Agenda Packet 11.6.25 (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

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French Park Historic District, Santa Ana, CA Orange County am m. mt aoit Jnited States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Sontinuatioit Sheet ^tion number Page were enclosed. Because the alterations occurred more than fifty yems ago, they are considered part of the historic fabric. However, the jalousied windows on the north and south sides are more recent. This house first shows up on a Sanborn map in fS95. However, it is not until 1909 that it is listed in the directories. William Thomas, a local attorney, is the first resident listed, in 1909, at this address. Wallace and Mabel Rutan owned the house during the 1910s. He was a prominent attorney with the firm of Rutan and Tucker. The firm still is still in existance today. Willard and Marie Patterson owned the house in the 1920s, 30s, and 40s. He was the manager of the General Bottling and Distribution Company at 1420 W. 5th St. and, later, the Whistle Bottling Company at 901 French Park, French and 10th Sts.ca. 1895 A triangular park, formed on the west by N. French St., on the east by N. Minter, and on the south by Vance St., ends in a point at the corner of 10th and French. A large sign has been installed that reads "French Park Historic District." Three mature palm trees and two large golden rain trees shade the park. White crepe myrtle trees have recently been planted in planter holes in the sidewalk. French Park, originally named "Flat Iron Park" for its triangular shape, forms the nucleus of the French Park Historic District (local designation). The original townsite of Santa Ana, platted by William Spurgeon in 1869, extended from First St., on the south, to Seventh St. on the north and West St. (now Broadway) on the west, and Spurgeon St. on the east. The triangle that became French Park was created in 1877, when a 160-acre townsite called Santa Ana East was platted parallel to the location of the Southern Pacific railroad tracks, on a diagonal angle to the original townsite. In the 1890's George Wright owned the triangular section and had his home there. Neighborhood property owners purchased the land and relocated the Wright home to the southeast corner of Minter (then called G St.) and Vance Place. The neighbors then donated the land to the city with the stipulation that French St. would be opened to its original width. Later, Vance St., at the south end of the park, was widened to its full width.