The 2003 Wild Fire

 In 1998 the Padua Hills Theatre was placed on the National Register of Historic Places and on the California Register.

 The Physical Setting — February 2004

Theatre Image #69 — February 2004 Entryway to Padua Hills Theatre and Dining Room Photo by Vykki Mende Gray

 In October of 2003, devastating wild fires swept through much of southern California. At the height of the fires, firefighters were dispatched to protect the homes in Padua Hills.

Theatre Image #70 — February 2004 Padua Hills from the Theatre Parking Lot Photo by Vykki Mende Gray

 When firefighters arrived, they found many of the homes already in flames.

Theatre Image #71 — February 2004 Padua Homes as seen from the Theatre Parking Lot Photo by Vykki Mende Gray

 The historic Little Theatre was directly in the path of the oncoming flames, and the firefighters took a stand to protect this treasured historical site. Even so, the fire came close.

Theatre Image #72 — February 2004 Padua Hills Theatre Clotheslines Photo by Vykki Mende Gray

 Very close!

Theatre Image #74 — February 2004 Back of Padua Hills Theatre Photo by Vykki Mende Gray

Theatre Image #73 — February 2004 Back of Padua Hills Theatre Photo by Vykki Mende Gray

 In fact, it’s astonishing that the Little Theatre is still standing. But because of the efforts of those determined firefighters, there are still some homes and the Theatre in Padua Hills.

 While it sustained substantive damage in the fire, relatively little of the building was affected.

Theatre Image #75 — February 2004 Damaged Roof Tiles on Back of Padua Hills Theatre Photo by Vykki Mende Gray

Theatre Image #76 — Photo by Vykki Mende Gray “Indian Woman” — Terra-cota sculpture made by Albert Stewart in 1946. This photograph taken in February 2004.

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 The historic sculpture by Albert Stewart still graces the courtyard, and the olive trees still shade the patios.

 And the building is still standing, ready for continued service to the community.

Theatre Image #77 — Photo by Vykki Mende Gray Outside Wall of Padua Hills Dining Room — February 2004

 Padua Hills Dining Room

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