Come See the Roses - Torrance Historical Society & Museum Grand Re-Opening
Everything is coming up roses at the Torrance Historical Society & Museum, after having been closed for months due to weather-related repairs. The doors to history will reopen and the public is invited in for the unveiling of Floating Through the Decades – a rare look at a collection of 60+ framed photos of Torrance Rose Parade entries. Having this many photos in one location, at one time, is a unique opportunity to experience. The exhibit will remain on display through the end of January 2025.
The tradition of Torrance participating in the Tournament of Roses Parade began with City Founder, Jared Sidney Torrance, who was on the Board of Directors for 130+ companies/organizations, including the Valley Hunt Club, which sponsored the first Rose Parade in 1890 to promote Pasadena as a warm-weather destination to their east coast friends. During Torrance’s tenure as President of the Valley Hunt Club (1895-1896), it was decided that a separate agency was needed to manage the Parade, as it had grown too large for the Club to handle. In 1895, the Tournament of Roses Association was formed to manage and continue the tradition of the event, which now has a world-wide viewership of millions.
The City of Torrance’s first float entry was 1914. This float was commissioned by Thomas D. Campbell & Co., who promoted the town of Torrance during its first year and whose stock was solely owned by Jared Sidney Torrance. This float won a trophy for this entry, which will also be on display in the Museum. This exhibit is sponsored in conjunction with the Torrance Rose Float Association.
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