Hastings Ranch, Pasadena, California facts for kids
Hastings Ranch is a cool neighborhood in Pasadena, California. It's located in the northeast part of Pasadena. You can get there using streets like Sierra Madre Boulevard and Michillinda Avenue. Hastings Ranch is also known for its big shopping areas.
The neighborhood is split into two main parts: Upper Hastings Ranch (which is north of Sierra Madre Boulevard) and Lower Hastings Ranch (which is south of it). To the north of the ranch, you can see the beautiful San Gabriel Mountains and Mount Wilson.
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History of Hastings Ranch
In 1882, a man named Charles Cook Hastings bought a huge piece of land – about 1,100 acres – for just $7 an acre! He named his new property "Mesa Alta Rancho." He started growing grapes on 300 acres and built a large house.
After Charles Cook Hastings passed away, his son, Charles Houston Hastings, took over the ranch. He brought in many unique plants and trees. He also filled the ranch with animals like peacocks, pheasants, and even 32 collie dogs and champion horses! Sadly, the Hastings mansion burned down in 1928.
Did you know Hastings Ranch was almost chosen to be the southern campus for the University of California? But in 1919, UCLA was picked instead.
The Sierra Airdrome (Airport)
Back in 1920, there was an airport called the Sierra Airdrome right here in Hastings Ranch! It was built by the Sierra Aircraft Company of Pasadena. Today, a shopping center stands where the airport used to be. This airport was also known by other names like Sierra Flying Field and Hastings Airport.
The Sierra Aircraft Company was owned by Leon T. Eliel, a former Air Force pilot from World War I, and Walter Wright Alley, an airplane technician. Besides regular flights and mail delivery, they also did aerial surveys. Leon Eliel even invented a special camera for taking pictures from the sky! Small planes were also built at this airport.
A very famous pilot, Amelia Earhart, flew from Hastings Airport in an air show in 1924. Another famous pilot from World War I, Bogart Rogers, also flew from here. The Sierra Airdrome closed down in 1929.
Developing the Neighborhood
After Charles Houston Hastings died in 1942, the ranch was sold for over $1 million. The land was then divided into lots for building homes. Many luxury houses were built in the late 1940s and early 1950s.
The Hastings Ranch Shopping Center, located near Foothill Boulevard, first opened in 1960. It was expanded in 1984.
In the 1950s, a drive-in movie theater called Hastings Drive-In Theater was built. It was a popular spot! Later, in the 1960s, it was replaced by other businesses. A regular movie theater, the "Hastings Theater," opened in 1968. It was part of the Pacific Theatres chain until it closed in 2008. Another movie theater opened in 1975 but closed in 2002.
Today, Hastings Ranch is still known as two separate neighborhoods: "Upper Hastings" and "Lower Hastings." Sierra Madre Boulevard is the dividing line between them.
The Lariat is a newsletter published every two months for the people living in Upper Hastings Ranch. It shares news about the neighborhood and even features essays written by young residents!
Fun fact: A scene from the 1978 movie The Jerk, starring Steve Martin, was filmed in the Hastings Ranch area. Also, a popular BMX track where neighborhood kids, including the famous Van Halen brothers, used to ride was replaced by a church in 1976.
Education
Hastings Ranch is home to two elementary schools: Don Benito Elementary School and Field Elementary School. Students in the neighborhood also attend Sierra Madre Middle School and Pasadena High School. La Salle High School is a private school located in the area. Nearby, in Sierra Madre, are Alverno Heights Academy and Bethany Christian School and Preschool.
Christmas Displays
Upper Hastings Ranch, managed by the Upper Hastings Ranch Association (UHRA), is famous for its amazing outdoor Christmas displays. This tradition started in 1957. Each block in the neighborhood decorates their homes with a special theme. You might see snowmen, Christmas trees, Santas, reindeer, or even Peanuts cartoon characters! Driving through the neighborhood during the holidays is a popular activity, with miles of lights and fun Christmas scenes to enjoy.
Transportation
Getting around Hastings Ranch is easy! The neighborhood is served by Metro Local bus line 256. Pasadena Transit route 60 connects to the Metro A Line train station at Sierra Madre Villa Avenue and Foothill Boulevard. The nearby city of Sierra Madre also offers transportation with its Gateway bus. Metro Local line 268 runs from Sierra Madre Villa Station to El Monte Station. Metro Express Line 487 goes from downtown Los Angeles Union Station to the Sierra Madre Villa Station.
