Christmas Tree Lane
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Christmas Tree Lane is mile long (.7 mi.) boulevard of deodar cedar trees in Altadena, California. The trees on the Lane, Santa Rosa Avenue, have been lighted annually as a Christmas Holiday display since 1920. It is recognized as the oldest large-scale outdoor Christmas display in the world and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places (1990), and is designated California Historical Landmark No. 990 (1990).
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[edit] History
[edit] Planting the Lane
Deodars were introduced in 1883 to Southern California by Altadena founder John P. Woodbury who first saw a stand of the deodars in Italy. Proclaiming them the most beautiful trees he had ever seen, he returned with seeds, and getting assurance from a friend of his at the Department of Agriculture that the trees would do well in California, had his brother Frederick nurser them at the Altadena ranch. In two years they were transplanted to Santa Rosa Avenue which would become a driveway from Pasadena up the near mile stretch to Woodbury’s planned estate. The mansion was never realized, but the deodar legacy was left and it flourished for over a century to follow.
[edit] First Lighting
In 1920 Altadena resident and Pasadena businessman Frederick C. Nash came up with an idea of lighting the trees for the holidays. He sought assistance from his organization The Pasadena Kiwanis Club and from the City of Pasadena to initially light a 1/4 mile section of the roadway. Over the next few years the lighting expanded until the entire row of trees, 150 in all, were lighted. The boulevard at that time was referred to as the “Avenue of the Deodars.” Though many pedestrians would walk along the lighted street, it was really a spectacle to behold from the seats of slowly passing automobiles.
In 1927 the newer Altadena Kiwanis Club began the custom of taking less fortunate children for rides along what they joyfully called “Christmas Tree Street.” It was estimated that annually more than 50,000 automobiles travel the avenue during the weeks of the lighting, and modern statistics show that number has not changed much.
Lighting went on for the next three decades with Mr. Tom Hoag, the foreman of the Woodbury Ranch who saw to the planting of the lane, doing the honor of “pulling the switch” for each lighting ceremony. In the years 1943 and 44 the Lane was let go dark, not for anything to do with the war effort, but for the fact that the winter snow packs were low and conservation of electricity became a concern (see discussion note). During that period Mr. Hoag passed away.
The Lane had its share of postcards which were published internationally, but after the war many of the cards came up with the caption, “Christmas Tree Lane.” It is supposed that is where the street actually took its present-day name.
[edit] Christmas Tree Lane Association
In 1956 the residents of Altadena had voted on a measure to stop Pasadena annexation of Altadena lands. This ended a half century of Altadena being bit-by-bit turned into Pasadena, and it also ended the City's involvement with Christmas Tree Lane. The Altadena community was left on its own to take care of the annual lighting. From a concerned citizenry the Altadenans formed the Christmas Tree Lane Association (CTLA). The original members were able to enlist the assistance of Local 11 of the Electrical Worker's Union to string the trees each year. Boy Scouts of the San Gabriel Valley Council manned the side street blockades which directed traffic to the top of the Lane.
In 1964 the CTLA was able to enlist the assistance of Southern California Edison to install a permanent grid along the trees with special throw switches in three intersection locations with no cost attached the installations or use of electricity. In 1966 the Women's Auxiliary was formed to help with fund-raising and keeping the Lane ready each year. In 1973, done more as a public relations move, the Lane was left dark during the Energy Crisis brought on by the world wide panic of low fuel availability.
[edit] Landmark Status
Over time age, disease and weather began to take toll on several of the trees. By 1990 there were but 135 of the original trees still standing. Nevertheless, that year Christmas Tree Lane was listed in the National Register of Historic Places and became California State Landmark No. 990. Of particular interest to those who were reviewing the application, it was noted that Christmas Tree Lane brought about the singularly significant social convergence of two relatively new commodities: the outdoor electric light and the automobile. Christmas Tree Lane is also recognized as the only botanical landmark on the State Registry.
In the year 2000 the State’s electrical utilities were deregulated. From this Southern California Edison gave notice that it would have to meter and charge for electrical use. However, the permitting and installation of power meters is a function of Los Angeles County Public Works. Part and parcel to permits is inspection of electrical systems, grids and installations. They were not at all satisfied with the way in which the electrical distribution was installed and attached to the trees. This put the annual lighting of the Lane in jeopardy. Wild estimates for rewiring the grids ran into the millions, and there was nowhere to turn for such funding.
Los Angeles County Supervisor Michael (Mike) D. Antonovich, Fifth District, put the task to Public Works to come up with an acceptable system and cost estimate for its installation. Nelson Nelson, a Public Works administrator, devised a plan and an estimate of $130,000 which was provided from Mike’s discretionary funds. To many in the community it was like the miracle that saved Christmas, but then Mr. Antonovich has been given the honor of “pulling the switch” ever since he was in office. Today meters and grids are working safely for the annual lighting of Christmas Tree Lane.
[edit] Annual schedule
The Lane is generally lighted at a "Lighting Ceremony" on the second Saturday of December unless otherwise indicated. The lights will go on at dark and will turn off around midnight. The lighting will continue to January 1st, or 2nd if its on a weekend. It has been customarily lighted on January 6 for the Eastern Right faiths who celebrate Christmas on the Feast of the Epiphany.
[edit] Directions to...
Christmas Tree Lane is located in the unincorporated community of Altadena, California. The most popular route is downhill from Altadena Drive. In the past, all traffic was directed to the top and the Lane ran one way during visiting hours. The Lane operates in both directions now. Though there has also been a custom to drive with the headlights dimmed, the California Highway Patrol has stated unequivocally that there are no special exceptions made for dimming car lights while driving on the lane, and that general public and pedestrian safety requires car lights to be left on.
Freeway accessing: Westbound 210 Freeway (Foothill Fwy) to Lake Avenue. Drive north (right turn) to Altadena Drive, the very last light going up the hill approximately 3 miles from the Freeway. Turn left one block to Santa Rosa. The lighted trees are a give-away. Uphill motorists can turn left at Woodbury Road, about 2.2 miles up from the Freeway, and drive 4 blocks to Santa Rosa.
Eastbound 210 from the direction of La Canada Flintridge, take the Windsor Avenue off-ramp, turn left to Woodbury, then right for about 2 miles to Santa Rosa Avenue. The tall lighted trees will be a landmark. You can also take Marengo Avenue north to Altadena Drive and turn right to Santa Rosa if you prefer the downhill route.
Eastbound SR 134 (Ventura Freeway) can use either the Lake Avenue approach as above, or take the 210 north to Lincoln Avenue. Turn right to Woodbury; turn right to Santa Rosa Avenue.
