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Monrovia Old Town Report
Community Oct 05, 2017
Lois Gaston. – Photo by Terry Miller / Beacon Media News
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By Pam Fitzpatrick
I’m so excited! I finally got my hands on Richard (Dick) Singer’s book about modern Monrovia. The “Renaissance Years” chronicles the making of the Monrovia we know and love today. Like most of you, my focus has been on the extraordinary rebirth of our town (including Old Town) during the last 50 years. The book tells many inside stories with quotes from people you know or have known through the years. It’s social, political, historical, revealing, and a downright good read. The “Renaissance Years” is available now at the Monrovia Historical Museum, and my store, The Dollmakers’ Kattywompus. (By the way, ALL of the proceeds go towards historical projects in Monrovia). If you love Monrovia, you’ll love this book!
Last week I was sad at the pending loss of two of our great businesses in Old Town (Candy Connection and Family Affair Music), but this week is a bit brighter. I’ve been telling you that the bakery-to-be (500 block of S. Myrtle where Monrovia Bakery was), is changing plans (and names) before opening. You may have noticed that the outside of the building is being re-painted (for the 3rd time) and there is work going on inside. By chance, I ran into the family who is partnering with the current owner and found out that the name will be changed to “The Donut Society.” Gourmet donuts, here we come!
I also had the pleasure of meeting the Boutros family who has taken over the space vacated last week by Candy Connection. The plan for this new business is still in the making, but we hear it involves frozen desserts. I promised I’d wait for the new owners to make their official menu announcement, so stay tuned. Also, I was talking to Jim Collins at Family Affair Music and he plans to be open at least until January 2018. Jim did hint he was hoping for a miracle….
And – a bit more news: the name of the company that is redoing the old 4th Dimension site in the 300 block of S. Myrtle is “Management Success.” Apparently, they are a consulting firm which specializes in teaching businesses how to succeed. I see a location in Glendale with the same name and am assuming the two are one and the same. If that’s the case, looks like Monrovia really scored on this one!
October is the beginning of events, events, events……. Let’s start with this coming weekend: October 6 and 7 we’ve got Hayrides both days, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. starting up at Library Park and traveling down Myrtle and back to the park. Price is $2.00 each person. On Saturday and Sunday “Celebrate the Arts” will be in Library Park along with Monrovia’s 3rd Annual Chalkfest. On Sunday, October 15 the famous “Taste of Old Town” returns to Myrtle Avenue. Tickets are available online at www.tastemonrovia.com (but if you buy them in advance at the Community Center on Palm or The Dollmakers’ Kattywompus, they’re way cheaper)!
Happy weekend everyone!
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