By Charly SHELTON

Rockhaven Sanitarium opened 95 years ago this year. After closing in the early 2000s, the City of Glendale purchased the property 10 years ago with plans for it to become a park. Five years ago, Friends of Rockhaven was formed to help with advocacy, fundraising and preservation of the property. Rockhaven is an icon of the community and has a storied history. These days, the Friends of Rockhaven helps to raise awareness of that history by hosting a variety of fundraisers. One is the annual Spring Tea.

“[Rockhaven founder Agnes Richards] always had Mother’s Day teas, of course, and they were a really big deal, so it was nice to have this kind of fundraiser where we were able to honor the place and the way it was supposed to be,” said Joanna Linkchorst, president of FoR.

The tea was held on Saturday in the courtyard of the sanitarium and featured teas, cakes and sandwiches. Speaker Rebecca Marnette demystified tarot cards in her talk on oracle divination, leading a lively discussion by all in attendance. The area was decorated in bright spring colors despite the chilly mid-60° weather and overcast sky.

“I thought it was lovely but, unfortunately, it got too cold for a lot of people. It was unfortunate the weather was so gloomy [but we] enjoyed being able to entertain people there, in the way that it was supposed to be done, with all those colors and to thank the people who have been supporting us all these years,” Linkchorst said. “I thought it was lovely.”

For those who missed seeing what’s behind the gates, there are some upcoming opportunities to get a glimpse of Rockhaven and to get involved in its preservation.

“We have tours on [June] 23 and at the end of July the negotiations [with the City of Glendale regarding the future plans for the property] are done, so the future is still uncertain,” Linkchorst said. “Nothing has been decided, so our focus is on getting the word out to let people know that there’s no such thing as a ‘done deal.’ We all need to let the city know that we want the park [for which] they bought this property 10 years ago.”

For more information and to get involved, visit FriendsofRockhaven.org.

  Charly Shelton