A Brief History of Orange, California: The Plaza City

by Phil Brigandi

Orange, California, a city that started small, but grew big on the promise, sweat and toil of agriculture. Born from the breakup of the old Rancho Santiago de Santa Ana, its early days were filled with horse races, gambling, and fiestas. Citrus was the backbone of the economy for more than half a century, though post-war development eventually replaced the orange groves. Historian, and Orange native, Phil Brigandi traces the roots of the city back to its small town origins: the steam whistle of the Peanut Roaster, the citrus packers tissue-wrapping oranges for transport, Miss Orange leading the May Festival parade, and the students of Orange Union High painting the O and celebrating Dutch-Irish Days. In doing so, he captures what makes Orange distinct.

130 pages, Hardcover

First published September 15, 2011

Reviews

[Cody Oldham · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting overview of the city. I like the old pictures of the 55 where I an my fellow travelers now spend so much of our lives.