Wednesday, September 04, 2013

Santa Ana, history classes, and mystery signs

The photo above was taken near the corner of Broadway and Fourth Street in Santa Ana, probably around the late 1910s. Can you tell which direction we're looking or recognize any landmarks that still stand? The photo comes from the Santa Ana Historical Preservation Society and is indicative of some of the cool stuff on display in their Howe-Waffle House Museum.

Diane Ryan is again teaching a class on the "History of Orange County." Topics include "early occupants of this territory, Spanish and Mexican influences and the development of some of our cities. ... There will be a field trip to a local historic site." The class will include 8 meetings, on Tuesdays, Sept. 24 to Nov. 12, 2013, 12:30 to 2:30pm, at the Huntington Beach Adult Education District Campus, 17231 Gothard St., Room A103. To sign up, call 714-842-4227 or visit hbas.edu and register for course #088133. ( Early bird $49,  After Sept. 16 $59.)

Diane will also teach a class on "Historic Southern California Landmarks & Early Pioneers" at the OASIS Senior Center, 801 Narcissus Ave. (Room 2B), Corona del Mar, Thursdays, from Sept. 26 to Oct. 31, 2013, 1:30-3:30pm. Sign up online newportbeachca.gov (click on Recreation Classes) or call 949-644-3244 for course #684042. The Landmarks and Pioneers class will meet six times, and the cost is $55 plus $2 material fee.
Recently, I was walking in a coastal O.C. neighborhood and noticed these signs decorating someone's front yard. I'm curious about where these originated. (Click image to enlarge -- as always.) My first thought was Knott's Berry Farm, but my usual Knott's contacts seem to think otherwise. So I put the ball in your court, dear readers. Any guesses?
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3 comments:

  1. Connie Moreno6:52 PM

    When I was a kid, I remember seeing signs like the one that says "Theater Parking in Rear" near the Alex Theater in Glendale, CA.

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  2. Anonymous10:35 PM

    Q: photo taken near corner of Broadway and Fourth Street in Santa Ana, probably around the late 1910s. Can you tell which direction we're looking or recognize any landmarks that still stand?

    A: Judging by the length of the shadows, probably late afternoon in summer looking north. The shadows are too long for it to be mid-day looking west in winter. I don't recognize any structures or landmarks. Interesting that the photographer got everyone's attention, even guys out in the street -- maybe due to the height from which the picture was taken. It shouldn't be too hard to check the address of Santa Ana Compounding Co. to confirm the location. Wish I could read the billboard beyond SA Compounding Co. -- "_MPERIMES"?

    Bob G.

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  3. MIKE COZART1:51 AM

    That center sign I would have thought for sure it was Knott;s berry farm. In 1976 when Magic Mountain's REVOLUTION coaster opened, the area was Mexican themed --maybe it came from there.

    ReplyDelete

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