Joshua Pelzer
A little piece of Glendale history was opened to residents who were
out to enjoy the Casa Adobe de San Rafael on Sunday.
Some partook in a private gathering under a sheltered portion of
the nearly 2-acre garden, while others quietly strolled through the
historic 1871 home of Tomas Sanchez -- one of Los Angeles County's
first sheriffs -- and his wife, Maria.
The home once sat on 100 of the original 36,434 acres awarded by
the King of Spain to Jose Maria Verdugo -- a Spanish soldier whose
family settled the land in 1784. The land became what is now
Glendale, Burbank, La Canada Flintridge, Eagle Rock, Highland Park,
Glassell Park and part of Pasadena.
The landmark is a draw for many historians and locals with an
interest in Glendale's heritage, said Merry Franzen, a docent for
Glendale Beautiful, which maintains the house-turned-museum.
"It is one of the only adobes standing in Glendale, and this is
part of that enormous land grant that went clear back to [the Verdugo
family]," she said.
Resident Paul Abrahamian enjoyed viewing the donated antique tools
and furniture.
"People can get acquainted with the past history of Glendale and
its residents who lived here," he said. "It is something in our
heritage that helps future generations to appreciate what we had, and
what we will have for the coming generations."
The spacious yards are what impressed resident Issa Afram.
"Nowadays you'll see a house, and in the front there is maybe 5-
or 6-foot yard and that's it," Afram said. "Here you see that they've
got this backyard, frontyard, a garden and it's just something really
beautiful. Unfortunately nowadays, that does not exist."
The museum is also host to an annual fall dinner in September, a
two-day holiday celebration in December and an awards luncheon for
businesses that maintain attractive landscapes.
The free tours are from 1 to 3 p.m. every Sunday in July and
August and the first Sunday of the month during the rest of the year.
The museum is at 1330 Dorothy Drive. For garden reservations or
special tour arrangements, call 548-2184.
