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Nirvana | Hollywood
Written by Dylan Arseo, USC History student and 70 Degrees Intern Originally built in 1925, The Nirvana is an ode to the revivalist style of architecture that was popular in the early twentieth century. The designers of the building were fascinated with the idea of “exoticiscm” and hence, were inspired to employ a Chinese aesthetic. However, in true Hollywood fashion, the style seen at The Nirvana is not a style that one would find in China but was rather manufactured from a Western perspective. This would also influence the Spanish and Egyptian-inspired architecture that can be found around Hollywood. In fact, its designers never even visited the continent Asia and…
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October 2024
Katie Wheeler Library, Irvine, CA The Irvine Ranch grew Valencia oranges prior to our county’s incorporation. It was a leader in dry farming and livestock. The rangelands were reminiscent of the hills of Ireland where James Irvine lived and left in 1846 when he was nineteen years old.
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Irvine
Cattle on Irvine Ranch, 1900. The Irvine Ranch grew Valencia oranges and was a leader in dry farming and livestock. The rangelands were reminiscent of the following hills of Ireland where James Irvine left in 1846 at nineteen years old. According to the Irvine Historical Society, James took a one-hundred-one-day journey and ate hard beans, harder tack, mahogany beef, and bilge water daily. James met Dr. Benjamin Flint, a future business partner, and Collis P. Huntington, his business challenger. “The purchase of Rancho San Joaquin from Don José Andrés Sepulveda in 1864 marked the beginning of their operations in Southern California, as well as the beginning of the land holdings…
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Maritime History
Discover the message with the maritime alpha-numeric flag key. Maritime History by 70 Degrees 16th Century 1542: Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo becomes the first European to explore the California coast, landing in what is now San Diego Bay. His journey establishes Spanish maritime claims to the region. 1579: Sir Francis Drake explores the northern California coast and claims it for England, naming the area “Nova Albion” (believed to be present-day Point Reyes). 17th Century 1602: Sebastián Vizcaíno charts the California coast and renames Cabrillo’s “San Miguel” Bay to San Diego Bay. His expedition produces more accurate maps for Spanish navigation. 18th Century 1769: The Spanish Portola Expedition establishes Mission San Diego…
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September 2024
Hispanic Heritage Month begins on September 15th. We celebrate the Hispanic explorers that created California’s multi-cultural identity. From the Archives ⚓Balboa Park was named after Vasco Núñez de Balboa. His crew crossed the Isthmus of Panama to reach the Pacific Ocean in 1513. As the first Europeans to lead an expedition and reach the Pacific, our coastal communities from Newport Beach to San Diego’s Balboa Park are named after him. The city of Newport Beach would not be possible without Captain Dunnells and William Abbott who arrived on the vessel called Vaquero. This team is credited for having discovered a safe entry into a “new port” in 1870. This landing…
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San Juan Capistrano
San Juan Capistrano, a picturesque city nestled in the heart of Orange County, California, is a destination that offers a rich tapestry of history, culture, and natural beauty. Mission San Juan Capistrano was established in 1776. Here’s a guide to some of the must-visit places at the birthplace of Orange County. 📸 Share your Visit San Juan Capistrano adventures with us using #VisitSanJuanCapistrano https://youtube.com/shorts/z5g9FeRv2Lo Top Attractions: Start your journey at the iconic Mission San Juan Capistrano, often referred to as the “Jewel of the California Missions.” Founded in 1776, this historic landmark is a treasure trove of beautifully preserved architecture and lush gardens. Located in Nueva España or new Spain,…
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Crystal Cove
See the historical district images and virtual tour created by Crystal Cove State Park and Crystal Cove Conservancy! Visit the forty-six California vernacular architecture cottages designed with local materials from palm frawns to shipwreck materials. Our team was honored to digizite the Laura Davick Collection at UCI Libraries. This collection covers over a hundred years of history with photographs, letters, oral histories, newspapers, and film. Dating back to the early days of beach tents and makeshift cottages, the “Commons” in the Crystal Cove Historic District was known for its warm and welcoming atmosphere. The cluster of six tiny cottages, located directly on Los Trancos creek, started as weekly rentals used…
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August 2024
August 2024 by 70 Degrees According to the National Archives, 70° Fahrenheit is the preferred temperature that is optimal for the preservation of artifacts in exhibition spaces. Dana Point History ⚓Happy Birthday, Richard Henry Dana Jr.! ⚓ Richard Henry Dana Jr. embarked on a sailor’s adventure aboard the brig Pilgrim in 1834 where he sailed to California from Boston. This journey was captured when he wrote Two Years Before the Mast, published in 1840. Learn more about the city of Dana Point by reading our Field Notes. Learn More 70 Degrees is re-designing the Dana Point Historical Society website. Visit the museum in person or virtually to learn how Sydney…
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Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara is nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Ynez Mountains. Santa Barbara is the perfect destination for those looking to explore The American Rivera. Top Attractions Santa Barbara’s iconic pier, Stearns Wharf offers breathtaking ocean views, boutique shopping, and fresh seafood dining. It’s a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll and a must-visit landmark. Santa Barbara Mission is known as the “Queen of the Missions,” this historic site was founded in 1786. Explore the beautifully preserved mission, its gardens, and the museum to learn about the early history of California. The harbor view from Santa Barbara Maritime Museum is unique and has an interactive tattoo history exhibit.…
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Field Notes | July 2024
According to the National Archives, 70° Fahrenheit is the preferred temperature that is optimal for the preservation of artifacts in exhibition spaces. View the virtual Declaration of Independence. From the Archives The original Declaration of Independence was written by hand and signed by fifty-six members of the Continental Congress. The parchment, an animal skin, measures 29” x 24”. If you look at the lower left-hand corner closely, you’ll discover a mysterious handprint that was noticed in the 1940s by a conservator. John Trumbull’s Declaration of Independence, oil on canvas, 1818. The Declaration of Independence scribe was named Timothy Mallack. His tools were a quill pen and iron gall ink. The…
