Consists of the personal photographs and postcards collected by the Lanterman family as a founding family of La Cañada Flintridge, California. Materials date from 1835 to 1980, with images documenting the family’s origins in New Jersey, its establishment in La Cañada Flintridge, as well as its travels throughout the West.

The Lantermans are one of the founding families of La Cañada Flintridge, California. Originally from Blairstown, New Jersey, Jacob Luce Lanterman (1827-1908) and his wife Ammoretta (1831-1902) brought their children Roy, Frank, and Stella, to California in the 1870s. Along with their children and grandchildren, the Lantermans established La Cañada’s first local church, founded its school district, and played a large role in the development of its land. Dr. Roy S. Lanterman (1869-1948), and his wife Emily C. Folsom (1873-1949) settled in La Cañada, building their home, El Retiro, now known as the Lanterman House, in 1915. They had two sons, California State Assemblyman Frank Dexter Lanterman (1901-1981), who championed water rights for unincorporated areas as well as reforms in the treatment of the developmentally disabled, and engineer Lloyd Lanterman (1897-1987). The Roy Lanterman family traveled extensively by car throughout California and the West, often accompanied by other family members and friends. Stella Bell Lanterman (1858-1933) married prominent businessman Lawson M. La Fetra (1844-1907) and lived in Glendora, California. Jacob Lanterman would spend his later years staying at both his daughter’s house and in La Cañada at either El Retiro or his own home, Homewood. Frank Lanterman (1862-1940), Jacob’s son, also lived in La Cañada, at his home, Orange Knoll, with his family. The Lanterman and La Fetra families often interacted, enjoying picnics and other family events outdoors at all four family homes.

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Use of the materials is governed by applicable copyright law. The Lanterman House and Lanterman House Archives reserve the right to restrict any materials from reproduction at any time. Property rights reside with the Lanterman House. The Lanterman House’s physical ownership of the materials in its collection does not imply ownership of copyright. It is the user’s responsibility to resolve any copyright issues related to the use and distribution of reproduced materials. For permission to reproduce or to publish, please contact the Lanterman House Archives.

Collection is open to the public for research. Use is restricted by rules intended to protect and preserve the materials in good condition for the future. Contact the Lanterman House Archives at least 48 hours in advance to ensure access to the materials. For additional information, please contact the Lanterman House Archives.