Arcadia celebrates its 100th birthday on August 5, 2003. The date reflects the anniversary of the Los Angeles Board of Supervisors certifying the results of the cityhood election. Elias J. "Lucky" Baldwin was talking about creating a city as early as 1886. He wanted to name the city Baldwin. On July 27, 1903, thirty-nine residents voted for cityhood.
Arcadia firefighters and paramedics save a boy with asthma. The boy visits the fire station and firefighters go to the boy's birthday party. Community ties are strengthened by this emergency call.
The Arcadia Public Library is holding an "Ode to Arcadia Centennial Poetry Contest" in observance of Arcadia's 100th birthday and National Poetry Month. A workshop will be hosted by author Ron Koertge to explore the craft of poetry.
Arcadia's 100th birthday festivities will begin in January with the city's float entry in the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade. Riders on float include Jon Dorian Shafer, Lane Barcham and Alison Chien. Other activities for the centennial year are outlined.
Arcadia's Centennial (1903-2003) approaches and the Arcadia Centennial Celebration Commission is planning on a year-long, citywide celebration for the city's 100th birthday. In photo, a baseball cap to commemorate the centennial, is on sale at Arcadia Public Library.
Arcadia's official city birthday party will be held August 5, a date that reflects the official declaration of Arcadia cityhood by the Board of Supervisors, back in 1903. The 100th birthday party includes a scavenger hunt, the release of the anthology "Visions of Arcadia," unveiling the bronze peacock statue at Peacock Corner, a mixer at the Ruth and Charles Gilb Arcadia Historical Museum, and a birthday party at the Community Center. See also Arcadia Weekly, p. 1, 18, July 31, 2003.
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.
Dr. Marshall Welles, a long-time former staff member of Arcadia Methodist Hospital, celebrates his 100th birthday at Westminster Gardens in Duarte. Photo and caption only.
Dusty Gibbs, 17, a senior at Arcadia High School, has been named the 90th Tournament of Roses Queen. Photographs of Gibbs, princesses Gaelen Stanford-Moore and Katie Merrill are included.
First Avenue Middle School celebrated the 26th birthday and life of teacher Jennifer Castillo with a ceremony and the release of over 900 balloons. She taught 6th grade Algebra and introductory Spanish. She died February 8 of heart failure.