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Thursday, September 20, 2012

Mystery History -- Solved!

 
Mister Earl came closest with his 8:57 p.m. Tuesday guess "Is it the lobby of Castle Green?"
 
In the circa 1900 photo above, men lounge in what is identified on the back as "the rotunda" at the Hotel Green.
 
I did a somewhat comprehensive post about the Hotel Green on my Pasadena PIO blog last year. You can see that post here for plenty of background.
 
A couple of photos that weren't included in that post:
 
The Moorish Room circa 1900 in the portion of the hotel that is now known as the Castle Green...

 
...and the Moorish Room today:
 
  
A woman examining flowers in the lush gardens:
 
 
And of course here's the Castle Green today as seen from across the street.
 
 
 
Many thanks to the Pasadena Museum of History for the black-and-white photos above and the Castle Green for the color photos.
 
My retirement bash in March was in the salon, sunroom, Moorish room, Turkish room and ballroom at the Castle Green and it was a wonderful affair! See some photos here (click on each photos for a description).
 

16 comments:

  1. Don't remember where (here?), but I had seen that photo before and knew it was the GH. Thanks for the memories, PIO!

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  2. Those men of leisure! Old money? - even in 1900. Bet their women were washing, ironing, cleaning, shopping, raising children and cooking - or directing servants to do that.

    I will always associate Castle Green with you, Ann, especially the Moorish room where we picked up the Lady of Leisure cocktails. You were very generous to treat us to that wonderful event.

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  3. For a brief moment, about 15 years ago, they had some swing dances in the Castle Green. That's why I recognized it.

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  4. Which room is it? I can't picture the modern view of it.

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  5. Petrea, when I pulled the photo from the file at PMH last Sunday I thought I was looking at the space now used as a private penthouse. But back then it was used first as a lounge area and later as a venue for high tea. I'd never seen it called the rotunda before.

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  6. So is this part of the building that no longer exists?

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  7. What's now called the penthouse is indeed there in all its glory, leased by a private resident. The wide-open spaciousness and abundant natural light are spectacular up there, and those beautiful archways are gorgeous. The penthouse is often open for viewing during tours, so hopefully you can see it for yourself someday.

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  8. I've been up there on Open Days, and it's a huge space, though I didn't recognize it from this photo. Lucky owner!

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  9. The arches inside in the penthouse are not original to the building. My great grandparents lived there from about 1954 to 1972, when my great grandmother passed. I spent much time there growing up. Starting at the entrance to the kitchen, there was a wall extending many feet out towards Green. Also, the square open area in opposite corner, facing Green, was formerly a bedroom. I believe the wall may have been damaged in an earthquake and removed for structural reasons.
    I had a chance to see the penthouse for the first time in 41 years today, empty and sad. I love that building and Penthouse. Larry N.

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  10. I must stand corrected. I have been advised that in the 1920's, the arches were covered by a wall to make the penthouse appear more like an apartment. They were discovered about 10 years ago and fully restored to their 1899 appearance. Sincerely,

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  11. I'm enjoying your comments, Larry. I wish I could have visited that penthouse.

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  12. Thanks, Larry. I always appreciate updates and clarifications to my Mystery History posts.

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  13. Thank you both. I certainly did not mean to barge in and rant about the penthouse of the Castle Green. My family has a rich history in the San Gabriel Valley from Pasadena, Monrovia to El Monte. Lately, some strange force has me seriously wanting to take a closer look at my past. The opportunity to walk through the penthouse just fell into my lap and I needed to see it one more time. I was last there at the age of 11 and trying to piece my memory to what I saw has been challenging. Unfortunately, my elders did not realize what a historical place this would become, so no interior pictures were taken, other than us sitting on a couch or in bed. All of you who appreciate this city and building are to be commended.

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  14. In all my confusion of being in the penthouse after 41 years, I just realized I made another error. The wall that was there actually ran from the kitchen on the north east and extended to the east, which is not green, but Raymond. Sorry

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  15. Oops! The wall ran from the north west corner east towards Raymond. Sorry! I should learn to proof read.

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  16. Thanks, Larry...and get some rest!!

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