named after. The old wooden jail eventually became the dog pound when the office of Poundmaster was established in 1914. The new jail was located in what is now the Glendora Historical Society building at 314 N. Glendora Ave, what was previously known as Michigan Ave. When the current city hall building was completed in 1922, the jail and police department were located upstairs at city hall. It has been said that city council meetings were often interrupted by the yelling and screaming of intoxicated arrestee’s who had to be literally dragged upstairs to the city jail. Our current facility was dedicated in 1966 at what used to be a city park, with legendary LA County Sheriff Peter Pitchess in attendance to help celebrate the dedication.

This building is a Craftsman home. The original owner, O. D. Fay, was active in many Glendora businesses. His son, Dan Fay, was a longtime (1947-64) Glendora police chief.

Fay House

This was one of the last neighborhood grocery stores in Glendora, operating from about 1925 until 1983. Built and operated by E. E. Stucker until he died in 1934, it was originally the “Little Grey Store.” Some accounts credit the Nasser family, more closely associated with Azusa, with the construction, but there is no question that the Stuckers owned and operated the store. As one can see from this tour, it was located in the heart of the residential district east of Glendora Avenue. Wilson School was across the street to the south and citrus groves began a block to the east. Most Glendorans, if they remember the store at all (it was converted to a residence in the 1980s), remember it as Bolton’s market and as being painted green.

This is the site of a neighborhood grocery store that was first owned and operated by the Stucker family. It was also known as the "Little Grey Store" and Bolton's market. It operated from 1925 until 1983 with different owners managing the store throughout the years. In 1994 it was converted to a private residence.

"Little Green Store"

Built in 1902 in a “Victorian Vernacular” style and is virtually unique in Glendora with its vertical wood plank siding. The Detwilers were early settlers in this area having settled in the area at the turn of the century. Four of the six Dewitler children were born in this house. The house was sold in 1948 after the death of Mrs. Dewitler. The new owners restored and remodeled the house and added a family room, two fireplaces, and a front porch.The Dewitlers were an influential family in Glendora. Withe the early death of their father, it was necessary for all members of the family to work. The older boys especially took on all kinds of work in the community. In fact, they were seen so often a fellow resident once said "...there was a Dewitler behind every pepper tree."The majority of the Dewtiler children stayed in Glendora and took on prominent places in the community. Dutch Dewitler grew up as a star athlete on the football team for Citrus Union High School. He stayed in Glendora and continued to live just a few blocks from his childhood home. He served as City Councilman of the city from 1958-1966.Webb Dewitler was known as the keeper of Venberg's department store where he was a buyer and window dresser. He designed the Glendora City seal that is used on all official correspondence. He also set up exhibits at the LA County Fair for the City of Glendora where he won many prizes.

The historic Dewitler house was built in 1902. Many changes have occurred throughout the years, but the outside of the house looks very much the same. The Dewitler family built and settled in this home after residing in a smaller house on Alosta Ave to accommodate their growing family. The Dewitler family consisted of Edna and Wilbur Dewitler and six children, five boys and one girl.

Detwiler House

This building has the distinction of being one of the many original buildings in the city. It has been moved multiple times to stay in the center of the city and accessible to all residents. The building was moved by horse and wagon when it was eventually changed into a private residence. The Glendora Land office contains lots of Glendora history, probably more than any other building in the city. It sold the first lots in the city, housed the First National Bank, was a butcher shop, a Red Cross station during World War I, and was a private residence for many families.

This building was constructed in 1887 at the southeast corner of Vista Bonita and Leadora (see #22). In about 1904 it was moved to the northeast corner of Michigan (Glendora) and Meda Avenues when Michigan (Glendora) Avenue was established as Glendora’s main business street. It was moved a third time to this location prior to 1920 and converted to a residence, having apparently lost its spire in the process.

Glendora Land Office

The landmark was dedicated on January 7, 1978 and was attended by local and state dignitaries. The monument’s plaque sits on native rock and states that the plants were first brought to California in 1870 on a whaling ship. L.J. Pittman was the landowner in which the monument stood and was said to have provided the historical information for the plaque. Some years later an article was written about the historical landmark in Sunset Magazine in the 1970’s and struck up a controversy about the planting of the bougainvillea. Mrs. Ivan Hanley, whose family lived on the land during the thirties wrote a letter debating the facts stated on the plaque. She said that her family had Merrill and Frank West plant the bougainvillea in the early 1930’s. A letter was written to the Glendora Historical Society by the Landmark Society to further research the origins of the bougainvillea and the historical society called in people who had been in Glendora for at least 50 years to stir up more information. Responses were tabulated and there was no majority to substantiate whose claims were most factual, so this topic remains a controversial subject in Glendora’s history.

On the northeast corners of Minnesota and Bennett you will find Glendora’s own California Registered Historical Landmark #912- Glendora’s Bougainvillea. This is the largest known stand of bougainvillea in the United States. The bright bougainvillea climb the trunks of stately palm trees that stretch along Bennet and Minnesota Ave. Residents say that the bougainvillea and the palm trees were used to promote California as a paradise during the land boom of the 1800’s.

Bougainvillea State Monument

Little specific seems to be known about this Victorian home, likely dating from the late 19th century. However, its substantial size, horse barn, and grounds indicate that it was owned by one or more very successful residents of Glendora. The Peytons operated the Cub Market. Also, a Kirby Peyton, who owned a business in the Alosta area of Glendora, was known to have produced components for early (1950s) television manufacturers. (Hoffman televisions, for example, were made in Monrovia.) There was a Peyton store &amp; service station at the NW corner of Route 66 and Grand Ave. The Peytons were a very influential family of early Glendora.

This Victorian house is dated from the 19th century. It was used as a residential dwelling. Built primarily in the latter 19th century, these wood frame homes have many permutations such as “stick” and “Queen Anne.” They possess a strong vertical presence emphasized by tall windows, steep roof pitch, and narrow eaves. Often they are sheathed with various types of shingles, including “fish scales.”

Peyton House

In 1877, just three years after the original settlers, William Cullen and John Bender, arrived in this area, James West and his brother, Charles, came to Glendora. Charles built at about the same time at 250 North Live Oak. The West brothers purchased 140 acres in this area and planted citrus trees (and, in some accounts, are credited with planting the bougainvilleas on the north side of Bennett). Generally, citrus trees require sixteen or more inches of rainfall/water annually. Since the Wests needed to know how much rain fell, beginning on October 1, 1880, James West set up a rain gauge and began what would be more than a century of the Wests keeping a daily log of rainfall in Glendora. In the Spring of 1981, the Los Angeles County Flood Control District presented the West family with a plaque commending them for their 100 years of service as “cooperative weather observers.” A gauge continues to be maintained and monitored to this day, currently by Gordon Rowley. The Wests and others, to assure a steady water supply, acquired water rights in Big Dalton Canyon and piped spring water from there to properties in the town. James West served as mayor of Glendora in 1916.

James West built this home in 1887 and it is considered one of the earliest homes in Glendora. James West accompanied his father to California from Iowa in 1875 and in 1877 James and his brother Charles settled in the Glendora area three years after the original settlers. Six generations of the West family have lived in Glendora.

James West Home

Lester West, son of James, built this home in 1910. Members of the West family still reside in the house today. There are many legacies of the Wests — the West Oaks Grove and Lesterwest Street, among others — in Glendora and West descendants continue to live here as well. This is a Glendora Historical landmark.It is considered a craftsman bungalow. A product of the Arts and Crafts Movement of the early 20th century, the Craftsman is epitomized by the work of the Green Brothers in Pasadena (Gamble House). These homes were generally built between 1905 and c. 1930. Again, there are many permutations of the craftsman but they have: low pitched gable roofs, wide eaves, a broad front porch/verandah, and wood siding (a mass-built version with stucco siding and smaller porches was built in the late 1920s and 30s and called California Bungalow).

James West's son, Lester West built this home in 1910. The West family had deep roots in Glendora with six generations of the West family having resided in Glendora. James West started it all when he moved from Ohio to Glendora in 1851. Lester West was one of five West children.

Lester West Home

It was the Chamber of Commerce that helped generate interest in the importance of developing a park and recreation center for Glendora's youth. The Chamber was instrumental in raising funds for park improvements. In 1950, with a generous donation from the Frank J. Gard family, the legion hall was built. The city's first lawyer, Rolfe Bidwell, donated the funds to construct the scout building and tennis courts in the early 50's, were donated by the La Fetra family. The Youth Center was built in the 1960's with funds raised by Harry Geyer and the Glendora Coordinating Council. The Women's Auxiliary the raised funds to donate the playground equipment. In the 1970's the city purchased three acres on the north eastern part of the park, now known as West Oak Grove after former Mayor Merrill West and the pioneer West family. In September of 1980, the park was renamed Finkbiner Park, in honor of Glendora's longest serving mayor, Joe Finkbiner. In 1983, the band shell was built from an abundance of community donations to house summer Concerts in the Park. Today Finkbiner Park is over 10 acres in size.

This is Glendora's original city park, and the only park in existence for years. It was named Recreation Park in 1949. It was located just north of Foothill Boulevard between Cullen and Wabash. The land was part of a big strip of land donated to Henry Huntington and his Pacific Electric Railroad to encourage him to extend his railway from Monrovia out to Glendora. For years, this property was was used to store Red Rail line cars. During the years that the Railroad owned the property the city was allowed to have a softball diamond on the property, close by where the current diamond sits.

Finkbiner Park/West Oaks Grove

The Bandholts were a wealthy Glendora family that used the home primarily for entertaining and were known to be quite active in their 10 years in Glendora. The property was surrounded by 20 acres of orange groves planted in Valencia and Navels, considered to be one of the best orange groves in Glendora. The Bandholts sold the home and the surrounding 20 acres of orange groves in 1912 when they moved to Monrovia, it was then purchased by the Clyde Leverton Nickle family and was used primarily for entertaining purposes. In 1940 the house was converted to apartments and then into a bed and breakfast known as the Fager House, after the proprietor, Monica Fager. The future of the building was in doubt at the time the Ludwick and La Fetra families rescued it for some $600,000 and donated it to the City of Glendora as a Senior Center in memory of Clem and Betty La Fetra in 1989. Restoration was paid for by a number of grants and donations from civic organizations, churches, and private individuals. In 1997 a large addition was built on the north side to provide a number of meeting rooms for use in senior programs as well as for other community groups.

This family home was constructed in 1902 by Charles Mace for J.F. Bandholt at the cost of $6,500, it was described as “the handsomest in the valley” in an Azusa Pomotropic newspaper article from 1904. Early on, the home was dubbed “Boulder Grange” because of the rock foundations and fireplace constructed from San Gabriel River rock. The rock was hauled over from Azusa by mule. The style of the home is characterized by both the craftsman and shingle styles. The home has a wide cement terrace that extends along the front of the home and two large stone pillars on the front porch. There was a reception hall with a large stone fireplace, a raised living room and to the right of the reception hall was a library complete with built-in bookcases. The dining room adjoined the library and had a large sideboard built into the wall. The second story of the home contained three and a half bedrooms and had diamond paneled windows.

Boulder Grange/ Bandholt Home/ La Fetra Senior Center

Joe Finkbiner, “Mayor Joe,” is one of the most prominent names in Glendora history. He is said to be one of the most instrumental men in the formation of the Glendora that we know today. He was the longest serving mayor in Glendora history, at 16 years (1964-1980) and served for four years (1960-1964) on Glendora's city council. Born and raised during the height of the Great Depression, Finkbiner grew up in a small town in Missouri. In 1936, when everyone was making their way out to California, Finkbiner asked his wife to cover his home store for him with the intention of making some extra cash out in California. The last thing on his mind at the time was moving out to California. Surprised with the amount of work he found in California, he went home and sold his store in Missouri and moved his family to northern California. He landed in Glendora when the grocery store he was working at, Walker’s Market, then located on the west side of Grand and Alosta, opened a new store in Glendora and he transferred there as a manager. Joe and his wife Ilene immediately fell in love with Glendora’s small town, family atmosphere and decided to plant roots. Five years after moving to Glendora, Finkbiner bought Frank Teter’s Grocery store and opened his own store, Finkbiner’s Market. Finkbiner would eventually amass more properties downtown in the village. Except for his lakeside property in Big Bear, all of his other properties were located in Glendora.

This 1800 square foot charming, historic, craftsman style home at 249 East Foothill Boulevard (then Minnehaha Avenue) was built between 1911 and 1913. The first documented mention of this property was on May 27, 1887, a mere two months after the city of Glendora had been established. It sold for $200 in gold coin to C.E. Sumner by the Glendora Land Company. The original deed was written by one of the city’s founders, George Whitcomb and stated that liquor could not be consumed or manufactured on the land or ownership would be given back to the Glendora Land Company.

Joe Finkbiner Home

In the 1920's, there were two ranger stations, in both Big Dalton and San Dimas Canyons. Arthur Shay was the District Ranger in Glendora and he was responsible for overseeing all of the Angeles National Forest south of Mt. Baldy and east of the San Gabriel Canyon. The most important of the rangers job was ensuring fire prevention and fighting fires, should they arise. After a devastating fire in 1919, plans were made to reforest the devastated area. Coulter pines, locust, osage trees, and chaparral seeds were planted (over 100,000 pine seedlings in total). In 1925, Spence D. Turner became County Forester and Fire Warden and was distressed to find most of the seedlings had died. To find out the source of their failure, he pushed to establish an experimental tree nursery. 13,000 acres was set aside for the San Dimas Experimental Tree Forest. It was the first ever, permanent center for research on wildfires, and prevention of deposition and stream erosion. Many of the testing instruments and techniques were originally established here.

On the northeast corner of Foothill Blvd and Wabash Ave, you will find what some consider the “most beautiful ranger station in the entire National Forest system.” - Glendora's U.S. Forest Service Station. The land for the new headquarters in Glendora was purchased for $3,500 through the fundraising efforts of the Chamber of Commerce, an early example of the community participation for which Glendora is well known. One of the headquarters units for the operation of Angeles National Forest (Mt. Baldy District) and the San Dimas Experimental Forest, this building was constructed in 1940 by the Works Progress Administration (WPA). During World War II, it was also the facility for the Office of Price Administration.

U.S. Forest Service Ranger Station

The house was electrified in 1912. For many years (at least until 1930), a concrete milestone marked “27” stood in front of the house, indicating the twenty-seven mile distance to Los Angeles. William and Alice Wright moved to Glendora in 1905 due to William’s health problems that were exacerbated by severe Iowa winters. William’s uncle, George, had come to California in the 1860s and eventually settled on property now occupied by Citrus College and Azusa Pacific University. William’s family stayed with George’s son in a house on south Vermont Avenue until this home was built. Wright family members resided here through about 1930. Today, there is no trace of the Wright house as it is now a city parking lot.

While not especially remarkable architecturally, this home, built in 1910,“saw” much history and was representative of homes built by early Glendora settlers from the Midwest. The home was built on former Bandholt property on the south side of what was then “Minnehaha Blvd.”This was known as the “clean” side since the prevailing southwesterly winds blew dust from the then dirt road towards the north. Built at a total cost of $1587, including the land, the home had a cellar and a cistern to accumulate rainwater.

Wright House (site — now a city parking lot)

The Glendora Chamber of Commerce first came into existence in 1903, but back then it was called the Board of Trade. Samuel Purcell, the editor for the Glendora Gleaner newspaper, is credited with organizing the Board of Trade. Even then, Glendora business owners saw the necessity of organizing to promote their businesses. The first known order of business for the board of trade was to supply electricity to the city of Glendora. It was on June 12, 1912, that the Board of Trade officially became the Glendora Chamber of Commerce. In the 1920's, with a growing number of businesses and a sizeable packing house, the Chamber decided to advertise Glendora with a spectacular electric sign spanning across Foothill Boulevard. It was also during this time that they saw the need to promote Glendora and did so at booths at the county fair and even sent a float to the Rose Parade. In the 40's the Chamber organized a drive to collect funds to buy property in the city to hand over to the Forest Service, this property continues to house the U.S. Forest Service today on Foothill Blvd. In the 60's, the Chamber was credited with making the signage we see today to announce entrance into the city and for getting the Foothill freeway to run through Glendora. In 1964, they petitioned to change the name of Michigan Ave to Glendora Ave, feeling it would give more identity to Glendora's main street. The chamber exists to not only advertise the city, but also to bring together business and community members to work together to enhance the city and community through the tax dollars it receives.

Also known as the Underhill House or as the “Glass House,” was built in a “vernacular Italianate” style in 1918 by E. F. Underhill. It was occupied by his family until 1954 when his wife turned the property over (following the directives in her husband’s will) to the Glendora YWCA and Glendora Masonic Lodge who occupied the property until it was sold in the early 1980s. This location now houses Visiting Angels.

Chamber of Commerce

This Victorian home was, legend has it, moved to this site from another location in Glendora. It was the home of J.S. Brubaker, who became Glendora’s first mayor when the town incorporated in 1911. The building materials of the house were stones specially selected from the San Gabriel Canyon and hauled to Glendora by wagon.Built primarily in the latter 19th century, these wood frame homes have many permutations such as “stick” and “Queen Anne”. They possess a strong vertical presence emphasized by tall windows, steep roof pitch, and narrow eaves. Often they are sheathed with various types of shingles, including “fish scales.”

This house was owned by the first mayor of Glendora. His name was J.S. Brubaker and he lived in this house on the corner of Vista Bonita and Carroll Ave. Unfortunately, he was only mayor for three short months. He died of "cardiac trouble" on February 5, 1912. This house serves as a reminder of a rich historic heritage.

Victorian Home

One of the oldest churches in Glendora, the Church of the Brethren congregation was established in 1889 by Daniel Norcross who lived here but belonged to the first Brethren church in southern California in Covina. Rapid growth led to the construction of a new church building which was dedicated on this site in 1895, its stone foundation now within the complex of buildings seen today. Shortly after the new congregation was organized, J. S. Brubaker, Glendora’s first mayor was selected to preside.October 4, 1902, the Covina Church took action to put the Glendora members under their own self government. So on November 22, 1902, a meeting was called with Elder George Shamberger presiding and a new church was born. By 1909 the church facilities had become so crowded and inadequate, it was decided to build an addition, making more Sunday School rooms to the north side of the first edifice.The church campus as it exists today is the product of several more expansions and renovations, including the Fellowship Hall in 1938, and an educational unit to the north in 1948. In 1950, the congregation decided to reconstruct the original structure, occupying it in April 1951. By 1961,with the addition of the steeple, the church was “complete.” An interesting side note is that the Rev.Arthur Baldwin, pastor of the Church of the Brethren from 1955 until 1981, also served on the Glendora City Council for eight years

One of the oldest churches in Glendora, the Church of the Brethren congregation was established in 1889 by Daniel Norcross who lived here but belonged to the first Brethren church in southern California in Covina. Rapid growth led to the construction of a new church building which was dedicated on this site in 1895, its stone foundation now within the complex of buildings seen today.

Church of the Brethren

The Glendora Library traces its beginning all the way back to 1903, when a group of local women began the Athena Club. The club worked to create a reading room, which opened in 1904. The collection was eventually transferred to the new Glendora Woman's Club, which established a free library. The collection continue to grow until 1912, when the city of Glendora assumed control and the Library became a city department. The Library's location moved several times in the intervening years, including the current location of City Hall.By 1971 the Bidwell Memorial Library had outgrown its quarters and a new building was erected on Glendora Avenue between City Hall and the Police facility. The doors were opened to the public on February 28, 1972.In 1989 the library introduced its first computer-based catalog, replacing the traditional paper card catalog. In 1992, the Glendora Reads! adult literacy program was started. That year also saw the opening of the Friends of Glendora Library Book and Gift Shop. In 1993 the Glendora Public Library Friends Foundation was formed as a 501{c}3 non-profit corporation. The foundation partners with the City of Glendora to provide volunteer and financial support to enhance library services. The foundation provides this support through gifts, grants and donations.Library programs and events sponsored by the foundation include the Summer Reading Clubs for children, teens and adults, special programs and events for all ages, cultural events, volunteer recognition and the adult literacy program.In April 1994, the library opened the Computer Learning Center, giving the public access to computers and eventually the Internet. The library hosted the first City of Glendora’s website and employee e-mail network. All of this was made possible by the Friends Foundation.On January 24, 2004, the library celebrated its centennial: 100 years of information, imagination and inspiration to the Glendora community! The Glendora High School’s Tartan Pipe and Drum Corp. and the Boy and Girl Scouts as color guards kicked-off the event. Dignitaries from the community and the political arena gave speeches and proclamations in honor of the library and its volunteer roots. After the formal ceremony was completed, music, food, a historical portrayal of Pio Pico, games, prizes and a puppet show kept adults and children entertained.In April 2009, the Library held its dedication ceremony for the newly completed Friends Room and the City’s first extreme water-wise garden. Community support for the Friends Room was captured by their hand prints placed on a metal oak tree as the leaves. The art work was created by Conrad Brazzel. The water-wise garden was created through a partnership with Monrovia Growers, who donated the plants and expertise, and the City’s Planning, Public Works and Community Services departments.May 11, 2012, marked the Centennial celebration of the Glendora Woman’s Club handing over their library to the Glendora City Council. This generous act created the Glendora Public Library. Linke all other public buildings, the library building was closed to the public during COVID, but library services continued uninterrupted and staff provided research assistance, conducted virtual programming, and distributed library materials to the public through the "Library to Go" service.

The current Glendora Library building opened on February 28, 1972. Over 1600 people attended the dedication and open house two days prior. The Glendora Library traces its beginning all the way back to 1903, when a group of local women began the Athena Club. The club worked to create a reading room, which opened in 1904. The collection was eventually transferred to the new Glendora Woman's Club, which established a free library. The collection continue to grow until 1912, when the city of Glendora assumed control and the Library became a city department.The Library moved several times in the intervening years before the current location was built. 2022 marks the 50th anniversary of the Library's current location: "50 @ 140".

Glendora Public Library 

When built in 1922 the City Hall contained a jail, library, and administrative offices and the council chambers also served as the local municipal court. Volunteer fire department facilities were located on the west side and to the rear of the building. The building was constructed for about $40,000 with money partly raised by a bond issue approved by voters in a 1920 election. A reception for the opening of the new building occurred on April 1st, 1922 where the Woman's Club of Glendora welcomed guests to inspect the new bulding from top to bottom.At one time an old cannon graced the front lawn, but unfortunately it was donated to the war effort and used as scrap metal. There is also a time capsule buried in City Hall's front lawn that is opened every 25 years.

City Hall was constructed in a mixed neoclassical/ Italianate style in 1922 (the cornerstone was laid in 1921) to replace the previous city hall on Glendora Avenue and to accommodate the needs of a growing community. It is a large white two-story Spanish style structure with a red tile roof. This building continues to serve the community today as the City Hall. An addition has been added on the east side to house the Council Chambers and the community services offices.

Glendora Extended Historical Walking Tour

First National Bank/Opera House

Introduction

Images

Backstory and Context

Sources