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

The Mission Playhouse

Mission Playhouse Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Baker, May 1, 2022

1. Mission Playhouse Marker

Inscription. The Mission Playhouse, now the San Gabriel Civic Auditorium, was built by John Steven McGroaty to present his epic Mission Play. The play told the story of the California Missions and the lives of the people around them. Beginning in 1912, it drew people from all over the world to San Gabriel. The Playhouse was planned and completed for the 1927 season, with stage and dressing rooms large enough to accommodate the cast of 150 for the 4½ hour production. The exterior is patterned after the Mission San Antonio De Padua and the interior decor is a blend of Spanish, Indian and Mexican influences. In the courtyard on the north side are replicas of all 21 Missions.

The Playhouse was acquired by the City of San Gabriel in 1945, fulfilling McGroaty's wish that it belong forever to the people. He went on to become a two term Congressman, and was Poet Laureate of California from 1933 until his death in 1944.

Erected 2006 by Romana Parlor #109 Native Sons of the Golden West.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the Native Sons/Daughters of the Golden West series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1912.

Location. 34° 5.882′ N, 118° 6.506′ W. Marker is in San Gabriel, California, in Los Angeles County. It can

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be reached from Mission Drive near Santa Anita Street, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 320 S Mission Dr, San Gabriel CA 91776, 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: San Gabriel Veterans War Memorial (here, next to this marker); Grapevine Arbor (within shouting distance of this marker); La Casa Vieja de Lopez (within shouting distance of this marker); Ramona Museum of California History (within shouting distance of this marker); Early California (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Bovard - Wilson - Hayes House and Jail (about 500 feet away); Chapman’s Mill and Millrace (about 600 feet away); Joseph Chapman’s Millrace (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Gabriel.

The Mission Playhouse image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Denise Boose

2. The Mission Playhouse

The marker is on the right side of the entrance.

The Mission Playhouse Grounds image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Denise Boose

3. The Mission Playhouse Grounds

Constitution Fountain Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Denise Boose

4. Constitution Fountain Marker

Dedicated to the American people upon the occasion of the 200th Anniversary of the signing of the Constitution of the United States of America on September 17, 1787.
"...Liberty to ourselves and our posterity..."

Photographed by Denise Boose, May 12, 2013

5. The Mission Playhouse

Plaque Tiles Mounted in the Sidewalk image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Denise Boose

6. Plaque Tiles Mounted in the Sidewalk

Credits. This page was last revised on January 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 8, 2013, by Denise Boose of Tehachapi, California. This page has been viewed 822 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on May 1, 2022, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 2, 3, 4. submitted on July 8, 2013, by Denise Boose of Tehachapi, California. 5, 6. submitted on July 14, 2013, by Denise Boose of Tehachapi, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.