Altadena Guild Celebrates 75 Years of Giving
Pasadena Outlook | Thursday, April 2, 2026 | COMMUNITY
The Altadena Guild of Huntington Memorial Hospital celebrated 75 years since its formation at its general meeting at Huntington Memorial Research Institutes (HMRI) on March 6. The guild’s historian, Penny Gill, along with the help of Teresa Farone, gave a slideshow presentation highlighting its beginnings from March 1951 until the present time.
On Valentine’s Day in 1951, the Altadena Guild of HMH was founded as a support group under the Women’s Auxiliary to Huntington Memorial Hospital.
On March 16, 1951, the newly formed guild held its first meeting at a tea in the home of Mrs. Fred C. Nash on Porter Drive in Altadena. Its first president was Mrs. Harold Smith.
Plans for a spring benefit to be held that following year were presented to the members by the guild’s first Ways and Means Chairwoman, Mrs. Arthur J. Will. And so began the highly anticipated and rewarding Altadena Guild of HMH’s Annual Home & Garden Tour, a news release states.
There were 239 homes on tour since 1952-2024, starting with three homes:
- 1973 E. Mendocino Lane, the home of Mr. & Mrs. Edward Hermsen, the first home built on Mendocino Lane in 1916.
- 1930 E. Mendocino Lane, the home of Mr. & Mrs. W.W. Weitlich, built in 1946.
- 2558 Santa Anita Ave., the home of Mr. & Mrs. Marble, built in 1914.
Some homes were featured multiple times over the years — each time, with a theme inspired either by the architectural style of the homes, the time period they were built, or the charming neighborhoods. Patrons would come from near and far, eager to support the cause and view the homes and stroll through the gardens.
The first home tour ticket price was $1.50 for the tour only or $2 for the tour and dessert. Total money raised from the first Home Tour in 1952 was $428. Checks and reservations for the tour were to be sent to Mrs. Kenneth Steuer at 1090 Rubio St. Their home was on tour again in 2023, but was lost in the fire of 2025.
Since then, the Altadena Guild has raised over $3 million with its mission to help fund and promote the objectives of Huntington Hospital (recently renamed Huntington Health, an affiliate of Cedars Sinai) and HMRI.
The challenges appeared in the form of the global pandemic, 2020-2022, and then the devastating Eaton Fire of January 7, 2025. The pandemic kept the guild secluded, but generous donations from patrons and membership helped fulfill financial commitments toward HH and HMRI. After a two-year pandemic hiatus, the Altadena Guild was ready to resume the Annual Home and Garden Tour in 2023.
Then the Eaton Fire happened, during which 30% of guild members lost their homes. Many of the historic homes that were featured on tours over the years also were lost.
As the guild enters 2026, it is trying to heal, recover, rebuild and reconnect, never losing sight of its mission.
“We need everyone to come together and join the team of strong, inspiring and dedicated women,” the guide said in the release. “Help us grow again, as one of the greatest philanthropic organizations and community leaders in the history of Altadena and Pasadena.”
For more information on how to become a member, visit altadenaguild.org.
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