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Local Businessmen Share Their Love of Reading

Published on Friday, March 29, 2013 | 12:03 pm
 

Richard and Jeff Ward of E Waldo Ward & Son can be seen sharing their favorite books on posters around Sierra Madre. The posters, part of the Sierra Madre Public Library’s Read campaign, convey the simple but important message: READ.

Richard & Jeff Ward continue to carry on the family tradition started by Edwin Waldo Ward, Sr. who moved to Sierra Madre in 1891 from New Jersey for a better life. His passion was to make the finest marmalade around and he started his company in 1917. Four generations later, the family continues to make the original products along with 100 more unique flavors made with cane sugar and local ingredients when available. Located behind the original 1902 home on Highland Ave, the company operates out of the original buildings using equipment purchased many years ago. The family welcomes visitors 6 days a week and offers tours on Saturdays.

Richard Ward was born in 1934 here in Sierra Madre. He went to U.C. Davis and majored in Agriculture and Economics. He joined his father, Edwin Waldo Ward, Jr. in the business in 1966. He was instrumental in creating a more diverse product line by introducing barbecue sauces and seafood cocktail sauces in the 1960s. Although Richard Ward is semi-retired, he is still active in the business.
Jeff Ward was born in 1965 in San Leandro, California. He also attended U.C. Davis and majored in Food Science and Technology. He joined the family company in 1988. Jeff has helped with the introduction of more than 30 new items since he started. He has also helped with the company’s website and computer technology.

Jeff Ward selected Fast Food Nation by Eric Schlosser as his reading choice, “I really liked this book because the author talks a little about the history of the American fast food industry, a lot of which took place locally. He also conveys the importance of getting back to the basics with our food. We must watch what we eat. There are so many foods that have hormones, antibiotics and pesticides and have shown to cause developmental and physical deformities. This book is very eye-opening.”

Southern California Story: Seeking the Better Life in Sierra Madre by Michele Zack was Richard Ward’s choice. “I think this is a great book about Sierra Madre’s history. Michele Zack did a wonderful job narrating the colorful history of our unique city along with Jeff Lapides. It shows the character and the rich history of our community along with detailed histories of individual founding families. My grandfather is also part of this book. I enjoyed reading it and have also given this book as a gift to my family.”

Bookmarks with the photos of the Wards are available at the Library. Both books featured on the bookmarks are available at the Sierra Madre Public Library.

Sierra Madre Public Library, 440 W. Sierra Madre Blvd., Sierra Madre, (626) 355-7186 or visit www.cityofsierramadre.com/departments/library.

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