The Old Courthouse Museum in Santa Ana has a small but very interesting new exhibit on the 1st floor. They're now displaying about six of architect Charles L. Strange's original 1900 drawings of the Courthouse building itself. The drawings are loaded with detail. For us architecture geeks, it's fun to look for ways the building changed between the planning stage and completion.
These drawings were borrowed from the County by the L.A. architectural firm of Parkinson and Parkinson in the 1920s, when they were approached to design a proposed (but never realized) expansion and remodeling of the courthouse. A former historical commissioner tells me that Parkinson didn't get around to returning the plans until 1992, but then asked to be recognized for their contribution. (Using the same logic, perhaps my neighbor will give me a plaque if I finally return the weed-whacker I borrowed from him twenty years ago.).
While you're at the Old Courthouse, you might also want to check out their new photographic exhibit of the route of Lewis and Clark. And of course, stop by the County Archives and say hello to me too.
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A late happy birthday to Cynthia Ward and an early happy birthday to Phil Brigandi. See you both tomorrow at Disneyland!
