Image courtesy of SMHPS, click to enlarge
Press Release posted 4/14/14 – Sunday, April 27th, the Sierra Madre Historical Preservation Society (SMHPS) will have a pre-renovation open house and program at the 1887 Blumer Farmhouse, 390 Olive Tree Lane in Sierra Madre. The event will be held from 2pm-5pm. Parking will be on Grand View and if assistance is needed accessing the property, a shuttle will be running from Grand View to the top of Olive Tree Lane. A program will be presented by Woody Reeves of San Gabriel Sash & Door on repairing old doors and double hung windows. This program will be of interest to all owners or prospective owners of old homes and historic properties. Light refreshments will also be served. This event is for members only, however, if you are not a member and want to attend, memberships will be available for purchase at the entrance. Memberships start as low as $20. Also, you must RSVP by April 23 to attend. Please phone Leslie Ziff at 626-321-7735 to reserve your spot for this informative and entertaining afternoon delving into Sierra Madre’s history!
The Blumer Farmhouse sits on a secluded 1.81-acre parcel of land at the end of a private drive, just north of Grand View. It recently became re-listed as an historic landmark in Sierra Madre and was designated as the Blumer Farmhouse. It is one of the few homes still standing pictured in the historic Bird’s Eye View of Sierra Madre, which was utilized by Nathaniel Carter, the town’s founder, as a promotional piece to entice settlers and investors to Sierra Madre.
Although a 17’x34’ two-story home was built in 1883 by Amos D. Trussel, when the property was sold in 1887 to J.G. Blumer, significant changes were made to the existing structure. These included raising the original two-story structure and adding a new first floor underneath in addition to widening the home. A covered second floor porch that wrapped around three sides of the house was also added.
Blumer, a native of England, was active in local affairs and was elected mayor of Sierra Madre at the incorporation of the City in 1907. He also assisted in reorganizing the Sierra Madre Water Company that Amos Trussel had helped establish. Because of this, he was involved in the sometimes contentious water rights negotiations with “Lucky” Baldwin. Additionally, Blumer helped start the library society, and was a major contributor in the efforts to bring the Pacific Electric Railroad to Sierra Madre.
The property was purchased by Brian & Delna Abernathy in 2013. They will be renovating and upgrading their home while keeping its historic integrity. San Gabriel Sash & Door will be assisting in the renovation of the Blumer Farmhouse. As a family owned and operated business, part of their expertise is repairing old doors and windows. Additionally, part of the Abernathy’s restoration plan includes reconstructing the railing and covered balcony on the second floor, bringing it back to its original appearance as shown in the Bird’s Eye View of Sierra Madre, published in 1887.
We look forward to your joining us at the Blumer Farmhouse on Sunday afternoon, April 27!
Summary of information:
Members only
When: Sunday, April 27
Time: 2pm – 5pm
What: Home tour & program on old door and window restoration
Serving: Light refreshments
Parking available on Grand View. If assistance is needed walking up the hill, a shuttle will be available to assist you.
RSVP by April 23 to Leslie Ziff, 626-321-7735.