If You Love
Montrose, You Will Love This Book

Chances are you have started to hear some buzz about Montrose’s 100th birthday, which is coming up Feb. 22, and the brand new book getting ready to hit the bookshelves that commemorates it. Yes, 2013 is looking to be an historic year full of celebration as the whole town gathers to celebrate. The MSPA (Montrose Shopping Park Assn.) began planning last year with the formation of a Centennial Committee that has been meeting regularly and diligently for months now. Around that same time, local resident and author Robert Newcombe was immersed in compiling 100 years worth of photos and stories about our quaint little town.

Just last week, I had the privilege of running into my friend Robert after he received the first copy of his new book, “Images Of America Montrose” from Arcadia Press. It’s easy to spot Robert and his lovely wife Debbie as they stroll our streets. Their larger than life, pure white Standard poodle Jack gives them away every time, drawing well deserved attention from passersby.

I was so excited to see the new book! I got to hold it and flip through and get a feel for it. All I can say is I can’t wait to get my very own copy, and trust me you will want one, too. I like a book that has lots of good pictures and this one thrills me with over 200 photos, interesting facts, and good stories.

I enjoyed talking with Robert about where the name Montrose came from. He shared the story of sailors in France who from the sea could see this beautiful mountain that was covered in pink roses. They named it Montrose that means pink mountain in French. Later, back in the states, on Feb. 22, 1913, the Holmes Watson real estate agency held a big barbecue to promote its new town of Montrose, Calif. where they fully embraced the mountain rose theme. The streets were laid out in the pattern of a rose with the new town planned at the center. Interesting, huh? If you like this story, there are many more waiting for you in the book.

Would you like your very own copy? Then I would suggest you pick up the phone and call Once Upon A Time Bookstore now (818-248-9668). They are accepting preorders for the Montrose book through Jan. 21 when it will be published. This year’s preorder price is $19.99 plus tax, but starting in 2013 they will be charging the regular price of $21.99 plus tax. This limited edition book is expected to sell out and when you see it, you will know why.

Now here’s some more good news. When you buy the book at Once Upon A Time (2207 Honolulu Ave.), you can meet Robert and register for a free book signing and walking tour of Montrose.

Robert was born in Chicago where his father Leo Newcombe was the vice president and general manager of the Chicago “Sun Times” and “The Chicago Daily News.” Robert headed west and became a screenwriter. He has co authored two other books with local historian Mike Lawler, a columnist for this paper, about the Crescenta Valley. The signing and tour will take place on Sunday, Jan. 27 at Once Upon A Time at 2 p.m. The walking tour should last approximately one hour.

Here’s another little tidbit you’ll find in the book. It’s a picture of Will Farrell when he filmed his famous streaking scene in the movie, “Old School.” My husband Dale and I happened to be walking back from dinner on Honolulu Avenue on a bitter cold January night in 2003. It was around 8 p.m., no one was around, and a man said “Can you duck in here? We’re getting ready to film.”

“What?” we asked.

“You’ll see,” was his reply. Moments later Will Farrell was running down Honolulu buck naked and acting like a crazy man. Yes, we were there and saw it with our own eyes. Next time you see the movie, check out the scenery – it’s Honolulu Avenue just as it was then.

Well, on that note, Happy New Year! 2013 is sure to be a memorable one in Montrose!

  Mary Dawson