You might not notice this South Pasadena Cultural Landmark unless you scrutinize the brush on the south side of Arroyo Drive. The Cathedral Oak Monument marks the exact spot where the first Easter services were held in California back in 1770. Legend says that a priest named Father Crespi gathered worshipers under the branches of a mighty oak that grew here. The Oneonta Park Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution marked the oak with a plaque in 1932.Alas, by 1952 the tree had fallen. The same DAR chapter placed this simple monument in memoriam of the historic tree. (But I think the other trees to the left clearly show that X marks the spot...)
And while Father Crespi might not have been the type to celebrate it -- happy Fathers Day to all of the dads out there! YOU guys deserve a monument!
12 comments:
It may be simple, but it looks good in its surroundings. Very interesting history too.
Love the story, Laurie but what I love MOST is the trees creating the "X," almost giving them human emotion, or the appearance of an embrace.
Hug your dad, or if yours has gone to another place, say thanks to one who is still around. Dads don't get the kudos they deserve. No corsages or dinners out. Maybe a barely dried monstrosity of a clay ashtray or handprint stepping stone. Just no ties. LOL
wv: parwoo "Honey, the parwoo is overgrown again, but I'll trim it this time, since it's Father's Day."
It's Father's Day here too but our Mother's Days are different. Interesting bit of history too.
You should send that photo with the X trees to Phil Jackson!
Fortunately, the ACLU has not discovered this cross and sued the City of South Pasadena to force its removal. It's a beautiful, peaceful setting overlooking the Arroyo.
The "X" reminds me of the "Big W" where the money was hidden in the classic early 60's comedy, "It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World." Jimmy Durante had hidden the money under the Big W and as he lay dying along side the rode he told a bunch of motorists its location resulting in a mad dash to find it. He didn't tell them the "W" was four crossed palm trees. MMMMW is one of the classic comedies of my youth.
I'll bet a certain dad is treated pretty well today.
(I know this place and just love the story has been preserved.)
Very tranquil picture...lovely!!!
This area is so beautiful. I too love that you're telling its story.
Simple, beautiful, powerful.
Thanks, everybody!
Judy, I'm cracking up about parwoo!
db, i'd forgotten about that film. Now I must go back and watch it. It really was great.
This monument caught me by surprise when I was driving around looking for photos. At first I thought it was one of those little shrines erected to mark the site of a car wreck. (There are a lot of those sad little crosses on the lake roads where I grew up in Austin.) I was delighted to find out this was the marker of a happy story.
And speaking of happy stories, I hope all of you had a nice father's day with lots of Dad stuff and family hugs.
Until tomorrow, people...
Ashley and I have seen this from the car.
Thanks for pointing it out. It is really the charm of a community photo blog to bring out the little things that make, in your case, South Pasadena so special. And the story makes it all the more memorable.
Thanks!
That's really awesome pics...Nice to see this..
This is pretty interesting...
Thanks for sharing..
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Andrew
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