(November 9)  The annual celebration of the founding of Etiwanda by the Chaffey Brothers this year will feature a tour of the restored Chaffey-Garcia House and the 1883 Chaffey-Isle House. The historic area also includes the 1902 Etiwanda Church, the Victorian Norton-Fisher home, and the Pacific Electric Etiwanda Railroad Station.
The Chaffey-Garcia House was the only home of George Chaffey, Jr. while he laid out his model colonies of Ontario, Etiwanda and Magnolia (Upland). It was here George erected the first electric light in Southern California in 1882, installed the first concrete irrigation pipe west of the Mississippi, and introduced the first hydroelectric power west of the Rockies. George was then recruited to light the streets of Los Angeles. Later he designed and built the canal that carried water to the Imperial Desert, known today as a result of his efforts as the Imperial Valley.
The Chaffey-Isle House was built for the Chaffey Brother’s mother and sister. It is the only house built by George Chaffey in any of his model colonies.
Enjoy demonstrations of old-time crafts, a blacksmith at work, sale of collectibles, a drawing for an antique quilt, a cake walk, entertainment, delicious snacks and chuck wagon chili. Children’s activities are to include butter churning, candle making, gingerbread cookie decorating, gold panning and more. The celebration will be held Saturday, November 17 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. 7150 Etiwanda Avenue, Rancho Cucamonga
Admission is $2. For more information, call (909) 899 8432