Welcome to 2011!
Welcome to 2011! Even though this is being written “last” year, I hope it is still newsworthy. In November we had our annual bus trip tour to the Pio Pico home in Whittier and the Rancho Los Cerritos. It started out as a dreary day, but the best was saved for last. What was unique to me is that 25 percent of the attendees, a bus full, were not members. Then we had our open house in December, with an unusual high atten-dance. Many of the general public just stopped in to say hi, see our latest display of the history of Richard Henry Dana, Jr., and to wish Pat Fairbanks...
read more2010 Annual Open House and Pat Plepler Award
On Sunday afternoon, December 5th, the Dana Point Historical Society held its annual Open House. A very large crowd was in attendance to mingle and visit with some of our most senior residents who were the guests of honor. On display were story boards that described the life of Richard Henry Dana, Jr. Many were interested to learn of his history and how influential this Bostonian was in his home town, and yet left his mark on the California Coast. The family genealogy from the first Dana to America in 1640 to the present Richard Henry Dana VII, the Dana clan in the Santa Barbara area, and to...
read more2010 High School Scholarships Awarded
Annually, the Dana Point Historical Society presents two $1,000 scholarships to Dana Point residents who attend San Clemente and Dana Hills High Schools. The Scholarship Committee consists of Beverli Jinn, David Kristjansen, Chuck Johannsen, and Carlos N. Olvera. The Committee selects the winners by interviewing them and by reviewing resumés submitted by students from each high school asking for their need, interests in history, and community service. This year, the selectees are: Christine Nowland, from Capistrano Beach and Lauren Rodgers of Dana Point. Congratulations to you both. The...
read moreBridge Mural Dedication
At the March meeting, Lubica Selecka, the artist of two of the mosaic murals for the Dana Point pedestrian bridge, spoke of how she created her masterpieces. One of our discoveries was the mystery phone number on the dog’s collar that can be called for an explanation of the picture. Gene Burrus, The subject of the mural, recalled memories of visiting his grandparents here in the 1930s when the photo was taken in front of the old Dana Point sign. That photo was given to the Historical Society and subsequently selected to be a one of the murals. During his...
read morePresident’s Message
Last month we enjoyed Richard Dodd, our historical architect, in another of his interesting presentations. He brought his new book, Architectural Styles — Orange County, which he signed for those who bought a copy. He also tested those in attendance with historical questions and the ones with right answers received a 44 cent US stamp of himself as a boy. David Kristjanson became a bit of a “hog” himself since he knew most of the answers. See what you miss if you do not attend? I hope everyone read the cover story in the mid-February issue of the Dana Point Times about the release of...
read moreDriving Tour of Dana Point
The Historical Society has, in conjunction with the City of Dana Point, published a driving tour brochure to highlight our historic as well as contemporary attractions. Copies are available at the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce, Dana Point City Hall, most of the major hotels in town, the Orange County Dana Point Harbor and the Ocean Institute. The Orange County Register reported on the release of this new cultural resource on March 26, 2010, including an interview with Carlos Olvera, Historical Society President, and a fine slideshow of photographs. The full article can be read by clicking...
read moreAbout Us
The Dana Point Historical Society advocates to formally acknowledge the collection of historic buildings that contribute to the eclectic visual character of the community and serve as reminders of Dana Point’s rich and colorful past, for the enrichment of current and future generations. Dana Point’s historic buildings give a sense continuity and security to the citizens of Dana Point.