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During the late 1800s, the scent of orange blossoms fills San Gabriel Valley – until Southern California’s first real estate boom. Shortly thereafter, original storefronts are setback and dusty main streets are paved. As business districts spread, wood-planked buildings become brick and mortar. The fruit orchards are home sites.
During the bittersweet transition, bicycles become motorcycles and horse-drawn carriages become automobiles. Motor-powered vehicles consume our region like no other place in the world.
The scent of orange blossoms gives way to exhaust fumes.
By the time Route 66 passes through the valley cities, orange groves have all but vanished. Except for one particular orchard at The Huntington that still produces the best homemade orange marmalade on the planet. You can find it at The Huntington Store.
Throwback Thursday is written and produced by Rick Thomas
