Edwin Cawston

Edwin Cawston (1866–1920) Clever and quirky, obviously an odd duck. Or maybe an ostrich? Edwin, an Englishman born into wealth, he became a bespoke entrepreneur and adventurer when he founded Cawston’s Ostrich Farm — one of the most famous tourist attractions in California and a cornerstone of South Pasadena’s early identity. Cawston’s influence on the city was profound, ranging from economic development to the preservation of its very name.

Established in 1896, the ostrich farm put South Pasadena "on the map." It was such a significant draw that the Pacific Electric Railway built a dedicated stop to accommodate the thousands of tourists who visited annually to see the 9-foot-tall birds, ride and race in ostrich-drawn carts. For over 30 years, the farm and its associated feather-processing factory were the largest employer in South Pasadena. Cawston built a global mail-order business from the site, shipping high-fashion ostrich plumes all over the world. In 1903, an idea was floated to change the name of South Pasadena. (San Pascual? Hermosa?) It went to a vote.

Cawston was instrumental in defeating that, arguing that his worldwide brand was tied to the city's current name and that changing it would damage local business. Incidentally, Cawston’s opened in South Pasadena before second Hotel Raymond opened in 1901. That year the farm became the site of the first successful commercial use of a solar-powered motor, which was used to pump water for the gardens. Today it is the namesake of a live-work residential condominium: The Ostrich Farm”.