Weekend’s Pasadena Heritage Home Tour Features Pasadena’s Most Famous House

The founders of famous chewing gum company Wrigleys, vacuum cleaner manufacturer Bissell Corporation and silver mining Holmes all resided in Pasadena, and their historic homes dating from the late 19th to early 20th century will be open for exploring this Sunday, March 30.

Pasadena Heritage docents will guide the visitors in exploring the 1914 grand Italian Revival Wrigley Mansion, which currently serves as the Tournament of Roses headquarters; the 1887 Bissell House, the 1902 Silver Queen House and the charming and romantic 1927 Beach House during the Historic Homes of Pasadena Tour from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

“The houses are filled with the rich history of Pasadena, both architecturally and through the notable residents that lived and gathered in them,” said Blair Smith, communications coordinator at Pasadena Heritage. “The lives of these dynamic mansions will come alive through the voices of Pasadena Heritage’s trained architectural docents, who will guide attendees through the narrative of these structures.”

First in line is the 21-room, three-story Wrigley Mansion. It was built, designed and originally owned by architect G. Lawrence Stimson and his father, prominent builder George W. Stimson, but was later sold to gum magnate William Wrigley Jr. The Wrigley family presented the home to the City of Pasadena in 1958 for the exclusive use of the Tournament of Roses Association, which will showcase the house in celebration of the 125th anniversary of the Tournament of Roses.

The 1914 grand Italian Revival house features richly paneled rooms, inlaid marble floors and ornate molded plaster ceilings, and includes extraordinary objects displayed throughout the first and second floors.

The Lansing Beach House, meanwhile, was inspired by a love story. The original owners, Lansing and Katherine Beach, met in France during World War I and had the French Norman-style house built when they returned to Pasadena as a reminder of their courtship.

Beach House architects David J. Witmer and Loyall F. Watson, of Witmer and Watson, also met oversees during World War I. Witmer and Watson were known for their integration of landscape and structure and for their masterful organization of small floor plans. Their most notable works include Wyvernwood, a garden city; the Architect’s building at 816 West Fifth Street; and the Pentagon where Witmer was co-chief architect.

Third to visit is the three-story Bissell house, which was considered to be the “center of hospitality for friends and family” and welcomed famous guests such as Albert Einstein. Previous owners of the house also include Thaddeus S. Up de Graff, a Pasadena physician who married Emma Libby, the heir to the Libby fruit-packing business.

Bissell house has many original features including a formal living and dining room, butler’s pantry, baths and sinks and beautifully decorated bedrooms. It also includes an original 1940s elevator. According to the Los Angeles Times in January 1, 1888, the cost to build this house was $8,000, a substantial amount at the time when most houses could be built for just over $1,000.

The Silver Queen House, lastly, was designed by architect Joseph Blick in 1902, and was transformed in 1922 into the sophisticated Tudor mansion it is today by Postle & Postle. Silver Queen House has a 1922 Tudor-style gatehouse and garage. It was a Pasadena Showcase House in 1975 and 1996.

The view of these houses may be a lot to take in, but the guests need not to hurry as they will will be allowed to go on their own pace through this “drive-yourself” tour.

A grand prize drawing will be held for tickets to the MUSE/IQUE FRONT/PORCH concert at the Greene & Greene-designed Robert R. Blacker House on May 5 . Two winners will be chosen from those who purchase a new membership and a Spring Home Tour ticket from the http://www.Pasadenaheritage.org. Memberships will also be available on the day of the tour at the Silver Queen.”

General admission costs $40 if purchased in advance and $45 at the door, while members are $35 in advance and $40 at the door. Proceeds from the tour will go toward continuing the Pasadena Heritage mission of advocacy, education and preservation.

Pasadena Heritage has played a leading role in such preservation efforts as saving Old Pasadena, the Colorado Street Bridge, the Huntington Hotel, the 710 Freeway and the historic houses in its path, the Civic Center and the Blacker House. It also works regularly to protect and enhance individual properties and historic neighborhoods.

Pasadena Heritage is located at 651 S. St. John Ave. Call (626) 441-6333 ext. 18 or visit http://www.pasadenaheritage.org.