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Probably the first thing that comes to mind on Thanksgiving is the meal. For many families, the turkey is to Thanksgiving as the pine tree is to the winter holidays. A century ago in South Pasadena, another bird took center stage – the ostrich. Our city was the location of the largest farm of its kind in America.
Today, the ostrich is known for its meat: “Unlike chicken or turkey, it resembles beef in taste, coloring, and texture. Often compared to filet mignon, it’s also leaner – 97-percent fat free – lower in cholesterol, and higher in iron than beef.”
From 1896 to 1934, the Cawston Ostrich Farm in South Pasadena sold ostrich feather fashion exclusively – factory direct by mail order and storefronts in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, and New York City. The ostrich farm was also a world-famous tourist attraction and home of the world’s first successful solar power experiment for commercial use.
Throwback Thursday is written and produced by Rick Thomas
