Today's photo shows the California Alligator Farm in Buena Park, around 1955. Opened in Lincoln Heights in 1907, and moved next to Knott's Berry Farm in 1953, the Alligator Farm finally closed its doors forever in 1984. Insert your own handbag jokes here, folks..
Speaking of Buena Park, Dean Dixon was recently named the new curator of the Buena Park Historical Society. Mr. Dixon has been involved in local history since at least the 1970s, and is well-respected in the field. Dixon will replace Jane Mueller, who is retiring.
Just a note... Dean Dixon has done a lot of work personally, and organized volunteers to organize the displays at the Whitiker-Jaynes House and put up some new displays. The tours of the little museum house are free, but since hours are subject to availability of volunteer staffing, please call (714) 562-3570 to confirm the date you wish to visit. Special tours may also be arranged by calling this number.
ReplyDeleteThe Whitiker-Jaynes House is located on Beach Blvd, across the street from the Buena Park City hall (just south of the 5 freeway and just north of 10th street.)
www.historicalsociety.org
When my future husband was stationed in Jacksonville, Florida in the 1960s, he thought sending his girlfriend a live baby alligator would be a wonderful thing to do. "Miami" arrived alive and my younger brothers were thrilled! I was less thrilled. After keeping him for about 6 months, he was donated to the Alligator Farm.
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....and yet,anonymous Diane married the guy...now THAT's love. I love the little stories we get to read on this blog. Thank you Chris for bringing this little community of history freaks together.
ReplyDeleteitsnotaplace: Thanks for the additional info on Dean Dixon and the B.P. Historical Society. On a related note, I've always found it amazing that they were able to snag the domain "historicalsociety.org" before anyone else.
ReplyDeleteDiane: Thanks for the great story.
Colony Rabble: I love doing this blog, which is good, because I'd be afraid to stop now. Just TODAY, (which isn't even over yet), I've had 117 unique visitors to the site! On Sunday, I had 125! I'm amazed. Thanks for reading, everyone! :-)
We would have your head if you stopped. Or at least we'd stop buying at Pop's. (grin) Thank you, this takes a lot of your time and energy, and I know both are in short supply. You are appreciated.
ReplyDeleteI went to th Alligator farm once back in 1974 or 75 and felt sorry for the gators laying on the cement in 100 degree heat with lines of ants crawling in and out of their mouths.
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