By Isiah REYES

On Sept. 12, 2014, the community had the opportunity to celebrate La Crescenta 91214 (the area’s zip code) by visiting 15 historical landmarks located throughout La Crescenta.

Locations ranged from Crescenta Valley Park and Dog Park, Whiting Woods, Rosemont Preserve and Ananda Ashrama, to name a few. The main reception for the celebration was held at La Crescenta Woman’s Club, which is the oldest service club in the city of Glendale. People of all ages gathered to partake in conversation and refreshments.

“There are so many different things and points of view and cultural things here in the city that people who live here don’t even know about let alone the people who don’t live here,” said Woman’s Club member Maryann Baghdasarian. “This makes it nice because it is specific and they can go to each one and get a good overview of what the city is like.”

People at the reception enjoyed the idea of celebrating the city and, even though the zip code won’t align next year, many are open to the idea of having some sort of La Crescenta heritage day becoming a yearly event.

“I would like to see it happen next year,” said La Crescenta Woman’s Club President Carol Huntwork. “I know there are people continually moving into La Crescenta and we should let them know of the different sites. We would do the same thing again if it calls for it.”

Another celebrated location was the former site of Rockhaven Sanitarium located in the 2700 block of Honolulu Avenue. It was founded in 1923 and was one of many sanitariums in the La Crescenta area.

“This day makes people aware that La Crescenta actually has history,” said Joanna Linkchorst, president of Friends of Rockhaven.

People who visited this site were given free pins while hanging out and talking about the property.

“I’m just really excited that this is happening. I think it’s great to get the families involved,” said Phaedra Walton, a friend of Rockhaven and substitute teacher of Glendale Unified School District. “I love the tour we did of Deukmejian Park because I got a good history lesson.”

Crescenta Commons, located on the corner of Orange and Rosemont avenues, was also one of the 15 landmarks chosen for the day. Crescenta Valley Town Council President Robbyn Battles was onsite and said there were about 50 to 60 people who showed up to sign the 75-foot scroll that was on display for the community. The scroll will be placed in a time capsule and then lowered into the monument at a future dedication ceremony. Many families gathered and signed messages with markers for future generations that will be reading them in either 50 or 75 years from now.

“For us, I think the event was a tremendous success,” Battles said. “I think just the spirit of it was wonderful.”

Crescenta Valley Chamber of Commerce President Steve Pierce said all 15 locations were chosen based on their significance to the community.

“I think it’s a good idea once a year to get out and do this type of thing,” Pierce said.

  Isiah REYES