History Lesson 1. Worth noting, I realize this is well known to all south OC locals. For us transplants, this is mind blowing. Prior to what is now Dana Point Harbor you had Dana Cove. Records show that in 1835 a sailor named Richard Dana would...
History Lesson 2 Ole Hanson- The historic character of San Clemente is largely attributable to the vision of real estate developer and founder Ole Hanson. Hanson had long dreamed of developing a model seaside community, what he called a “Span...
History Lesson 3-Brigham Young University San Clemente.
What does my Alma Matter have anything to do with San Clemente?
The Marblehead bluff where the now Outlets and Sea Summit homes sit use to be home to Reeves ranch. The Reeves family ...
History Lesson 4- Was there a pro baseball team in San Clemente? I had to do some digging to get details because I’ve heard rumors. The answer is yes! Ole Hanson, who was from Seattle, was a big baseball fan…So big, that in the 1920’s he ...
History lesson 5- Spanish Village by the Sea. Ole Hanson had vision and everything was thought out before it was constructed. The city in its entirety was built as a master planned community. This picture depicts the roads which where all desig...
History Lesson 6. The Freeway
“One of the last sections of US 101 to have been built and signed was completed in San Clemente in November of 1960. The freeway was actually built as a signed portion of Interstate 5 to bypass San Clemente, b...
History Lesson 7- Most know but for those who don’t, you heard it here first. Within the gates of Cyprus Shores and Cottons Point sits La Casa Pacifica or perhaps more famously known as the Western White House previous home to the Richard Nix...
History Lesson 8- Hotel San Clemente. This is a staple in our town, now it’s time to learn the history. The elegant 60-room Hotel San Clemente was a shimmering light in the darkness for many people needing to rest their heavy heads when trave...
History Lesson 9- Who is Forster anyway? Why do I live on his Ranch?
John “Don Juan” Forster (born John; 1814 – February 20, 1882) was an English-born California ranchero and merchant. Born in England, he emigrated to Mexico at age 16....
History Lesson 10- The Hills. Some incredible images of San Clemente taken during the 60’s. SCHS bottom left with Broadmoor homes under construction and Avenida Presidio. Life before Marblehead, Forster Ranch, Talega and Lifetime Fitness. The...