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Local History

The South Pasadena Public Library collects and preserves our community’s memory for current and future generations. Our Local History Collection consists of thousands of materials relating to many aspects of South Pasadena history. Some major categories include: historical photographs, newspapers, local yearbooks, city directories, biographical files, and city landmarks.

Research Requests

There are many types of requests and queries that are answered through the Local History Collection. Some of the most frequent questions pertain to genealogical and housing research.

Research requests may be submitted to the Local History Librarian at localhistory@southpasadenaca.gov or (626) 403-7359.

Tools for Researchers

City Directories

The Library currently hosts physical copies of local city directories dated from 1893 to present. These directories are available to view by visiting the Library Reference Desk during our regular hours of operation.

City directories dated from 1893 to 1962 are available to view online at archive.org.

Copa de Oro Yearbooks

The Library currently hosts physical copies of the South Pasadena High School yearbook, Copa de Oro, dated from 1909 to present. These yearbooks are available to view by visiting the Library Reference Desk during our regular hours of operation.

Yearbooks dated from 1909 to 1924 are available to view online at archive.org.

Historical Photographs

More than 2000 historical photographs are currently available online through the South Pasadena Public Library Flickr and Calisphere, an online digital collection with access to thousands of historical images of California.

Please contact the Local History Librarian at localhistory@southpasadenaca.gov or (626) 403-7359 if you are interested in using or reproducing an image from our collection.

Local Landmarks

The City of South Pasadena has dozens of properties and sites designated as local historic landmarks. Certain local landmarks are also distinguished on state and national registers.

View our map of historic landmarks and districts in South Pasadena.

Local Newspapers

The Library preserves microfilm for local newspapers from 1893 to present. Periodical titles include South Pasadena Review, South Pasadena Record, Foothill Review, South Pasadena Courier, The Federated News, and many more.

Digitized microfilm is available for in-Library use at Newspapers.com.

Finding Aids

Access to the Local History materials listed below are available by appointment only. Due to the sensitive nature of archival materials, the South Pasadena Public Library may prohibit scanning, photocopying, photographing, or handling materials directly. Contact the Local History Librarian at localhistory@southpasadenaca.gov or (626) 403-7359 to schedule an appointment.

	Collection	Materials	Dates
Index	Master Container List(PDF, 2MB)	SPPL Archive Container List	N/A
MC0001	Richard Schneider Archive(PDF, 56KB)	City Council Agendas, City Reports, Correspondence, Court Documents, Ephemera, Maps, Newspapers, Organizational Research, Proposals, Periodicals and Journals, Resolutions	1973-2017
MC0002	Dorothy Cohen Archive(PDF, 305KB)	Awards, Certificates, Manuscript, Photographs, Proclamations	1971-2017
MC0003	Jane Apostol Archive(PDF, 358KB)	Bound Book, Correspondence, Ephemera, Manuscript, Photographs	1963-2016
MC0004	American Legion Post #140(PDF, 360KB)	Bound Books, Membership Information, Legion Junior Baseball, Correspondence, Physical Objects, By-Laws, Statistics, Photographs	1864-1994
MC0005	Cultural Heritage Commission Archive(PDF, 413KB)	Annual Reports, Applications Certificates, Budget Reports, Correspondence, Handouts, Manuscript, Maps, Newspaper Articles, Pamphlets	1906-1990
MC0006	Nellie Keith Archive(PDF, 300KB)	Bound Books, Newspaper Articles	1895-1955
MC0007	Cawston Ostrich Farm Archive(PDF, 307KB)	Bound Book, Maps, Physical Objects, Promotional Items	1897-1919
MC0008	Broadbent Military Academy Archive(PDF, 122KB)	Bound Books	1912-1937
MC0009	South Pasadena City Hall Archive(PDF, 477KB)	Bound Books, Reports, Audits, Building Permits, Maps, Photographs	1902-1989
MC0010	Edward D. Markytan Archive(PDF, 319KB)	Ephemera, Newspaper Articles, Organizational Documents, Photographs, Programs	1929-1993
MC0011	Axtman Family Archive(PDF, 486KB)	Artwork, Bound Books, Correspondence, Dishware, Ephemera	1868-2011
MC0012	South Pasadena Unified School District Archive(PDF, 303KB)	Directories, Physical Objects, Bound Books, Manuscript	1911-2001
MC0013	Glen Duncan Archive(PDF, 200KB)	City Council Agendas, City Reports, Correspondence, Court Documents, Ephemera, Maps, Newspapers, Organizational Research, Proposals, Periodicals and Journals, Resolutions	1928-2006
MC0014	Parent Teacher Association (PTA) Archive(PDF, 338KB)	Manuscript, Budget Reports, Certificates, Membership Information, Newsletters, Bound Volumes, Plaques	1911-1984
MC0015	Forrest Bond Wing Archive(PDF, 293KB)	Manuscripts	1919-1992
MC0016	Ray Bradbury Archive(PDF, 313KB)	Photographs, Ephemera, Newspaper Articles, Press Releases	2010-2019
MC0017	Rick Thomas Archive(PDF, 436KB)	Articles, Correspondence, Manuscript, Photographs, Postcards, Physical Objects	1882-2011
MC0018	Joanne Nuckols Archive(PDF, 467KB)	Agendas, Bound Materials, Correspondence, Meeting Minutes, Periodical Articles, Ephemera, Legislative and Governmental Documents	1963-2017
MC0019	J.A. Bauer Pottery Archive(PDF, 122KB)	Bound Materials, Correspondence, Newsletters, Periodical Articles	1916-2000

Special Interest Topics

Support the Collection

Many of the materials in the Local History Collection would not be available without the thoughtful donations of private individuals. Items such as photographs, journals describing early city life, letters or postcards documenting key events, and any materials pertaining to South Pasadena properties are particularly desirable.

If you have any materials that pertain to the City’s history that you would like to be considered for the Collection, please contact the Local History Librarian at localhistory@southpasadenaca.gov (626) 403-7359 for further information.

Contact Us

South Pasadena Public Library

1100 Oxley Street

South Pasadena, CA 91030

Phone

626-403-7330

Email

library@southpasadenaca.gov

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