On Dec. 1, The Glendale Historical Society (TGHS) held its annual holiday party at the historic Kiefer & Eyerick Mortuary building, which was added to the Glendale Register of Historic Resources earlier in 2018. Designed by noted local architect Alfred F. Priest, this 1928 landmark operated as a mortuary until 2002, when it was acquired by Assistance League of Glendale.

Anne McDonald and longtime TGHS board member Marcia Hanford, co-chairs of the event, along with newly-elected president Steve Hunt, welcomed over 150 members and their guests. Upon arrival, attendees were greeted by TGHS docents Jeri Anderson and Anne Galiana, who pointed out salient features of the Tudor Revival edifice, such as the soaring vertical lines, slate roof and decorative brick façade.

TGHS’ former executive director Sean Bersell gave further details about the architecture and history of the site during his address to the group, noting that it cost $50,000 to build. He also congratulated Assistance League for its stewardship of the building.

“We often speak in historic preservation of adaptive reuse; this is a wonderful, wonderful example of adaptive reuse,” Bersell said to warm applause.

Ellen Eyerick was introduced and welcomed the attendees to her grandfather John Eyerick’s former place of business. Bersell produced a copy of the Dec. 21, 1928 newspaper article announcing the opening of the mortuary, surrounded by congratulatory ads from firms that built it, including the contractor and the brick manufacturer.

Guests enjoyed an appetizer and dessert buffet, an open bar and entertainment by TGHS member Don Synder, who played holiday tunes and other favorites on the piano. Busy Assistance League volunteers opened their store, Thrift Alley, for shopping during the event. Business was brisk as TGHS members and their guests took advantage of the special after-hours access to the popular, well-stocked thrift store. Watching as shoppers snapped up bargain after bargain, Assistance League President Marcie Haug replied to a compliment on the organization’s role in the preservation of the historic resource as their Chapter House.

“It’s an honor to have the responsibility for a beautiful building like this,” she said.

Assistance League of Glendale, one of 120 chapters nationwide, is dedicated to transforming lives and strengthening community by “helping people in our city each day, every day.” Programs include a youth philanthropic group, a senior neighborhood fellowship, scholarship awards, literacy outreach and Operation School Bell®, which provides clothing and uniforms to needy GUSD students. Thrift Alley, a major source of AL program funding, is open to the public Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 pm. Assistance League welcomes new member/volunteers. For more information, visit www.alglendale.org.

The Glendale Historical Society, a nonprofit, all-volunteer organization dedicated to the celebration and preservation of Glendale’s history and architectural heritage, currently has over 740 members. The Society will celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2019 with an expansive calendar of events, including an annual Home Tour, Gala & Benefit and Restoration Expo, as well as lectures and social activities. TGHS also maintains the Doctors House Museum in Brand Park, which is open for tours on Sundays from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. 10 months of the year and for special holiday events such as the annual candlelight tours in December. To learn more information, visit www.glendalehistorical.org.