TWO
Strictly From Memories
Around the Turn of the Century
A newspaper article published in a Pasadena paper in 1897 makes note of the acquisition by the Army of a home on three and one-half acres in South Pasadena. The home, formerly an orphan’s and children’s residence, was owned by a Mrs. O. Cleveland and willed to the Army with the understanding that the Army would pay off a $2,000 mortgage. Mrs. Staff Captain Dunham, wife of the officer in charge of the Army’s work in Southern California, was present when the announcement was made. She stated that the Army had started raising money to pay this off and had already received a $500 gift from one man. Additionally, she said that the Army would need about $1,500 for property improvements in order to use the residence as a “rescue home for fallen women.”
“It’s a beautiful place,” continued Mrs. Dunham. “I was delighted when I saw it. It is easily accessible being only a few feet from the Pasadena car line, contains three and half acres well laid out in ornamental shrubbery, orchards, shade trees,” she said. "Lt. Colonel J. J. Keppel will complete the final arrangements.”
