Covina : Centennial Celebration

This city is in the midst of its centennial celebration, which began Tuesday at 3:01 p.m., the exact moment that the final tract map of the townsite of Covina was registered in Los Angeles County in 1886. Most celebrating will take place this weekend, when the city will sponsor a parade, sports and entertainment events, games, pancake breakfasts and a picnic in Covina Park. Photographs of Covina’s history are on display at the Public Library, and city tours will begin at City Hall throughout Saturday and Sunday.

Covina was founded by Joseph Samuel Phillips, who bought 2,000 acres from John E. Hollenbeck and set aside 120 acres for the townsite. The city was identified by the slogan, “One Mile Square and All There,� and was the center for citrus growers throughout the east San Gabriel Valley.