In 1977 the communities of Alta Loma, Rancho Cucamonga and Etiwanda incorporated to form the city of Rancho Cucamonga. Although several historical accounts have been published Etiwanda Historical Society member John Charles Anicic, Jr., has been collecting information for decades in order to publish a concise, combined history of the area.

The restored Chaffey-Garcia House serves as museum and headquarters for the Etiwanda Historical Society.
Barbara McLean / Rancho Life

Anicic is currently looking for more local information from residents or former residents who might have historical photos and stories he can incorporate into his book.

As president of the Etiwanda Historical Society, Anicic has been active in overseeing the ongoing restoration of Chaffey-Garcia House and Museum and the current restoration of the Isle house just down the street.

Anicic says most residents don’t know that the Chaffey House was the site of the first electric light in Southern California. George Chaffey also installed the first long distance telephone line west of the Rocky Mountains and it was connected with San Bernardino, Colton, Riverside and Redlands.

John Charles Anicic, Jr. is collecting history on Alta Loma, Rancho Cucamonga and Etiwanda for his upcoming book.
Dave Coffman / Rancho Life

The Etiwanda Historical Society is currently working on the restoration of the Isle House just down the street from the Chaffey-Garcia House. It was the former home of Chaffey’s mother and unmarried sister. The society has plans to use the house as a tea room to hold monthly-themed teas as well as a facility that can be rented for special events. Proceeds will benefit the society’s ongoing efforts to preserve the history of Etiwanda.

Anicic says the society works closely with the city of Rancho Cucamonga Redevelopment Agency who has provided funding for many of the preservation efforts. Near the home is also the old electric train depot which the city is trying to purchase for restoration according to Anicic.

The Etiwanda Historical Society opens the Chaffey-Garcia House to the public from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the second Saturday of each month. The group is also taking reservations for the Mother’s Day Tea set for May 9 at 11:30 a.m. The cost is $25 per person and will be held at Etiwanda Gardens. Information: (909) 899-8432.

Anicic can be reached at 909-823-6163 if you would like  to provide information for his upcoming book.

Anicic is currently looking for more local information from residents or former residents who might have historical photos and stories he can incorporate into his book.

As president of the Etiwanda Historical Society, Anicic has been active in overseeing the ongoing restoration of Chaffey-Garcia House and Museum and the current restoration of the Isle house just down the street.

Anicic says most residents don’t know that the Chaffey House was the site of the first electric light in Southern California. George Chaffey also installed the first long distance telephone line west of the Rocky Mountains and it was connected with San Bernardino, Colton, Riverside and Redlands.

The Etiwanda Historical Society is currently working on the restoration of the Isle House just down the street from the Chaffey-Garcia House. It was the former home of Chaffey’s mother and unmarried sister. The society has plans to use the house as a tea room to hold monthly-themed teas as well as a facility that can be rented for special events. Proceeds will benefit the society’s ongoing efforts to preserve the history of Etiwanda.

Anicic says the society works closely with the city of Rancho Cucamonga Redevelopment Agency who has provided funding for many of the preservation efforts. Near the home is also the old electric train depot which the city is trying to purchase for restoration according to Anicic.

The Etiwanda Historical Society opens the Chaffey-Garcia House to the public from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the second Saturday of each month. The group is also taking reservations for the Mother’s Day Tea set for May 9 at 11:30 a.m. The cost is $25 per person and will be held at Etiwanda Gardens. Information: (909) 899-8432.

Anicic can be reached at 909-823-6163 if you would like  to provide information for his upcoming book.