I just received a copy of Roberta Reed's new book, Images of America: Santa Ana, 1940-2007, and it's quite good. In addition to selecting great photos like those above, Roberta picked the brains of numerous local historians to provide additional information for her detailed and meaningful captions. This book was written in conjunction with the Santa Ana Historical Preservation Society (SAHPS), of which Roberta is currently secretary. [Update: Guy Ball writes that the Society only gets some of the proceeds if you buy the book from the Society - Which you can do by going to the SAHPS website.].
Today's photos come from the aforementioned book and originally came from the collection of Rob Richardson. The first image (top) shows the Pacific Electric Railway depot at 426 E. 4th St., prior to that line's demise in 1950. The second photo shows popular 1930s/'40s hangout, Mary's Malt Shop, on S. Main St near Chestnut Ave. I'll post a couple more photos from this book in the near future.
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Several other O.C. history books from Arcadia Publishing have also debuted in recent weeks, although I haven't had the chance to read them all yet. They include Cleveland National Forest by James Newland, Early Amusement Parks of Orange County by Richard Harris, and Then & Now: Huntington Beach by Chris Epting. I'll comment further after I read them.
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The Native Sons of the Golden West will dedicate a plaque at the historic Brea American Legion Building (1924) on Saturday at 2pm. The building is located at Brea Blvd and Elm St, and is currently home to the Brea Museum & Heritage Center.