Supermarkets come to Newport Beach

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

Merle’s Drive-in

Merle’s Coffee shop opened in 1951 at the corner of Coast Highway and MacArthur Blvd., a space now occupied by the Corona del Mar Plaza. Merle’s, which billed itself as a drive-in, offered a typical menu of coffee shop staples. In the early 1960s, the restaurant changed ownership and Merle’s became The Zoo drive-in. Perhaps the most memorable feature of The Zoo was the gorilla-costumed employee who stood on the corner to attract customers.

Kay Finch: Corona del Mar Artist

For more than twenty years, the ceramicist Kay Finch produced artful porcelain figurines in a studio near the corner of Coast Highway and Hazel Ave.  Kay, along with her staff,… Read More »

Have You Ever Eaten Pie Plant Pie?

With the “stay-at-home” orders in place, many families find themselves cooking more than usual. To help you in your cooking, Sherman Library is sharing recipes from the 1890 Riverside Cook Book. The All Saints’ Guild of Riverside compiled this cookbook, under the supervision of Mrs. Fessenden. The “Ladies of Riverside” contributed their “Tried and Approved Recipes.” The recipes were all “family favorites [that] borne the test of time and experience.”

Here are a few recipes that you might like to try — or not? Note that none of the recipes mention oven temperature. During that era most early stoves were