10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 Years Ago from the pages of the Valley Sun

Ten Years Ago

The Jet Propulsion Laboratory was selected by NASA to host the program office to coordinate efforts to detect, track and characterize asteroids and comets that could approach Earth.

Twenty Years Ago

The La Cañada Flintridge City Council was invited to view the new furniture at the La Cañada Public Library on Oakwood Avenue. The furnishings cost $5,000 and were purchased with money that came from the city, La Cañada Junior Women’s Club and Friends of the Library.

Thirty Years Ago

It was announced that, due to the passage of Prop 13, the county would begin charging admission at Descanso Gardens, on a trial basis, for the month of August 1978. Adults would be charged 50 cents and children 25 cents. A $1 tram tour fee would also be introduced.

Forty Years Ago

The final section of Angeles Crest Estates, across the highway from the La Cañada Country Club, was completed and released for sale. One- and two-story homes were priced from $43,900, with 5% down.

Fifty Years Ago

A new fire engine was delivered to the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. The $32,000 apparatus rolled onto the 80-acre facility in July 1958 to begin the job of protecting more than 2,200 workers and 108 buildings. JPL’s fire chief was Jack Lawless.