1-minute read
Explore an architectural and historical treasure from early Burbank. Exit the busy Olive Avenue and enter the Mentzer House to travel back to 1887.
Mentzer House History
In 1886, the Providencia Land, Water, and Development Company purchased Dr. Burbank’s acreage for $250,000. A year later, they promoted a new rural city and divided the land into 100 plots for sale. In addition, they built 900 square feet of redwood houses, also known as boom houses. Burbank was born.
Built in 1887, Mentzer House was originally located near Palm Avenue and Sixth Street. In 1977, it was relocated and restored to the current site.
The Mentzer House was the home of three families: Mrs. Susan Martino’s family from 1892-1900, Mrs. Sara Thompson’s family from 1900-1925, and Mrs. Nora Mentzer’s family from 1925-1977.
About the Interior
The house consists of a parlor and dining room, a large kitchen, two bedrooms, and one bathroom. All rooms are decorated mainly with original furniture.
In the kitchen, don’t miss the kitchen stove and ice box from the early 1900’s.
In the living room, listen to the Victrola antique record player or the Estey organ from 1885.
About the Grounds
Enter the patio and learn more about Burbank’s wine history. In the early days, many settlers bought lands and developed small farms, including grape vineyards. Born in Italy in 1870, John Grangetto moved to Burbank with his family in the late 1800’s. The sign below marked the entrance of his successful vineyard.
Based on my visit on June 2023.
Ready to visit the Mentzer House?
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Plan your visit:
- Location: Mentzer House, next to Gordon R Howard Museum, 115 N Lomita St, Burbank, CA 91506
- Hours: 11 am – 4 pm Saturday – Sunday.
- Admission: Free (donation encouraged)
- Duration: I spent 30 minutes discovering it
- Parking: free parking lot, and unmetered street parking
- More information is available at https://www.burbankhistoricalsoc.org/museum-complex
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