USA > California > Los Angeles County > Pasadena > History of Pasadena, comprising an account of the native Indian, the early Spanish, the Mexican, the American, the colony, and the incorporated city, occupancies of the Rancho San Pasqual, and its adjacent mountains, canyons, waterfalls and other objects of interest: being a complete and comprehensive histo-cyclopedia of all matters pertaining to this region > Part 25
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I 90
HISTORY OF PASADENA.
gational church, was at last changed and reconstructed into Mr. Daggett's Columbia Hill residence as it now stands.
THE PASADENA ACADEMY.
In 1883-84 Prof. M. M. Parker and wife, assisted by his brother, Prof. C. M. Parker, opened an academic school at his home place on east Califor- nia street. But when the Sierra Madre college was started he merged his private ente.prise into that. After failure of the college he.reopened his Academy in September, 1886, in Williams Hall, occupying the large main hall and two adjunct rooms. The school soon outgrew these close quarters, and early in November it was removed to the old Central School building, then standing on Raymond Avenue where the Vandevort block now stands, and he occupied the entire two stories except one room used for meetings of the city trustees. Thus passed the academic year of 1886-87. After that the offices of city clerk, marshal, surveyor, recorder or police judge, etc., were located in this building, which had been leased by the city for three years. The Academy was next opened in the second-floor rooms of the Grand Opera House, and its school years of 1887-88 and 1888-89 were spent here. But a more central location seemed desirable ; and on Septem- ber 9, 1889, it opened in the second-floor rooms of our present City Hall building. This Academy won a good name, reached an enrollment of as high as 150 pupils, and employed nine teachers.
The Pasadena Standard of September 14, 1889, mentions the annual opening of the Academy, and at the same time names other private schools then in the city, as follows :
"Prof. Parker's Academy opened its fourth year last Monday, corner Fair Oaks Avenue and Union street. Miss Sarah Hay's Kindergarten on Herkimer street, opens its third year next Monday. Miss Collamer's select school, on Valley street, opens its fourth year next Monday. St. Margaret's school (Episcopal) for girls, on East Colorado street, opens next Monday for its third year. Prof. S. C. Clark's classical school for boys, on South Los Robles Avenue, opens its first year, October 2. Mrs. Graham's Kinder- garten on Euclid Avenue (formerly Miss Curtis') will open next Monday. Mr. Coggswell's mechanical training school for boys, on West Colorado street, is open for the formation of classes at any time."
In 1891 Prof. Parker, at Father Throop's earnest desire and request, co-operated with him in founding the Polytechnic Institute, and merged his Academy into that.
THE THROOP POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE.
Hon. A. G. Throop came from Chicago and settled in Los Angeles in 1880 ; but in 1886 he removed to Pasadena and made his permanent home here. In April, 1888, he was elected a member of the city council ; and on October 5, 1889, he was chosen president of the board, or "Mayor."
By successful business enterprises in Chicago he had acquired a consid- erable fortune. He had always been an ardent advocate of education in its
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DIVISION THREE - BRAINS.
highest and best phases, although his own early advantages in this respect had been very meager ; and now he purposed to devote his money and the remainder of his life to the founding in Pasadena of an institution of learn- ing, on the most approved plan that educational experts could suggest. After several conferences and consultations with friends upon the subject during the spring and summer of 1891, a special meeting was held at his house on August 31, at which were present Rev. Dr. E. L. Conger ; Prof. John Dickinson of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles ; Prof. C. H. Keyes, superintendent of schools, Riverside; Prof. Will S. Monroe, superintendent of schools, Pasadena; Prof. James D. Graham, principal of High School, Pasadena. The result of this meeting was a de- cision to proceed at once to open the college ; and in a few days Father Throop had leased for five years the great four-story Wooster block, corner of Fair Oaks Avenue and Kansas street, and commenced fitting it up for school uses; and a circular was issued announcing that the new college would open and begin its scholastic year on November 2. I quote :
"On September 23d, articles of incorporation were filed with the secre- tary of state, with the following named persons as a board of incorporation : Gov. H. H. Markham, H. W. Magee, Esq., J. C. Michener, M. D., W. U. Masters, J. S. Hodge, M. D., Major Geo. H. Bonebrake, Hon. Delos Arnold, Hon. T. P. Lukens, E. F. Hurlbut, Prof. T. S. C. Lowe, Hon. P. M. Green, F. C. Howes, Milton D. Painter, Hon. A. G. Throop, Ex-Gov. Lionel A. Sheldon.
"The first meeting of the board of trustees was held October 2d, at which time officers were elected as follows: Hon. A. G. Throop, president ; L. W. Andrews, secretary ; Hon. P. M. Green. treasurer.
"On October 8th the by-laws of the corporation were by the trustees discussed and adopted, and an executive committee elected, consisting of Hon. A. G. Throop, Rev. E. L. Conger, W. E. Arthur, Mrs. L. T. W. Conger and E. E. Spalding.
Throop University' was the name that had been adopted, and it was announced to embrace the following departments : College of Letters and Science : (a) Classical Course, (b) Philosophical Course, (c) Scientific Course, (d) English Course. Preparatory Department, Law School, Musical Institute, Art Studio, Elocution, Stenography and Typewriting, Physical Culture-Gymnasium. Prof. M. M. Parker was elected vice president of the University. A list of ten instructors was announced for the first year."
The Daily Star of November II, said :
" Prof. M. M. Parker is in receipt of a letter from Hon. Delos Arnold offering to Throop University a valuable collection of 150 varieties of quat- ernary and pliocene fossils from this [Los Angeles] county. The gift has been accepted by Prof. Parker on behalf of the University, with thanks. A duplicate of this collection was recently sent by Mr. Arnold to the curator of the national museum at Washington, by whom it is considered of especial value."
OPENING DAY.
The University classes commenced their regular sessions on Monday, November 2, 1871 ; and on the previous Saturday the friends of the enter-
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HISTORY OF PASADENA.
prise took occasion to express their sentiments in a public reception to Father Throop. From the Star's report of this event I make a few ex- tracts of pertinent and historic interest :
The commodious room set apart for the chapel and assembly hall of Throop University was filled Saturday afternoon by a concourse of ladies and gentlemen who fairly represented the culture and intelligence of the community. Prof. M. M. Parker, vice-president of the University, filled the chair. He stated that the objects of the gathering were to afford the citizens of the city an opportunity of congratulating Father Throop upon the success of his plans thus far, and to express their appreciation of his efforts in behalf of the cause of education.
A. R. Metcalfe, Esq., said : "The founding of such an institution in Passadena is cause for general congratulation among the people of the com- munity. * * Every home and every citizen will be the better and the happier and the richer for the victories to be won in Throop University ; and in behalf of the people of Pasadena, Mr. Metcalfe said, he thanked Father Throop for his noble work-for what he had done and what he intended to do. To found such an institution was the act of one of the noblest of God's creatures, one whose love for the people dominates all his acts. In their hearts Father Throop has a very warm spot which could be hardly filled by any other (applause)."
Mrs. Jeanne C. Carr said : “ If such an institution had been opened 50 years ago, all girls would have been left out in planning for the reception of students, and she desired to thank Father Throop for making no discrimina- tion in the matter of sex in opening the doors of the University. * Fifty years ago only eleven of the great rancheros who owned the five southern counties of California, could read or sign their names. The nearest boarding school was at Honolulu in the Sandwich Islands. We congratulate ourselves upon the birth of this University ; not only for the obvious advantages it will bring to our city, but because each new institu- tion is another step in advance in the recognition it gives to the value of practical education."
Rev. C. E. Harris, pastor of the Baptist church, was introduced as a representative of the local ministers. Mr. Harris made one of his happy responses, saying that he wished to adopt as his sentiments everything that had so far been said in commendation of Father Throop, and to add that Mrs. Throop is entitled to share in the praise for the work done in founding this college. Its establishment marks a significant crisis in the history of the city.
Prof. Parker called upon Father Throop to speak, and the venerable founder of the college came upon the platform amidst loud and long-con- tinued applause. He said that in the course of his long life he had had many happy days, and that this was one of the happiest. After a life of economy and industry he had devoted such means as he had to the endow- ment of the college. He had himself felt the need of such education as it will afford, which perhaps fitted him better to appreciate its needs, and had stimulated his ambition to do something in the cause of higher learning. In all his plans he had the good-will and co-operation of Mrs. Throop, of his daughter, Mrs. Vaughan, of his niece (Miss Waite), and other relatives, many of whom were happily present with him on this happy occasion. Father Throop said it was his ambition to make the college what the times
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DIVISION THREE - BRAINS.
demand, which was a school of the best. Aside from all politics and sectar- ianism he desired to make its instruction broad and high and pure, under which its pupils may learn what is best and most useful.
In 1892 a body of land was secured at the corner of Fair Oaks Avenue and Chestnut street, where two street-car lines passed, and the building now known as "West Hall" was erected. It stands 140 feet frontage on Fair Oaks by 80 feet on Chestnut, two stories high. Its ultimate design was for the departments of Mechanics and Physics chiefly, as the institution should progress in its evolutional development ; but in October, 1892, all the school work was transferred from Wooster Hall to this new building, which had been equipped with gas engines and machinery for wood work, iron work and electric work ; also for cooking school, sewing school, chemi- cal laboratory, biological laboratory, and type-writing.
CHANGE OF TITLE.
Before the opening of the college year of 1892 it had been decided to drop the ambitious and incorrect title of "University "; to make manual and industrial education the characteristic feature of the school ; and to call it " THROOP POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE." And the motto "learn to do by doing" was adopted, to express tersely the plan and aim of its curriculum.
By 1893 an additional block of ground had been secured, extending from West Hall eastward to Raymond Avenue; and here was erected the main building-150 feet frontage on Chestnut street by 68 on Raymond - three stories high, besides a full basement-and cost nearly $40,000.
During the summer of 1894 $12,000 worth of new machinery, steam power, and other mechanical apparatus was added to the West Hall equip- ment; and all the literary and fine arts class-work was established in East Hall.
In 1893, when East Hall had been completed, the permanent character of the institution and its great value to the general interests of Pasadena became more apparent. The matter was talked up in the Board of Trade meetings and elsewhere, and finally, December 21, was settled upon to be observed as
FATHER THROOP DAY.
The necessary committees were appointed, and arrangements made for a testimonial meeting and public ovation during the day, in the Tabernacle, and a banquet at Hotel Green in the evening. The forenoon, from 9 to 12 o'clock, was devoted to visiting and inspecting the Institute buildings, the machinery being all in motion and students at work. Then from 12:15 till 1:45 lunch was served by the cooking school in West Hall, limited to visitors from outside the city. And at 2:15 the program of exercises at the Tabernacle commenced. Here W. E. Arthur, Esq., city attorney, served as president of the day, and Hon. W. A. Cheney of Los Angeles delivered the testimonial oration, which was a most brilliant effort.
I3
194
HISTORY OF PASADENA.
Mr. Arthur, on behalf of the citizens of Pasadena, presented to the trustees of the Throop Institute, a very fine life-size oil portrait of Father Throop, elegantly framed, which was unveiled to the audience by two young lady students while he spoke. And it was accepted in a fitting speech on behalf of the trustees by President Keyes, who spoke for Mr. Throop, presi- dent of the board.
HON. A. G. THROOP- "FATHER THROOP."
Following this, Father Throop himself, in a speech of deep earnestness and pathos, made formal presentation of the Throop Polytechnic Institute, with all its lands, buildings, equipments and endowments, as a free gift to the City of Pasadena and her people. He bequeathed it to them as a sacred trust, to be fostered and sustained, and made to subserve the highest and noblest uses of a thorough-going, practical, moral, self-helpful, unsectarian
NOTE .- The damaged condition of the above cut was not known till on press, too late for remedy.
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DIVISION THREE - BRAINS.
education, for boys and girls alike, and at the lowest possible cost. His feelings had been deeply hurt by his having heard several times of testy opposition to his school from a few persons of extra stiff devotion to so-called "Orthodox " theology, because he was a prominent member of the Universalist church ; and upon this point he said :
"I want to disabuse . anyone of the idea that this is a sectarian school. This is a school for the public, and I am not here today to forfeit my honor and my character to build up any sectarian institution. I have property here unincumbered worth $60,000 which will be used as an endowment fund for this school, provided the directors keep it what it now is, non-partisan and non-sectarian. I am here to offer you this property for the benefit of Pasadena, Los Angeles county, Southern California, humanity. I want you to leave me my character, worth more to me than anything. I did not do this for public applause, but to return the means God has given me to the one to whom it belongs. I offer this as a Christmas donation, and if it is worth anything to you, take it, and help me make it what it ought to be."
His speech was received with enthusiastic and long-continued applause.
To this munificent and noble offer Mayor O. F. Weed responded on behalf of the city authorities and the people, accepting the gift, and promis- ing that the high aims of the venerable and beloved founder of the institution should be carried out. He said :
"The people of Pasadena have much to be thankful for-for their climate and soil, for the culture and refinement of the community, for our magnificent hotels and other buildings, for Prof. Lowe's unique mountain railroad, for our schools and churches. But Father Throop's gift of the Polytechnic Institute surpasses all others, and it will bear his name along the line of coming generations yet unborn. Pasadena accepts the gift, and will ever hold the giver in grateful veneration. Other men have achieved fame, but Father Throop has achieved a glory that is immortal."
An appeal was made for scholarships to aid the Institute in providing free tuition for worthy pupils who need a little help. In response a number of pledges were announced, some of which were never paid. The following is a complete list of bona fide scholarship pledges ($1,000) up to January I, 1895 :
B. F. Ball $1,000
Mary E. McGee. $1,000
W. C. Stewart. 1,000 Mrs. Thos. F. Croft. 1,000
F. J. Woodbury (land) 1,000 Citizens Subscription pledge ... 1,000
Prof. T. S. C. Lowe. 2,000
Adelia M. Callender. 1,000
Mrs. Prof. Lowe
2,000 E. F. Hurlbut 1,000
Some other persons also, have given lesser amounts to the scholarship fund.
THE BANQUET.
In the evening the largest assemblage ever seated at a banquet in Pasa- dena gathered at Hotel Green, 260 plates being served. Hon. P. M. Green presided, sitting with Father Throop at his right hand and Gov. Markham at his left. By Father Throop's special request, the evil custom of serving
196
HISTORY OF PASADENA.
wines and liquors on banquet occasions was entirely dispensed with here. The sentiments or " toasts " and responses were as follows :
"California." Response by Gov. H. H. Markham.
"Give the American Boy a Chance." Response by Dr. Walter Lind- ley, superintendent of the State School at Whittier.
" Woman's Influence." Response by Rev. Florence E. Kollock.
"The Ladies." Response by J. G. Rossiter, Esq.
"The Tramp." Response by Prest. C. H. Keyes.
"Physical Culture." Response by Dr. Norman Bridge.
"Our Duty to Posterity." Response by Hon. A. G. Throop.
Here I quote a passage from the Daily Star's report :
" The announcement of Father Throop as the next speaker was received with great applause. He spoke to the text, "Our Duty to Posterity." There is one great lack in our system of education, he thought, and he hoped Throop Polytechnic Institute would insist upon supplying it, and that is, moral training. We must teach our children to be honest. He would also teach our young people to be patriotic, and to this end he hoped the flags on the buildings of the Institute would never be taken down (ap- plause). Moral honesty and patriotism were the two great lessons he wanted to insist upon tonight."
Following this, Mrs. Elizabeth Grinnell read an original poem of 32 stanzas, entitled "An Ode to Father Throop," from which I quote a few pertinent lines :
Men unveil statues of the world's great heroes ; Cold statues, soulless marble, unresponsive stone ; Carved images within whose empty chambers Sits no brave spirit on its royal throne.
Not so today ; with heads uncovered, waiting Before the One Great Master's work of art, Behold we, not a silent piece of marble, While with a tender touch we draw the veil apart.
Chiseled in warm flesh, see the figure standing; His pedestal God's truth, the love of human kind Cementing each to each in perfect union ; Lo, here the living form, and in the form the mind.
I saw a dude pass by you yester morning When you were raking builders' trash away ; He glanced with silly scorn upon your rubbish And asked, "What do such workmen get per day ? "
Ask, ye who will, the hoary-headed ages If love e'er bargained for its price in gold ; Or stipulated for its wage in silver, As if its ministrations could be sold.
The man who grasps a tool with honest motive, And stoops himself to help the laborer rise, Doubles the gift his charity would tender- He gives his wealth, his toil, his enterprise.
Oh, Father Throop, your form we love and honor. You teach that "Industry is Fortune's maid." Long may you live to show the generations That Purpose builds, where Prudence is afraid.
197
DIVISION THREE -BRAINS.
This concluded the exercises of one of Pasadena's most notable and far-reaching historic days, which had set her noblest institution before the low of wholesome and heartsome interest that had erto. It was the first thoroughly-equipped Poly- ining College established west of the Mississippi 1ery, apparatus, and facilities for highest grade in- erfect and complete of their kind that money could ature the latest and best improvements had been ason it really excels any of the older schools on the Eastern cities.
EODARS ARE FROM INDIA
minated Yule Trees, Himalaya Cedars
ANTED IN 1885 IN ALTADENA
v 80 Feet in Height, 200 in Number
'ADENA Dec. 31 .- The deodars nta Rosa avenue, which are viewed nightly by thousands ople, are Himalayan cedars, S of the cedrus deodora of the cedar family, accord- a bulletin issued by Alta- Chamber of Commerce.
name "deodar" means "tree They border both sides e highway from FoothM
ard to Woodbury road, ap- ately a mile in length. Hid- them and bordering the are many beautiful home landscaped with green ex- of lawn, terraces, trees, and flowers.
leodars, nearly 200 in num- re planted fifty years ago, w approximate eighty feet
vay steadily from the first.
of pupils in 1891-92 35
1892-93 165
1893-94 158
1894-95. 301
[891, to April 19, 1893, there had been paid out and current expenses of the school, by Father le current expenses for 1893-94 were $19,591.25.
all.
' Land of Sunshine" Photo .- 1895. West Hall.
Co. A, Throop Cadets.
THROOP POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE.
A report printed in the New Year Edition of the Pasadena Star, 1895, Says :
" It has accomodations for over 400 pupils. The growth for 1894-95 has been rapid and gratifying. Seven members were added to the faculty, making a total of twenty-five teachers engaged in the work of the Institute. Prof. M. M. Parker was chosen Dean of the faculty. During the summer $12,000 worth of new machinery and apparatus has been purchased and in- stalled. This includes additions to chemical, physical, electrical and biological equipment, a new steam plant, complete pattern shop outfit, a complete machine shop outfit, and a Sloyd school equipment. The total value of the equipment at present amounts to about $100,000. The officers
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HISTORY OF PASADENA.
wines and liquors on banquet occasions was entirely dispensed with here. The sentiments or " toasts " and responses were as follows : " California." Response by Gov. H. H. Mark' - a part of Altadena.
"Give the American Boy a Chance.'' Response 1 1 person n . bury brothers in 1880 for $5 3 e ranch was purchased by ng to the Woodbury home.
ley, superintendent of the State School at Whittier.'i " Woman's Influence." Response by Rev. Fl1
"The Ladies." Response by J. G. Rossiter, Fe "The Tramp." Response by Prest. C. H. Kej "Physical Culture." Response by Dr. Normau h "Our Duty to Posterity." Response by Hon. Here I quote a passage from the Daily Star's r di
" The announcement of Father Throop as the mc with great applause. He spoke to the text, " (m There is one great lack in our system of educatle hoped Throop Polytechnic Institute would insist up is, moral training. We must teach our children t S also teach our young people to be patriotic, and to flags on the buildings of the Institute would ne plause). Moral honesty and patriotism were th wanted to insist upon tonight."
Following this, Mrs. Elizabeth Grinnell read stanzas, entitled "An Ode to Father Throop," fro, I a
pertinent lines :
Men unveil statues of the world's great 1 a Cold statues, soulless marble, unrespon } Carved images within whose empty chan Sits no brave spirit on its royal throne. }
Not so today ; with heads uncovered, wait Before the One Great Master's work of j Behold we, not a silent piece of marble, While with a tender touch we draw the
Chiseled in warm flesh, see the figure star His pedestal God's truth, the love of hi Cementing each to each in perfect union ; Lo, here the living form, and in the fori.
I saw a dude pass by you yester morning When you were raking builders' trash a' He glanced with silly scorn upon your rub And asked, "What do such workmen get per day ? "
was then a private driveway set the young trees out along ohn P. and Frederick Wood-
, foreman of the large ranch
summer of 1885, Thomas L. were about two feet tall. In ed for three years, or until under glass, where they re- deodar seeds were sown in
Woodbury Ranch feet of wire. the trees requires more than To ty-five lights to the tree.
or
each,
bulbs
enty-five
tree carries three streamers and the remainder white. a third being red, third
es 6000 colored electric light ich year. To light the trees ed, and the number is grow- ibout half of them are illu- of the trees the first year, le lights were placed on only lub in the project. Club joined with the Pasa-
year. In 1927 Altadena Ki-
illumination the to make he first year that it was de- So many people viewed the let with enthusiastic appro- r the project. The sugges-
and which he asked to
int of Pasadena Kiwanis at the time when he was nd is the idea of Fred C. istmas time was begun in custom of lighting the trees Lighted in 1920 thirty to forty feet at the
ght. with a branch spread
Ask, ye who will, the hoary-headed ages If love e'er bargained for its price in gold ; Or stipulated for its wage in silver, As if its ministrations could be sold.
The man who grasps a tool with honest motive, And stoops himself to help the laborer rise,
Doubles the gift his charity would tender- He gives his wealth, liis toil, his enterprise.
Oh, Father Throop, your form we love and honor. You teach that "Industry is Fortune's maid." Long may you live to show the generations
That Purpose builds, where Prudence is afraid.
197
DIVISION THREE - BRAINS.
This concluded the exercises of one of Pasadena's most notable and far-reaching historic days, which had set her noblest institution before the public in a fresh, warm glow of wholesome and heartsome interest that had not been manifested hitherto. It was the first thoroughly-equipped Poly- technic or Manual Training College established west of the Mississippi river, and all its machinery, apparatus, and facilities for highest grade in- struction are the most perfect and complete of their kind that money could purchase. In every feature the latest and best improvements had been sought; and for this reason it really excels any of the older schools on the same plan in the largest Eastern cities.
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