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

William L. Dodson

(1872–1914) (No Stone)

— Savannah Memorial Park —

William L. Dodson Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By J. J. Prats, December 1, 2018

1. William L. Dodson Marker

Inscription. One of our most flamboyant residents. The son of one of the earliest pioneer families that settled in the area. Most of his young life was spent taking care of his invalid mother, keeping up with all the household duties, and helping his father raise his younger siblings. When he got older, he became a very successful female impersonator and performed in Los Angeles. When his father became ill, he returned home and opened his own Millinery Shop in El Monte. His creations were sought after by the most fashionable ladies from the area. He was a successful gentleman who had the respect of everyone in town.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Entertainment. A significant historical year for this entry is 1914.

Location. 34° 4.89′ N, 118° 4.062′ W. Marker is in Rosemead, California, in Los Angeles County. Marker can be reached from Valley Boulevard east of Loma Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 9263 Valley Blvd, Rosemead CA 91770, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. William R. Dodson (here, next to this marker); John Holt (a few steps from this marker); Fielding W. Gibson (within shouting distance of this marker); James Divine Durfee (within shouting distance of this marker); John Cleminson

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(within shouting distance of this marker); Robert Tweedy (within shouting distance of this marker); James E. Henry (within shouting distance of this marker); Siege Mortar (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Rosemead.

Also see . . . Is He or Isn’t She?. “The Los Angeles Times ran this obituary on August 20, 1914: ‘William L. Dodson, a milliner, 40 years of age, died Tuesday evening at the family residence, No. 685 East Forty-First Street. He was a native son, born and reared in El Monte. His parents, Mr. and Mrs. W.R. Dodson, were pioneers of Los Angeles County. Mr. Dodson formerly was an impersonator of female characters, closing a two-year engagement on the Pantages circuit last October in Los Angeles. He was a prominent Mason and he and Mrs. Dodson were members of the Eastern Star, No. 168. Funeral services will be held at 2 o’clock Saturday afternoon at the Presbyterian Church in El Monte. Burial will be in the El Monte Cemetery.’” (Submitted on March 20, 2019, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.)

The William L. Dodson Marker is on the Left image. Click for full size.

Photographed By J. J. Prats, December 1, 2018

2. The William L. Dodson Marker is on the Left

Smart Millinery for May 1905 image. Click for full size.

the New Idea Magazine, May 1905

3. Smart Millinery for May 1905

Credits. This page was last revised on January 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 20, 2019, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 254 times since then and 9 times this year. Last updated on March 21, 2019, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 20, 2019, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.