Media's Dr. Rowland and Pasadena's Tourament of Roses Parade

All the Media Churches from 130 years ago, from a ad booklet.

 

 

Dr. Francis Rowland was born in Media and moved to Pasadena, California in his late 40's. He was one of the main founders of the Tournament of Roses in Pasadena, Cal and had only lived there for 3 years when he helped found the parade. The first parade was in 1890. Below is his obituary from 1922.

 

 

“Dr. Francis F. Rowland who shared with the late Dr. Charles Frederick Holder the honor of being known as a founder of the Tournament of Roses, died Sunday afternoon at his home, 455 LaLoma Road.  Dr. Rowland was in his 75^th year, and for thirty-four years had been a resident of Pasadena, practicing his profession as a physician and surgeon up to a few years ago.  Few men have been so active over so long a period in the professional, social and community life of Pasadena.

                “Dr. Rowland is survived by his wife, Mrs. Fanny M. Rowland, two daughters, Miss Edith Rowland, and Mrs. C. W. Leffingwell, Jr., and three grandchildren, Marion T. Leffingwell, Charles Leffingwell and Francisco Rowland Leffingwell.

                “Dr. Rowland was born in Media, Pa. in 1847.  His father was a physician, Dr. Joseph R. Rowland.  The young man obtained his education in the schools and colleges of his native state, graduating in the classical department of the University of Pennsylvania in 1870.  Three years later he received the degree of doctor of medicine at the Jefferson Medical College of Philadelphia.

                CAME HERE IN 1887 – “Dr. Rowland followed this with a year of study abroad, about half of the year being spent as an intern in Guy’s Hospital, which at that time was one of the world’s largest hospitals.  For a time after his return from Europe, Dr. Rowland practiced in his native town and intended to remain there, but on account of the illness of a member of his family decided to come to California.  This he did in 1887, taking up his residence in Pasadena, where he had ever since lived.

                “Dr. Rowland at once assumed an active place in the life of the new community.  He was one of the organizers of the Valley Hunt Club in 1888 and served that club in many capacities, including five terms as president in the years, 1901, 1902, 1903, 1904, and 1909.  He was the only honorary life member of the club.  It was in the Valley Hunt Club that the Tournament of Roses was born, and the two men who first laid the suggestion before the club were Dr. Holder and Dr. Rowland.  The latter had always given Dr. Holder entire credit for the suggestion which was first broached in a conversation between the two in 1889, at which time Dr. Holder was president of the club.

                NAMED TOURNAMENT – “Dr. Rowland’s observation of the festivals of Southern France enabled him to see at once the importance of the idea, and he is said to have given the Tournament of Roses its name.  The Valley Hunt Club took up the idea with enthusiasm and the first Tournament of Roses was held January 1, 1890, under the auspices of that organization.  Dr. Rowland maintained his interest in the great annual fete up to the time of his death and was active in its affairs for many years.  In 1915, on the occasion of the silver jubilee of the tournament, Dr. Rowland served as grand marshal of the parade.

                “Dr. Rowland was equally prominent in his professional work.  He served for about twelve years as city health officer, and was for many years, surgeon for the Pacific Electric, Salt Lake and Santa Fe railways.  He was a member of the Southern California Medical Society.  He retired from active practice three years ago.”