The film footage here includes La Paz Plaza, schools, parks, rolling hills, grazing sheep, Mission Viejo's first church (Lutheran), the then-new Orange County Airport terminal, UCI, Fashion Island, Newport Harbor, and aerial views of the contruction of Dana Point Harbor. For further memories of childhoold there's a shot of the contruction of Old MacDonald's Farm and an Indian Guides pinewood derby. Interior views of "Spanish Modern" (or perhaps Man of La Mancha Modern?) tract homes will also take you back.
Observant viewers will notice both Richard O'Neill and Tony Moiso of the Rancho Mission Viejo in planning meeting scenes. And just to make sure you know it's the late 1960s, it's backed with easy listening version of Beatles hits. My thanks to Hedy Henderson for pointing out this great footage!
Great find, Chris ! I've been looking for stuff like that!
ReplyDeleteManny, Dana Point, CA
Great find, Chris ! I've been looking for stuff like that!
ReplyDeleteManny, Dana Point, CA
ReplyDelete1968 footage in there. Montanoso Rec didn't open until 1968.
ReplyDeleteHi Chris. It's really great seeing this really neat place where I spent my formative years along with my brothers and sister. You have uncovered a gem by bringing this film out. Thank you for sharing it with us. I personally really "Like" that you've shared this with all of us (Me). We moved there in January of 1968 and I went to both O'Niel and Linda Vista elementary schools as well as La Paz Intermediate and graduated from MVHS. I delivered the OC Register on my bicycle to the La Paz and Mission Ridge homes. My brother (Dave) delivered the Daily Pilot to the homes just to the west of the golf course and both of us were dressed up as Santa's elves during the 5 nights of Christmas. I was paired up with classmate Gail Ruso and my Dad and Kerry Bechtel traded off nights as Santa Clause. My sister Vicki (Now Victoria) and I were in the Cinco de Mayo parade. She and my folks did all the work on our (covered) wagon. Victoria pulled me on her trike while I was just the dead guy laying down with the arrows coming into my chest. My brother Mike won the greased pig contest in the first Mission Viejo Days. In 1968 La Paz Rd ended at the top of the hill at Spadra Ln and there was no Marguerite Parkway. The ground was not even broken yet for Marguerite Parkway. My brother Mike killed a few rattle snakes and brought home a baby owl from the creek near the end of Estanciero Dr on the South side of Marguerite Parkway would be. Mike also raised a steer as a student at MVHS and entered it in the OC Fair. My mom became an announcer for the start-up cable TV station (Cable Vision) where she occasionally would interview people from events in the community. One in particular was a gourmet food event that occurred a few houses up the street from hour house (25391 Campina Dr).
ReplyDeleteMay I offer a few personal notes on the background and dates?
If I may.
When we arrived in January of 1968, the sign on La Paz Rd said "Pop. 4400". The pictures of the sign appear to be just before they stopped posting the population on the sign, perhaps it's from late 1969 or even into 1971. I believe most of what is shown in this film is actually from around 1971 based off the commentary and pictures. In 1967 Mission Viejo residences consisted primarily of Dean Homes on the North Side of La Paz Rd.
This film is really a wonderful piece of Mission Viejo history and I am really energized from you bringing it to public light here. Thank you very much for helping me (and I believe many others from that time) enjoy my (and their) childhood years once again. Really good job Chris.
Thank you for doing this.
Sincerely,
Bart Rukstalis
Now living in Everett Washington after working in maintenance, manufacture, and design of aviation products for the last 33 years.
Hi Bart - Moved there in November 1968, now residing in Anacortes. Love the northern migration.
DeleteTo be clear... this video was created by the Mission Viejo company as an advertising piece for the new community. If it's inaccurate, it was at the choice of the Mission Viejo company to include off-dated images. They must've had a reason! The City of Mission Viejo, through its local hstory group, has posted several great video pieces which are posted on Mission Viejo's YouTube page here: http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2G2kUCgpcTV8WJSAc38dHtGME7viIDXQ
ReplyDelete