Links to Our Past:
Architecture
Citrus Industry
Garner House
Packing House
Post-War Development
Spanish Colonial Period


Oral History:
Karl Benjamin


ABOUT US
OUR MISSION...
is to advance, preserve and celebrate the historic architectural, natural and cultural resources of our community through collaboration, education and advocacy.

GET INVOLVED
Become a Claremont Heritage member and/or volunteer to help keep Claremont's history alive.
Event sponsorships are welcome and vital to our success.
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Preserving Our History

The mission of Claremont Heritage is to advance, preserve and celebrate the historic architectural, natural and cultural resources of our community through collaboration, education and advocacy.

Claremont Depot 1927 photo


There are a number of iconic buildings that Claremont Heritage has helped to save for future generations to enjoy. One of the most historic is the Santa Fe Train Station Depot. Claremont was founded in 1887 in part by the Santa Fe Railroad. In 1927, the Station was rebuilt to a spectacular Spanish Colonial Revival architecture. One of the most distinctive architectural features of the station is the majestic doors and transom that predominate the height of the building. As the brass plaque outside the doors states: the doors were commissioned by Santa Fe Railroad with a design that showed their cross and circle logo.



We have helped to save the College Heights Lemon Packing House at 520 W. First Street, a symbol of our long and prosperous years as a center of the citrus industry. Threatened with demolition just a few years ago, our members wrote letters, appeared at hearings and convinced city leaders to ask for proposals from developers. A local firm, Arteco, run by the Tessier family, rose to the challenge and has rehabilitated it with live-work lofts, retail and restaurant spaces.



Claremont Heritage was instrumental in helping to save Padua Hills Theatre which was also renovated by Arteco Partners and is now used as a rental facility for weddings and events. We have pointed out the value of several historic sites that had gone into decay and helped focus attention on their historic and architectural merit. One was the Old School House on Foothill Boulevard, and another is the Pitzer Ranch site on Baseline Road. Very recently new owners have purchased these properties and are planning restoration projects. Both could have fallen to the wrecker’s ball without Claremont Heritage’s oversight.

Lemon trees and Valley View label photo