By Susan Motander
For the last several years a few members of Monrovia’s Historical Society have been working on preserving the history of the city, especially through photographs. As a part of this “Legacy Project,” the society has produced it first book: “Early Monrovia: The beginning of the town that became the ‘Gem City of the Foothills.’”
This 100-page book features black and white images of the city in its early days: the people, businesses, clubs, homes, school and more. These photos come principally from the Legacy Project’s collection and show how the town came into being.
The society promises to share well known facts, such as the priority of the city’s founders (no saloons and great schools), and little known facts, such as the fact that there was a solar heating company in town 100 years ago as well as a Young Ladies College.
The cost of the book is $30 and it is available for sale at City Hall, the Library’s Friends bookstore, and at Dollmakers’ Kattywompus (412 S. Myrtle). It can also be obtained from the society’s website: monroviahistoricalsociety.org. It will also be available for purchase at the Anderson House Museum (215 E. Lime) on the day of the MOHPG Old Homes Tour on May 5.This might make a great Mother’s Day gift for long time Monrovia moms.
