Irvine Ranch Historic Park

[SoCal78_IHB]

How many of you have visited the hidden gem that is Irvine Ranch Historic Park?



This morning, I drove in to have a look at the newly remodeled Katie Wheeler Library and discovered more than I was expecting.... way more!



I was surprised by the rose garden, gazebo, and nice picnic areas. Also, I didn't realize how many historic homes are on that site... there have got to be about a dozen. There is a street with many old rowhouses in addition to the Krauss House, the Cogan House, the old ranch's mess hall, the original barn, and of course the Katie Wheeler Library, among other things. I went inside the OC Park Headquarter's office to ask for more info and got many brochures with maps and old photos. I learned that they are planning to restore all of these old structures! One day they will offer tours. Right now they are in the beginning stages with getting project bids.



I think this area is a huge attribute to W Irvine, in particular. I totally fell in love with it. I took pictures with my camera phone and am in the process of uploading. Pics to come...

 

[SoCal78_IHB]

<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9db20b3127ccec756cb5ece7100000040O08BbN3LZs3ag9vPhg/cC/f=0/ps=50/r=0/rx=720/ry=480/" alt="" />



<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9db20b3127ccec757e382eef500000040O08BbN3LZs3ag9vPhg/cC/f=0/ps=50/r=0/rx=720/ry=480/" alt="" />



<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9db20b3127ccec75643e0ce8b00000040O08BbN3LZs3ag9vPhg/cC/f=0/ps=50/r=0/rx=720/ry=480/" alt="" />



<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9db20b3127ccec756df2f4f3a00000040O08BbN3LZs3ag9vPhg/cC/f=0/ps=50/r=0/rx=720/ry=480/" alt="" />



<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9db20b3127ccec75749866f9400000040O08BbN3LZs3ag9vPhg/cC/f=0/ps=50/r=0/rx=720/ry=480/" alt="" />



<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9db20b3127ccec7561a4f0fa000000040O08BbN3LZs3ag9vPhg/cC/f=0/ps=50/r=0/rx=720/ry=480/" alt="" />

There is a basketball court and picnic benches off to the left. Also I think there is an old well that was used to draw water.



(My apologies if you have dial-up.) The pics aren't the best quality since I didn't bring a real camera anticipating I would take any pics but it's better than nothing. I tried searching for a site dedicated to this park but nothing yet. It looks like there is one in the works, though. More in another post...

 

[SoCal78_IHB]

Here are some examples of the rowhouses that will be restored. Ok, the brochures says there are actually 24 original ranch structures on this site.



<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9db20b3127ccec757b5806fec00000040O08BbN3LZs3ag9vPhg/cC/f=0/ps=50/r=0/rx=720/ry=480/" alt="" />



<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9db20b3127ccec756d23e8e8500000040O08BbN3LZs3ag9vPhg/cC/f=0/ps=50/r=0/rx=720/ry=480/" alt="" />



<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9db20b3127ccec757916c6f1200000040O08BbN3LZs3ag9vPhg/cC/f=0/ps=50/r=0/rx=720/ry=480/" alt="" />



<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9db20b3127ccec756435f4f0400000040O08BbN3LZs3ag9vPhg/cC/f=0/ps=50/r=0/rx=720/ry=480/" alt="" />



It will be nice when these are restored. These rowhouses were built around 1935 but many of the other structures date back to the late 1800's. <a href="http://www.ocregister.com/multimedia/library/">Here is a great set of images</a> in which you can view the Katie Wheeler Library floor-by-floor.



If you get a chance, check out this historic park. It is on Old Myford Rd. right across from Target on Irvine Blvd.

 

[bkshopr_IHB]

I would move to Irvine If I can live there. Everyone should go see it. The library is a replica of the Irvine family home with modern code compliance. Joan Irvine Smith also donated some of her accessories to the library. I was invited to the grand opening and I was impressed by the featured Plein Air artists capturing the essence of early California in their paintings. OC Park and Recreation also shares the Library ground.