Glendora Historical Society
| Formation | 1947 |
|---|---|
| Type | Nonprofit |
| Legal status | 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization |
| Purpose | Historical preservation, education, community building |
| Headquarters | 314 N. Glendora Avenue, Glendora, CA 91741 |
Region served | Glendora and surrounding communities |
| Website | Glendora Historical Society |
The Glendora Historical Society is a nonprofit organization founded in 1947 dedicated to preserving and interpreting the history of Glendora, California, and the Upper San Gabriel Valley.
History and founding
The Glendora Historical Society was established in 1947 by local residents interested in preserving buildings, artifacts, and records related to the early history of Glendora and the surrounding area. Early activities included the collection of historical materials, the development of an archive, and involvement in the preservation of historic structures within the city, including Glendora’s original City Hall, which also served as a fire station and jail until the current City Hall opened in 1922.[1]
Membership in the Society is open to all individuals interested in local history. According to the Society, early members included men and women of different ages and backgrounds.[2] The Society’s first president was Ruth Kimball. Early board members included individuals from long-established local families, such as J. Walter Cullen, as well as more recent residents. H. Paul Keiser served as the Society’s first curator and was involved in organizing its early collections.[3]
Preservation of historical sites
The Glendora Historical Society manages two primary historic sites: the Rubel Castle and the Glendora Museum.
Rubel Castle is a large, fortress-style structure constructed by Michael Rubel and a group of friends over several decades. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2013.[4] The castle is located in Los Angeles County and is noted for its distinctive architectural form. In 2024, the Glendora Historical Society received a Preservation Award from the Los Angeles Conservancy in connection with preservation work at the Rubel Castle Historic District.[5] That same year, the California Preservation Foundation recognized the project with a Preservation Design Award.[6]
The Glendora Museum is located in the city’s first firehouse, constructed in 1913. The building later served as City Hall, police headquarters, and a jail before becoming the Society’s headquarters.[7] The museum houses photographs, documents, and artifacts related to the history of Glendora and the surrounding area.[8][9]
See also
References
- ^ Glendora Historic Preservation Committee. Glendora's Historic Core: A Walking Tour (PDF). Glendora, California: City of Glendora. p. 5. Retrieved March 18, 2025.
- ^ "About the Society". Glendora Historical Society. Retrieved June 24, 2025.
- ^ "About the Society". Glendora Historical Society. Retrieved June 24, 2025.
- ^ "Rubel Castle". National Park Service. Retrieved March 18, 2025.
- ^ "Rubel Castle". Los Angeles Conservancy. Retrieved March 18, 2025.
- ^ "Rubel Castle Preservation Plan". California Preservation Foundation. Archived from the original on August 3, 2024. Retrieved August 2, 2025.
- ^ Los Angeles Times (August 15, 1985). "Local News: Glendora". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on April 24, 2025. Retrieved September 23, 2025.
- ^ "Glendora". Los Angeles Times. August 15, 1985.
- ^ "Glendora Museum Reveals Community's Rich History". Los Angeles Times. June 25, 1987. Retrieved March 18, 2025.