Why “Oaks” and not “Oak”? A Monrovian could tell you: it’s because the street gets its name from “The Oaks”, the mansion that Monrovia founder W.N. Monroe built for his family in 1885. It was the second house in town (the first was on Monroe Place) and was located not on Oaks Ave. but on Primrose Ave. The Monroes only lived there for four years – they had to leave because W.N. got a railroad contracting gig in Chile – so the house was converted into the Monrovia Ladies’ College in 1890. However, during their brief stay, the Monroes supposedly played host to Sir Arthur Sullivan, of Gilbert & Sullivan. The Oaks is now a private residence.
Find it on the map:
