Garner House Ornament
In 2001, Claremont Heritage moved to the Garner House in Memorial Park which is a place central to the history of Claremont. Herman and Bess Garner built the Spanish Colonial Revival house in 1926 and lived here with their three sons for many years. The Garners were both Pomona College alumni and were among the leading families in the community and the initial developers of Padua Hills. At the time with 5000 square feet, the home was one of the largest residences in town with exemplary wrought ironwork, oak and cork flooring and a complex, interesting floor plan. The City of Claremont purchased the house in 1946 and its surrounding citrus groves, which were cleared to create Memorial Park. Since that time, the house has served a number of civic groups as well as the city’s Human Services Department. Under the care of Claremont Heritage, the house has become the city’s center for historic programs. The Garner House is a favorite stop for the Third Grade Local History Program that Claremont Heritage offers to all Third Graders.