Charles Cooper continues his Arcadia city centennial series "Memories of Arcadia" with a story about Arcadia's mayors. A. N. Multer was the first person to be given the title of mayor of Arcadia. City founder Elias J. "Lucky" Baldwin was the city's first presiding officer, but he held the title of president of the Board of Trustees. The title of mayor was not adopted until 1927, when the Board of Trustees changed to the City Council. Arcadia will have 4 mayors this year to mark the city's centennial. Each city council member will rotate into the position. More interesting facts: Floretta Lauber was the first woman to serve as mayor. She paved the way for Mary Young, Barbara Kuhn, and Gail Marshall to follow. Other history of mayors is recapped. The first city manager was William J. Richards in 1951, when a charter was adopted. The longest serving city official was City Clerk Christine Van Mannen, who held the job for 32 years. See hard copy in VF Arcadia (City) History.
Arcadia's first female mayor Floretta Lauber, 90, passes away. See also same page "I'm Not Your Mother" by Von Raees. Floretta Lauber wrote social column for Arcadia Weekly.
Mayor Gail Marshall reports that the state of the city is excellent. She discussed some of the civic projects in progress, such as the $16 million police station.
Group pictured at one of tables at Diamond Jubilee Breakfast held at Arboretum. Lady with hat at left is former Councilwoman and Mayor, Floretta Lauber; Mr. Lauber has back to camera. Lady in print dress on right is Mrs. Robert Considine sitting next to her husband Robert Considine, also a former Councilman and Mayor.
A black-tie centennial ball was held in Ayres Hall at Los Angeles County Arboretum, with a Greek theme. Dinner was catered by The Derby Restaurant. Pictured at Pamela Blackwood (Chairman of the Centennial Ball committee, George Fasching, Susan Guirguis, Mayor Gary Kovacic, Gail Marshall, Mickey Segal, John Wuo, Bob Margett, Jim Helms, Floretta Lauber, Robert Harbicht, Edward Butterworth and Charles Gilb.
Groundbreaking ceremonies for the remodel/expansion project at Arcadia Public Library, 20 W. Duarte Road. This photo shows Mayor Dennis Lojeski to the left standing at a podium. Very little of the audience is visible. Councilmembers Barbara Kuhn, Sheng Chang, Mary Young (who is leaning forward); City Manager Bill Kelly and City Clerk June Alford are seated on the right side of the photo.
Arcadia will have a weekly newspaper again - the ARCADIA WEEKLY. The paper will be in the same building as the old ARCADIA TRIBUNE that closed its doors in July 1992. Publisher Von Raees accepts the first subscription from Mayor Barbara Kuhn.
Groundbreaking ceremonies for the remodel/expansion project at Arcadia Public Library, 20 W. Duarte Road. Mayor Dennis Lojeski is addressing the audience. To the right are councilmembers Barbara Kuhn, Cheng Shang, Mary Young; City Mamager Bill Kelly; City Clerk June Alford; and, City Attorney Mike Miller.
Groundbreaking ceremonies for the remodel/expansion project at Arcadia Public Library, 20 W. Duarte Road. This photo shows four council members holding a shovel, standing in front of a large sign announcing the remodel. L-R: Sheng Chang, Mary Young, Dennis Lojeski, Barbara Kuhn.
The city of Arcadia has kept its finances intact despite the budgetary troubles facing California, Mayor Gail Marshall said in her State of the City address delivered during the City Council Meeting on April 1. The article includes information on the Centennial commemorative flower. Nunccio's Nursery in Altadena created pink Arcadia Azaleas to mark the city's birthday.
Floretta Lauber, the first woman to be elected to the Arcadia City Council and serve as mayor, has been elected to head the Arcadia Historical Society.