NBPL Local History Collection
Local History Collection
The Local History Collection is located at the Central Library on the second floor in the Local History alcove. Items cannot be checked out. (The following is a selective list of items in the Local History collection).
Phone Directories
Luskey’s Newport Beach and Costa Mesa Criss Cross Directory (384.64)
Incomplete run of phone books covering Newport Beach and Costa Mesa from 1955 – 1967.
Luskey’s Orange County Harbor Directory (384.64)
Incomplete run of phone books covering Newport Beach and Costa Mesa from 1970 – 1978.
Newport Harbor Yearbook and Business Directory (384.64)
Incomplete run of phone books for Newport Harbor from 1938 -1959.
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Transit Systems
Bandits and the Southern Pacific (364.9794 - Locked Case)
Fascinating stories of outlaws as well as the pioneers of the era who believed the Building of the railroad was greedy, criminally wrong and subversive towards the rights of the ranchers. (c1929)
Henry Huntington and the Pacific Electric: A Pictorial Album (388.5 – Locked Case)
A brief history of the Pacific Electric Railway with an emphasis on pictorial aspects. (c1978)
Red Car Days: Memories of the Pacific Electric (385.5 – Locked Case)
Presents black and white photographs of the Pacific Electric Railway of southern Calfornia. Also includes various photos of different types of cars such as the wooden, the two classes of all-metal cars, and the interurban cars. (c1983)
Ride the Big Red Cars: How Trolleys Helped Build Southern California (338.46)
Presents the history of the Pacific Electric Railway which served southern California commuters for over half a century. Also discusses the impact of electric interurban transportation on the growth of southern California. Includes illustrations, photographs, maps, and charts. (c1970)
Education and Local School Yearbooks
Ebbtide: (a school yearbook) (373.794 – Locked Case)
An incomplete run of Corona del Mar High School’s yearbooks from 1974 – 2005.
The Galleon: (a school yearbook) (373.794 – Locked Case)
An incomplete run of Newport Harbor High School’s yearbooks from 1932 – 2005.
Newport Elementary: ( a school yearbook) (373.794 – Locked Case)
An incomplete run of Newport Elementary’s yearbooks from 1974 – 1990.
One Hundred Years of Public Education in Orange County (370.9794 – Locked Case)
Includes the early history (approx. 1850’s – 1950’s) of the school Districts of Santa Ana Valley as well as the common schools of southern Los Angeles county. (c1957)
The University of California: A Pictorial History (378.794)
A comprehensive history of the development of the nine University of California campuses along with more than six hundred black and white photographs. (c1968)
Science
Birds of Orange County: Status and Distribution (598.297 – Locked Case)
Indicates when, where, and in what relative quantity birds are encountered in Orange County. (c1996)
Butterflies of Orange County, California (595.789)
Collected records of various butterflies observed in such areas as Upper Newport Bay, the Laguna Lakes, and Orange as far back as 1917 – 1976. (c1978)
The California Chaparral: An Elfin Forest (508.794)
Describes the weather conditions, soil composition, flora, trees, and shrubs of California’s chaparral. Also includes the mammals, birds, and reptiles found in these regions. (c1972)
Conspicuous California Plants, with Notes on Their Garden Uses (581.9 – Locked Case)
Deals with both the characteristics of trees and shrubs in every day language. Also includes how plants have proved serviceable to people and includes suggestions on how they can be used in gardens. (c1938)
Flowers of Coast and Sierra, with Thirty-two Plates in Color (581.9 – Locked Case)
Designed for the nature lover who wishes to know more about wild flowers. References are made to familiar flowers of the Pacific Coast, from southern California to British Columbia. Colored plates were originally made for National Geographic magazine. (c1928)
Geology of Southern California (557.94 – Locked Case)
Encompasses geologic road guides, thirty-four separate geologic maps with brief texts, along with structural geology, petrology, and the mines and mineral resources of California. (c1954)
Nature Guide to the Mountains of Southern California by Car and on Foot (508.7949)
A beautifully illustrated nature guide useful for recognizing and familiarizing oneself with the most common trees, shrubs, wildflowers, birds, and mammals in San Bernardino, San Gabriel, San Jacinto, Santa Rosa, Cuyamaca, and the Palomar Mountains. Also describes the natural environment of major roads taken when driving through these mountain regions. (c1996)
Cookery
Cooking File of Lido Isle (641.5 – Locked Case)
A variety of recipes as well as an additional section for serving larger groups of people compiled by the Lido Isle Woman’s Club. (c1955)
Harbor Day School Cookbook (641.5 – Locked Case)
A collection of family recipes for family cooking and easy entertaining compiled by the Harbor Day School Parent Council. (c1986)
Newport Harbor Yacht Club Cookbook (641.5 – Locked Case)
Recipes submitted by members as well as guests of the Newport Harbor Yacht Club. Includes hors d’ouvres and dips, breakfasts, breads, soups, salads, sandwiches, sauces, main dishes, and so on. (c1976)
A Pinch of Nostalgia (641.5)
A collection of recipes collected by the Ebell Club from 1920 - 1973. (c1973)
Sailing Through Supper Cookbook (641.5)
Recipes interspersed with local Newport Beach historical trivia collected by the Friends of the Newport Beach Public Library. (c1982)
Architecture
The Old Mission Churches and Historic Houses of California: Their History, Architecture, Art & Lore… (726 – Locked Case)
A comprehensive historical account of the political and religious movement of the late eighteenth century that brought the California coast into contact with European civilization. Includes information on the founding Padres of the mission system, the builders of the missions, and the rise and fall of the missions and their architecture. Also includes information and photographs of Spanish styled homes of California. (c1925)
A Place Called Home: Orange’s Architectural Legacy (728.09794)
Includes black and white drawings of different architectural styles of homes located in Orange County accompanied by their history. Styles of homes include Victorian, Bungalow, Craftsman, Revivals, Mediterranean, Mission, Pueblo, Prairie, Italianate, Picturesque, and Moderne. (c1990)
Spanish Colonial or Adobe Architecture of California 1800 – 1850 (728 – Locked Case)
Captures the essence of this type Spanish architecture during this era with carefully prepared drawings, photographs, and sketches. (c1931)
The Arts
Rex Brandt: West Coast Portfolio (759.13 – Locked Case)
A portfolio of sixteen watercolors and four drawings in wash and in line drawing. (c1977)
The Theater of the Golden Era in California (782.2 – Locked Case)
Captures the social history of the mid-nineteenth century theater that began during the California Gold Rush and pioneer movement. (c1941)
Walt Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean Walt Disney Productions (791.433)
(no copyright)
Includes cartoon renderings of the popular ride, Pirates of the Caribbean, as well as descriptions of the creative planning process for designing this ride. (no publication date available)
Watercolor Techniques and Methods: The Twenty Basic Lessons… (751.42 – Locked Case)
Brandt relays a “how to” for watercolor painting. Techniques include flat washes, graded washes, brush line, drybrush, and wet-into wet. Methods discussed include wash composition, value planning, trees, and foliage, and techniques in combination. (c1977)
California History
The California Dons (979.4)
Provides historical background information on such dons as Don Jose Francisco de Ortega, Don Jose Antonio Yorba, and Don Pio Pico. The dons were ordered by the King of Spain to establish military posts and protect the coast against foreign invasion as well as provide safe harbors from buccaneers. (c1962)
California Missions and Landmarks: El Camino Real (979.4 – Locked Case)
Includes the history of the discovery of California and its settlement, historical landmarks of California, and background information on El Camino Real, the road that joined twenty-one missions in the early days of California. (c1925)
Charles F. Lummis: Editor of the Southwest (070.92 – Locked Case)
Discusses Lummis’s life as a journalist exemplifying his love of the southwest combined with his passion for writing. (c1955)
The Expedition of the Donner Party and Its Tragic Fate (979.4)
Among the surviving members of this tragic journey, Eliza P. Donner recalls her memories of the “Donner” party trip of which her father, George Donner, was Captain. (c1920)
The Founding Document of Mission San Juan Capistrano (979.4 – Locked Case)
A translation of Junipero Serra’s founding document for San Juan Capistrano. Lists of provisions provided for the mission are included. (c1976)
History and Reminiscences, Los Angeles City and County, California (979.4 - Locked Case)
A chronological summary of important historical events in Los Angeles from the time of Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo through the year 1930. (c1931) (vols. 2-3 contain biographical information)
The History of the Tuna Club: Founded 1898, Incorporated 1901 (979.493 – Locked Case)
Uncovers the history of the Tuna Club, established in 1898 at Catalina. Includes their constitution, incorporation, bi-laws, affiliated clubs, tackle and bait, and club records. (c1948)
Motor Touring in Old California: Picturesque Ramblings With Auto Enthusiasts (979.4)
Photographs of motorists during the early 1900’s touring in their automobiles in scenic areas of California. (c1979)
The Rock Paintings of the Chumash: A Study of a California Indian Culture (970.3)
An account of the land, history, culture and rock paintings of the Chumash Indian tribes, who once populated the coast of California between Malibu and Paso Robles as well as the northern Channel Islands. (c1965)
The Royal Highway (El Camino Real) (979.4)
Recollects explorers of California prior to the building of El Camino Real and continues with the time frame of 1769 when Father Junipero Serra built El Camino Real. Concludes with California entering the Union in 1850. (c1949)
A Slice of Orange: The History of Costa Mesa (979.496)
Recounts the history of Costa Mesa as three past communities; the old boom town called Fairview, the Boston farming colony of Paularino, and the village of Harper. (c1970)
Superspan: The Golden Gate Bridge (979.461)
Reflections on the development and history of this magnificent bridge designed in the Art Deco style by Joseph Strauss. (c1983)
Two Hundred Years in San Juan Capistrano: A Pictorial History (979.496 – Locked Case)
Traces the stories of the missionaries, pirates, rancheros, farmers, merchants and politicians of San Juan Capistrano. Also examines the years of progress when this sleeply little town formed its own identity. (c1990)
Yukiko Furata (979.496)
A translation of Yukiko Furata’s experiences as an Issei, or first generation Japanese immigrant, who migrated to Orange County in the early 1900’s.The Japanese American Council (JAC) sponsored oral interviews with longtime Japanese Americans of the community as an effort to promote an understanding and appreciation of Japanese American culture and heritage and the contribution of Japanese Americans to the history and development of Orange County. (c1986)
The Vaquero (917.8)
Describes the lore and history of the men who herded cattle in the American West. Also includes information about the origins of the western horse and western horseman. (c1964)
Biographies
Duke, A Love Story: An Intimate Memoir of John Wayne’s Last Years (Biography Wayne)
A tender, warm and funny account of John Wayne’s last living years told by Pat Stacy, his love relationship for the last seven years of his life. (c1983)
Fifty Years a Rancher: The Recollections of Half a Century Devoted to the Citrus and Walnut Industries of California… (Biography Teague)
Charles Teague’s recollections of his fifty years involved in the development of the citrus and walnut industries of California. (c1944)
George Hearst, California Pioneer (Biography Hearst)
The intriguing story of an ambitious and industrious man who established himself as a powerful miner and rancher in the western United States. (c1966)
Memories and Impressions of Helena Modjeska: An Autobiography (Biography Modjeska)
Includes Helena Modjeska’s personal recollections of her youth in Cracow, Poland as well as her successful career as an actress in both Poland and America. (c1910)
The Robin Hood of El Dorado: The Saga of Joaquin Murietta, Famous Outlaw of California’s Age of Gold (Biography – Murietta – Locked Case)
Joaquin Murietta, a California bandit born in Mexico, mined the California gold fields. An account of how he and members of his family were mistreated by American miners and driven from their claim. Includes stories of how he lead his band of desperadoes. (c1932)
Sutter’s Own Story: The Life of General John Augustus Sutter and the History of New Helvetia in the Sacramento Valley (Biography Sutter – Locked Case)
An account of Sutter’s life based upon his diary, much of it in his own words. Describes his purchase of over forty-eight thousand acres of land and his dream of an agricultural empire. Also supplemented with additional details. (c1936)
A selection of circulating books in the library system:
Railroads - California History
Deverell, William F. Railroad Crossing: Californians and the Railroad, 1850 – 1910. (385.0979)
McAfee, Ward. California’s Railroad Era, 1850 – 1911. (385.09794)
Orsi, Richard J. Sunset Limited: the Southern Pacific Railroad and the Development of the American West, 1850 – 1930. (385.0978)
California History
Cleland, Robert G. The Irvine Ranch. (979.496)
Cleland, Robert G. From Wilderness to Empire: A History of California, 1542 – 1900. (979.4)
Lewis, Oscar. Sea Routes to the Gold Fields: The Migration by Water to California in 1849 – 1852. (979.4)
Pittman, Ruth. Roadside History of California. (917.94)
Raphael, Ray. An Everyday History of Somewhere, Being the True Story of Indians, Deer, Homesteaders, Potatoes, Loggers,… (917.94)
Rawls, James J. Indians of California: The Changing Image (979.4)
Riesenberg, Felix. The Golden Road: The Story of California’s Spanish Mission Trail. (979.4)
California History – Pictorial Works
Aves, Melanie. Newport Beach: A Photographic Portrait. (979.496)
Drager, Kerry. The Golden Dream: California From Gold Rush to Statehood (979.404)
Fulton, William B. California: Land and Legacy. (333.0097)
Gray, Pamela Lee. Newport Beach (979.496)
Miscuraca, Karen. The California Coast: The Most Spectacular Sights & Destinations. (917.94)
Voyageur Press. Our California (917.9404)
Zwinger, Susan. Still Wild, Always Wild: A Journey Into the Desert Wilderness of California. (917.94)
Orange County History
Hallan-Gibson, Pamela. Orange County, the Golden Promise: An Illustrated History. (979.496)
Miller, Edrick J. A Slice of Orange: The History of Costa Mesa. (979.496)
Parker, C.E. Orange County: Indians to Industry. (979.496)
Reichman, Louis. The Orange County Experience. (979.496)
Schultz, Elizabeth. Visiting Orange County’s Past: Commemorating Orange County’s 95th Anniversary, 1889 – 1984. (979.496)
Walker, Doris. Orange County: A Centennial Celebration, Sections of Orange County. (979.496)
Newport Beach History
Burton, Mary Everett. Happy House: Early Days in Corona del Mar. (979.496)
California State University, Fullerton. South Coast Soundings: An Oral History of Newport Beach. (979.496)
Felton, James P. Host of the Coast: The History of the Balboa Bay Club, Newport Beach, California. (979.496)
Felton, James P. Newport Beach 75, 1906 – 1981: A Diamond Jubilee History (979.496)
Felton, James P. Newport Beach: the First Century, 1888 – 1988. (979.496)
Lee, Ellen K. Newport Bay: A Pioneer History (979.496)
Meyer, Samuel A. 50 Golden Years: A History of the City of Newport Beach, 1906 – 1956. (979.496)
Smith, Gail Vinje. The Picture History of Balboa Island, 1906 – 1981: A Celebration of the Diamond Jubilee (979.496)
Westfall, Douglas Paul. The History of Corona del Mar: Centennial Issue (979.496)
Biographies
Ansell, Martin R. Oil Baron of the Southwest: Edward L. Doheny and the Development of the Petroleum Industry and California. (Biography Doheny)
Barger, Ralph. Hell’s Angel: The Life and Times of Sonny Barger and the Hell’s Angels Motorcycle Club. (Biography Barger)
Canfield, Chauncey L. The Diary of a Forty-Niner. (Biography Canfield)
Cannon, Lou. Governor Reagan: His Rise to Power. (Biography Reagan)
Carner-Ribalta, Josep. Gaspar de Portola. (Biography Portola)
Cray, Ed. Chief Justice: A Biography of Earl Warren. (Biography Warren)
Dillon, Richard H. Fool’s Gold: The Decline and Fall of John Sutter of California. (Biography Sutter)
Dunne, Domick. The Way We Lived Then: Recollections of a Well-Known Name Dropper. (Biography Dunne)
Hill, Julia Butterfly. The Legacy of Luna: The Story of a Tree, a Woman, and the Struggle to Save the Redwoods. (Biography Hill)
Hoeper, George. Black Bart: Boulevardier Bandit. (Biography Black)
Lennon, Nigey. The Sagebrush Bohemian: Mark Twain in California. (Biography Twain)
See, Lisa. On Gold Mountain: The One Hundred Year Odyssey of my Chinese American Family. (Biography See)