This magnificent white, 3-story, 18,500 square foot Italian Renaissance-style mansion was built in 1906 originally for the Stimson family in Pasadena’s “Millionaire’s Row”. Its nickname was the Shadows, due to the patterns cast from the trees shadows which once danced on the lavish lawns. Most of the trees have been taken away so you get more of a view of the Wrigley Mansion or Tournament House as it is now fondly called.
William Wrigely Jr the chewing gum magnate purchased the house in 1914 for $170,000 as a winter retreat. A year later he purchased a neighbouring property which was cleared to make way for the Wrigley Gardens. It was one of six homes that the Wrigley’s owned across the country and became Mrs Wrigley’s favourite as she enjoyed watching the New Years Day Rose Parade pass by from the comfort of her own front porch.
The mansion has 21 rooms including servants quarters, library, solarium and six bedrooms all with en-suite.
OUR TOUR of the wrigley mansion
On entering the grand foyer through the four-inch-thick Honduras mahogany front door, we had time to snap a few photos before being ushered into a large room at the rear of the house.
This particular room is an addition to the original house and was added along with a long building which was built as offices.
There were about 50 people, and we all sat quietly watching a short film about the history of the Tournament of Roses and how the headquarters are now housed in the Wrigley Mansion.
After the introductory movie, the group was split up into several smaller groups. We were all given a tour guide and went to different parts of the house.
I think we lucked out. Our guide was a retired gentleman by the name of Bob Porlier. He was so enthusiastic and knowledgeable, full of wit and charm, and answered every question that was asked.
wrigley’s lounge
The first room we entered was the Wrigley lounge. Unfortunately, when Mrs Wrigley passed away in 1958, nearly all of the furnishings were removed from the house. All that is left in the lounge is the original huge rug. The rest of the furniture was donated from various people and organizations, although they have attempted to keep it authentic to the early to mid 20th Century era.
A large room with wood-panelled walls and a huge marble fireplace. I can imagine the family sitting in oversized comfy chairs chin-wagging. Maybe on a cold winters evening, the fire would crackle and the smell of wood aroma would drift through the air and fill your nostrils.
In the centre of the room sits a table with an old photograph of the late Mrs Wrigley. Bob informed us that she had been quite a petite woman and had her first stroke in this room during the 1940s. She remained living in the house for over a decade dying at the age of 90.
solarium and library
Next, we were taken into the solarium which once led out onto a large terrace. Once upon a time, this room was an open “garden balcony” and was used by the lady of the house to entertain her female guests.
Metallic wallpaper adorns the internal walls – all original, however, the room alas is now closed in.
Next door was Mr Wrigley’s library where the walls were filled with books. Today, one of the walls has been made into a doorway, although the small telephone room still exists.
This would be where he made important calls away from the giggling of his wife and her companions. The walls are really thick for extra privacy.
the main foyer and dining room
Back in the main foyer, we were shown the maids’ staircase entrance and the organ. Bob actually got me to sit at the organ and play a few cords to show how loud it was. Even though none of the Wrigleys were musically minded, the organ was installed with all its pipes hidden from view under the grand staircase, and an organist was hired to play when the hosts were entertaining.
Adjoining the foyer is the dining room. The large dining room table and chairs along with the two sideboards did belong to Mr and Mrs Wrigley, however, their original home was in one of the other residences on Catalina Island. (Mr Wrigley did, in fact. purchase the whole island in 1920.)
the tour continued upstairs
Upstairs there are six bedrooms with bathrooms and the entrance to the attic. Unfortunately, no bedroom furniture remains as the rooms are now used for the Tournament of Roses staff. Each room has been turned into a theme room. One features the past queens’ crowns, other photos of all the Marshalls.
The master bedroom has the genuine 300-pound porcelain bathtub that William and Ada would have used.
This is an old photo of the Wrigleys master bedroom as it was when they were in residence.
HOW THE WRIGLEY MANSION BECAME HQ FOR THE TOURNAMENT OF ROSES
After Ada Wrigley’s death in 1958 the mansion and its four-and-a-half acres was gifted by the heirs to the City of Pasadena, but they had one condition. And that was, it was to become the Tournament of Roses headquarters. This was to honour their mother for the parade she loved so much.
The Wrigley mansion – IN A NUTSHELL
- Address: 391 S Orange Grove Blvd, Pasadena
- Tours – Free every Thursday 2 pm and 3 pm from February through the end of August
- Free parking at rear
- Working [museum]
Location Map
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