South Main public art themes and links
Themes
Celebrating Santa Ana’s position in Orange County as one of its most historic cities, the South Main Public Art Project encourages artists to spotlight South Main History. Below are examples of historic South Main themes and Architecture:
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U.S. 101
- A sister road of Route 66, historic US Route 101 used to lead all the way from Oregon to the Mexican border. Built on remnants of Junipero Serra’s “El Camino Real” historic Highway 101 captured Orange County’s southern beach vibe for over 100 years.
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The first American drag strip
- In the 1950’s “Pappy” Hart and two fellow Elks lodge members founded America’s first drag strip off South Main. The Santa Ana Drags became a safe alternative for street racing and was featured on the cover of LIFE magazine.
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Jon's black derby
- In the 1950’s “Papa” Jon Hall opened the Black Derby nightclub located on 320 South Main, where the Righteous Brothers were discovered, Betty Willis sang, Stan Kenton & Dave Brubeck played, and a multicultural sound known as South Main Soul was born.
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Marlon Brando
- Marlon Brando attended Lathrop Intermediate in the 1930’s which made a huge impact on his life, as the first place that inspired him to succeed.
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Rickenbacker Guitars
- One of the iconic guitar brands of Rock and Roll, Rickenbacker is celebrating its 90th anniversary this year. Rickenbacker opened up shop in Santa Ana in 1964 and was a favorite of legendary artists such as The Beatles, The Who, The Byrds, Tom Petty, CCR, Rush, Yes, The Bangles, and REM. They are located on South Main, near Warner.
- More information:
- https://youtu.be/R9wnd69WKgw
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Southern
California Sugar Company
- The first sugar beet plant in Santa Ana was built in 1908 and helped develop the Delhi neighborhood, where most of their workers lived. Celebrate the remnants of this sweet history still standing at 2406 South Main Street.
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Jacaranda trees
- Santa Ana has been awarded the honor of Tree City USA for 22 consecutive years! One of its most beloved tree species is the breathtaking Jacaranda. Originally from South America, these lovely lavender blossoms are the West Coast counterpart to Cherry Blossoms. Originally brought to Southern California by botanist Kate Sessions, these majestic purple clouds of fragrant flowers adorn neighborhoods all along South Main.
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Retro Americana
- An aesthetic style that celebrates car culture, mid-century design, and the nostalgic charm of the 1930’s-60’s. Much of South Main was built up during this era.
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Architecture
- Craftsman, Art Deco, Streamline Modern, Googie, Motor Court, Mission Revival and Victorian era structures line the entire stretch of South Main Street. Research these unique building styles and the structures which display them.