This beautiful building is the Ebell Club at 625 N. French St., in Santa Ana. It was designed in 1924 by one of Orange County's best known early architects, Frederick Eley, and is now on the National Register of Historic Places.
The bronze plaque out front reads: "In 1894 the Ebell Society [of Santa Ana Valley] was founded to honor Dr. Adrian Ebell, who believed women needed opportunities for advanced education. This Mediterranean-style clubhouse was designed by Frederick Eley.".
The first Ebell Club was founded in 1876 in a city whose name still evokes thoughts of culture, idealism, academic curiosity and the social graces: Oakland.
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Today, of course, more women than men go on to higher education. As such, the group isn't quite as focused on their original goal of offering educational opportunities to women. Today, their website reads, "The object of the Society is the advancement in all lines of general culture and the promotion of the best interests of the community... We are a non-profit club established for the benefit of women in the Santa Ana Valley. Beginning a few years ago, men are now admitted to membership..." 
The group's website has a lot more information about the Ebell Society of Santa Ana Valley and their Clubhouse. But you really owe it to yourself to see the building in person next time you're in town.
The group's website has a lot more information about the Ebell Society of Santa Ana Valley and their Clubhouse. But you really owe it to yourself to see the building in person next time you're in town.
