A snowflake is a single ice crystal large enough to fall through the Earth's atmosphere as snow.  Snow appears white in color despite being made of clear ice.  This is because the many small crystal facets of the snowflakes scatter the sunlight between them. Each snowflake begins by forming around a tiny particle called is nucleus, accumulating water droplets which freeze and slowly from a crystal.  Complex shapes emerge as the flake moves through differing temperature and humidity zones in the atmosphere and possibly combines with other snowflakes.  Because of this, snowflakes tend to look very different from one another.  According to scientific consensus, all snowflakes are considered to be different from one another because as they fall through the atmosphere, they encounter slightly varying temperature and humidity levels, leading to unique growth patterns and shapes, making it nearly impossibe for two snowflakes to be exactly alike.  Essentially, each snowflake's shape tells the story of its unique journey through the air.

Key points about snowflakes fall under 3 categories.  These categories are unique growth patterns, humidity impact and molecular variations.  Every snowflake encounters different atmospheric conditions as it falls, causing its arms and branches to develop in a distinct way.  Higher humidity can lead to more complex branching patterns while low humidity results in flatter snowflakes.  Even though snowflakes are made of the same basic components (hydrogen and oxygen) the slight variations in their moleular arrangement contribute to their individuality.  

I think it is safe to say that most of us as a child have tried catching snowflakes with their tongue.  It typically symbolizes a moment of pure, childlike joy and wonder in the midst of winter.  It represents the simple pleasure of experiencing the beauty of falling snow, often associated with carefree play and embracing the cold weather.  

Catching snowflakes is a childhood rite of passage.  Everyone has done it, no matter their age.  All you have to do is tip your head back, stick out your tongue and try to catch a snowflake in your mouth. 

To take a closer look at snowflakes before they melt or join a pile on the ground, simply put a piece of black construction paper in the freezer.  When it is snowing, grab your frozen sheet of paper and head outside.  Once your paper is full of flakes, you can return it to the freezer to inspect later with a magnifying glass.

Have fun!

 

Main Diner

Westfield, New York

Circa 1920s

Emmanuel Triantafelow purchased a Ward and Dickinson Diner on September 26, 1934 and placed it on his lot located at Elm and Main Streets.  It became the Main Diner still enjoyed in Westfield, today.  The W&D #36, built in 1925 was sold and taken to Florida from which it was repurchased by John Stead and taken to Erie PA, named Stead's Diner. Stead sold it to Triantafelow since he had another diner in Erie.  

The original part of the Main Diner which includes the counter and counter stools will be celebrating 100 years this year, 2025  Happy Anniversary, Main Diner!

Ward & Dickinson

Lee Dickinson lived in Silver Creek, NY and made his money on land speculations and oil drilling especially in Florida and Texas.  He was definately the financial backbone of the company.  During the hayday of the company in 1925-1927, Mr. Dickinson was mayor of the villag.  Charles A. Ward previously came from Clyde, Ohio to run the Powers Hotel in 1921.  Prior to running the hotel, he was in Colorado and West Virginia.  Eventually, he became interested in building diners and got out of the business of running hotels.  

The company built approximately 65 diners in 1926.  Some of the highlights were the diners sold to a Buffalo (5), Cleveland (10) and Toledo (7) chain of diners.  Additional diners were built and transported to New Jersey, Michigan and Meadville PA. In 1926, one hundred dining cars were completed with 96 in operation as reported by the Silver Creek Times. In 1927, nine dining cars were sent to Toronto, Canada.

On May 5, 1927 the Ward & Dickinson Company (later changed to Ward & Dickinson Inc.) had that year's model dining car on display in front of their factory on Central Avenue in Silver Creek according to the Silver Creek Times. 

Tiara made for the French Princess Marie-Therese, Duchess of Angouleme

Circa 1820

A tiara is a jeweled head ornament.  Its origins date back to the ancient Greco-Rome world.  In the late 18th century, the tiara came into fashion in Europe as a prestigious piece of jewelry to be own by women at formal occasions.  The basic shape of the modern tiara is a semi-circle, usually made of silver, gold or platinum and richly decorated with precious stones and pearls.  Tiaras were extremely popular during the late 19th century and were worn at events where the dress code was white tie.  After WWI, wearing a tiara gradually fell out of fashion, except for official occasions at a royal court.  Interest in tiaras has increased again since the beginning of the 21st century.  

Queen Elizabeth II

Queen Elizabeth II was said to have had the largest and most valuable collection of tiaras in the world, many of which are heirlooms of the British Royal Family.  She was often seen wearing them on state occasions.  

In modern times, tiaras continue to symbolize love, unity and royalty making them a popular choice for modern day brides seeking to add a touch of sophistication to their wedding day look. 

 

Tournament House and Rose Gardens

Pasadena, California

The Wrigley Gardens featured floral displays with more than 1,500 varieties of roses, camellias and annuals.  

This year's Tournament Rose is titled .. You're My Everything.

Among the rose varieties is a a pink variety that is resistant to black spots and white powder.  They are known as the Tournament of Roses Rose and were developed by William Warriner for the Tournament of Roses centennial.

William and Ada Wrigley

The Tournament House has come to collect a history of the parade, as well as the Rose Bowl game.  The Tournament of Roses offers tours of the stately mansion. This magnificant white, 3-story, 18,500 square foot Italian Renaissance-style mansion was built in 1906 originally for the Stimson family in Pasadena's "Millionaire Row". Its nickname was the Shadows, due to the patterns cast from the tree's shadows which once danced on the lavish lawns.  Most the trees have been removed allowing more of a view of the home.  

William Wrigley, Jr. the chewing gum magnate purchased the house in 1914 for $170,000* as a winter retreat.  A year later he purchased a neighboring property for $25,000 which was cleared to make way for the Wrigley Gardens.  It was one of six homes the Wrigley's owned across the country and became Mrs. Wrigley's favorite as she enjoyed watching the New Years Day Rose Parade pass by from the comfort of her own front porch.  After Ada Wrigley's passing in 1958 the mansion and its four and a half acres was gifted by the heirs to the City of Pasadena, but they had one condition.  It was to become the permanent Tournament of Roses headquarters.  This was to honor Ada Wrigley for the parade she loved so much. The home is located at 391 S. Orange Grove Avenue.

The mansion has 21 rooms including servants quarters, library, solarium and six bedrooms all with their own en-suite.

Upon entering the grand foyer guests at the Wrigley home were greeted at the four-inch-thick Honduras mahogany front door.

The foyer when the Wrigleys were in residence.

The foyer as it is today.

The Wrigley Lounge

A large room with wood-paneled walls and marble fireplace.  In this room the only original furnishing is the large rug.  In the center of this room sits a table with a framed photograph of the late Mrs. Wrigley.  She resided in the Wrigley home until her passing at the age of 90.

The solarium with its metallic wallpaper. Originally this room was an open "garden balcony" and was used by Mrs. Wrigley to entertain her female guests. 

Mr. Wrigley's library where bookshelves lined all the walls. Today, one of the walls has been made into a doorway.

William Wrigley's library

Original photo 

 Mr.Wrigley's private phone booth where he made important calls. The walls are about a foot thick.

The Aeolian-Skinner organ* was installed in the downstairs hallway.  Even though none of the Wrigleys were musically inclined, the organ was installed with all of its 1,500 pipes hidden from view under the grand staircase and an organist was hired to play when the Wrigleys were entertaining their guests.  

*Aeolian-Skinner pipe organs are known for their clear voicing, blending choruses adn graceful solo lines.  The Aeolian-Skinner Organ Company, Inc. was founded in Boston, Massachusetts in 1932 and built many pipe organs until it closed in 1972.

The Wrigley's original dining room table and recovered chairs.

The Grand staircase leading to the second floor.  Upstairs there are six bedrooms with bathrooms and an entrance to the attic. No bedroom furniture remains as the rooms are now used for the Tournament of Roses staff.  Each room is a theme room with one featuring crowns of former queens and photos of the former Rose Parade Grand Marshalls.

The Wrigley's master bedroom as it was then they were in residence.  The genuine porcelain bathtub weighs 300 pounds.  The towels are personally monogrammed with the name, Ada.  The curved ceiling and the tile design was perhaps a request by Ada, herself.

William and Ada Wrigley's master bedroom.

*$170,000 in 1914 is equivalent in purchasing powr to aproximately $5 million, today.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

John Marcellus

RIP

 

Rose Court

Rose Queen .. Lindsay Charles

2025

The Rose Queen and Rose Court are cherished traditions of the Pasadena Tournament of Roses, dating back to 1905 when Hallie Woods was selected as the first Rose Queen to ride in a horse-drawn carriage down Colorado Blvd. in the Rose Parade.  From designing and make their own dresses in the early ears, wearing pillbox hats in the '60s to today's gorgeous gowns the Rose Court takes pride in the celebrated history. The Queen and Court have flourished over the years becomin an iconic symbole of the Rose Parade.

During the Queen's coronation ceremony, Tourament of Roses President Ed Morales presented the 106th Rose Queen, Lindsay Charles with a Mikimoto crown featuring more than 600-cultured pearls and six carats of diamonds. Each Rose Court member receives a $7.500 educational scholarship from the Pasadena Tournament of Roses.

Lindsay Charles

The 136th edition of the Tournament of Roses Parade presented by Honda in Pasadena, California themed "Best Day Ever" took its annual 5.5 mile stroll with flower-covered floats and marching bands from across the country.  "Best Day Ever" celebrates life's joyful moments from simple pleasures to eextraordinary experiences.  

Sports icon and champion for equality, Billie Jean King was the Grand Marshal for this year's parade.  In October, the Pasadena Tournament of Roses proudly announced Billie Jean King would serve as the Grand Marshal of the 2025 Rose Parade.  President, Ed Morales announced this on the front steps of the iconic Tournament House as King made a grand entrance to Elton John's hit song "Philadelphia Freedom" which is a song famously written in her honor. King's selection as Grand Marshal ties seamlessly into this year's parade celebrating life's best moments.

Billie Jean King's impact extends far beyond sports and the tennis court.  Named one of the "100 Most Important Americans of the 20th Century" by LIFE magazine, she is the first woman athelete to receive the Presidential Medal Freedom and she will become the first individual woman athlete to receive the Congressional Gold Medal.  

Being from Long Beach and growing up in Southern California I have fond memories of watching the parade with my family and I am deeply honored to be named Grand Marshal of the 2025 Rose Parade.  The parade is a wonderful celebration of joy and community and it truly represents the "Best Day Ever" for all who attend or watch.

Billie Jean King

King continues to inspire people around the globe and the Pasadena Tournament of Roses was excited to celebrate her extraordinary legacy! 

Rose Queen and Rose Court Float