La Cañada History: New local theater group prepared its inaugural production

Ten Years Ago

A new local theater group, The Foothill Musical Theatre founded by Marlys Marsteller and Lance Merrill was preparing its inaugural production of Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine’s “Into the Woods,” which would be staged at Lanterman Auditorium.

Twenty Years Ago

After searching around the north and south embankments of the 210 Freeway near Angeles Crest Highway on a Friday in November 1993, sheriff’s department units apprehended three of four youths in their late teens who had allegedly just robbed thee Citizen’s Business Bank at gunpoint.

Thirty Years Ago

About 200 La Cañada families were preparing to welcome more than 400 young officer candidates from the U.S. Military in West Point and Midshipmen from the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis who were in the area over Thanksgiving weekend in 1983 to attend the first Army-Navy football gave to be held at the Rose Bowl.

Forty Years Ago

The La Cañada High School varsity water polo team captured its first Rio Hondo League title in four years, beating La Salle by a score of 16-2. Bill Barnard led all scorers with five goals.

Fifty Years Ago

La Cañada residents mourned with their fellow Americans the shocking death of President John F. Kennedy. It was reported that business as usual in the foothills came to a standstill on Nov. 22, 1963 as word of the assassination spread. All schools were closed the Monday following the event as it had been declared a national day of mourning by Kennedy’s successor, President Lyndon B. Johnson.

Sixty Years Ago

Oak Grove School’s PTA Festival dominated the social scene among young La Cañada young families on Nov. 21, 1953, with concession stands including the Duck Shoot, the Bull Ring, Spin the Wheel, Candle-lite Capers, the Mad Hatter, the Jewelry Jar and the Picture Gallery. Another special feature was the appearance of Dell O’Dell, female prestidigitator of television fame, who presented her show, “It’s Magic” three times throughout the afternoon. The fun was followed by a barbecue dinner.

Compiled from the Valley Sun archives by Carol Cormaci.