Visitors to the weekly Harvest Market on Honolulu Avenue were able to learn a little local history while perusing the goods for sale. On Sunday, the Historical Society of the Crescenta Valley invited the public to stop by its pop-up where members had on display memorabilia representing Montrose Founders Day.

In 1913 developers J. Frank Walters and Robert A. Walton auctioned off 300 acres of land at an event held at what now is the corner of Verdugo Boulevard and Clifton Place. From that time, the area grew with homes, schools and shops being built, resulting in the vibrant business district it boasts today.

According to former historical society president Mike Lawler, those who stopped by weren’t disappointed.

“A big hit for the kids was getting a chance to ring the original trolley bell from the Glendale and Montrose trolley,” Lawler said. “Often heard as the kids walked away was, ‘What’s a trolley?’”

One gentlemen stopped by to show a photo that stumped the Historical Society experts.

“He told us it was a shot looking toward CV in about 1920 taken from Adventist Hospital,” Lawler said. “None of us had ever seen that angle before! We always learn something from old-timers who stop by and we pass that info along to young people who stop by.”