South Pasadena in Los Angeles County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Cawston Ostrich Farm
1896 - 1935
Photographed by Craig Baker, February 19, 2019
1. Cawston Ostrich Farm Marker
In 1885, Edwin Cawston chartered a ship for the purpose of transporting from South Africa to America some of the best ostriches obtainable in the world. Of the original 50 fine birds only 18 survived the five week voyage to Galveston and hazardous railroad journey to their new home in Southern California. The ostrich farm opened at this 9 acre site in South Pasadena in 1896.
The Cawston Ostrich Farm was the premier tourist attraction of its day. The long plumes and feathers of the giant birds were widely sought after and used by fashion designers. Just a few feet from this site stood the building where the feathers could be seen being processed. Hats, boas, capes, and fans were made from the feathers and shipped throughout the world.
The boundaries of the ostrich farm were a triangle created by Pasadena Avenue, the railroad tracks paralleling Monterey Road, and Sycamore Avenue. (Marker Number 18.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Animals • Entertainment • Parks & Recreational Areas.
Location. 34° 6.711′ N, 118° 10.48′ W. Marker is in South Pasadena, California, in Los Angeles County. It is on Pasadena Avenue east of Sycamore Avenue, on the right
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Greater Los Angeles and in the Transverse Ranges. It is also on the American Pacific Coast. Globally, it is in North America, on the Ring of Fire, in the Pacific Rim, in the Western Hemisphere, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain and also Mexicos Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Judson Studios (approx. 0.3 miles away); McClure House (approx. 0.4 miles away); Santa Fe Arroyo Seco Railroad Bridge (approx. 0.6 miles away); Veterans Memorial (approx. 0.6 miles away); York Junction (approx. 0.6 miles away); Edmunds House (approx. 0.6 miles away); First Electric Power Pole (approx. 0.7 miles away); Arroyo Seco Branch Library (approx. 0.7 miles away).
Additional keywords. Cawstons
Photographed by Craig Baker, February 19, 2019
2. Cawston Ostrich Farm Marker
Photographed by Craig Baker, February 19, 2019
3. City Marker
South Pasadena Cultural Landmark Number 18, Site of Cawston Ostrich Farm.
1920
4. Cawston Ostrich Farm Postcard
Credits. This page was last revised on January 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 21, 2019, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. This page has been viewed 1,303 times since then and 86 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on February 21, 2019, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
