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!

Alhambra's Borden Home
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 elaborate tilework and intricate Corinthian columns. It even had a small pond within its atrium,” continued Olson.

Luis' enthusiasm and newfound love for the one-of-a-kind Borden home and the history of the family captivated everyone – museum staff and visitors alike. By the end of his visit, a small group of Alhambrans were gathered around the photos of the Borden home. Everyone was admiring the interior of the home, learning about the history of the Borden family and discovering something new about Alhambra, their hometown.


Come fall in love with Alhambra’s history by visiting Alhambra’s Historical Society’s Museum, located at 1550 West Alhambra Road, Alhambra, CA 91801. The museum is open from 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. on the first and third Saturday of every month. 

To learn more about the Alhambra Historical Society and Museum, visit our website, email alhambrahistsoc@att.net or call (626) 300-8845 and leave a message.


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