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History

In 2009, the Arcadia Chamber of Commerce celebrated its 75th Anniversary of Incorporation with the unveiling of its very own “History Lives Here” marker, presented by the Arcadia Historical Society. To commemorate the event, the Chamber threw a party to celebrate the anniversary and commemorate the placement of the history marker installed near the front entrance to the unique round, windowed Chamber office.

President Kevin Zimmerman welcomed the several hundred guests and our honorable Master of Ceremonies, Wink Martindale, former Arcadia resident, radio and TV celebrity, guided us through the festivities including jokes, toasts, announcing the winner of the 75th Anniversary Diamond Raffle and music. Guests filled the lawns, the Chamber building and the patio, known as Rotary Circle. Tables and chairs dotted the Chamber lawn, BBQ hamburgers and hot dogs were served and vintage cars welcomed guests, the press and many, many VIPs. Congratulatory speeches were made, and elected officials, VIPs and City Fathers presented the Chamber with proclamations and certificates marking the July 16, 1934 date of the Incorporation of the Chamber. The Chamber lobby now reflects its history with framed Incorporation documents and photos of the original groundbreaking, the architects Fickes & Fickes rendering of the Chamber and some past presidents’ photos.

Scheduled for December 2011, the Chamber will donate nearly two dozen historic photos of the Arcadia floats in the Rose Parade from the late 1970s through 1997 to the Charles and Ruth Gilb Historical Museum. The event will include the Chamber Board of Directors who will present the photos to the Historical Museum during an afternoon of celebration and a rousing champagne toast. Check the Chamber calendar in mid 2011 for the date and time. www.arcadiacachamber.org.

A Short History of the Arcadia Chamber of Commerce

Incorporated over 75 years ago, the Arcadia Chamber has a history reaching far back to the early twentieth century. In 1912, a group of civic-minded women organized to promote community spirit, calling their organization “The Cooperative Arcadians.” Eventually, the Cooperative Arcadians became the Arcadia Women’s Club, but it seems that the men of the community were then prodded into forming an organization of their own, the “Arcadia Board of Trade.” Imagine this: the Arcadia Chamber of Commerce’s predecessor claimed 28 members and an initiation fee of one dollar, plus yearly dues of three dollars per member. What a budget!

Arcadia has a proud history of women’s contributions adding to the vibrancy of our town: Anita Baldwin, daughter of Lucky Baldwin, the town’s first mayor, sold the property to construct the beautiful Santa Anita Racetrack at a time when no one else had anything but sweaty palms. Her foresight and sense of community was and is the backbone of Arcadia. Those “civic-minded” women who began “The Cooperative Arcadians” spurred the advent of the Arcadia Chamber of Commerce, the backbone of the business community and the prime force in such community events as Citizen of the Year and Taste of Arcadia.

In 1915, the City Council voted to appropriate $75 to help advertise the city. Sometime later, the city and the Board of Trade shared equally in the expense of erecting highway signs in and around Arcadia. It seems that Arcadia has always enjoyed cooperation between our City Council and the Chamber of Commerce.

Sometime later, the Board of Trade joined the San Gabriel Valley Associated Chambers of Commerce, though it is not clear why, for how long or what happened to the SGV Associated Chamber.

In August 1918, the Board of Trade changed its name to the Arcadia Chamber of Commerce, and joined the city in opposition to a cemetery within the city limits. In 1922, the Chamber petitioned the City Council to establish the position of City Manager, but it took another thirty years to become a reality.

It is interesting to note that there was a bank, school, library and saloons before there was ever a church in Arcadia. This may us help to understand that the present focus on education and finances is no accident.

On July 16, 1934, the Chamber was incorporated, leading to the Chamber of Commerce Diamond Jubilee Celebration in 2009.

The unusual and much admired Chamber Building was dedicated on November 13, 1965 on city property where the Chamber pays rent and signs a yearly agreement with the city to provide certain services benefiting the city and local businesses. Last year, a plaque was placed near the flagpole, denoting the historical significance of the unique round and windowed Chamber office at the Chamber at 388 W Huntington Dr.

Current Board of Directors and President Helen Romero Shaw oversee a total membership of nearly 700. The Chamber is “the voice of business” in Arcadia representing numerous business districts, accounting, medical retail realty, financial institutions, sporting venues, entertainment, restaurant and hospitality companies. Many residents join to support local business, too.

With acknowledgements to the Arcadia Historical Society, the Arcadia Women’s Club and Carol Libby who is a fount of historical information. i


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