Cawston Ostrich Farm South Pasadena California postcard

The Cawston Ostrich Farm was established by Edwin Cawston who in 1885 imported 50 ostriches from South Africa to start his farm in South Pasadena, California. After an early setback that saw only 18 birds survive the overland railroad trip from Galveston Texas to Pasadena, Cawston was able to breed the flock up to 100 birds. 

By the early 1900s, the Cawston Ostrich Farm had grown into a major tourist attraction, combining the exotic with a short trolley ride to and from downtown Los Angeles. A slew of postcard views ensued, permitting visitors to share their day at the farm with those who stayed at home. 

While at the farm visitors could ride on the back of ostriches, take a ride in an ostrich drawn carriage, or, as shown above, watch an ostrich race.  At the store that was linked to an ostrich product factory on the property, visitors could purchase ostrich-feathered hats, boas, capes and fans to take home as mementos of their day out with the ostriches.   

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