Memorial Arch Library

Description

Memorial Arch of Library

• The restored entry of the original Library at the southeast corner of Raymond and Walnut, houses a display of historical data with this legend:
  “Memorial arch of Pasadena’s first free public library”
• Stone building of Romanesque architecture erected here in the 1880’s, financed largely by public subscription.  Served as Pasadena’s main public library from 1890-1927; condemned as unsafe in 1933; razed in 1954.
• This entrance arch, restored in 1955 by the City of Pasadena, at the request of the Pasadena Historical Society, is dedicated to the memory of Pasadena pioneers who in early and difficult days established here a public library as an expression of reverence for literature and art.  Their spirit symbolized in this remaining archway, lives on.”
• Dedicated September 9, 1955.
• The date inscribed on the Archway stone is July 4, 1887.
• Severely damaged in the 1994 Northridge earthquake and subsequently fenced in.

*en plein air – French: to paint outdoors or on site.