Origins (1919—1920)
By 1919, Pasadena was a favorite winter refuge for visitors from colder climates, especially Canada and the United Kingdom. Many who settled in the area brought with them a deep appreciation for lawn bowling—a traditional sport with roots in England, Scotland, and Canada.
With its ideal weather and sense of community, Pasadena was an ideal place to bring the game to life in Southern California. A group of lawn bowling enthusiasts petitioned the City Board of Directors to build a green in Central Park. The City saw potential in this low-impact, high-participation outdoor sport, and agreed. A group of supporters raised funds, and by 1920, construction of the south green was underway.
Key early advocates included Charles J. Fox, Fred Fox, Charles "Oke" Balzer, John W. Latcham, Fred Fisher, and Pasadena's own Charles C. "Lucky" Baldwin.
Founding (1921)
The Club was officially dedicated on June 30, 1921. City officials, local residents, and nearly 100 bowlers from across Southern California attended.
The day featured music from the Pasadena Fire Department Band and the Scottish Kiltie Bagpipe Band—a nod to the sport's Scottish heritage. Eighteen new members joined that day, including Walter Raymond of the Raymond Hotel in South Pasadena.
The Club's first president was John W. Latcham. Lucky Baldwin was vice president and J.D. White was secretary-treasurer.
The Clubhouse: A Community Effort (1927—1930)
By the late 1920s, the Club had grown to 60 members and needed a permanent clubhouse. Renowned Pasadena architect Wallace Neff donated plans for the new building.
In 1927, the first phase was built by the city’s park maintenance crew and funded by member subscriptions. It included two wings: one for social gatherings and another for lockers and dressing rooms.
In 1930, a second phase connected the wings with a central lounge featuring a beamed ceiling, fireplace, and furniture. Additional amenities included a ladies' room and kitchen.
Built entirely through donations and community support at a cost of $4,000, the completed clubhouse was formally handed over to the city and remains in use today.
Champions & Notables
The Pasadena Lawn Bowling Club quickly became known not only for its beautiful green but also for its talented members. The most celebrated were the Dehner brothers, Albert (Al) and William (Hap), who joined in 1923. Originally from Illinois, they became world-renowned bowlers.
Highlights of their career include:
1933 National Doubles Champions
1935 Southern California Doubles Champions
1947 First American International Doubles Champions
Their impressive collection of trophies and club pins from across the globe are displayed in the clubhouse. The Club’s Dehner Doubles Trophy remains a tribute to their legacy.
Croquet Joins the Green
In 2006, the Pasadena Lawn Bowling Club expanded its offerings to include croquet. The Pasadena Croquet Club was founded, and the two clubs now share playing privileges and clubhouse facilities.
This addition has allowed the club to attract a new group of members while preserving the rich history and tradition of both lawn bowling and croquet.
The Croquet Club has enriched the community and solidified its place as a multi-sport destination in Pasadena.
Resilience Through the Decades
Central Park has seen many changes over the past century—pandemics, wars, economic highs and lows—but the Pasadena Lawn Bowling Club has endured through it all.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Club developed its own safe play protocols and was the only lawn bowling club in the United States to remain open.
In September 2022, a large tree collapsed onto the historic clubhouse, causing significant damage.
The Club is working with the city to restore the Wallace Neff clubhouse. This restoration will not only preserve a piece of Pasadena’s architectural history, but will also provide a renewed gathering space for future generations of bowlers.
A Living Tradition
For over 100 years, the Pasadena Lawn Bowling Club has welcomed players of all backgrounds and skill levels. As a historic yet vibrant part of Central Park, it continues to offer a unique blend of sport, social connection, and community spirit.
Whether you're a seasoned player or brand new to the game, there's a place for you on the green. The Club's legacy isn’t just its history—it's the people who keep it rolling.