Rockhaven Historic District — Attraction in Glendale

We Are Friends of Rockhaven!

Agnes Richards founded Rockhaven in 1923 after being a psychiatric nurse and witnessing the cruel treatment of women with mental illness. She made sure to call each and every patient a resident, and treat them with respect. The beautiful history of Rockhaven Sanitarium (or home for the Golden Age Stars) is the most vivid piece of history that's been forgotten by so many.

My favorite actress Billie Burke (Glinda, the good witch), Mrs. Topper, and, well, just too many of her parts to list resided there until her death. Do you remember Elly May Clampett? She was played by Donna Douglas, who also was a resident at Rockhaven as was, Clark Gable's first wife, Marilyn Monroe's mother, Marion Rose of Vaudeville's Statler and Rose, Broadway's actress and producer, Peggy Fears; I'm just naming a few of the long list of golden age stars that have resided at Rockhaven. And, when you're enjoying the walk you can feel their glow they left behind.

It's closed now due to the COVID pandemic but we're able to go once in a while to clean up a little and just 'be' in it's past. To relish in the feeling of just 'being' there, is amazing. You're able to touch all of the past around you! This is something I've seen only in LA and its surrounding areas. This type of museum interaction is priceless; it's like watching a golden oldie but, being right next to the star you admire(d) so very much.

There's a group called Friends of Rockhaven that loves and cares so much for the Sanitarium; it's so heartwarming. One of the many protectors Joanna Linkchorst has allowed us to become one of the many friends of Rockhaven and contribute to its survival. It's been such a pleasure and an honor to help in any way we can and my sincere hope is that it won't be sold for demolition or forgotten.

Thank you so much, Friends of Rockhaven...

A hidden gem of a historical spot in Montrose. This once active Sanitarium for women once was the home of Marilyn Monroe's mother and Glenda, Good Witch of the North. The property is now owned by the City of Glendale and is on the cusp of being restored into a commercial property space by Gangi Construction. The Friends of Rockhaven give regular free tours of the facility. Their passion for this place is evident and it is a unique look at a place that onced thrived and now rots (hopefully...

Great place to visit for a one of a kind history lesson! I went there just before Christmas and really enjoyed the tour and the ghost! Tour guides are great and very knowledgeable and passionate about the place. They are doing everything they can to keep...