The Irvine Historical Museum

IRVINE, Calif. - World travelers who are heading for Irvine and who are interested in history, will find the Irvine Historical Museum of interest.

The Irvine Historical Society has as its mission the preservation of the rich heritage of the Irvine Ranch. This ranch was once one of the largest private ranches in the United States.

Today the Historical Society is based in the Irvine Historical Museum, the oldest standing structure within the original boundaries of the Ranch.

So how did it come about?

In 1868, James Irvine commissioned a house to be built that would be a place for him to reside in when he was visiting the ranch on business.

The home was therefore built with the intent of having a ranch manager installed. It was built for a cost of $1,300 and at the time was known as the San Joaquin Ranch house.

Interestingly, the house was the first wooden one set up between Anaheim and San Diego.

The house was very comfortable and benefited from a kitchen, dining room, parlor, four bedrooms, and a wrap-around porch.

The Ranch manager eventually moved to the house in 1870 followed by his wife and daughter a few months later. But alas it was not as idyllic as they might have imagined: There were numerous problems with coyotes, wildcats, and fleas, and there wasn't a single neighbor around.

The Museum is shown to the left in the photo. This area once served as the cooking wing for the cattle and sheep camp which was located onsite. In 1971 the Irvine house was demolished during the grading of the golf course.

World travelers to Irvine will find the Irvine Historical Museum at 5 San Joaquin, Irvine, CA 92612. The building has the San Joaquin Golf Course behind it [centered between University and Michelson Drives and Culver Drive and Harvard Road]

So what are the hours of operation?

Standard hours of operation are Tuesday and Sunday from 1 to 4 ; closed holidays. Please call before you come to ensure the Museum is open. The museum is staffed entirely by volunteers, and sometimes the Museum is not able to be open during scheduled periods. Members are free; a $1.00 donation per non-member is appreciated.

A research library and extensive photo collection of local historic information is available for students, researchers, and business use during open hours. There is a pricing sheet for photos, photo reprints, and b/w copying.

Phone (949) 786-4112.

Be sure to check out this fascinating building on any trip to Irvine, California.

Re travel: San Francisco residents can fly from SFO International Airport to John Wayne International Airport and deals can be found online at www.kayak.com

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