Earl J. Nickles (1936–2026)

Earl Nickles, headed for the 2013 OCHS "Show & Tell Night"

Another wonderful member of the Orange County historical community passed away in April 2026, and we've only just learned about it. Earl Joedy Nickles contributed his time and extensive knowledge to numerous local history organizations including the Orange County Historical Society (OCHS) and the Orange County Railway Historical Society. 

He grew up on the Tuffree Ranch in Placentia and was a font of information on local citrus history. Even the shortest version of Earl's educational program on Valencia oranges -- which he presented for many groups -- was fun and unforgettable. 

But more folks probably knew him for his love and knowledge of railroad history. Earl learned as much as he could on the subject, and when he served as OCHS' Program Chair (in the 1990s), he blessed the group with numerous great rail history programs. He even had an amazing miniature scale railroad running through his large backyard. 

Earl merged his love of trains with his career. He was "The Last of the Rail Barbers" -- a profession and skill set that had largely faded away when the golden age of rail travel ended. Earl was hired to work on private rail cars or at special rail events, deftly cutting hair just as if the car and his patron's head weren't constantly shaking and wobbling. 

Earl married Barbara Joyce in 1958. She graduated from the Pasadena Nazarene College in 1961, ran an in-home care business for the developmentally disabled for 37 years, and served at the Costa Mesa Church of the Nazarene for 60 years. Barbara passed away on August 16, 2024, shortly after their 66th anniversary. 

Earl and Barbara's smiling faces were a welcome site at any meeting, event or tour. For some years prior to their passing, health issues kept them both at home. They are missed.    

Earl and Barbara on their 56th anniversary, at the County of Orange's 125th Birthday Banquet, 2014

Earl's official obituary follows:

Earl was born on March 10, 1936, in Placentia, California, to Ella and Winton Nickles. From humble beginnings, he grew into a man defined by kindness, dedication, and a deep love for his family, faith, and community.

Earl devoted 57 years of his life to his work as a barber, where he was known not only for his skill but for the genuine care and conversation he offered every person who sat in his chair. He proudly served his country in the United States Navy for four years, carrying that same sense of duty and integrity throughout his life.

A faithful member of Lighthouse Church of the Nazarene for 55 years, Earl’s love for the Lord was evident in all he did. He poured his heart into teaching small groups, leading worship, and serving on the church board. His steady presence, encouraging words, and servant’s heart touched countless lives within his church family.

Earl found great joy in giving back to his community. He volunteered at the Southern California Railway Museum in Perris, sharing his enthusiasm and knowledge with visitors. As a dedicated member of several historical societies in Orange County, he was delighted in bringing history to life through his engaging talks. For 13 years, he also brought smiles and laughter to children and families as Santa, a role he cherished deeply.

Above all, Earl was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and brother. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Barbara, with whom he shared a lifetime of love, as well as by his parents, Winton and Ella Nickles, and his brother, Bill Nickles.

Earl passed peacefully on April 28, 2026, at the age of 90, surrounded by the love of his family. He leaves behind a legacy of faith, kindness, and unwavering devotion. He is survived by his children, Joedy (Val) Curiel and Jonathan (Jean) Nickles; his cherished grandchildren, Heidi (Nick) Reed and Samuel (Dylan Tsouo) Nickles; his brother, Donald Nickles, and his sisters, Mary Jane Dahlquist and Elizabeth Miller.

Earl will be remembered for his warm spirit, gentle humor, and the countless lives he touched. His legacy lives on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

Harriet Friis (1932-2026)

Harriet Friis brings an artifact for OCHS Show & Tell Night, 2013 (Photo by author)

Orange County's local history community has suffered another difficult loss. Harriet Jane Lampert Friis passed away on July 5th, 2026. 

Professionally, Harriet was a librarian for the Long Beach Public Library system. She loved travel and was active in many community organizations and activities, from PEO, to the Orange Union High School reunions, to her home-away-from-home: Trinity Episcopal Church of Orange. She was known for her warmth, wit and kindness. She was helpful to all and a remarkable pillar of strength as caregiver to her husband, J. J. "Jim" Friis, in his final years. 

Many in the Orange County Historical Society remember Harriet as the friendly face that greeted everyone at the door at each meeting. Over the decades, she also served on the OCHS board, hosted board meetings in her home, provided refreshments at general meetings (Remember the OCHS citrus punch?), arranged a wonderful home for the Society at Trinity Episcopal, and helped in countless other ways. 

J. J. and his father, attorney and historian Leo Friis, owned and operated Friis-Pioneer Press (originally called Pioneer Press), which published not only a wide array of "vanity press" titles, but also a large number of important Orange County history titles. It was, of course, impossible for Harriet to avoid becoming involved at some level in the family business.

Harriet and J. J. were also familiar faces at the events of other historical organizations, from the Native Sons of the Golden West to the Old Courthouse Museum Society. 

No, Harriet Friis was not a published historian. But she was genuinely interested, and for more than half a century she provided critical support that helped keep local history work alive in Orange County.

A memorial service will be held at 2pm, July 16th, 2026 at (of course) Trinity Episcopal Church, 2400 N. Canal St., Orange. Donations to the American Heart Association or to other charities have been requested in lieu of flowers.

Happy 250th Birthday, U.S.A.!

The signing of the Declaration of Independence, by John Trumbull

In honor of our nation's 250th birthday, here's my program on "Orange County During the Colonial / Revolutionary War Era," from the Orange County Historical Society.

More significantly, here are transcripts of the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. These documents are the foundation of the best form of government yet devised. They would work as well today as ever if we actually followed them rather than trying to warp and stretch them in corrupt and imaginative ways.

We'll have to see how the next 250 (or even 50) years go. Will Americans continue the work of building a more perfect nation using the uniquely powerful and effective tools our founding fathers gave us? Will individuals continue to be able to pursue life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness? Or will the American dream be destroyed by those who perpetually want to rekindle every horrific, failed, disproven system of the past: Communism, socialism, theocracy, and real fascism.

Where do we start to fix our significant drift? Well,... At the start. 

Let's go back and immerse ourselves in these three documents. If we take them seriously, commit ourselves to their purposes, stand ready to fight for their principles -- and if we aren't all enslaved by A.I. -- we might stand a chance of making it to our tricentennial with a form of government that supports freedom, serves as a source of national pride, and continues to be a beacon of hope to the world.

But today it's time to run up the red, white and blue, shoot off fireworks, crank up some John Philip Sousa, and have a few hot dogs. Happy birthday to the country we love!

The Balboa Pier turns 120

Balboa Pier, festooned with American flags, circa 1906

The Newport Bay Investment Co. established the town of Balboa in 1905. But they didn't complete construction of the iconic Balboa Pavilion, the first Balboa Pier, and the Balboa Hotel until just days before the grand opening of the Pacific Electric's Balboa trolley line, on Independence Day, 1906. All three new features were intended to draw tourists and potential investors to the fledgling town. 

On the day of the celebration, 1,200 people visitors arrived via the trolley, nine packed Southern Pacific passenger trains, and 500 carriages. Every boat in the bay was rented, many went swimming, picnickers camped on the beach, throngs promanaded along the new walkway between Newport Beach and Balboa, and there was dancing until midnight. Well into the next morning, bleary-eyed revelers were still being stuffed into cars for the trip back to Los Angeles.

Crowds throng the Balboa Pier, July 4, 1906

Since then, the Balboa Pier has been used as a fishing pier, as a dock for launches taking fisherman to and from fishing barges, as a grandstand or finish line for various nautical races, and as a pleasant place to stroll. It's seen many repairs and improvement over the years, including a total replacement in 1921 and another after the hurricane of 1939. The first Ruby’s Diner opened on the Balboa Pier in Newport Beach in 1982.

Balboa Pier, 2013 (Photo by author)