“And how fascinating history is – the long, variegated pageant of man’s
still continuing evolution of this strange planet, so much the most
interesting of all the myriads of spinners through space.”
~ George Macaulay Trevelyan,
English writer and historian (1876-1962)

An asteroid, a meteor, President George Washington’s birthday and celebrating Montrose’s centennial. Whether scientific or historical in nature, a “variegated pageant” of events accurately describes our lives. Nothing dull about the weather, either.

Last weekend, temperatures in the foothills climbed up and over 80 degrees. Although short-lived, it was welcomed. This season’s “warm-cold fluctuation pattern” continued with Monday’s temperature dropping 30 to 40 degrees. Accompanying rain, wind and low elevation snow moved into Southern California. As February and March peak our rainy season, the amount received of just .30 inches was a disappointment. We need rain. Hail or snow would be welcomed, too. Umbrellas do have their limitations, however (i.e. meteors, asteroids etc.).

George Washington’s birthday is Feb. 22. What a coincidence that on the same day in 1913 a promotional land sale and barbecue took place in “Part of Rancho San Rafael” (according to file card), soon thereafter named Montrose. Good advertising and marketing, indeed. Come celebrate the birthday of the “Father of Our Country,” bring a picnic and why not buy a parcel of land?!

Newspaper clipping included in “Sources of History-La Crescenta” by June Dougherty: “~ Montrose – The “Southgate” of the Crescenta-Cañada Valley ~ Montrose is located at about 1600 feet is above the fog line. 2599 acres bordered by the Sierra Madre Mountains, the source of the valley’s water. The air cooled by daily sea breezes is light which with the unclouded sunshine pro-produces a most healthful climate – verified by Government reports.

A healthy place to live. * A fine place to do business.”

An aerial-view photo indicates the weather on Feb. 22, 1913 was stellar. Automobiles, horse-drawn carriages and pedestrians gather for the land sale. After, picnic tables and barbecue pits were prepared. One can only imagine the excitement in the air. Hopefully, cherry pie was the dessert of the day!

Happy birthday, George and happy 100 years, Montrose!

Feb. 22, 2013 and weekend weather: Clear to partly cloudy skies with breezy NE winds. Highs in the upper 50s and lows around 40. Perfect for a centennial celebration.

Sue Kilpatrick is a
Crescenta Valley resident and
Official Skywarn Spotter for the
National Weather Service. Reach her at  suelkilpatrick@gmail.com.

  Sue Kilpatrick