138-Year-Old “Langford Residence” May Become Pasadena’s Next Landmark

The current owner of the historical Langford Residence in Pasadena has applied for the property’s designation as a landmark, which would officially recognize the home’s historical and architectural significance.

The Langford Residence, a single-family home located at 627 South Euclid Ave. built in 1886 by a lumber entrepreneur, is one of the few remaining examples of the Queen Anne style in Pasadena, and represents a significant period in the city’s history. Designating it as a landmark would help ensure that the property is protected and celebrated as an architectural gem for generations to come.

Pasadena’s Historic Preservation Commission will deliberate on the application during its meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 15. 

A report by the Department of of Planning and Community Development said the property, a  three-story-over-basement structure, dates back to around 1886 based on property records. It was originally constructed for Charles E. Langford, the first owner, who hailed from a prominent New York family with ties to a woolen mill. 

A seasoned entrepreneur, Langford arrived in Pasadena in 1886 and acquired a substantial 20-acre parcel, including the land on which the house was situated. Langford set up a branch of the Langford & Hall Lumber Co. in Pasadena. He and his second wife, Maria, resided at the property until he died in 1893.

The records showed Calvin Durand acquired ownership of the property in 1909 and sold it to John McWilliams, Sr., in 1912. 

McWilliams descended from a political family in Illinois and moved his family to California during the late 1800s. His son, John McWilliams, Jr., was the father of the renowned culinary icon, Julia Carolyn McWilliams, who became famous as author, chef and TV personality Julia Child. 

The property remained within the extended McWilliams family’s ownership until 1957, according to the Planning Department’s report. 

The report added the property retains much of its original character-defining features and has “sufficient integrity to qualify for designation as a Landmark.” 

Tuesday’s public meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission begins at 6 p.m. at the Hearing Room of the George Ellery Hale Building at 175 N. Garfield Ave.