How about a little something on the history of history? Specifically, this is one of the earliest historical plaques in Orange County. This marker for the old Santa Ana School (1867) was placed in 1929 by the Mojave Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (D.A.R.) (This chapter was established in 1925 and is still active.).
"Old Santa Ana" of course, was not where the current City of Santa Ana is now. It was approximately where the community of Olive is today.
.
Carrie McFadden Ford, daughter of William McFadden, was Regent of the Mojave Chapter in 1929 when the plaque was placed (as shown above). A.W. Kammerer provided the granite boulder. A number of the school's original students were present, and gave short talks.
Phil Brigandi (who supplied the photos and info for this post) writes, "Originally, the plaque was located at south end of old Yorba Bridge. It was moved when the freeway was built in the 1960s. My recollection is that in the early 1970s, it stood between the trees right along the side of the road, and I believe it was moved again when the area was developed."
where is the marker today? (did I miss that in the posting?) and where was "Old Yorba Bridge"?
ReplyDeleteThe Center for Oral and Public History holds a 1962 recording of Carrie McFadden Ford (OH 3927), who speaks about her father as county school superintendent/teacher and the early school history of northern Orange County, including Santa Ana Arriba and Santa Ana Abajo -- among other things.
ReplyDeleteInterestingly, the school year began on March 1 and ended December 1. Vacation was held during the winter months.
I not sure of its exact placement today.
ReplyDeleteIn 1929 it was placed on the southwest side of the Yorba Bridge , where the Imperial Highway now crosses the Santa Ana River.
The marker is now at the end of Old Santa Ana Road across from Wells Fargo.
ReplyDelete