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History of Anaheim, California, USA
Journey back in time to Anaheim, California, USA
Explore Anaheim, California, USA! Uncover its rich history and discover the stories of the people who once called it home. Dive into old newspaper articles, vintage pictures, postcards, and genealogy to learn more about this fascinating town.Do You Have Anaheim Ancestry? Share YOUR Family Story!

Anaheim was established in 1857 by a group of fifty German families and officially became the second city in Los Angeles County when it was incorporated on March 18, 1876. The formation of Orange County as a separate entity from Los Angeles County occurred in 1889. Throughout its early years, Anaheim thrived primarily as an agricultural community. However, its trajectory changed dramatically following the opening of Disneyland in 1955.
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Anaheim Nostalgia: Vintage Photos, Ads, and Postcards

Anaheim, California, USA
Postcard

Union High School, Anaheim, Cal.
"Anaheim High School is a public, four-year high school in the city of Anaheim, California, United States. Anaheim High School was first established in 1898, which makes it the oldest of nine comprehensive high schools in the Anaheim Union High School District. It is the third oldest high school in Orange County, behind Santa Ana High School (1889) and Fullerton Union High School (1893)..."
wikipedia

Anaheim, California, USA
Postcard

Hotel Valencia, Anaheim, California
"Hotel Valencia, located at 182 West Center Street (now Lincoln Ave.; address 148 West Center prior to 1922), Anaheim; built in 1916 by John Ziegler for $40,000 and designed by architect M. Eugene Durfee,on the same site as two previous hotels, the Anaheim Hotel and the Commercial Hotel; image shows corner view of four-story brick hotel and businesses, including Anaheim First National Bank (150 West Center, in ground floor of the Hotel Valencia), C.L. Meacham's Billiard Parlor (142 West Center) and A.D. Erickson, Men's Furnishings (128 West Center); structure was destroyed by fire in 1977." (www.oac.cdlib.org/ )
Discover Anaheim: History, News, Travel, and Stories

1857 - October 5 - The City of Anaheim was founded.
Anaheim was founded by fifty German families in 1857 and incorporated as the second city in Los Angeles County on March 18, 1876. wikipedia
historyorb.com
Anaheim was founded by fifty German families in 1857 and incorporated as the second city in Los Angeles County on March 18, 1876. wikipedia
historyorb.com
1895 - Anaheim
Anaheim, à'nā-hime, an incorporated city of Orange co., Cal., on the Santa Anna River, about 8 miles from the sea, and on branches of the Southern Pacific and Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fé Railroads, 27 miles S.E. of Los Angeles. It is in a beautiful valley, and has a genial climate. Large quantities of grapes and oranges are produced here. Anaheim has 6 churches, a bank, large city school buildings, school of the Dominican Sisters, 2 newspaper offices, and manufactures of dried fruits, wines, sugar, farm-implements, wine-casks, &c. The lands in the vicinity are irrigated by means of ditches. Settled by Germans in 1857. Pop. in 1880, 833; in 1890, 1273. At ANAHEIM LANDING, on the Pacific coast, 13 miles W.S.W. of Anaheim, freight and passengers are landed by means of lighters.
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott
Anaheim, à'nā-hime, an incorporated city of Orange co., Cal., on the Santa Anna River, about 8 miles from the sea, and on branches of the Southern Pacific and Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fé Railroads, 27 miles S.E. of Los Angeles. It is in a beautiful valley, and has a genial climate. Large quantities of grapes and oranges are produced here. Anaheim has 6 churches, a bank, large city school buildings, school of the Dominican Sisters, 2 newspaper offices, and manufactures of dried fruits, wines, sugar, farm-implements, wine-casks, &c. The lands in the vicinity are irrigated by means of ditches. Settled by Germans in 1857. Pop. in 1880, 833; in 1890, 1273. At ANAHEIM LANDING, on the Pacific coast, 13 miles W.S.W. of Anaheim, freight and passengers are landed by means of lighters.
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott
1916
Anaheim, a banking post-town of Orange co., Cal., on the Santa Anna River, about 8 miles from the sea, and on branches of the Southern Pacific and the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Rs., 25 miles SE. of Los Angeles. It is in a beautiful valley and has a genial climate. Large quantities of grapes, lemons, oranges, walnuts, and other Quits are produced here. Anaheim has the St. Catharine's Academy, and manufactures of dried and canned fruits, wines, crude oil, sugar, farm-implements, wine-casks, etc. The lands in the vicinity are irrigated by means of ditches. Settled by Germans in 1857. Pop. in 1890, 1273 ; in 1900, 1456. — Anaheim Landing, on the Pacific coast, is 13 miles WSW. of Anaheim.
Lippincotts New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns, Resorts, Islands, Rivers, Mountains, Seas, Lakes, Etc., in Every Portion of the Globe, Part 1 Angelo Heilprin Louis Heilprin - January 1, 1916 J.B. Lippincott - Publisher
Anaheim, a banking post-town of Orange co., Cal., on the Santa Anna River, about 8 miles from the sea, and on branches of the Southern Pacific and the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Rs., 25 miles SE. of Los Angeles. It is in a beautiful valley and has a genial climate. Large quantities of grapes, lemons, oranges, walnuts, and other Quits are produced here. Anaheim has the St. Catharine's Academy, and manufactures of dried and canned fruits, wines, crude oil, sugar, farm-implements, wine-casks, etc. The lands in the vicinity are irrigated by means of ditches. Settled by Germans in 1857. Pop. in 1890, 1273 ; in 1900, 1456. — Anaheim Landing, on the Pacific coast, is 13 miles WSW. of Anaheim.
Lippincotts New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns, Resorts, Islands, Rivers, Mountains, Seas, Lakes, Etc., in Every Portion of the Globe, Part 1 Angelo Heilprin Louis Heilprin - January 1, 1916 J.B. Lippincott - Publisher
1955 - July 17 - Disneyland televises its grand opening in Anaheim, California.
On July 17, 1955, Disneyland, the iconic theme park conceived by Walt Disney, made its grand debut in Anaheim, California. This event marked a significant moment in American cultural history, as it introduced a revolutionary concept in entertainment and family leisure. Walt Disney's vision of a theme park where children and adults could immerse themselves in fantasy worlds came to life with Disneyland's opening.
The televised grand opening was a landmark event itself, broadcasted live on ABC television, hosted by Art Linkletter and Ronald Reagan. Although the park faced several challenges on its opening day, including high temperatures, a plumber's strike, and ticket counterfeiters, it nonetheless captured the imagination of the public and set the stage for the theme park industry as we know it today. Disneyland's attractions, from Main Street, USA to Adventureland and Fantasyland, quickly became beloved symbols of American pop culture, drawing visitors from across the country and... Read MORE...
On July 17, 1955, Disneyland, the iconic theme park conceived by Walt Disney, made its grand debut in Anaheim, California. This event marked a significant moment in American cultural history, as it introduced a revolutionary concept in entertainment and family leisure. Walt Disney's vision of a theme park where children and adults could immerse themselves in fantasy worlds came to life with Disneyland's opening.
The televised grand opening was a landmark event itself, broadcasted live on ABC television, hosted by Art Linkletter and Ronald Reagan. Although the park faced several challenges on its opening day, including high temperatures, a plumber's strike, and ticket counterfeiters, it nonetheless captured the imagination of the public and set the stage for the theme park industry as we know it today. Disneyland's attractions, from Main Street, USA to Adventureland and Fantasyland, quickly became beloved symbols of American pop culture, drawing visitors from across the country and... Read MORE...
1957 - THREE BOYS KILLED WHEN CAVE COLLAPSES.
Anaheim, Calif., Feb. 23 (AP) - Three boys were killed yesterday when a cave they were digging in an embankment collapsed.
Buried under tons of earth were LARRY JOSEPH SCHARER, 12; STEPHEN WAYNE JONES, 10, and WILLIAM DAVID BARRON, 7.
BILLY HUSHMAN, 10, who was digging with the others in a bank of dirt at a freeway project, went home about 1 p.m. to get a shovel.
When he returned, he found the cave obliterated.
The News and Tribune
Jefferson City, Missouri
February 24, 1957
Anaheim, Calif., Feb. 23 (AP) - Three boys were killed yesterday when a cave they were digging in an embankment collapsed.
Buried under tons of earth were LARRY JOSEPH SCHARER, 12; STEPHEN WAYNE JONES, 10, and WILLIAM DAVID BARRON, 7.
BILLY HUSHMAN, 10, who was digging with the others in a bank of dirt at a freeway project, went home about 1 p.m. to get a shovel.
When he returned, he found the cave obliterated.
The News and Tribune
Jefferson City, Missouri
February 24, 1957
1966 - MONORAIL KILLS YOUTH CLIMBING ON TRACK.
Anaheim, Calif. - The Disneyland monorail train Friday night slammed into and killed a 19-year-old youth who had climbed 20 feet to a trestle in an apparent effort to gain free entrance into the Anaheim amusement park.
THOMAS GUY CLEVELAND of Northridge was crushed between the train and a protective plastic canopy which extends on either side of the monorail trestles beneath the track.
Investigating officers said the boy had scaled two chain link fences, one six feet high and the other 16 feet high, to gain access to the track at a point where it crosses the employes' parking lot.
Disneyland spokesmen said the accident occurred at 9:25 p.m. when the monorail was grinding toward its Tomorrowland stop at 25 mph.
Operator of the monorail, Dallas Baker, told police he didn't see the youth on the track before the accident, and was unaware of anything unusual until he felt a bump and the train stopped because of a loss of power.
Three security officers, Theodore John Thomas,... Read MORE...
Read more about Thomas Guy CLEVELAND
Anaheim, Calif. - The Disneyland monorail train Friday night slammed into and killed a 19-year-old youth who had climbed 20 feet to a trestle in an apparent effort to gain free entrance into the Anaheim amusement park.
THOMAS GUY CLEVELAND of Northridge was crushed between the train and a protective plastic canopy which extends on either side of the monorail trestles beneath the track.
Investigating officers said the boy had scaled two chain link fences, one six feet high and the other 16 feet high, to gain access to the track at a point where it crosses the employes' parking lot.
Disneyland spokesmen said the accident occurred at 9:25 p.m. when the monorail was grinding toward its Tomorrowland stop at 25 mph.
Operator of the monorail, Dallas Baker, told police he didn't see the youth on the track before the accident, and was unaware of anything unusual until he felt a bump and the train stopped because of a loss of power.
Three security officers, Theodore John Thomas,... Read MORE...
Read more about Thomas Guy CLEVELAND
Here's a list of places to go and things to do in Anaheim:
1. Disneyland Resort:
Disneyland Park: The original Disneyland is a must-visit for its classic attractions, beloved characters, and magical atmosphere.
Disney California Adventure: Adjacent to Disneyland, this park offers thrilling rides, live entertainment, and a taste of California's diverse regions.
2. Downtown Disney:
Shopping and Dining: Explore the open-air shopping and dining district with a variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options.
3. Anaheim Packing District:
Foodie Paradise: This historic area is home to the Anaheim Packing House, where you can savor diverse cuisines and enjoy a unique dining experience.
4. Angel Stadium of Anaheim:
Baseball Games: Catch a Los Angeles Angels baseball game and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of this major league stadium.
5. Honda Center:
Sports and Events: Attend a concert, sports game, or other events at this multi-purpose arena.
6. Muzeo Museum and Cultural Center:
Art and Exhibits: Explore rotating... Read MORE...
1. Disneyland Resort:
Disneyland Park: The original Disneyland is a must-visit for its classic attractions, beloved characters, and magical atmosphere.
Disney California Adventure: Adjacent to Disneyland, this park offers thrilling rides, live entertainment, and a taste of California's diverse regions.
2. Downtown Disney:
Shopping and Dining: Explore the open-air shopping and dining district with a variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options.
3. Anaheim Packing District:
Foodie Paradise: This historic area is home to the Anaheim Packing House, where you can savor diverse cuisines and enjoy a unique dining experience.
4. Angel Stadium of Anaheim:
Baseball Games: Catch a Los Angeles Angels baseball game and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of this major league stadium.
5. Honda Center:
Sports and Events: Attend a concert, sports game, or other events at this multi-purpose arena.
6. Muzeo Museum and Cultural Center:
Art and Exhibits: Explore rotating... Read MORE...
Discover YOUR Roots: Anaheim Ancestry
Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in Anaheim, California, USA
We currently have information about 11 ancestors who were born or died in Anaheim.View Them Now (sorted by year of birth)
Genealogy Resources for Anaheim
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