Monrovia in Los Angeles County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

The Banning Block

Photographed by Craig Baker, March 15, 2021

1. The Banning Block Marker

Inscription.
The first building on this site was constructed with two stories and a high false front. On the first floor there were two storefronts, and private rooms were available upstairs. The various businesses around the turn of the last century included a toy store, a butcher shop, and a candy store. The first building burned to the ground in late 1896 or early 1897, when a fire began in Crew's Drug Store and burned the entire block north of the alley. The present structure was built in 1897, and brick was used in its construction for protection against another fire. The new building contained three storefronts, and its first tenants were the Monrovia Post Office, Crew's Drug Store and a meat market.

In the 1930s, the façade was remodeled in the popular Art Deco style. Another extensive remodeling occurred in the 1960s. Throughout the years, the second floor of the building has been used for private rooms, professional offices, clubrooms, and the Monrovia Elks Lodge.

Erected by City of Monrovia.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1896.

Location. 34° 8.789′ N,

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118° 0.065′ W. Marker is in Monrovia, California, in Los Angeles County. It is at the intersection of Myrtle Avenue and White Oak Alley, on the left when traveling north on Myrtle Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 515 S Myrtle Avenue, Monrovia CA 91016, United States of America. Touch for directions.

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 Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Neville Building (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Monrovia Savings Bank Building (about 600 feet away); Pacific Electric Railway (about 600 feet away); The Oaks (approx. 0.7 miles away); Hitching Post (approx. 0.7 miles away); Transportation Evolution (approx. 0.9 miles away); Monrovia - Our History (approx. 0.9

Photographed by Craig Baker, March 15, 2021

2. The Banning Block Marker

miles away); The Significance of Coast Live Oaks (approx. 0.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Monrovia.

The Banning Block image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Baker, March 15, 2021

3. The Banning Block

Photographed by Craig Baker, March 15, 2021

4. Woolworth’s

In the sidewalk at Lemon Ave.

Credits. This page was last revised on January 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 17, 2021, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. This page has been viewed 416 times since then and 22 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on March 17, 2021, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.