Collections & Archives

The Mystery of the Horn Chair

By Jeanette Bovard | August 13, 2015

Tucked away in a quiet corner in the attic of the Fenyes Mansion, the horn chair has long been an object of fascination for the Museum staff. Recent research in…

Causes Natural and Unnatural

By Jeanette Bovard | August 12, 2015

Last week’s column may have given you the unfortunate idea that old soldiers simply died in bed, of old age or disease, or both. While many Civil War veterans did…

Statue in the Park

By Jeanette Bovard | July 21, 2015

“John McDonald, Esq., “Chairman Pasadena Memorial Statue Committee: “Dear Sir: As per your instructions received from H. H. Kitson, sculptor, Boston, Mass., we have this day shipped to you as…

Portrait of an Artist: How Research Happens (Part 2 of 2)

By Jeanette Bovard | July 14, 2015

Once I finally dug up Ludwig’s military records, my theory fell apart. Julius Ludwig didn’t enlist until 1864 (not early in the war), and apparently got discharged as soon as…

Portrait of an Artist: How Research Happens (Part 1 of 2)

By Jeanette Bovard | July 7, 2015

Several people have asked me how historical research is done, or other questions about the process of learning about the men and women featured in this exhibit. So I thought…

The Fife and the Drum

By Jeanette Bovard | June 23, 2015

“The John F. Godfrey Post, G.A.R.’s “Drummer Boys of ‘61 ” met much applause. “When Johnny Comes Marching Home” was the song theme, and on the float a group of…

E.S. Frost: Hooked Rugs and Photography

By Jeanette Bovard | June 16, 2015

E.S. Frost spent his time in the Civil War in the 1st Maine Cavalry. He survived the bullets that flew around him at various major battles, but not the germs.…

Thomas Croft: The Man Who Owned Pasadena for a Day

By Jeanette Bovard | April 28, 2015

Thomas Croft was an organized man. That served him well during his time in the Union Navy during the Civil War. He was an officer, and he served as paymaster…

Cruising Colorado Boulevard: A Memoir

By Jeanette Bovard | November 4, 2014

My chariot to freedom arrived in the form of a jalopy. I had turned 16 in July and my driver’s license was aching to go for a ride. I signed…

The Arts & Crafts Origins of the Finnish Folk Art Museum

By Jeanette Bovard | December 9, 2012

Many people who’ve been to the Finnish Folk Art Museum assume this “tupa,” or Finnish-style farmhouse. was designed in authentic Scandinavian style. But in its earliest years the building was…

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