Newsletter  (Feb 2020)  Page(s) 5-6.  Includes photo(s).
 
[From "A Victorian Rose Garden Reborn", by Gloria Leinbach, pp. 2-9]
On January 1, 1894, the Los Angeles Times described Los Angeles as a city with great potential because of its two transcontinental railroads, salubrious climate, business opportunities, agriculture, and infrastructure. Interestingly, Phineas Banning started his own stage and shipping company in the 1860s and later organized the construction of Southern California’s first railroad, the Los Angeles & San Pedro Railroad. One rose in the garden honors his legacy: “Union Hotel Occidental”. Phineas Banning died at The Occidental Hotel in San Francisco at the age of 56. Although not well known, this rambling rose with its arching pink fountain of blooms adds historical relevance and interest.