Looking for a romantic getaway?
Day 221 of 365 Things To Do around Pasadena sends you off to the Bissell House Bed & Breakfast in South Pasadena.
Built in 1877 on what is commonly know as “Millionaires Row” this darling 3 story Victorian home has been a staple of South Pasadena since before they were officially incorporated as a city!
The home was originally owned by a gentleman named Miren S. Daniels, a businessman from Massachusetts. After his passing, the home was acquired by Thaddeus Updegraff, a popular Pasadena Physician.Ā Around 1903 William Southerland McCay and Anna Bissell McCay purchased the home and lived there until the 1950s.
William Southerland McCay was a prominent Southern California Architect and Anna Bissell McCay was the daughter of Melville Bissell of Michigan. You may have heard of him. He made his fortune by designing and manufacturing carpet sweepers. š
Anna Bissell McCay was one of Pasadena’s most loved philanthropists.Ā She was a founding member of the American Red Cross Pasadena Chapter and the Red Cross became her life’s work.
Her two nieces, now in their 80s shared this interesting story with the home’s current owners.
Mrs. McCay once hosted a dinner party for the guest of honor Professor Albert Einstein. He caused quite a scene when he preferred the company of Mrs. McCay’s 7 year old niece to that of the adults in attendance. He then shocked the attendees when he insisted that Mrs. McCay’s niece be seated for dinner with the adults. In an era when children were rarely seated with adults for dinner, this caused a bit of a commotion!
* Information Courtesy of www.TheBissellHouse.com
The Hoyman Family now owns and operates the Bissell House Bed & Breakfast, and is delighted to offer a home tour to any guests who are interested in a romantic stay or those who may be interested in hosting a wedding or other special event in their home.
Please contact 626-441-3535 for additional information and room rates & availability.
Have you ever stayed at the Bissell House Bed & Breakfast? If so we would love to hear about your experience.
Location:
The Bissell House Bed & Breakfast
201 Orange Grove Avenue
South Pasadena, CA 91030
(626) 441-3535
VisitĀ 365 Things To Do In PasadenaĀ®Ā for more fun activities in Pasadena California and surrounding neighborhoods.
