We Loved Horses Didn't We

The Bridle Path: Arcadia in the 50s and 60s

By Gene Glasco-REALTOR e-PRO- Century 21 Ludecke, Inc.

My family and I became residents of Arcadia in 1954. With the exception of overseas military service in the sixties, and college (Northern California) in the seventies, Arcadia has been "home" for last fifty-three years. Arcadia, not unlike many other small towns within the San Gabriel Valley was somewhat obscure back in the 50s, 60s. Acquaintances that lived in Los Angeles twenty miles away from our pastoral paradise had no idea where Arcadia was situated. I remember mixed emotions when people would ask me, "where is Arcadia"? Embarrassment, because I didnt want them thinking I lived in some rural backwater settlement, and elation that they might never come to disturb my isolated bucolic bliss. Today, most Arcadians connect horses to the Santa Anita Race Track. But back in the 50's and early 60's, horseback riding citizens were seen trotting up and down Santa Anita Avenue commonly referred to as "Double Drive". Before todays grass and pretty trees, the dirt and eucalyptus tree legacies of Elias "Lucky" Baldwin, Arcadias first mayor, lined the center median. On this well traveled trail equestrians were seen galloping their trusty steeds, dust clouds behind them, up Elkins to the north in the "Highlands" and down past the park and golf course to the south. The commercial horse stables and riding corral were located next to a small bowling alley on Morlan Place, just north of Huntington Drive and diagonally across from the back entrance of the Elk's lodge. Those of us who didn't own horses could "rent" a fully saddled riding horse out on an hourly/daily basis. (About $2.50 an hour). We would walk or (depending on the horse's temperament) trot one block over to Santa Anita. Motorists gave courteous right of way to our horse back riding citizens, stopping at intersections to allow our equisterian street crossings.
About a year ago or so I was interviewed by some Arcadia High School History class members whose assignment was to find out what it was like growing up in Arcadia in the sixties. They were incredulous--if not envious--in learning about the horse and riding stables we had, and the opportunity to tell it to them brought back some very fond memories of growing up in a town with a sense of community that prevails today. Gene Glasco is a local REALTOR and e-PRO with CENTURY 21 Ludecke Inc. and can be reached at: 626.456.4366 or Gene@Geneglasco.com.