Fall in Love With Alhambra’s History
Luis was in love! He and his friend David were visiting Alhambra Historical Society’s museum to do some research for a college project on a recent Saturday. During his visit, Luis discovered photos of the stunning Gail and Helen Borden home that was once located on South Garfield Avenue at the present-day location of Alhambra’s Main Post Office. He was instantly enchanted and wanted to learn more! Designed by New York architect Lawrence B. Valk in the Spanish Eclectic style and built in 1900, Alhambra’s Borden home included a Mission Revival exterior and a stately Canary Island Date Palm that graced the home’s circular walkway. Its neoclassical interior featured a two-storied central atrium with a glass ceiling. “The home that belonged to Gail and Helen Borden was, without a doubt, one of Alhambra’s grandest mansions in the early 1900s,” stated Chris Olson, Alhambra Historical Society President. “Owned by the grandson of the founder of Borden’s Condensed Milk Company, the home featured...