Pasadena Museum of History E-Calendar
November 2012

In This Issue
Featured Object
Featured Event
Current Exhibitions
Upcoming Events
Featured Object
 

 

Image: The Synchronized Lawnmower Team, 1981. Photo by Walt Mancini (Pasadena Star-News Collection)

 

The Synchronized Lawnmower Team appeared in the first Doo Dah Parade in 1978. They've been followed by other synchronized teams, such as the Synchronized Leafblowers in 1982 and the Synchronized Briefcase Drill Team in 1988.


 

Featured Sponsor

Old Pasadena Management District
 
   


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Visit Mackinac Island

 

   

PMH is partnering with Collette Vacations to offer a series of travel opportunities. Our first trip, May 6 through 14, 2013, includes points of interest in Illinois, Wisconsin, and Michigan. Explore the wonderful city of Chicago. Stay for two nights in grand style at the Victorian-era Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island. Visit the quaint village of Holland, home to the Veldheer Tulip Gardens. Tour the Henry Ford Museum and the workshops of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford. Tour rates (including air fare) start at $2,964 (double).

 

Join us for an illustrated trip preview Tuesday, November 13 at 6:30 pm. For information or to RSVP for the presentation call 626.577.1660, ext. 19.

 

About the Museum

 

Founded in 1924 to preserve and share the rich history, art, and culture of Pasadena and neighboring communities, Pasadena Museum of History has developed into one of the country's premiere institutions of its size.   

 

PMH is an independent nonprofit cultural institution funded by generous gifts from foundations, corporations, businesses, individuals, and our members.

 

The Mission of the Museum is to promote an appreciation of history, culture, arts, and sciences relevant to Pasadena and adjoining communities.

 

 

Our e-calendar, available to Members and Non-Members alike, is designed to keep our supporters informed about happenings and upcoming events at Pasadena Museum of History. 
Featured Event

 

Members-Only "First Peek Tours" of the Fenyes Mansion   

Friday, November 16; Sunday, November 18; Friday, November 30; & Saturday, December 1 at 12:15 pm

   

 

Welcome to the Fenyes Mansion!    

 

PMH Members are invited to be the first to take a look at the newly reopened Fenyes Mansion!  As part of our Grand Reopening, Members will have the opportunity to take a special "First Peek Tour" on four days this fall before public tours of the Mansion resume on Friday, December 7.

 

The elegant 1906 Beaux Arts mansion has been closed for more than two years, while undergoing a $1.7 million renovation made possible through generous funding from the Paloheimo Foundation.  The docent-led tours will interpret the landmark structure's architecture, artworks, furnishings, and the Fenyes family saga within the context of early 20th century Pasadena history. 

  

Tickets: Free.  Space is limited; reservations required - please call 626.577.1660, ext., 10. 

 

Image:  Interior of the Fenyes Mansion.  Photo by Marlyn Woo  

 

Current Exhibitions
       
Pacific Electric Railway: Then & Now
Willis Stork Gallery
Wed - Sun, Noon to 5:00 pm; Open through January 13, 2013


The Pacific Electric Railway and its 1,100 miles of track connecting Southern California's communities ceased operation by the 1960s.  It has become more relevant in recent times due to the MTA's installation of the light rail in many of our communities.  Many of the modern MTA lines follow what were once Pacific Electric routes.  This exhibition, co-curated by Michael Patris and Steve Crise, showcases rare images from our past and compares them with what can be seen in the same locations today.  The exhibition also features railway objects and ephemera, including an original advertising painting from the Pacific Electric Railway that is being publicly displayed for the first time in generations.  Three new paintings by renowned artist Harlan Hiney, who uses historic images to create new works of art, are also on display.

Image: Pacific Electric Railway cars 1243 and 1211 head eastbound on Colorado Boulevard at Oakland Avenue beneath banners for the 1949 Tournament of Roses Parade. Photo by Harold Stewart, PERyHS.ORG Collection



What A Long Strange Trip It's Been:
35 Years of the Pasadena Doo Dah Parade
Ralph M. Parsons Foundation Gallery
Wed - Sun, Noon to 5:00 pm; Open through January 13, 2013


What A Long Strange Trip It's Been is a colorful, fun-filled exhibition celebrating the wacky world of the Doo Dah Parade, named "America's Best Parade" by none other than Reader's Digest.  View photos of the parade and crowd shots; vignettes of entries - including the Synchronized Precision Marching Briefcase Drill Team; costumes and memorabilia of various Queens and music groups; and a re-creation of the scene at Pasadena's former Chromos Bar, where this all (fortunately, or not) began.

Image:  Doo Dah Fire Department.  Photo by Joe Messinger 

 

Upcoming Events

      

Doo Dah Deconstructed  Thursday, November 8, 7:30 pm  

  

A comprehensive look at how the Doo Dah Parade started over three decades ago and how it continues to thrive in the City of Pasadena.  The panel discussion will explore the ups and downs of this unique people's parade and its relationship to the community.  Why do so many people love it and others find it offensive?  Doors open at 6:30 pm for viewing of the Museum's exhibition galleries and a complimentary wine and cheese reception.

Tickets: Members $5; Non-Members $8.  Reservations suggested; please call 626.577.1660, ext. 10.

 

Image:  Showers.  Photo by Joe Messinger  

 

 
Where Electricity Met Steam  Tuesday, November 27, 7:30 pm

 

"Hop Aboard" for a talk and  presentation by co-authors & co-curators, Steve Crise and Michael Patris as they delve into important aspects of the Southern California transportation system in the early 1900s.  They will focus on the history of two of the area's railway systems --the Pacific Electric and the Santa Fe -- and examine how they competed for both freight and passenger service.  Using Then & Now images they will visit sites where the two railways met and compare what the areas look like today.  Can you hear the train a-comin?  Doors open at 6:30 pm for viewing of the Museum's exhibition galleries and a complimentary wine and cheese reception.  

 

Tickets: Members $10; Non-Members $15.  Reservations suggested; please call 626.577.1660, ext. 10.

 

 

Other November Events:

Sunny Tales from Around the World (11/14) - a children's story time event featuring trains
Member Apreciation Days (11/23-11/25) - PMH Members can enjoy free admission and a 20% store discount at local participating institutions


Vroman's Gives Back Program

 

 

Vroman's logo If you shop at Vroman's Bookstore, please sign up for their Gives Back program.  The program is very simple. When signing up for the program, you choose a charitable organization within the community to receive a rebate on every purchase you make.  PMH is one of a number of worthy organizations that benefit from Vroman's generosity.  Signing up is quick and easy. Register online, or in person when you check out at either of Vroman's Pasadena locations.  To date, Vroman's has given back more than $595,658 to our community.  As you can see, every little bit helps.  Please sign up today!