At first glance, Susana Street Park seems somehow misplaced: A small, shaded park, with several benches, lighted walkways, a stage at the far end, surrounded by apartments and homes. To really appreciate this park you have to look back at its history.
Before it was a park, it was the site of the 1859 Masonic Hall. When the Masons built a new hall on what is now Masonic Street, the City purchased the land and turned it into a park. In last week’s column we included some history about Don Ignacio Nicanor Martinez. His children included twins, one was named Susana, and Susana Street Park is named after her.
On March 30, 1934 there was a celebration in the park in honor of then President, Franklin D. Roosevelt. The event started with the Alhambra High School Cadets performing at 9:15 am. At the event, a redwood tree was planted in honor of the president, and his fight against polio. Starting in 1934, FDR celebrated his birthday (January 30) with a “Birthday Ball” to raise awareness for Polio, which he was diagnosed with in 1921. FDRs "Birthday Balls" were so successful in raising funds for the cause, he launched a national foundation in 1938, which is now known as the March of Dimes.
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Along with the redwood tree, 19 trees from all over the world were planted in the park, including a Deodar Cedar tree, a Monkey Tail tree, and several Portuguese Cork trees. In the early days of Martinez, the area where the park is now was known as “Portuguese Flats”, due to the large population of Portuguese who lived there. Cork trees are abundant in Portugal and today 50% of the world's cork production comes from Portugal. It is believed that the people in the community included Portuguese Cork trees in honor of the home they left behind.
Today the park is used by locals as a nice place to enjoy the outdoors. Many of the trees that were planted back in 1934 have fallen or have been removed. The mature trees that remain provide both shade and beauty. The park is also the site of the annual Art in the Park festival and used for community band concerts. Behind the park is a small creek that you can see from the sidewalk on Susana Street.
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The park would need such a large plaque to describe all of its fascinating history that it would take up too much space and waste precious natural resources. Instead, you can read about it online, via the Internet, right here on Martinez Patch. For more information about this park, stop by the Martinez Museum.
Do you spend time in Susana Street Park?
