Memorial Day Staycation!

Did You Know? - Did You Know? The historic Lanterman House in La Canada Flintridge will host a free Summer Picnic and Ukulele Rendezvous on Sunday, May 25, from noon to 4 pm Visitors are invited to enjoy music, games, and tours on the grounds of the century-old estate.

The event at 4420 Encinas Drive will feature pianist Randy Woltz and ukulele player Conrad Cayman. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own instruments to participate. The house will be open for mini-tours, and guests can dance in the second-story ballroom.

Visitors are invited to bring picnics to enjoy on the grounds, and complimentary cookies and lemonade will be provided. The Assistance League of Flintridge will operate a booth selling vintage and second-hand items from its Bargain Box.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Lanterman House was constructed in 1915 for Dr. Roy Lanterman and his wife, Emily. Architect Arthur Haley designed the reinforced concrete home in a U-shaped Mexican Colonial hacienda style, complete with a fountain courtyard and English Arts and Crafts design elements.

Dr. Lanterman built the concrete structure partially due to fire concerns, having witnessed the aftermath of the 1906 San Francisco earthquake. The lavish home included modern conveniences and a ballroom to persuade his reluctant wife to move from Santa Monica to what was then a rural area.

Did You Know? - Lanterman House is a bungalow-style historic house museum in La Cañada Flintridge, California on the National Register of Historic Places. The house was commissioned by Dr. Roy Lanterman in 1915 and was built by A. L. Haley (b. 1865), who was a prominent builder of both residences and commercial buildings in the Los Angeles area.

Did You Know? - Kelvinator was an American home appliance manufacturer and a line of domestic refrigerators that was the company's namesake. Although it is now defunct as a company, the name remains a brand owned by Electrolux AB.

It takes its name from William Thomson, 1st Baron Kelvin, who developed the concept of absolute zero and for whom the Kelvin temperature scale is named. The name was thought appropriate for a company that manufactured ice-boxes and refrigerators.

Did You Know? - In February 1916, the name of the business was changed to "Kelvinator Company" in honor of the Irish-Scottish physicist, Lord Kelvin (William Thomson, 1st Baron Kelvin), the discoverer of absolute zero. Kelvinator was among two dozen home refrigerators introduced to the U.S. market in 1916. In 1918, Kelvinator introduced the first refrigerator with any type of automatic control.

Did You Know? - Houses with pantries connected to the ground to keep things cool were commonly referred to as "cold pantries" or "California coolers". These pantries utilized a clever convection cooling system where cool air was drawn from below and out of the pantry through vents, helping to keep the stored food cool, especially in warmer climates

Did You Know? - A 1915 Craftmans Style House Museum Step back to what life was like in La Canada 100 years ago. This beautiful Craftsman style home (8500 sq. ft) has belonged to only one family and is filled with all the original furniture and wardrobe of the first lady of the house, Emily Lanterman.

This home is purported to be the first home west of the Mississippi that was built with concrete. Everyone is given a docent led tour. The visitor centers offers a video on the history La Canada/La Crescenta and the Lanterman family.

The son, Frank Lanterman was a California State Assemblyman for 28 years. Tour the marble floor dining room, the butler's pantry, the kitchen full of the cooking utencils used by Mrs. Lanterman.

See the ballroom, sleeping porch, etc. etc. This is not to be missed by history buffs and those with an appreciation for craftsman style homes. Small fee. Read less

Did You Know? - Player pianos enjoyed enormous success from the 1890s through the 1920s. During this time, over 2 1/2 million were sold to Americans eager to have piano music at home -- without having to spend many hours in practice. Coin-operated versions, like this Seeburg Company model, provided patrons with the latest music in public establishments during the early 20th century.

Did You Know? - Kingsbury Pianos, established in 1901 by the Chicago-based piano manufacturer Cable-Nelson, quickly became known for their high-quality craftsmanship and durability. As part of the larger Cable Company, Kingsbury was positioned as a brand offering reliable and well-constructed pianos at an accessible price point, making them popular among both amateur musicians and educational institutions.

In 1924, Kingsbury was acquired by the Baldwin Piano Company, a renowned name in American piano manufacturing known for its commitment to quality and innovation. Under Baldwin's ownership, Kingsbury pianos continued to uphold their reputation for solid construction and rich, warm tone, achieved through careful material selection and meticulous attention to detail in soundboard and string design.

One of the unique features of Kingsbury pianos was the patented full perimeter plate, introduced in the early 20th century, which enhanced structural stability and tonal quality. This innovation, coupled with Baldwin's expertise, ensured that Kingsbury pianos maintained their technical excellence and musical integrity.

Although production ceased in the mid-20th century, vintage Kingsbury pianos are still highly sought after by collectors and restorers for their historical value and exceptional craftsmanship, reflecting the enduring legacy of Baldwin's stewardship over the Kingsbury brand.

Did You Know? - Cioppino, a San Francisco staple, is a tomato-based seafood stew with Italian roots. It's a hearty dish made with a variety of seafood and vegetables, often served with toasted bread.

Here's some interesting Cioppino trivia:

Origins: Cioppino was likely invented by Italian fishermen in San Francisco in the 19th century, using whatever seafood was available after the daily catch.

Name: The name "Cioppino" is thought to be derived from the Ligurian dialect word "ciuppin," meaning "chopped" or "torn to pieces," referring to how the seafood is prepared. Some also believe it originated from fishermen shouting "Chip in!" on the wharves.

Did You Know? - Since 1943, Twoheys has been a cherished landmark in Pasadena, CA, serving up unforgettable flavors and timeless memories. Founded by Jack and Jean Twohey, the original Twoheys (pronounced "2EE's") opened its doors on Arroyo Parkway and quickly became a beloved local spot, known for its mouthwatering hamburgers, crispy onion rings, and hand-dipped fountain delights, all crafted with care in the heart of the San Gabriel Valley.

In 1955, Twoheys relocated to the corner of Huntington Drive and Atlantic Blvd. in Alhambra, where it thrived as a classic diner and carhop, becoming a go-to spot for families and friends of all ages. Generations of customers continued to make memories at Twoheys. In 1997, the Twohey family passed the torch to a dedicated local Pasadena family, who honored the legacy and kept the traditions alive.

In 2020, Twoheys embarked on a new chapter in the vibrant community of South Pasadena. The updated space lovingly blends nostalgia with modern flair, featuring a vintage-inspired lunch counter, soda fountain, and the addition of a full bar, as well as outdoor patios and private dining areas—perfect for both everyday dining and special occasions. Through the decades, Twoheys remains a place where classic tastes meet new traditions, welcoming guests to enjoy great food and great company in a warm, inviting atmosphere.

Did You Know? - The United Service Organizations Inc. (USO) is an American nonprofit-charitable corporation that provides live entertainment, such as comedians, actors and musicians, social facilities, and other programs to members of the United States Armed Forces and their families. Since 1941, it has worked in partnership with the Department of War, and later with the Department of Defense (DoD), relying heavily on private contributions and on funds, goods, and services from various corporate and individual donors. Although it is congressionally chartered, it is not a government agency.

Founded during World War II, the USO sought to be the GI's "home away from home" and began a tradition of entertaining the troops and providing social facilities. Involvement in the USO was one of the many ways in which the nation had come together to support the war effort, with nearly 1.5 million people having volunteered their services in some way. The USO initially disbanded in 1947, but was revived in 1950 for the Korean War, after which it continued, also providing peacetime services. During the Vietnam War, USO social facilities ("USOs") were sometimes located in combat zones.

The organization became particularly known for its live performances, called "camp shows", through which the entertainment industry helps boost the morale of servicemen and women. In the early days, Hollywood was eager to show its patriotism, and many celebrities joined the ranks of USO entertainers. They went as volunteers to entertain, and celebrities continue to provide volunteer entertainment in military bases in the U.S. and overseas, sometimes placing their own lives in danger by traveling or performing under hazardous conditions. In 2011, the USO was awarded the National Medal of Arts.

Currently, the USO maintains over 200 locations in 27 U.S. states and 13 foreign countries. During a gala marking the USO's 75th anniversary in 2016, retired Army Gen. George W. Casey Jr., the chairman of the USO Board of Governors, estimated that the USO has served more than 35 million Americans over its history