The Elmer Smith sign in the Arroyo is a special landmark. For the most part it is the northernmost point on our Arroyo Seco course. It marked mile five, and the turnaround point for many a TNT SGV athletes first double digit run. After my first season with the Team I began to wonder who was Elmer Smith? Curiosity took me to the Pasadena Historical Society and I found one obituary of the man. Ive shared what I learned about Elmer numerous times in email and a few times here. Elmer fast facts: -Long time Pasadena resident. -Cal Tech grad -Had many lucrative job offers coming out of college. Took less pay to remain in the city he loved... Pasadena. -Worked for Pasadena Water Dept (thus the sign) -Involved in dam projects in the foothills -Active in the community -had one son who was shot down over the Sea of Japan -Married twice. Elmer married his second wife (Matilda Hornberger) in 1947. She was known as the Star Spangled Banner Lady because of her determination to teach school age children the National Anthem. Before becoming Elmer’s better half, Matilda was part of a singing sister act in Cincinnati , Ohio . She graduated from the Cincinnati College of Music. Once settled with Elmer she became a music teacher in the Pasadena area. She also claimed that she was a professional at doing the hula. -The couple loved travel. -Elmer also enjoyed hiking, gardening and fishing. -Smith’s longevity in Pasadena earned him a place on the board of directors of the Pasadena Pioneer Association as well as the presidency of the Pasadena Historical Society -Elmer once rode his bike from Pasadena to Yosemite -Matilda passed in 1996. Elmer followed a year later. He was 100 years old at the time of his passing. AND.... they lived in the Linda Vista area. Right above our primary training ground. Yesterday I went to the Pasadena Central Library and found an old Pasadena phone book. I opened to the S section and perused the Smiths. Theres the name.... Elmer L. Smith 1150 Wellington Ave. , Pasadena. I drove by... the home it is vacant and for sale. Now I just need to come up with 1.5 million :D -- GO TEAM! zillow/homedetails/1150-Wellington-Ave-Pasadena-CA-91103/20855910_zpid/
Posted on: Wed, 19 Nov 2014 02:40:55 +0000
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