Three emerging communities from the partitioned Rancho Santiago de Santa Ana formed the improbable start for a city that would eventually proclaim itself the "City of the Arts." These farming communities--Fairview; Paularino; and Harper--attracted families and businesspeople. Community leaders then took pragmatic steps to meet local needs such as schools; churches; and a water supply. Harpers first land developer appealed to folks of modest means by advertising; "You! Five Acres." By 1920; Harper needed a broader identity and a local businessman proposed a naming contest; offering a $25 prize. "Costa Mesa;" recognizing the areas heritage and geography; reaped the reward. Eight years later; voters handily defeated the City of Santa Anas annexation attempt by a margin of five to one. The Great Depression; the 1933 Long Beach earthquake; and the 1938 Santa Ana River flood then besieged the fledgling community. Undaunted; Costa Mesa continued to grow. By 1939; the stage had been set for the postwar miracle that would become the modern city of Costa Mesa.
#1635350 in eBooks 2010-01-11 2010-01-11File Name: B0093H9JMG
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. "A Charleston Flash-Back"By Budd BallardBorn and raised in Charleston. West Virginia. I really enjoyed this book. If you have ever lived. gone to school. worked or even visited Charleston. West Virginia you would certainly like this bookFilled with photographs from various times in the history of the city and some of the surrounding area. the photographs of memorable landmarks allows you to compare the same location from different times in the citys history.4 of 5 people found the following review helpful. Good. if not for stolen materielBy CustomerI enjoyed this book but I was very dismayed to find out that the bulk of the photos were stolen from noted Charleston photographer Jerry Waters of [...] who was in the process of making a similar book of his own.
