Help Restore Historic WoodburyStory House Altadena

Help Restore the Historic Woodbury Story House in Altadena, CA 

The Woodbury Story House, a cornerstone of Altadena’s and Help Restore the Historic Woodbury Story House in Altadena, CA 

The Woodbury Story House, a cornerstone of Altadena and Pasadena’s history, needs your help. 

Built in 1882, this 6800 sq. ft. Victorian home was designed by renowned architect Frederick Roehrig and commissioned by Captain Frederick J. Woodbury, one of Altadena’s founders. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the house features 17+ rooms, 7 fireplaces, a cellar, and a basement, and a Widow’s Perch or Widow’s Walk used as a look-out post on top of the house. This landmark house with its architectural history and snapshot of Altadena's past survived the Eaton fires, we were very fortunate but need to be prepared for future fires.

The Woodbury Story House has been a space for community, hosting milestone events, celebrations and neighborhood gatherings throughout its long history. For generations, this home has inspired people to immerse themselves in the rich history of Altadena and Pasadena. Future generations deserve the same opportunity to experience its legacy, learn its stories, and contribute to its vibrant heritage. The Owner, Peter Leissos, who considers himself the current custodian in a line of previous owner has been at the house since the beginning of the fires and has remained on the property, protecting it despite not having power or water. Through his resolve, helps from selfless neighbors, luck and divine intervention the house was spared from the fires. Now, he needs our support to restore and preserve this historic treasure for generations to come—a challenge that exceeds the scope of insurance coverage. The Damage from the Eaton fires needs to be restored and measures need to be taken to prevent the loss of this Historically important First House of Altadena from being lost to wildfires in the future with a fire control system.

This includes:

* Deep cleaning to remove toxic smoke residue and smoke damage.

* Repainting interior and exterior due to smoke, ash and embers

* Restoration of numerous wood windows and vintage glass due to wind damage from the fires

* Repairing of Victorian wooden details and damaged roof from winds

* Installing a modern fire-retardant system to protect against fires

Tragically, the Eaton fires claimed two other historical houses, the Andrew McNally House and Zane Grey Estate, at a great loss to Altadena and future generations. Our Mission is to restoring the Woodbury Story House to its original Victorian grandeur, preserving its legacy while safeguarding it against future threats with a modern Restoration and Fire Prevention system.

Together, we can ensure this home continues to stand as a symbol of California history, past architecture and enduring resilience for future generations.

We owe a debt of gratitude to the neighbors and Fire Station 11 , John and Rafael and neighbors Anny and William, Armando, Shannon, Francisco and Brisa, Arturo and Laura, Juve, who stayed and put out embers and fires, and Pedro and Nicholas who manned the Window's Perch atop the roof and guided us to protect our cul-de-sac and this historic treasure on January 8, 2025 while the Eaton fires raged on.

We also thank in advance the countless strangers whose small yet powerful gestures in joining us in preserving and protecting the Woodbury Story House, that has stood for 140 years and together, we can ensure it continues to inspire the next generation for the another 100 years. Thank you for your generosity and support! - Sally