Table of contents
Dr. Chandler split his time between Arizona and Southern California, particularly Pasadena, in the late 1880s and the 1890s. In fact, Chandler is listed as living at a Los Angeles address in the 1900 census records. At this time, the Los Angeles area was growing and Dr. Chandler was especially inspired by the Pasadena development model. Built on a mainline railroad, Pasadena sprung up as a resort community surrounded by industrial agriculture near a large thriving city, Los Angeles. It had a reputation as a luxurious destination, where wealthy easterners spent their winters. Dr. Chandler envisioned a similar development in the Salt River Valley close to the booming city of Phoenix. He brought irrigation engineers, contractors, architects, investors and boosters to Arizona from Southern California to plan a community and bring attention to the new town of Chandler. A national advertising campaign proclaimed Chandler to be the Pasadena of the Salt River Valley, and promoted the fertile soil and year round growing season for industrial agriculture interests. Boosters also touted the San Marcos Hotel as a posh retreat for the discerning vacationer. While not immediately as successful as Pasadena, California, the “Pasadena of the Salt River Valley” laid the foundations for the community of today.
03. Land Sales Day:May 17, 1912
06. The Park In the Center of Town
11. George T. Peabody: Chandler's First Ambassador
Comments