Sherman Library’s Mini Art Makeover
The interior of Sherman Library has had a mini makeover! If you have not visited recently, it is a good time to reacquaint yourself with the library’s art collection. Sherman Library is home to a charming collection of Early California Impressionism and plein-air painting, styles that originated in France, and later were adopted by Laguna’s art colony painters such as William Wendt, Edgar Payne, Frank Cuprien, Anna Hills, and others. While the core of the collection was purchased by Arnold Haskell in the 1970s, over the past 10 years more artwork has been generously donated to expand Sherman Library’s holdings.
Pancho Barnes “Fastest Woman on Earth”
A selection from Sherman Library will inspire this month’s exciting read. In honor of Women’s History Month, we recommend Lauren Kessler’s The Happy Bottom Riding Club: The Life and Times of Pancho Barnes (New York: Random House, 2000).
Florence “Pancho” Barnes (1901-1975) remains one of the greatest 20th century American female characters. She was a California heiress, yet she forged her own path to become one of the first licensed female pilots. She used her aviation talent as a renowned stunt pilot for both silent and sound films. With this success, she formed one of the first unions in Hollywood,
A Real Catch: The Newport Harbor Lady Anglers
…When a woman is serious about fishing, watch out… In 1949, eleven women established the Newport Harbor Lady Anglers to create opportunities for women to practice their fishing skills and to meet other women with similar interests, at a time when fishing clubs were male-only organizations. Founding member Clara Keeler said they created the club because female fishing enthusiasts were growing discontent that their husbands went on fishing trips that women were not permitted to partake in.
Santa Ana: The Heart of Orange County
It is that time of year when Valentine’s Day decorations and advertising pop-up everywhere and the old tradition of exchanging hearts begins. The heart, as a symbol, has been used for many other types of advertising. Interestingly many cities have described their cities as having “heart.” Remember, the “I Love NY” slogan? Well, as a matter of fact, at one time in Orange County, the Santa Ana Chamber of Commerce also used a heart to define their city.
Dana and Ginger Lamb: Orange County’s Enchanted Vagabonds
On February 19, 1933 when Dana Lamb and Virgina “Ginger” Bishop married, Orange County was a quiet place compared to today. The couple had grown up in Orange County, both having graduated from Santa Ana High School. But for Dana and Ginger Lamb, civilization had encroached too far into Orange County. They yearned for adventure – and perhaps a bit of fame. So, in August 1933, they embarked on what became a three-year,16,000-mile honeymoon in their homemade, sixteen-foot canoe, the Vagabunda.
The Tournament of Lights
In another reminder that 2020 is a year like no other, the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade has been canceled. Next year we will undoubtedly see a return of this popular event.
In another reminder that 2020 is a year like no other, the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade has been canceled. Next year we will undoubtedly see a return of this popular event.
Costa Mesa “The Gateway to Newport Harbor”
In 1999, Costa Mesa changed its city slogan from “The Hub of the Harbor” to “The City of the Arts.” It is home to Segerstrom Center for the Arts, South Coast Repertory theater and South Coast Plaza, one of the nation’s most successful shopping centers. Yet, Costa Mesa was not always known for these attractions. . .
Supermarkets come to Newport Beach
From the start of World War II through the early 1960s California’s population increased dramatically, making it the most populous state by 1962. Like California as a whole, Newport Beach grew faster than any point its history, from 4,438 residents in 1940 to 26,564 in 1960. The influx of new residents also meant an increased need for housing and shopping.
Small neighborhood stores such as Arborn’s Harbor Market on Balboa Island were typical in the years prior to World War II. But with the increased population, larger stores became viable. Supermarkets, characterized by larger stores, self-service shopping and individual departments began to emerge.
Ostrich Farms: An Early Southern California Tourist Destination
Marie Antoinette, the Queen of France, ignited a fashion trend when she accessorized headpieces and hats with beautiful dyed ostrich feathers. Ostrich feathers quickly became a flamboyant accessory for hats, headpieces, trim on dresses or jackets, along with colorful boas. More than a century after Marie Antoinette was led to the guillotine, ostrich feathers were South Africa’s fourth most valuable export, after gold, diamonds, and wool.
Given the value of ostrich feathers and the fact that Southern California’s climate is similar to the bird’s natural habitat, enterprising southern Californians decided to compete with South African suppliers. Between 1883 and 1911