For as long as I can remember I have been visiting the Orange Circle. The Orange Circle and my family go way way back. You see I am a 3rd generation Orange County native. Pretty rare around these parts- since California, and the OC in particular, is more like a hotel than a residence; people move in and move out all year long. Very few families can trace their family history back to the earliest early days of its development- but happily I can. Over the years I have gathered many stories about the 'early years'. My dad once sang in the choir of the church which is now the Abby Restaurant. My parents first shared a soda at Watsons Drug Store in 1964. They then went to movies in what is now a church. And one of my favorite stories was that my father once filled the fountain with laundry soap on a dare from his fellow teenage friends. The police came- and had a good laugh at the sight…the entire fountain was over come in bubbles and suds in the early morning light. He used to say he got in big trouble for that stunt-I think as a deterrent to me and my brother not to try it ourselves- but as we became adults he admitted the police let them off with a warning and some trash pick-up.
As much as I love the history of the Orange Circle (officially called the Orange Plaza) to be maintained, I welcome the current changes as well. There was a period of time in the late 70s and early 80s when the Circle was run-down and forgotten. It was occupied with nearly all antique stores and very small businesses. Mr.C's Records has survived, but Orange Camera recently closed its doors along with several other businesses. In their place have come young, hip and fabulous stores, numerous restaurants (although my all time favorite Felix's Cuban Cafe has made it, and is as popular as ever) and other interesting additions. Some old time favorites such as the Army-Navy Surplus store have changed with the times by adding a large clothing section and other day to day items and less about combat. All these changes have revived the spot and makes going to Orange Circle a lively experience for the whole family. But I walk the streets and think of my grandmother the 1923 Orange High graduate who also walked these roads along with her fellow classmates with the last names of Glassell and Chapman. I think of my father cruising around and around and around the circle in his 58 Chevy until the police made him stop. I think of my teenage self shopping for vintage clothing at the Assistance League. And I think of my children- who enjoy the Orange Circle as much as I do. I hope they will always visit the circle and realize that is the the touchstone of our family history, and the history of Orange County.
As much as I love the history of the Orange Circle (officially called the Orange Plaza) to be maintained, I welcome the current changes as well. There was a period of time in the late 70s and early 80s when the Circle was run-down and forgotten. It was occupied with nearly all antique stores and very small businesses. Mr.C's Records has survived, but Orange Camera recently closed its doors along with several other businesses. In their place have come young, hip and fabulous stores, numerous restaurants (although my all time favorite Felix's Cuban Cafe has made it, and is as popular as ever) and other interesting additions. Some old time favorites such as the Army-Navy Surplus store have changed with the times by adding a large clothing section and other day to day items and less about combat. All these changes have revived the spot and makes going to Orange Circle a lively experience for the whole family. But I walk the streets and think of my grandmother the 1923 Orange High graduate who also walked these roads along with her fellow classmates with the last names of Glassell and Chapman. I think of my father cruising around and around and around the circle in his 58 Chevy until the police made him stop. I think of my teenage self shopping for vintage clothing at the Assistance League. And I think of my children- who enjoy the Orange Circle as much as I do. I hope they will always visit the circle and realize that is the the touchstone of our family history, and the history of Orange County.
Orange County Memories is about the history of Orange County, CA as told from the people who lived and worked here.
CUTE!
ReplyDeleteLove it. Great post. You really have a unique perspective.
ReplyDeleteI would love to walk around the circle with you sometime...oh, wait, I just did that today.
I'm glad you appreciate the Plaza too. But shouldn't there be some sort of punishment for using "the OC" and "the Circle" in the same post?
ReplyDeleteYour grandmother graduated with both Glassells and Chapmans? Are you sure about that?
Well Anonymous- I have my grandmother's 1923 yearbook- and in her class are a Glassell and a Chapman among many other influential names of early OC. Actually your comment reminded me it is time to donate these yearbooks the Orange Library for others to enjoy as well!
ReplyDeleteThat's cool! Just askin'. I just didn't know if both families ended up in town, or whether they were mostly outside investors.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your post. I also grew up in Orange, went to Orange High, and have such fond memories of the Orange Circle (Plaza). At the time I was in high school, the whole "rock-a-billy" scene was popular, and it wasn't uncommon to see teenagers on Vespa's, wearing trench coats and listening to the Stray Cats. Do you remember the May Parade? Oh, and I LOVE Felix's Cafe also! Great cuban food.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the step back in time!
I'm also a 3rd generation orange county native, and your right there isn't too many of us, my parents both went to Santa Ana High along with two of my grand parents. One of my favorite stories about the circle, Is when my parents were in high school. Orange High hadn't beat Santa Ana in years, and when they did that year, the next day they shut down the business and paraded around the circle for hours
ReplyDeleteI too am an Orange native, both of my parents went to Santa ana high. I graduated Orange high in 1978!. I fondly remember at the stores down town, we never called it the circle it was The Plaza. We shopped at the Youngster shop, The Army Navy, Buster Browns and the Coronet five and dime(loved that store). Fond memories of the peddle ponies at Buster Browns. Does anyone remember the carnivals at hart park? I think they were after the May parade??
ReplyDeleteI too am an Orange native, both of my parents went to Santa ana high. I graduated Orange high in 1978!. I fondly remember at the stores down town, we never called it the circle it was The Plaza. We shopped at the Youngster shop, The Army Navy, Buster Browns and the Coronet five and dime(loved that store). Fond memories of the peddle ponies at Buster Browns. Does anyone remember the carnivals at hart park? I think they were after the May parade??
ReplyDeleteI am a fourth generation Orange native. I was born in 1961 at St. Josephs in Orange as was my sister and mother. My grandmother grew up in a little house on Orange street right down the street from the old Orange High School now part of Champman university. She was born in 1908, maybe my grandmother may have known yours. She held a job for awhile at the Orange theatre right around the corner from her house. I remeber her taking us to the old Coronet. Although I grew up on the border of Santa ana and Orange much of my time was spent going to Hart park, remember the pluge and the May Day festival. I went to elementary school at Fairhaven and at recess we would watch them set up the rides. I later attended Portola Jr. High as did my sister who then went on to graduate from Orange High. My parents moved right after that to San Clemente which is where I graduated from high school. My parent also graduated from Santa Ana High in the 50's. So many memories, what a great time and place to grow up.
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