photo by Terry Griest
Sometimes, if we're lucky, Terry Griest checks the blog when I've posted a photo taken in Old Town Pasadena. You may remember Terry: she did an in-depth study of our historic, once-scary (now up-scale) shopping district at the beginning of its dramatic upheaval/restoration. What she created is a rare treasure, and I'm so grateful when she shares it with us.
Compare today's photo to yesterday's.
Terry says:
"I didn't have much in my little 1984 report and no oldy-old photos, just this one from '84 when you could buy 'meat for home freezers,' and 'select your own' 'beef bundles' (yum) from the Beef Baron where you can now buy leather goods. Hmm.
"Here's the only info I have:
"...we come to 33-45 West Colorado, another Spanish Colonial relating well to others on the block. This facade is actually a 1929 [the year they widened Colorado] unification of several small structures built in 1895. Typical Spanish elements are the central arched entrance, red tile roof, and wrought iron grille work which was, until recently, covered by signs. Once the first Pasadena telephone company in 1901, Bennett and Haskell once again offered their own baroque version of the Spanish colonial style."
This is a lot of information! And now, thanks to Terry Griest, it's available on the web.
I love seeing then and now type images, wonderful building(s).
ReplyDeleteLove that photo... notice how empty that street is? Wonder what time of day she took it? bet if u mimicked the photo it would be quite congested.
ReplyDeleteNice comparison.
ReplyDeleteI like this type of comparison, too. When it's a place I know, it's especially compelling.
ReplyDeleteKBF, one reason the streets look empty is because the shops were. In the lower floors, there's nothing in the windows except the butcher shop. I don't know at what point this was in the process of change.
Old Pasadena's remodel has been a boon for Pasadena, but it was an upheaval for many who lived and worked there before. I know at least one person who was so hurt by it he swears he hasn't returned to that part of town in over 30 years.
KBF: As I recall, I took this on a Saturday or Sunday and, from the angle of the shadows, it must have been in the afternoon. Not a shopper in sight! In fact, the traffic was so light I also moseyed out into the middle of the street and leisurely shot a close-up of the rose colored line painted down the middle of Colorado. It was a fun time in Old Pasadena.
ReplyDeleteIt's hard to picture Colorado Blvd. without traffic now, isn't it? No matter the time of day or day of the week.
ReplyDeleteMaybe not oldy-old, but Colorado Blvd was a different world back then.
ReplyDeleteA lot of change in Pasadena over the years...
ReplyDeleteI remember when Colorado Blvd was mostly thrift stores...or at least that's what I remember of it!!!
Ahh, I remember this! When I was a teenager we cruised Colorado Blvd. with the radio blasting, "It's the little old lady from Pasadena".....and now I'M that little old lady! HaHa
ReplyDeleteVery cool to compare your photo and Terry's from 1984! Bummer that some people were put out when Old Town was redone, but at least all these old buildings weren't torn down to put in parking lots or something. Amazing that these vehicles from the 80s seem so vintage!
ReplyDeleteThis highlights the value of taking street shots (and keeping them). Thanks, Terry! I had heard from friends how seedy Old Pasadena had been, and this shows what they meant. Poor quality shop signage, empty stores, and - so I hear - mediocre restaurants. I do prefer the shade trees they had then over the palms and gingkos now. In summer it often gets far too hot to walk from store to store during the day. I like the lack of parking meters as well.
ReplyDeleteThis is great! How lucky that Terry had such a similar shot to share with us. It reminds me of those Then and Now books. I wish there was a Pasadena edition...
ReplyDeleteSomeday, when Terry and I are both retired and we have nothing else to do, we'll do that Old Pasadena Then and Now book.
ReplyDeleteI noticed the missing parking meters as well, and the nice trees. Those would be a great addition, like Green Street, which is so pleasant for walking when it's hot.
Did anyone notice how different the center arch is now? It's still there, but not as fancy.
I always enjoy seeing "then and now" photos of cities. And interesting to hear the POV from "the locals" about the changes over time.
ReplyDeleteMe too, Ms. M. I moved to Pasadena in 2005, so these POV stories are interesting to me as well.
ReplyDeleteThrough the door there came familiar laughter
ReplyDeleteI saw your face and heard you call my name
Oh my friend we're older but no wiser
For in our hearts the dreams are still the same
""
I think the overhaul took place in the early 80's. Artist I studied under at PCC had studios above store fronts. Thrift stores, health stores and the beloved Expresso Bar. Restaurants were not that good then, but when your young, your more interested in drugs, dance, tribal affiliations and libations. I like what Madame above me has to say. It's true, and like me, she was there.
ReplyDelete