Sep 28, 2019
Moments in Irvine Ranch history
In 1889, James H. Irvine rode a Big Wheel bicycle from San Francisco to The Irvine ranch. His companion was childhood friend Harry Bechtel. …
A Look Back
Jun 30, 2019
History in our midst
A short walk from Portola Springs Community Park brings you to a little-known historical site in Orange County. A path wraps around a small hill…
Dec 11, 2018
It all started with UCI’s Aldrich Park
Under the boughs of a citrus tree, on a mossy rock in Aldrich Park, lies a bronze plaque that marks the birthplace of Irvine.
Oct 24, 2018
Speed of light was first measured on the Irvine Ranch
Did you know that Michelson Drive is named for a physicist who measured the speed of light on The Irvine Ranch?
Aug 29, 2018
Experience the history of Orange County
You can still stand at the epicenter of the old Irvine Ranch — once one of the most fertile farms in America.
Aug 5, 2018
Pumping gas in the center of town
This Irvine Service Station stood on Central Avenue (now Sand Canyon) in Old Town Irvine – near the coffee shop, where regulars had their own mugs, and the Irvine Store, where farmers picked up mail from 92 brass post office boxes.
Jul 29, 2018
O.C.’s earliest orange groves started here
Did you know that James Irvine II dug 44 deep-water wells and laid 30 miles of concrete pipe to irrigate the arid Irvine Ranch for…
Jul 28, 2018
The legendary farmer of Culver’s Corner
Did you know that Culver Drive – the backbone of Irvine – is named for a man whose own backbone was so disabled he was…
Jul 25, 2018
Cowboys and cattle once ruled Bommer Canyon
Did you know that Bommer Canyon once was the site of an annual cattle roundup?
Jul 23, 2018
An Irvine bean field launched California’s first flight
Did you know that California’s first recorded flight started on an Irvine bean field in 1909? Young aviator Glenn Martin (pictured right) lifted up just…