Orange County (Postcard History Series)

The formerly wide-open space southeast of Los Angeles blossomed from cattle ranches into a center of citrus production by the early 20th century. Orange County separated from Los Angeles County in 1889; soon Anaheim and Santa Ana changed from farming communities to major cities while coastal communities grew beyond anyone's imagination. One of the most populous counties in the United States today, Orange County began in the mid-20th century to evolve from its bedroom-community status to become an urban-suburban region with its own identity. This collection of vintage postcards follows the county's diverse development, illustrating such spots as Disneyland and the area's world-renowned beaches, as well as remembering the pastoral origins, industries, unique buildings, and cityscapes that have added dimension to its history.

The Orange County Historical Society was founded on June 26, 1919, and has included descendants of original settlers, cultural leaders, and representatives of the business and government professions. Rare and quintessential postcards from the collections of the society's members and from its extensive archives provide touchstones to the past for residents, visitors, and those interested in local history.