Happy 125th Birthday Pasadena

On Saturday June 11, 2011 over 2,000 Pasadena residents, families, employees, dignitaries and visitors gathered on the lush grounds of both the Pasadena Museum of History and the adjacent Corporate Headquarters of Avery Dennison.

Guests who could not find parking were encouraged to board a Free Pasadena Arts Shuttle to reach the destination from the Parsons Corporation lot a few blocks southeast of the event.

 As guest entered the sprawling estate of the Pasadena Museum of History they were greeted by

energetic history buffs, 

Fireman Katt explaining the history of a vintage Fire truck from Fire Station #5

(which would be Fire Station #36 today),

and the Wells Fargo Chariot.

Event goers were encouraged to explore the event by stopping by one of 7 informative tables: 

Baskin Robbins (the oldest Baskin Robins exists on South Lake Street in Pasadena)

Pasadena City College, Shakespere Club, First AME of Pasadena,

Civil Rights in the City of Pasadena

Narrated by Historian Michelle Zack

Mount Wilson Observatory and the

Tongva/Gabrielino Council

Interesting factoid from Tongva representative "Drums are not native to California"

The Clapper, a musical instrument used by California Native Americans.

In less than 20 minutes this artist took a blank spot on the concrete and created a chalk creation reminiscent of Pasadena.

Over the course of the afternoon guests traversed the lush grounds between the Pasadena Museum of History & Avery Dennison Corporation 

Numerous photo frames lined the walk way with witty Pasadena Historical Facts 

Such as a photo of the Pasadena Green Hotel

or the Pasadena Railway

Raymond Hotel

or the Cawston Family Ostrich farm located just south of Pasadena in South Pasadena

The true "highlight" of the birthday celebration was seeing the many Centenarians (local residents 100 years old and above) milling about the crowd!

At the event I was pleased to hug Maggieta Prince, who is 100 years young, and spent 47 years teaching in local schools. 

Greetings to the crowd were provided by Mayor Bil Bogaard, Councilwoman Jacque Robinson, Congressman Adam Schiff, field reps for LA County Supervisor Michael Antonovich & Senator Carol Liu, Assemblyman Anthony Portantino and a Mexican Consulate to the U.S. 

The public voted to determine the flavor of the birthday cake which was a rich, moist tuxedo cake:  white cake, chocolate Cake, white chocolate mousse and fudge filling, whipped vanilla chantilly cream and chocolate ganache.

The crowd audibly oohed and awed after the 5 foot tall intricate birthday cake was led down a procession by 4 Princesses from the 2011 Tournament of Roses Royal Court & Musicians from Pasadena City College

The cake was designed by students from Pasadena's world renowned Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts

It reportedly took 250 volunteer hours, 15 gallons of cream, 200 lbs of chocolate, 80 lbs of sugar and 340 eggs to make the 125th Birthday Cake! 

After the cake unveiling, eager guests lined up for their chance to have a slice of the delicious cake! 

Upcoming Celebratory Pasadena events include on June 18, 2011 a Fireworks Show at the Rose Bowl presented by the Pasadena Pops, America Fest at the Rose Bowl for the 4th of July and a Concert on the steps of City Hall on September 24, 2011. 

For more information on the City of Pasadena visit www.cityofpasadena.net and to

become a Member of the Pasadena Museum of History visit pasadenahistory.org